Team Updates #15 + Marathon Madness Winners

Posted on by Ally Hickey

Team – as we are just over a month until race day, please be sure to read this email in its entirety!

Marathon Madness Challenge Winners

Congratulations to our February Marathon Madness winners! Thor N. raised the most money and Steven H. received the most donations. You have some Stepping Strong swag heading your way!

Another month of the Marathon Madness Fundraising Challenge has arrived with two more chances to win if you receive the most donations or raise the most in the month of March! Don’t forget that on 4/1 (the championship!) the individual who raised the most money and the individual who received the most donations over the course of the three-month challenge will each receive a custom Stepping Strong YETI! Please note that if you are fundraising with other runners on a ‘team,’ the totals will be divided among the number of people you are fundraising with. Sign up for a fundraising check in call by clicking here if you need ANY help with your fundraising! 

18 – 22 Mile Training Run

It’s almost time! The 18 – 22 mile run is scheduled for next Saturday, March 16! For many of you, this will be your longest training run of the season, but don’t worry, you’ll have us, alumni, and plenty of fans cheering you on! A reminder to those coming out of town, Joint Ventures is located at 660 Beacon Street in Kenmore Square. Doors open at 7:30am and the run will start at 8:00am. Ally and Caroline will be present at this run, so get excited! If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to text Ally at 857-523-8052. Be sure to check out Coach John’s latest email or his website for more information and to keep up to date on the training schedule.

The Brigham Team stop will be about 100 yards up from the Newton Fire Department – we can’t wait to cheer you on!

Final Team Meeting

Our final team meeting is scheduled from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST. During this meeting, we will cover all essential details to prepare for the Marathon race weekend from the moment the expo opens, until you cross the finish line. We strongly encourage your attendance, as we will be discussing crucial information. The meeting will not be recorded. Click here to RSVP NOW and ask any questions you have about race weekend! The meeting will not be recorded.

Support A Stepping Strong Runner Day  

The day is for YOU and YOUR DONORS! On Support a Stepping Strong Runner Day, make sure to ask everyone you know to support your run and remember that all new $50+ donations will receive a Stepping Strong hat. You can find suggested language here for any emails or social posts you want to push out!

Fundraising Milestones

Make sure to check out these great swag pieces that ALL teammates are eligible to receive if they reach the fundraising benchmarks listed under the swag!

Boston Marathon Celebration/Finishers Jacket

Our team is offering to buy YOU your Boston Marathon Celebration/Finishers Jacket if you raise $9,000+ by March 31 at 11:59pm. If you qualify, our team will reach out for sizing and you will be able to pick up race weekend at the Pep Rally! If you aren’t interested in this fundraising milestone or don’t plan on qualifying, you can purchase the jacket yourself through adidas. Click here for women and click here for men.

Cross Your Fundraising Finish Line!

As we get closer to the second team fundraising deadline of $5,000 by March 31st, here are some ways to increase your fundraising success:

  • Get your donations matched through a company – The result? You get twice as much money for your efforts.
  • Ask EVERYONE! And make sure to follow up! Remember, no response does not mean no. Send a follow-up email/text to those you sent your initial outreach to. Let them know how your training is going and tell them that there’s still time to donate.
  • Use social media as an advantage – Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn are great platforms to showcase your efforts! Ever heard of Venmo? Post on your Instagram story asking if you can request those who like your story $5-10 on Venmo!
  • Host a dinner party or game night! Both are great ways to ask guests to donate for a delicious meal or fun night. Don’t forget to include your fundraising link in the invite. It will ensure that even those unable to attend can still contribute to your goal!
  • THANK your supporters! Remember to acknowledge all your donors and thank them for their generosity., regardless of the size of their donation. Each donor is important, and it’s important to recognize each gift.

Purchase Your Stepping Strong Swag

Mark your calendar and don’t miss out on the FINAL opportunity to purchase Stepping Strong swag again SOON! You will have from 3/12 – 3/19 at 5pm to make your purchases in time for Marathon Monday.

  • Where: steppingstrong.mysuperiorstore.com/
  • Cost: $25 shirt / $40 pullover (Pieces are nonrefundable; cannot be exchanged)
  • Questions? Email Justin – jn@superiorpromo.net and Allison – ac@superiorpromo.net

If you have any questions, please contact us at marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu.

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline