18 – 22 Mile Training Run on Saturday, March 22

The longest training run of the season (18 – 22-miles) is scheduled for Saturday, March 22! For many of you, this will be your longest run of the season, but don’t worry, you’ll have us, alumni, and plenty of fans cheering you on with a Brigham Stepping Strong water stop along the way! The Brigham Team stop will be about 100 yards up from the Newton Fire Department.

For those of you who are coming from 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.

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

For those of you who are coming from 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.

FINAL Team Meeting on Monday, March 24 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST

Our last and final team meeting is scheduled from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST on Monday, March 24. During this meeting, we will cover all essential details to prepare for Marathon weekend. We would strongly encourage you to attend, as we will be talking about important information. Click here to RSVP NOW and ask any questions you have about race weekend!

• Zoom Link: https://partners.zoom.us/j/82446781466?pwd=Tugy3Fxtxmh3q97YqGtV7IVCC9IeLF.1
• Meeting ID: 824 4678 1466
• Passcode: 715604

Support a Stepping Strong Runner Day on Wednesday, March 26

This day is YOURS and YOUR DONORS! On Support a Stepping Strong Runner Day, make sure to ask everyone you know to support your run and make a new $50+ donation to receive a Stepping Strong hat to wear on Marathon Monday. You can find suggested language here for any emails or social posts you want to push out!

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

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline

Second Fundraising Deadline

A friendly reminder that the second team fundraising deadline of $5,000 dollars/per runner raised is due by 11:59pm on March 31st As a reminder, if you have not reached the $5,000 minimum by 11:59pm on MARCH 31st your credit card will be charged for the incremental amount to reach the deadline. These charges will be applied to your total fundraising commitment and will not be refunded. Again, if you have incoming donations, or incoming matching gifts, please alert us ASAP so we can make sure we update your total, even if the gifts haven’t arrived to us yet / aren’t on your page. If you plan on meeting the commitment by making an outright donation, you can do so directly onto your TeamRaiser without us having to charge your card.

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:

• Host a St. Patrick’s Day themed 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!
• 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!
• 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.

Reminder about Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and Matching Gifts
To ensure your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) and Matching Gifts are processed smoothly, you and your supporters MUST include the following in the designation/comments area when processing a gift: 
Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Support of <RUNNERS NAME> Marathon Run. Failure to do so may result in delays that could impact your efforts. You can read more about DAF and Matching Gifts by clicking here and reviewing slides 12 and 13.

B.A.A. Celebration Finishers Jacket

All runners who raise $10,000 by March 21 will receive a B.A.A. Celebration Finishers Jacket or any previous incentive for our third fundraising milestone!! You read that right; our team is offering to buy YOU your Boston Marathon Celebration/Finishers Jacket if you raise $10,000+ by March 21ST at 11:59pm. If you qualify, our team will reach out for YOUR SELECTION ON MARCH 22ND. For local teammates, we will mail you your finishers jacket or incentive and for our international runners, you will be able to pick up race weekend at the Pep Rally!

For those who want to purchase the jacket themselves through adidas, please click here for women and click here for men.

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

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline

Our last and final team meeting is scheduled from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST on Monday, March 24. During this meeting, we will cover all essential details to prepare for race weekend. We strongly encourage your attendance, as we will be discussing crucial information.

Click here to RSVP NOW and ask any questions you have about race weekend!

• Zoom Link: https://partners.zoom.us/j/82446781466?pwd=Tugy3Fxtxmh3q97YqGtV7IVCC9IeLF.1
• Meeting ID: 824 4678 1466
• Passcode: 715604

Until then, please read through some general questions you may want answered now!

