By Jose Gonzalez
Students and faculty ran around McKeldin Mall on the University of Maryland campus and raised $10,680 at Terp Thon’s “A Mile for Miracles” color run on Saturday.
Attendees ran or walked 1.25 miles, inspired by the cost of a pediatric wheelchair, which is $125. All proceeds went to support Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Terp Thon, a student-run organization at the University of Maryland dedicated to supporting patients with pediatric illnesses, invited multiple organizations to participate. According to Terp Thon internal director Isabella Hartman, it is the first time the color run has been hosted since 2019.
“We decided that we wanted to bring some more engagement to campus and put out some different events than we normally do,” Hartman, a junior psychology and kinesiology student, said, “and we decided to bring back the color run.”
The first group of runners crosses the starting line at the TerpThon color run on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Paige Trendell. 
Three color run participants cross the finish line at the Terp Thon event on McKeldin Mall on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Paige Trendell. 
A group of runners passes by Tydings Hall while completing the 1.25-mile course at the Terp Thon event on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Paige Trendell. 
Members of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity: Giles Stanton (right), Gavin Tompkins (middle), and Dalton Brown (left) stand together after finishing the color run. Photo by Paige Trendell.
The color run began on the east side of McKeldin Mall, next to the fountain. Runners headed south toward LeFrak Hall, then west to Anne Arundel Hall, before eventually circling back near the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center and returning to the east end of the mall.
Four color run teams started at different times, each led by a Miracle Kid, children who are current or former patients who have faced serious health challenges, according to Renown Health. Terp Thon invited five Miracle Kids who were previously or currently being treated at the Children’s National Hospital, who introduced themselves and shared their stories.
“We were really lucky that they got to run with us and tell their stories and share more about why we do what we do,” Hartman said.
Many students, like junior agricultural and resource economics student Giles Stanton, said the event was successful.
“It’s for a great cause to support these children,” Stanton said. “We all were on the yellow team, which all ran for a miracle child. Ours was named Zoe, and it was just to have a good time and raise money for a great cause.”
Abigail Tsai, a junior public health science and psychology student, agreed, adding that she wanted to participate to support Terp Thon’s cause.
“It was really cool to see a lot of people come together and run, and also meet some of the Miracle Kids,” Tsai said.
Dani Soto (right), Natalie Matas (middle) and Emma Elliott (left) stand together after completing the Terp Thon color run on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Paige Trendell. 
Dr. Bear from Children’s National Hospital poses with some Miracle Kids at the TerpThon Color Run on Oct. 24, 2026. They are children who have previously received or are currently receiving treatment at Children’s National Hospital. Photo by Paige Trendell. 
The Morale Team leads a flash mob dance at the TerpThon: A Mile for Miracles event on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Paige Trendell. 
A group poses for a photo after crossing the finish line at the Terp Thon Color Run on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Paige Trendell. 
A group plays with a large beach ball before the TerpTho run and walk begins on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Paige Trendell.
Sophomore animal science student Maya Silva said she wanted to run because of the people in her life.
“I know a lot of people in my life that have been affected by cancer, and a lot of people that I’m close with whose children have been affected by cancer,” Silva said. “I just wanted to support a good cause.”
Hartman said the color run is a precursor to Terp Thon’s Dance Marathon, an event where Miracle Kids and their families will spend a day dancing and performing while sharing their stories. It will be held on March 6, 2027, in the Stamp Colony Ballroom.
Featured Image: A group of runners passes through the clouds of colored powders as they cross the starting line at TerpThon’s color run. The event took place in and around McKeldin Mall on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Paige Trendell.