Marathon Team Update #10

Posted on by Alisheya Luthman

Final Team Meeting on March 24

The final team meeting has been rescheduled from March 18 to March 24 at 6:00 PM. EST Please mark your calendars and plan to join us as we review important final details ahead of race weekend! Click here to RSVP.

Second Fundraising Deadline 

A friendly reminder that the second team fundraising deadline of $7,500 dollars/per runner raised is due by 11:59pm on March 31. As a reminder, if you have not reached the $7,500 minimum by 11:59pm on the 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. 

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, 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. 
  • Make the Ask Accessible! Small donations add up quickly and feel approachable to potential supporters. Consider framing your ask in simple ways like:
    • “If you’d consider donating the cost of a coffee ($5–$10), it would mean so much.”
    • “I’m looking for 20 people to give $25.”
    • “Sponsor one mile of my race for $20.”

Support a Stepping Strong Runner Day!

Third Team Fundraising Milestone: $15,000 by April 3 

All runners who raise $15,000+ by April 3 will receive a B.A.A. Celebration Finishers Jacket or any previous incentive for our third fundraising milestone!! That’s right, our team is offering to buy YOU your Boston Marathon Celebration/Finishers Jacket if you raise $15,000+ by April 3 at 11:59pm. If you qualify, our team will reach out for sizing soon, and we will coordinate shipping/pick up race weekend.

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

18 – 22 Mile Training Run on Saturday, March 21

The longest training run of the season (18 – 22-miles) is scheduled for Saturday, March 21! For many of you, this will be your longest run of the season, but don’t worry, you’ll have us, and plenty of support including a 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!  

Team Office Hours

Office hours are available for questions, fundraising guidance, or general support. Please drop in at any of the times below:

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

From start to finish, 

Ali