• What events are scheduled for the Brigham Stepping Strong Team over marathon weekend?
  • Saturday, April 19 from 1-3pm: Team Pep Rally at Revere Hotel for you and up to 3 family members or friends (lunch will be served).
  • Wednesday, April 23: We Did It Wednesday! (virtual)
• Do I have to go to the Boston Marathon Expo?
  • Yes. The Boston Marathon Expo is mandatory for ALL runners and is where you will pick up your bib, race packet, and B.A.A. shirt! There is no separate Brigham Stepping Strong team spot at the expo.
  • Click here to read additional expo details provided by the B.A.A.: https://www.baa.org/bank-america-boston-marathon-expo
• What should I wear on race day?
  • All teammates received a t-shirt or singlet (whatever you selected) to wear on race day! We highly suggest wearing it so our team photographers can spot you, however, the choice is completely yours on what to wear for your run.
• What items are allowed and/or prohibited on race day?
  • Click here to read about allowed and prohibited items provided by the B.A.A.: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/allowable-and-prohibited-items
  • If you have specific questions, please email the B.A.A. at registration@baa.org.
• Will you provide any to go breakfast items or nutrition on race morning?
  • Race morning nutrition is the responsibility of the runner. You will be able to take a one-gallon clear plastic bag to carry food items or sports drinks only on the buses (bag will be provided in your participant packet). Are you curious about how to eat race morning? Reach out to Coach John.
• How does transportation to Athletes Village in Hopkinton work?
  • Transportation to Athletes Village in Hopkinton is provided by the B.A.A. Teammates will board B.A.A. busses on Charles Street between the Public Gardens and Boston Common. Bus loading/timing depends on your bib color/start time, and we will discuss this in more detail at our final team meeting on March 24^th.
• What if I live in/by Hopkinton?
  • We will provide details about drop-offs in Hopkinton at our final team meeting on March 24^th. The B.A.A. strongly recommends all runners take the transportation provided from Boston to Hopkinton race morning.
• How does the start of the race work?
  • Runners will be assigned a corral and wave on their bib number. Charity teammates without a qualifying time will start the race in corral 4, just after 11am. We will discuss this in more detail at our final team meeting on March 24^th.
• Where can my spectators see me on race day?
  • The Brigham Stepping Strong team will have TWO cheering spots on race day for your family and friends to join us at! More details will be shared at our final team meeting on March 24^th.
  • Click here to read additional spectator information provided by the B.A.A.: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/watch/spectators
• What is the course like?  
  • Click here to review course details provided by the B.A.A.: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/enter/course-information
  • If you have additional questions about the course, email team coach John Furey or ask alumni in Strava!
• Where will family members be able to meet me after I have finished the race?
  • You have two options to meet with your family after the race:
    • Brigham’s Post Race Place at the Revere Hotel: Come to the Revere Hotel after you complete your 26.2 miles to meet up with family, grab your gear bag, change, and snap a photo!
    • B.A.A. Family Meeting Area: Arrange to meet friends or family in the Family Meeting Area on Stuart, Berkeley, and Clarendon Streets following the race, which will feature alphabetical signs for easy reuniting.
• Post-Race Participant Communications
  • Please read these important post-race communications provided by the B.A.A. by CLICKING HERE.

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

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline

As we get closer to race day, please be sure to read all email communications in their entirety!

Congratulations to Turner M. for winning the Boston Celtics Tickets Challenge! Get ready for an awesome game tomorrow!

Marathon Madness Challenge Winners

Congratulations to our February Marathon Madness winners! Mary O. raised the most money and Kristen F. 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.

Last Opportunity for Stepping Strong Swag!

• When: NOW – March 10
• Where: https://steppingstrong.mysuperiorstore.com/
• Cost: $26 shirt / $40 pullover (Pieces are nonrefundable; cannot be exchanged)
• Questions? Email Justin Nathan – jn@superiorpromo.net

Third Team Fundraising Milestone: $10,000 by March 21

All runners who raise $10,000 by March 21 will receive a B.A.A. Celebration Finishers Jacket or any previous incentive for our third fundraising milestone!! Our team is offering to buy YOU your Boston Marathon Celebration/Finishers Jacket if you raise $10,000+ by March 21 at 11:59pm. For U.S. residents who qualify, our team will reach out for sizing, and your jacket will be shipped prior to race weekend. For international runners who qualify, our team will reach out for sizing, and you will be able to pick up your jacket on race weekend at the Pep Rally! 

