New Yorker Bette Clark, who has been running the Race for the Cure since the 1990s in memory of her mother, still remembers being amazed by all of the people with pink squares of paper pinned to their shirts, covered with bold black letters that said things like "To remember my sister."
Participants in the Race for the Cure may walk or run and are encouraged, but not required, to collect pledge money. Many individual race chapters offer training programs and provide team outreach Web pages.
The newest program, Komen for the Cure Team Marathon (komen.org/ marathon), partners with nearly a dozen marathons across the country. Signing up for an official Komen-partnered marathon requires a commitment to raise a minimum of $2,200.
Participants can sign up for any non-Komen-partnered marathon or half marathon and commit to raising $250. Both options include online fund-raising tools and access to Active Trainer, a Web-based resource that provides runners with online training schedules and training tips from virtual USA Track & Field-certified coaches.
Visit komen.org for more information about local and state chapters and how to sign up for a local race.
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Team Challenge
"Working with Team Challenge has been the best medicine I've had," says Kelly McGregor, of San Jose, California, who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis more than seven years ago at 22 years old. After nine major surgeries and countless hospitalizations, she joined Team Challenge--a half-marathon training program with 26 chapters nationwide that raises money to find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. More than 1.4 million Americans are affected by these digestive diseases, which have no cures.
In 2008 McGregor, who is now a mentor for the program, completed the 2008 Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon along with 508 other Team Challenge runners, who collectively raised more than $2 million for the cause.
Team Challenge participant Jackie Jacobus, 29, ran the race for her mother, who has Crohn's disease. "The experience was so much more than I expected, and I've made some wonderful friends," she says. Founded in 2007, Team Challenge has helped nearly 1,000 people cross the half-marathon finish line.
To participate, you must commit to raising funds (minimums vary from race to race) and, in exchange, you receive an expenses-paid trip to the race as well as training and fund-raising support. Most training programs last 16 weeks, and race events are held across the country. Runners train with professional coaches and receive tips on nutrition, hydration and injury prevention. "The team is with you every step of the way, and they encourage you to meet your potential," Jacobus says.
Participants have the option of training remotely for the national program. To sign up, visit ccteamchallenge.org.
Motivational Training Programs
The Arthritis Foundation's Joints in Motion Training Team offers 18- to 20-week training sessions led by professional coaches to prepare participants to run or walk a half or full marathon. Most fund-raising goals are between $1,500 and $5,000. arthritis.org
American Heart Association's Train to End Stroke is a five-month walking and running training program that provides coaches to help members prepare for a half- or full- marathon event as well as offer fund-raising guidance and support. americanheart.org
CANCER to 5k is a free 12-week program designed to introduce and/or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity by providing them with the training program, coaches and support to complete a 5k. cancerto5k.com
The LIVESTRONG Challenge is a series of races that support the Lance Armstrong Foundation's mission to empower cancer survivors and fund cancer research and prevention. The organization hosts a 5k run/walk in Portland, Oregon, San Jose, California, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Austin, Texas. livestrongchallenge.org