Q & A with Battle Cancer Founder Scott Britton

Meet Scott Britton, the police officer turned Battle Cancer founder. Inspired by the transformative power of exercise, Scott started Battle Cancer to help raise funds in memory of his late grandfather who passed away from cancer. But Scott’s vision went beyond fundraising – he also wanted to create a greater fitness community and event. When Scott is not working hard organizing Battle Cancer events all over the world, you can usually find him training for his next marathon, IRONMAN, or power lifting competition. We sat down with Scott to learn more about his work with Battle Cancer, and how his unwavering determination and personal journey have been a driving force behind these impactful events.  

Can you tell us about how your interest in fitness first began? What values or ideals have stayed consistent during your fitness journey both personally and professionally? 
Growing up a little overweight, I was determined to transform myself through my own willpower and effort. Discovering martial arts was a game-changer - the discipline and hard work I put in finally allowed me to achieve my goals. From there, I realized that dedicating myself to sports and training could help me overcome even the toughest of starts in life. It was empowering to see how I could change my situation through sheer determination. 

Fitness became a wonderful way to connect with people and manage the mental health challenges I faced during my career in law enforcement, which involved dealing with some very dark days. Moving my body helped me clear my mind, while also allowing me to share that sense of connection with others. 

My fitness journey has taught me that patience and hard work can lead to lasting change, not just for myself, but for others as well. Earning achievements has been a powerful motivator, helping me stay on track even on my darkest days. Relying on a consistent routine and program has been a steadying force when other parts of my life felt uncontrollable. And the connections I have made through fitness have been a constant source of happiness, leading to some of the most wonderful relationships and memories I have ever had.

What was the initial inspiration for Battle Cancer? 
My Grandfather, who passed away from cancer, was the only support in my life during a very difficult childhood. Growing up with abusive parents, he became a source of support and care for me. Witnessing his passing away profoundly taught me about the power of strength, love, and humility. My initial fundraising efforts fell flat, failing to generate much support or enthusiasm. That changed when I hit upon the idea of community fitness as a shared challenge. Tapping into the power of working together, I was finally able to make a meaningful impact.  

For those that do not know what Battle Cancer events are, can you give a quick explanation? 
Battle Cancer is a global movement where fitness meets fundraising. We unite communities through fitness challenges that push you physically while raising money for life-changing cancer charities. Whether you are a competitive athlete or just starting, Battle Cancer is your chance to contribute to something bigger. The main challenge is a simple flow of 9 stations including an epic warm up where you have 5 minutes to rack up as many reps or distance in each station before moving on to the next station after a 4-minute rest.  

Is there anything new happening with Battle Cancer events for 2025 that you are excited about? 
The rapid growth of our events has been the most exciting development in 2025, as well as partnering with Concept2 to provide their RowErg, SkiErg, and BikeErg equipment for our challenges. This innovative equipment has empowered thousands of athletes to tackle their fundraising challenges. As a sponsor, Concept2 has enabled us to create new testing stations that elevate the experience for our heroic fundraisers. 

What are you most proud of since you first founded Battle Cancer to now? 
I am most proud of the people we have connected with, grown with, and been a part of their lives. Witnessing communities take on physical challenges year after year, and celebrating the culmination of months of dedicated fundraising, is an experience that is profoundly impactful in ways that are difficult to put into words. The transformations in our post-cancer community are truly life altering and it inspires me to never stop the pursuit of growing our movement.  

It is incredible to see how people have harnessed the memories of their loved ones and the fight against cancer to achieve remarkable physical transformations and improvements in health and fitness. I am immensely proud to see our staff evolve and bring people together from diverse cultures and countries through our global events. Lastly, I am proud to know that connecting people affected by such a devastating disease can inspire so much good in the world and I am constantly blown away by the power of people. 

 Can you tell us more about the Battle Cancer Program? Can you tell us how gyms and cancer survivors can become involved?
Our driving philosophy is restoration through rehabilitation; motivation through inspiration; hope through healing. 

Whilst adhering to best practices in terms of physical rehabilitation after cancer treatment, the Battle Cancer Program is different to the common means of assisted recovery through exercise. 

Firstly, the Battle Cancer Program is housed within the world’s best gym facilities and delivered by the most highly skilled and experienced fitness professionals in the world. 

Secondly, the focus of the exercise sessions, from day one, is to instill life-long compliance with exercise as a behavior and not merely as a means of short-term intervention. The Battle Cancer Program is a new beginning for those who choose to enroll, and the first step towards believing and achieving new standards of health and fitness. 

 We offer two ways to get involved. You can apply for direct funding to host a program at your facility, or you can run a self-funded program where we provide all the necessary materials to create a program for your local community.  

Concept2 is thrilled to be partnering with Battle Cancer – what is your favorite Erg of choice? 
My favorite erg by far is the BikeErg. This erg has taken me from Crossfit to IRONMAN. It has been a huge staple of my warmups every day, and even proved invaluable during Covid, providing a constant opportunity to sweat, move, and push myself both mentally and physically during that challenging time. The BikeErg is so accessible for so many people and the perfect tool to support many sports, training styles, and people.  

Can you share with us one of your favorite Battle Cancer event moments? 
At one of our earliest events in Madrid, we had a team of athletes who were undergoing cancer treatment. As they crossed the finish line, the crowd spontaneously created a celebratory human tunnel, erupting in cheers and tears. The sheer energy and power of the community coming together to support these resilient athletes was truly awe-inspiring. This moving experience motivated us to create our post-cancer program, where we would treat survivors as athletes and celebrate their journey of healing through movement.

We saw you recently participated in Wodapalooza and ran the Miami marathon, all in the same week. Do you have any other goals you have your sights set on for 2025?
I sure did! Concept2 machines were a crucial part of my daily training to be able to undertake both challenges, and they will continue to be a huge part of my routine going forward! 

Next up is a HYROX event in Miami as a mixed pairs competition, followed by a half IRONMAN. After that, I am taking on a huge challenge of a full IRONMAN. Then the very next week, I have a weightlifting competition, and then I will finish off a three-week stretch with a 60-mile ultra trail run.