Marathon Team Update #5

Congratulations to all teammates who raised $3,500 by January 15! We will be in touch next week to ask if you’d like an ear warmer or neck gaiter.

Registering for the Boston Marathon

The Stepping Strong Team will begin registering for the 130th Boston Marathon on Wednesday, January 21. Please review the below instructions carefully:

  • If you do not already have a B.A.A. Athlete’s Village account, create one here prior to January 21.
  • On January 21, an email will be sent from the B.A.A. to the email address you are receiving this newsletter to. Included in the email will be a link to register, as well as an ENTRY CODE and a PASSCODE.
  • Click on the link to register and enter the ENTRY CODE and PASSCODE provided in the email from the B.A.A. and pay the $385 entry fee which does not count towards your fundraising commitment.
  • Upon successful registration submission, you will receive a reference ID number to confirm the receipt of your entry form.
  • Registration must be completed by 11:59 pm on Monday, February 2. No extensions can be granted.
  • IMPORTANT: Review all information provided in the email from the B.A.A., as well as the registration form you complete. Ensure that your name appears as it does on the government issued photo ID you plan to use to pick up your bib, and that your birthdate is accurate. Please note race registration is non-transferrable and cannot be deferred to a future year.

Second Team Meeting (Virtual) – Thursday, January 29

We hope you will be able to join your teammates for our second team meeting, that will be held virtually, on January 29, from 6:00–7:30pm. You won’t want to miss out on team updates and hear from Stepping Strong Center leadership and grateful individuals. RSVP for the team meeting here.

First Fundraising Deadline: $2,500 raised by January 30 at 11:59 pm

Per the runner contract that you signed, each individual charity member of the Stepping Strong Marathon Team agrees to meet or exceed the personal fundraising minimums by the following deadlines and acknowledges that their credit card will be charged the difference if they haven’t raised the required amount. If you have incoming donations (checks/matching gifts), please let us know ASAP so we can add to our tracker and include in your fundraising total even if it is not yet reflected on your TeamRaiser page. If you plan on meeting the commitment by making an outright donation, you can do so directly on your TeamRaiser page without us having to charge your credit card.

  • January 30, 2026: Minimum of at least $2,500 raised
  • March 31, 2026: Minimum of at least $7,500 raised
  • May 11, 2026: Remaining fundraising commitment raised

Marathon Madness Fundraising Challenge has STARTED!

  • Monthly Prizes: Each month, two winners will receive swag—one for raising the most money and one for receiving the most donations.
  • Grand Prizes: On April 1, the overall top fundraiser and the person with the most donations will each win a custom Stepping Strong YETI!
  • If you’re part of a fundraising team, your totals will be divided among team members.

Fundraising Tip

Super Bowl Sunday will be here before we know it, and selling squares is a great way to raise money. To learn more about setting up Super Bowl squares, check out this website.

Team Training Runs and Weekly Newsletter

Remember to check out John’s website and his latest email for more information and to keep up to date on the training schedule. The first hill training run is this coming Wednesday, January 21! Click here to subscribe to his newsletter.

Exclusive opportunity to purchase Stepping Strong swag

Happy New Year! We are so pleased to see that training and fundraising are well underway, and this team is crushing it 😊

As a member of the Stepping Strong team, we will provide you with a team singlet and vest which we will be unveiling soon! If you or your family/friends would like additional Stepping Strong swag, check out the details below to purchase!

Exclusive opportunity to purchase Stepping Strong swag

  • When: Now – January 12
  • Cost: $17.50 shirt / $40 pullover (pieces are nonrefundable; cannot be exchanged)
  • Click here to place order

Marathon Team Update #4

We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! Our team will be out of the office next week so please expect a delay in response. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy end to 2025, and we cannot wait to cheer you on in 2026 when you run the BOSTON MARATHON!

Fundraising Tip of the Week

As everyone gets ready for their New Year’s resolutions, think about hosting a workout class to help tackle your fundraising efforts! Nowadays, many cycling, yoga, and fitness instructors are willing to donate their time for a cause. Reach out to your favorite teacher or stop by a local studio and ask if they would host a charity class to benefit your run. It’s a great way to bring multiple networks together, raise funds, and build awareness about Stepping Strong.

Fundraising Milestone

All teammates who raise $3,500 by January 15 will have the chance to choose between an ear warmer or neck gaiter!

Exclusive Opportunity to purchase Stepping Strong swag – start collecting your orders now 😊

  • When: January 5 – 12
  • Cost: $17.50 shirt / $40 pullover (pieces are nonrefundable; cannot be exchanged)
  • The link to order will be shared via the runner portal on January 5

Offline Donation Reminders

Please be patient 😊 All offline donations (any donation not received via TeamRaiser) take 2 – 6 weeks to be processed and added to individual fundraising pages. If you are missing a gift, reach out and we will help figure it out.

Withdrawal Deadline Reminder

If your plans have changed and you no longer can run with us, please let us know ASAP. The final deadline to withdraw from the team is January 1, 2026.

A holiday message from The Reny family

Dear Stepping Strong Marathon Team,

On behalf of our family, we want to wish you the very best holidays filled with happiness, love, and laughter. May 2026 bring you peace, health, and good weather for the remainder of our training season—and on race day too! We hope that you enjoy all the joys of this season with your loved ones. Thank you again for choosing to be an ambassador for the Stepping Strong Center and for being part of our Stepping Strong family!

With gratitude, xo

Audrey, Steven, Danielle, Kyle, baby Elyse, Gillian and Matt

Marathon Team Update #3

It was great seeing so many of you on Saturday for the first group training run! This Saturday’s run on 12/20 will be a six – ten mile run that starts at Joint Venture Physical Therapy (660 Beacon St. in Kenmore Square, Boston) at 8am. Doors will open at 7:30am and you will have access to a changing area and water. Be sure to check out John’s website for more information and to keep up to date on the training schedule. Make sure you complete John’s training questionnaire and sign up for his weekly emails which are separate from our emails, to keep you informed, educated, and motivated for this season’s Boston Marathon training. 

Learn more about the Stepping Strong Center

Did you know there are TONS of resources available on the runner portal? Check out the one-pagers: What We Do and Who We Impact, The Value of Trauma Research, and FAQ’s.

Fundraising Tip of the Week

Send personalized holiday cards to donors thanking them for their support and include an update on your marathon training. Let them know they’re part of your journey and inspire them to give again in the new year!

Withdrawal Deadline Reminder

If your plans have changed and you no longer can run with us, please let us know ASAP. The final deadline to withdraw from the team is January 1, 2026.

Sports Medicine Assistance

If you need an expediated appointment, please click here to fill out our in-take form. Please note this form is not to be used for emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately.