Our History

Our founders Barbara and JP Pinocchio started Moms on the Run in 1999 after Barbara’s sister, Debra, passed away from breast cancer. Their family witnessed the physical and emotional difficulties that came with the diagnosis, including the financial hardships it caused. The Pinocchio’s put on a “little race” in hopes of raising $1,000 for a local woman battling breast cancer. That first race brought in over $100,000.

Today, Moms on the Run is the largest race of its kind in Reno, with more than 5,000 participants each year, allowing Moms on the Run to give back to our community over $500,000 each year in assistance.