Her Story
Agent. Trailblazer. Hero.
Martha Dixon (January 10, 1959 – November 22, 1994) was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. She earned her Chemistry degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982 and worked as a forensic chemist before joining the FBI in 1987.
At the Knoxville Field Office, Martha became the first female SWAT team member. Assigned to the Washington DC Field Office in 1992, she worked drug cases, violent crimes, and cold cases. She was a founding member of what is now the Dixon-Martinez Evidence Response Team, renamed in her honor.
On November 22, 1994, Martha was killed in the line of duty protecting her fellow agents. She was posthumously awarded the FBI Memorial Star and Medal of Valor.
Her family channeled their grief into honoring her two greatest passions: running and children. The Martha Fund was born from that love.
“It’s not how they died that made them heroes, but it’s how they lived.”
— Paul Dixon, Martha’s Brother
$200K+
Donated to kids
2500+
Supporters
30+
Years of Impact
20+
Playgrounds Built
Our Mission
What We Do
Every dollar donated goes directly to the mission — runs, rides, and community events all working together to build playgrounds for kids across Pittsburgh. No salaries. No overhead. Just impact.
501(C)(3)
100% Volunteer Run
Zero Admin Overhead
Martha’s Run
Our signature annual 10K race through the rolling hills of Mt. Lebanon — plus 2-mile run, 1-mile walk, and Kid’s Races. Now in its 30th year.
Martha’s Ride
A non-profit bicycle fundraiser starting at Southside Riverfront Park. Choose from 10-mile, 30-mile, or endurance distances.
Community Events
Charity concerts, galas, and more — we partner with the community to raise funds and honor Martha’s memory. Always looking for the next great event.
Playground Projects
We fund construction and renovation of playgrounds across Pittsburgh — 20+ completed and more on the way.
Our History
30 Years of Legacy
1994
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Martha is lost in the line of duty two days before Thanksgiving on November 22nd. Her family resolves to channel their grief into honoring two of her biggest passions: running and children.
1995
A New Legacy
The Martha Fund is founded as a 501(c)(3) to honor Martha’s sacrifice and celebrate her life with a Board of Directors and trustees consisting of members of Martha’s family. Ken Dixon, her father and the retired Allegheny County Director of Elections, served as the first Chairman of the Board.
1996
FBI Honors Martha
The FBI Memorial Star & Medal of Valor is awarded to Martha posthumously, honoring her heroic actions protecting fellow officers and other bystanders.
1997
The First Run
Board members, donors, volunteers, and sponsors work together to organize the first ever Martha’s Run. With local news coverage and hundreds of runners, this inaugural event was a testament to the impact Martha’s story had on her community.
2004
For Kids, With Kids
The Kid’s Race is added to Martha’s Run, with over 40 children participating in its first year. This friendly competition remains a cornerstone of the event today.
2007
Martha’s Playground
On April 7, 2007, the dream of building Martha’s Playground was realized with its unveiling in Mt. Lebanon Park. Located in the heart of the community where Martha grew up, there is no better place in the neighborhood to enjoy a sunny day.
2009
Remembering Sam Hicks
Honoring FBI Agent Sam Hicks, slain on November 19, 2008, the law enforcement awards at Martha’s Run are renamed in his memory. Hicks’ family & friends also set up a memorial fund in his name.
2017
The First Ride
The Martha Fund expands its event repertoire to include the Endurance Ride, a 320-mile tour from the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington, DC to the Martha Dixon FBI Building in Pittsburgh. A peloton led by Martha’s brother Kevin inaugurates this powerful tribute which becomes an annual tradition.
2025
The Ride Expands
Martha’s Ride expands to Southside Riverfront Park with a 10- and 30-mile October ride at a new, larger venue under the Birmingham Bridge. With sponsors, prizes, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it becomes another annual Fund event for the athletic community of Pittsburgh and beyond.
2026
30 Years Running
The Fund hosts its 30th annual Martha’s Run, a milestone celebration of Martha’s life and the community she inspired.
Coming Soon
A brand-new Martha’s Playground is in the works — our most ambitious project in years. Stay tuned for the official announcement!
Her Impact
Playgrounds Throughout Pittsburgh
Since its inception, The Martha Fund has contributed over $200k in grant money for the construction and rehabilitation of playgrounds throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. With your support, we’ve helped to create over 20 safe, beautiful spaces for local children to play and grow.
Martha’s Playground
Holy Family Institute
Bird Park
Jefferson Elementary
Holy Rosary Elementary
Edgeworth Elementary
Heidelberg Park
Freeport Kindergarten
Pathfinder School
St. Simon & Jude
Markham Elementary
Cloverleaf YMCA
St. Anne’s School
Belzhoover School
Lincoln School
Howe School
Foster School
St. Killian
City of Monongahela
Dixon Field
Trafford Elementary
2025