Looking for Guaranteed Entry to the sold-out
NYC Half-Marathon or Full Marathon 2009?

Join the Run for a Dream Team!
customized coaching from a certified professional coach..customized weekly running schedule just for you...weekly group runs...nutrition workshop...shopping trips...tools and tips for fundraising

Click here to register for NYC Full-Marathon ($2,620)

Click here to register for NYC Half-Marathon ($1,310)

Group runs have started!

When: Every Sunday at 10am (rain or shine).
Where: Central Park, NYC. Meet by the benches along the sheep meadow across Tavern on the Green (enter Central Park from 67th Street and Central Park West)
Contact: RFD[at]runforadream.org

Also check out our calendar of runner events!

Run for a Dream Program

"Running a marathon has changed my life in ways I could not believe. It is much more than just running." - Andrea Zaretsky, ran her first half marathon - Philadelphia

Introduction
Run for a Dream is a marathon training program that helps you achieve your dream to run a marathon, help those in need, meet new people, or simply get in shape. Whether you run fast, slow, or haven't run before, we WILL get you to the finish line!

General Program Overview
Why Run for a Dream
What You Get
What You Give
NYC Half-Marathon
NYC Full-Marathon
Fundraising
Meet our Coach
Running Mentors
FAQs

Register here for NYC Half Marathon

Register here for NYC Full Marathon

Contact us at RFD[at]runforadream.org

Why participate in the Run for a Dream program?
We created a marathon training program so you can achieve your dreams and help others achieve theirs. The first two years of the program saw over 60 runners finish their marathons or half marathons and raise over $100,000 to support Lend-A-Hand's mission to make a difference in the lives of impoverished youth. Most of them were first-time runners in their 20s, 30s, and 40s from various professional and personal backgrounds.

Run for a Dream offers professional training for runners who raise money on behalf of Lend-A-Hand India (LAHI), a non-profit improving the lives of poor youth by providing access to education, vocational training, career development, and entrepreneurial opportunities. More on the mission of LAHI.

What You Get As A Participant
• Expert and Professional Training from a certified marathon coach
• Customized coaching designed specifically for your running ability
• Personalized Run Schedules with your daily mileage goals
• Weekly Group Runs with the RFD Team to gain support and make running fun
• Social Events to meet fun and energetic runners and share experiences
• Running Mentors to answer questions and keep you motivated
• Run for a Dream running jersey, t-shirt, and cap as a member of the RFD Team

What You Give
• Train according to your weekly schedule
• Raise funds for Lend-A-Hand India's work with underprivileged youth

Half Marathon
The recommended training for a half marathon is 8-12 weeks.
The NYC half marathon will take place on Sun, Aug 16, 2009.

Full Marathon
The recommended training for a full marathon is 18-20 weeks.
The NYC marathon will take place on Sun, Nov 1, 2009.

If you are interested in signing up with RFD for any other races, come to any of our practice runs taking place at 10am every Sunday in Central Park, visit RFD's homepage, or feel free to email us at RFD[at]runforadream.org.

Fundraising
At Lend-A-Hand India, we believe that achieving the goal of running a marathon is as important as dedicating time and energy to helping others. That is why we have created a marathon training program, so we can help you achieve your goals while you help others achieve theirs! We ask that you fundraise on behalf of LAHI to support our many projects to help improve the lives of impoverished youth.

The fundraising minimum for the NY Half is $1310 and NY Full Marathon is $2620. You will have access to fundraising materials including a personalized page and advice to help you achieve your fundraising goals.

Meet Coach Scott Cohen, USA Triathlon Certified
“I am truly passionate about my fitness and have been able to successfully educate, motivate, inspire and influence others to make fitness a priority in their lives. I believe that we all have our own "athlete within" and with work, guidance, goals and motivation anyone can find theirs.

I come from a multifaceted background in sales, marketing and training capacities within the Financial Services sector. I started running just over a decade ago to reduce stress and manage my weight.

Along the way I have found "my athlete within" and have trained myself to be an endurance conditioned triathlete who welcomes challenge and has competed in nearly thirty marathons, several ultra marathons, and triathlons that have included the Ironman competition in Austria, Canada, Florida, Brazil and Switzerland.

I am energetic, disciplined, and driven to exceed expectations. I am articulate, resourceful, and adept at prioritizing and designing fitness solutions based on current and evolving fitness goals.”

To learn more about our coach, please visit his website.

Running Mentors
Running mentors are experienced marathoners who have also run for charity organizations who are available to answer questions, offer guidance throughout the training process, and help motivate you as you move closer to your goal.

FAQ
What is the Run for a Dream program?
The Run for a Dream program was launched as a way to raise funds for Lend-A-Hand India’s mission while helping runners achieve their goal of running a marathon! You can run any marathon you want!

How long is a half marathon and a marathon?
A half marathon is 13.1 miles (21.09 km) and marathon is 26.2 miles (42.18 km)

How does the program work?
The program is based on mutual commitment. We provide you with free expert and professional coaching/support to get you to the finish line. In return, you commit to raise funds for Lend-A-Hand India. The program also helps you meet other dedicated individuals, have some fun, get fit, and make a difference. The benefits are endless.
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There will be various events during training to give you more information, provide additional guidance, and prepare you for the marathon!

I have never run before, how do I know I can?
Not to worry – Many of our own runners have never run before and have completed marathons. With our training, you will get to the finish line!

What marathon do I run?
You can choose to run any marathon anywhere in the world. We will reimburse you both the registration fee and any travel expenses up to $250 if you select a marathon that requires travel. We recommend running your first marathon close to home since often that means you get more support, are familiar with your surroundings, and can focus on the race itself.

What is the mentor program? What does the mentor do?
A mentor is there to provide you running support, answer your questions, offer motivation, and give tips on fundraising. All of our running mentors have run marathons before and raised money. You are in good hands!!

Do I have to raise funds?
Yes, raising funds is a critical component of the RFD program. It will make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many and really adds another dimension to your goal and training.

How much do I have to raise?
The fundraising minimum is $1310 for the half marathon and $2620 for the full.

Where does the fundraised amount go?
All of the money raised will go directly to projects and initiatives in India. You can read more about the different projects and decide to fund a specific one if you wish. Additionally, we are dedicated to keeping administrative costs at an absolute minimum so we can ensure ALL of your funds go to Lend-A-Hand's projects.

What if I do not meet my target fundraising goal?
We believe you can meet both your goal of completing a marathon and raising the target amount of funds. We have experienced fundraisers on our team that can help guide you to ensure you reach your goal. Runners will be personally responsible to raise the minimum funds or make up for the difference.

I travel a lot / have no time, how will I train?
Many runners are busy and active individuals. Once you start running, you will recognize the many positive benefits – more energy, weight loss, and a sense of community. You can run on a treadmill, outside – wherever you can!

What if I live outside Manhattan / will be traveling and cannot make the weekly run?
The weekly run is for your benefit. It is a chance to meet with the coach, run with other volunteers, and get your long run in. If you are unable to attend or can only attend every other week, that is okay. We encourage you to make every effort to attend since it is a critical part of your training and helps the coach customize your training.

I have bad knees / back, can I still join?
Yes, the coach will help you with exercises to strengthen any weak areas. If you have a chronic injury, you should consult your doctor before starting the marathon training program.

Ready to sign up?

Click here to register for NYC Half-Marathon

Click here to register for NYC Full-Marathon

Contact Us
If you have questions or would like to obtain more information about the Run for a Dream program, please e-mail RFD[at]runforadream.org. See you at the race!