Doctor and Cancer Survivor Conquers 7 Marathons on 7 Continents in 7 Days

A Distinguished Cancer Surgeon and Testicular Cancer Survivor Conquers the world marathon challenge

“We are capable of much more than we often think.” - Dr. Clark Gamblin

T. Clark Gamblin, MD, MS, MBA, a distinguished cancer surgeon and testicular cancer survivor successfully completed the World Marathon Challenge® to benefit the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation (TCAF) January 31st-February 6th, 2025. The World Marathon Challenge® is “a logistical and physical challenge to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days.” 

Dr. Gamblin’s feat kicked off on January 31, 2025, in Antarctica followed by stops in Cape Town, South Africa; Perth, Australia; Dubai, UAE; Madrid, Spain; and Fortaleza, Brazil before culminating on February 6, 2025, in Miami, Florida. The participants all finished the Challenge in under six days!

This journey was about more than endurance. It was about fighting for a cause that saves lives. As a testicular cancer survivor himself, Clark knows firsthand the importance of early detection, education, and access to expert medical care. Through this challenge, Clark pushed his limits—not just for himself, but for every patient, survivor, and caregiver impacted by this disease. 

Clark’s determination was tested in Madrid, where he battled severe back spasms, making every step a challenge. But just as so many testicular cancer patients fight through obstacles on their journey, Clark pushed forward with resilience and purpose, completing the final two half marathons in Fortaleza, Brazil, and Miami, Florida.

He ran a total of 157.2 miles in 6 days on 7 continents.

“We are immensely grateful that Dr. Gamblin chose Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation as the beneficiary of his challenge. Testicular cancer is seldom talked about when compared to other cancers,” says Kim Jones, founder and CEO of TCAF. “Awareness and early-detection are key.” Kim’s son Jordan passed away in 2016 after battling testicular cancer twice. Jordan Jones was first diagnosed late stage at the early age of 13 and inspired the start of Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.  

As a testicular cancer survivor himself, one of the goals of Gamblin’s challenge is to raise awareness of the disease. According to TCAF, testicular cancer is the leading cancer in men ages 15-44 and in this age group, more men will die of testicular cancer than women with breast cancer. 

In the United States 1 out of every 250 males will develop testicular cancer in their lifetime: one new diagnosis every hour. Every day a life is lost. Testicular cancer has a cure rate of over 95% when detected early. TCAF promotes the importance of early detection through the practice of monthly self-exams to reduce the number of men being diagnosed with late-stage testicular cancer, ultimately saving lives.

As a cancer surgeon, Dr. Gamblin helps others navigate the uncertainty of cancer and find hope. Little did he know he would use those skills when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2018 to navigate his own personal journey, including two operations and chemotherapy. 

During the year of Dr. Gamblin's testicular cancer diagnosis, he decided to run marathons in Boston and New York City for the American Liver Foundation. These two races led him to pursue the Six Major Marathons of the World, which he completed in 2023. The races included Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, and Tokyo. This marathon journey spanned Dr. Gamblin’s initial operation, chemotherapy, subsequent recurrence, and a second operation. The mechanism of running allowed him to raise funds for two nonprofits and help others with similar struggles. 

In addition to raising testicular cancer awareness, Dr. Gamblin fundraising goal is $250,000 to benefit TCAF’s programs, which include providing educational materials to healthcare facilities and schools; financial aid for patients and families; in-person conferences for patients, survivors, caregivers, and medical providers; and more. 

Though the marathon has ended, donations to this fundraiser are still being accepted, and your continued support is greatly appreciated.

By supporting Dr. Gamblin’s marathon fundraiser, you’re not only cheering on an extraordinary individual but also contributing to a cause that could save countless lives. Your support will help raise crucial funds for TCAF, advancing our mission to promote testicular cancer awareness and support those affected by the disease.  

Join us in this incredible endeavor and help spread hope and testicular cancer awareness across the globe!

A heartfelt thank you to the major sponsors, including:

• Gerald & Sharon Wadina Family Foundation
• Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin
• Brewers Community Foundation, Inc.
• Vander Galien Family
• Mr. & Mrs. Roger Magowitz in honor of Melissa Smith
• Stein Garden Center
• Baird Foundation

Visit the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation to learn more - www.testescancer.org.