Race-day gear is officially complete, and I am excited to share the official design at our team meeting on Thursday! While we have the design, we cannot place the order until we have everyone’s sizes, which is why I am reaching out to you today.
You must click the following link and confirm ALL details in the form by Thursday, January 29, by end of day (EOD). This includes your size and shipping information. Curious about what size you should order? Click here for gear specs.
As a quick reminder from yesterday’s email: now that I’m back from parental leave, from here on out, I’m with you every step, mile, and moment along the way. I’m continuing to catch up on messages, so please use our team inbox (marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu), and you’re always welcome to save my number (857 505 1225) and text me your questions so I can help you in a timely manner.
Please read the following carefully—it’s a bit lengthy, but it includes important updates, timelines, RSVPs, and key information to set us all up for a strong and successful season.
Second Team Meeting (Virtual) – Thursday, January 29
Our second team meeting will be held virtually from 6:00–7:30 PM. You won’t want to miss important team updates, plus remarks from Stepping Strong Center leadership and grateful beneficiaries of Stepping Strong–funded, revolutionary treatments.
First Fundraising Deadline: $2,500 raised by January 30th at 11:59PM
Per the runner contract you signed, each charity runner agrees to meet or exceed personal fundraising minimums by the deadlines below and acknowledges that their credit card will be charged for any shortfall.
If you have incoming donations (checks or matching gifts), please let us know ASAP so we can track them and include them in your total, even if they are not yet reflected on your TeamRaiser page. If you plan to make an outright donation to fulfill your commitment, please do so prior to January 30, 2026.
Fundraising deadlines:
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
Registering for the Boston Marathon
The Stepping Strong Team began registering for the 130th Boston Marathon on Wednesday, January 21. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Registration must be completed by 11:59 PM on Monday, February 2. No extensions can be granted.
Signup for a Small Team Gathering!
Spots are filling quickly to join the Reny family and connect with teammates in a smaller setting! Please RSVP for one date by clicking the below. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This week, ask your potential donors to skip one small thing and turn it into a BIG impact. Instead of a:
Morning coffee
Energy drink
Uber of Lyft when you could walk
Lunch or dinner out
Impulse Amazon buy
Ask them to donate what they would have spent to your fundraising efforts. $5–$10 may feel small, but when many supporters participate, it adds up fast.
Fundraising Milestones
All runners who raised $3,500+ by January 15 will soon receive an email to choose either a Stepping Strong Neck Gaiter or Ear Warmer as our first fundraising milestone reward!
March Madness Fundraising Challenge is underway!
Monthly Prizes: The teammate who raises the most money and the teammate who receives the most donations in the months of January, February, and March will receive custom Stepping Strong swag!
Grand Prizes: On April 1, the overall top fundraiser and the teammate with the most donations will each receive a custom Stepping Strong YETI!
Note: If you’re part of a fundraising team, totals will be divided among team members.
Team Training Runs and Weekly Newsletter
This Saturday’s run (1/24) will start at 12:00 PM due to extreme cold. Joint Venture Physical Therapy will open at 11:45 AM.
Be sure to check out John’s website and his latest email for updates and the training schedule. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to his weekly email HERE.
Don’t forget to submit your photos on the Runner Portal!
Please submit your photos HERE! We love seeing you…
Stretching or pre-run prep
Indoor and outdoor training
Rocking Stepping Strong swag
Selfies
Marathon Team Runner Portal The runner portal is your one stop shop for everything you need to be successful throughout the season! Take some time to explore all the resources available to help you feel confident in everything you do.
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 hereprior 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 by11:59 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.
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)
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.