For those who want to purchase the jacket themselves through adidas, please click here for women and click here for men.

18 – 22 Mile Training Run on Saturday, March 22

The longest training run of the season (18 – 22-miles) is scheduled for Saturday, March 22! For many of you, this will be your longest run of the season, but don’t worry, you’ll have us, alumni, and plenty of support including a Brigham Stepping Strong water stop along the way!

For those of you who are coming from 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. We can’t wait to see you all CRUSH it!

FINAL Team Meeting on Monday, March 24

Our last and final team meeting is scheduled from 6:00pm to 7:30pm EST on Monday, March 24. During this meeting, we will cover all essential details to prepare for the Marathon race weekend. We strongly encourage your attendance, as we will be discussing crucial information. Click here to RSVP NOW and ask any questions you have about race weekend!

• Zoom Link: https://partners.zoom.us/j/82446781466?pwd=Tugy3Fxtxmh3q97YqGtV7IVCC9IeLF.1
• Meeting ID: 824 4678 1466
• Passcode: 715604

Support a Stepping Strong Runner Day on Wednesday, March 26

This day is YOURS and YOUR DONORS! On Support a Stepping Strong Runner Day, make sure to ask everyone you know to support your run and make a new $50+ donation to receive a Stepping Strong hat to wear on Marathon Monday. You can find suggested language here for any emails or social posts you want to push out!

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

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline

Congratulations on raising over $1,013,000 for the Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. You are all INCREDIBLE, and we are so thankful for your amazing efforts.

IMPORTANT reminder about Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and Matching Gifts

To ensure your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) and Matching Gifts are processed smoothly, you and your supporters MUST include the following in the designation/comments area when processing a gift: Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Support of <RUNNERS NAME> Marathon Run. Failure to do so may result in delays that could impact your efforts. You can read more about DAF and Matching Gifts by clicking here and reviewing slides 12 and 13.

Cross Your Fundraising Finish Line!

As we get closer to the second team fundraising deadline of $5,000 by March 30th, here are some ways to increase your fundraising success:

• 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!
• 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.

A friendly reminder that our second team fundraising deadline is on March 30. By this date, a minimum of $5,000 must be raised. If you haven’t reached the $5,000 goal by 11:59 PM on March 30, the credit card we have on file will be charged for the incremental amount needed to fulfill the obligation as outlined in the runner contract. Please note that this charge will be applied to your TeamRaiser page and is non-refundable. If you are expecting a matching gift, check, cash, Donor Advised Fund (DAF) gift or have concerns or questions please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu ASAP.

Courtside tickets to the Boston Celtics Challenge

Reminder that you have until March 3 at midnight to raise $750+ dollars to be entered into an opportunity drawing to win courtside tickets for the Boston Celtics game on Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00pm! Trust us, you don’t want to miss the chance to score these amazing seats, check out the view below!

FINAL Opportunity for Stepping Strong Swag!

Mark your calendar for the final opportunity to order swag in time for race day.

• When: March 3 – 10
• Where: https://steppingstrong.mysuperiorstore.com/
• Cost: $26 shirt / $40 pullover (Pieces are nonrefundable; cannot be exchanged)
• Questions? Email Justin Nathan – jn@superiorpromo.net

Marathon Madness Challenge

Don’t forget that the Marathon Madness Challenge for the month of February ends TOMORROW! The runner who raises the most money or receives the most donations in February will win custom Stepping Strong swag. Additionally, the top fundraiser and the runner who receives the most donations throughout the entire three-month challenge will win a custom Stepping Strong YETI. The February winners will be announced on March 1, and the March winners, along with the championship winners, will be announced on April 1.

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

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline