An event centered around cancer carries the potential to be a solemn occasion. But the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk can be described as an uplifting and inspiring experience. That’s one reason volunteers keep coming back year after year.

Four of those walkers are Greenfield residents Janet Olander, Andrea “Andi” Guy, Lucas Acaba and Allanah Kalka-Riffel, who are gearing up for the 2023 Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday. The event consists of participants walking the same route as the city’s famed marathon as they raise money and awareness for cancer, a disease that affects virtually everyone around the world in one way or another.

“It’s an amazing event,” Olander said. “Just the fact that you’re helping so many people with research — it’s just a great feeling.”

Walkers can choose between distances of five kilometers, 10 kilometers, 11.2 miles or a full marathon (26.2 miles). Each of the four locations have their own starting periods, which can be found online (bit.ly/3Zq3bEw). All participants cross the finish line across from Fenway Park.

Folks can register to walk (bit.ly/3LtUm6V) and can donate online (bit.ly/3PM57UA). This year’s goal is to raise $9 million for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This will be the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk’s first time on the famous course since 2019. The event had been held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olander explained she started participating in the event in 2018, when she and her son, Zach, signed up. Zach works at Fenway Park and suggested the walk to his mother.

“I went along with him and haven’t stopped,” Janet said.

She mentioned she has known people before and after 2018 who developed cancer, some of whom lost their battles. This, she said, is just another motivation to try to defeat the disease.

Guy is getting ready for her 11th walk, having started months after her husband, David Guy, died of cancer in 2013.

“It’s incredible. It’s so orchestrated. The volunteer level is amazing. They man all these different fueling stations along the way and they have groups that man these stations and they’re the best,” she said. “It’s a long walk, but you don’t get very far without seeing something that is inspiring.”

Guy said she loves to give back to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute because her late husband received exceptional care there. She said she walks every year with her sister, who lives in Marshfield. She mentioned each mile-marker along the route features a story of someone who has battled cancer.

Guy said she works out on a regular basis and on the day of the event she makes sure her shoes are in great shape, with lots of cushioning and quality socks.

Over the past 34 years, the walk has raised more than $167 million for Dana-Farber Cancer, generating more than $8.8 million in 2022 alone.

More information about the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk is available at www.JimmyFundWalk.org. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. All registered walkers will receive a bib, medal, and a Jimmy Fund Walk T-shirt.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.