La Jolla teacher runs 100 miles fundraiser

Tom Atwell started his latest 100-mile fundraiser at La Jolla High School on Thursday, beginning a two-day run around the campus track to raise money for cancer research. Local outlet LaJolla.ca reported the event runs May 21-22 and marks the 16th annual edition of the challenge. (lajolla.ca) Atwell, a teacher and coach at the school, is a three-time cancer survivor, according to the community report. His Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fundraising page says donations from this year’s effort are tied to PurpleStride San Diego 2026. ### Why is Tom Atwell running 100 miles again this year? Tom Atwell said on his PanCAN fundraising page that the run is meant to raise awareness and money “in the fight against all forms of cancer.” The LaJolla.ca report said this year’s campaign is focused on pancreatic cancer research. (lajolla.ca) The La Jolla community report said Atwell’s personal stake in the cause is longstanding. It described him as a three-time cancer survivor and said his wife has also survived cancer. ### What does 100 miles look like on a school track? (lajolla.ca) The run equals 400 laps of the La Jolla High School track, according to LaJolla.ca. The event began on May 21 and is scheduled to continue into May 22, with Atwell inviting others to join him for part of the distance. Atwell’s fundraiser page described the effort as a 24-hour event tied to PanCAN’s PurpleStride campaign. (secure.pancan.org) The page listed a $10,000 goal and showed $9,853 raised when it was crawled Thursday. ### How long has this fundraiser been part of La Jolla High? (lajolla.ca) LaJolla.ca said the 2026 run is Atwell’s 16th annual event. The publication also reported that the teacher and coach has turned the track run into a recurring local fundraiser that draws support from students, friends and other community members affected by cancer. (lajolla.ca) A previous LaJolla.ca report on Atwell’s fundraising said he usually runs 100 miles, or 400 laps, as part of the annual effort. That earlier report described the event as an established tradition at the school. (secure.pancan.org) ### Where is the money going? The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fundraising page said donations support PurpleStride San Diego 2026. LaJolla.ca said the run is raising funds for pancreatic cancer research. Susan G. Komen’s fundraiser page, which highlights Atwell among its community fundraisers, said he raised more than $13,861 last year through the same 100-mile format at La Jolla High School. (lajolla.ca) ### How can people follow or take part? La Jolla High School is the site of the run, and LaJolla.ca said supporters are welcome to join Atwell for a lap or two during the May 21-22 event. (lajolla.ca) His PanCAN page remained active Thursday for online donations. May 22 is the scheduled finish date for this year’s run, according to both LaJolla.ca and the fundraising page. (secure.pancan.org) Atwell’s team page for PurpleStride San Diego 2026 identifies his fundraising group as “Atwell’s Army.” (lajolla.ca) (secure.info-komen.org)