"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 2007
"When you cross a finish line, it feels that you can achieve anything
in life"
- Adrienna Edwards, ran her first marathon - Chicago 2007
"Crossing the finish line and walking amongst those thousands of
runners is such a special feeling ~ each of us have our own story
to tell and joy to share" - Raj Gilda
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 to get in shape. Whether you
run fast, slow, or haven't run before -- we WILL get you to the
finish line!
This training program offers you:
- Expert Coaching from professional coach - weekly meetings
and online assistance
- Customized Training designed specifically for your running
ability
- Personalized Run Schedules with your daily mileage goals
- Weekly Group Runs with the Dream 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
The first year of the program saw over 35 runners finishing their
marathons or half marathons and raising over $60,000 to support
Lend-A-Hand's mission to make a difference in the lives of impoverished
youth. Most of them were first timer runners in their 20s, 30s,
and 40s from various professional and personal backgrounds.
Why participate in the Run for a
Dream program? We created a marathon training program so you can achieve your
dreams and help other achieve theirs.
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.
- LAHI is run entirely by volunteers: 93% of funds raised go directly
to projects in India
- LAHI has launched multi-skilled vocational training programs in
18 schools helping over 4,000 youth create sustainable change in
their lives and their communities
- LAHI's goal is to cover 20,000 youth by opening over 100 vocational
training centers in high schools
What you get as a participant in the
Run for a Dream program
- Expert and professional training from a certified
marathon coach
- Weekly group runs with the coach in Central Park with a
similar pace runner group
- Personalized run schedule with your daily mileage goals
- Receive customized guidance and get answers to your questions
- Online assistance and answers throughout your training
- A Run for a Dream Running Jersey, Tshirt & Cap
as a member of the Dream Team
- Meet others through plenty of social events
- A running mentor (someone who has run a marathon before
and can help motivate you along the way!)
What you give?
- Train according to your weekly schedule
- Raise funds for Lend-A-Hand-India's work with underprivileged
youth
Marathon/Half-Marathon Selection
The recommended training for a half marathon is 8-12 weeks and for
a full marathon is 16-20 weeks
- You can select ANY marathon you would like to run which fits with
your training schedule
- You are responsible for registering for your race. We recommend
you do this as soon as you decide which race you will enter since
races fill up fast!
- We will reimburse you the registration expense AND any travel
expenses up to $250 ($125 for half marathons) if your marathon requires
an overnight stay. Both reimbursements are dependent on meeting
your fundraising goal
We recommend a selection of half and full marathons that are better
for first time runners and are closer to the area:
Marathons Hamptons - September 27, 2008
Hartford (CT) - October 11, 2008
Chicago - October 12, 2008
Washington D.C. - October 26, 2008
New York (Lottery) - November 2, 2008
Philadelphia - November 23, 2008
Half-Marathons Fairfield (CT) - June 22, 2008
NYC Half Marathon (Lottery) - July 27, 2008
Queens - August 23, 2008
Staten Island - September 14, 2008
Philadelphia - September 21, 2008
Hamptons - September 27, 2008
Hartford (CT) - October 11, 200
Philadelphia - November 23, 2008
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 their
many projects to help improve the lives of impoverished youth
- We have experienced fundraisers to help you achieve your target
of $100 per mile
- You will have access to a personalized fundraising website
- You will receive a fundraising handbook with advice and tips to
help you achieve your fundraising goals
- Your target fundraising goal is $100 per mile (Full: $2,620; Half:
$1,310)
While many other training programs require guarantee to reach your
fundraising goal, we believe that just as you will put your effort
into training, you will also put your best effort toward fundraising
to reach your target goal
Since we do incur training expenses and coaching fees, we require
you to raise a minimum of $375. If you drop out of the program,
you will also be asked to raise or contribute this amount so we
can cover our coaching costs
Lend A Hand India’s mission
…is to make a difference in the lives of the poor through self-help.
Their programs and efforts in India are entirely geared toward equipping
disadvantaged youth with skills that enable them to build sustainable
lives free of poverty. Click here to learn more about the organization
and accomplishments: www.lend-a-hand-india.org
Meet our coach
Some words from our USA Triathlon certified coach, Scott Cohen:
“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 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 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.”
Running Mentors
A running mentor will be assigned to you to answer any questions
you may have, offer guidance throughout the training process, and
help motivate you as you move closer to your goal.
Our running mentors are experienced marathoners who have also run
for charity organizations. They can offer you both tips on marathon
running and fundraising to aid you in your efforts!
Contact Us
If you have questions or would like to obtain more information about
the "Run for a Dream" program, please e-mail: charu<at>runforadream.org
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 marathon?
A marathon 26.2 miles (42.2 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 raise funds for Lend a Hand India. It also
helps meet other dedicated individuals, have some fun, get fit,
make a difference….the benefits are endless.
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 marathon.
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 offer tips on fundraising. All
of our running mentors have run marathons before and raised money.
You are in good hands!!
Can I run a half marathon instead?
Of course, if you are not ready for a full marathon, you can definitely
register for a half-marathon and train accordingly. Don’t be
surprise though if you finish the half marathon and want to continue
to the full marathon!
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 to I have to raise?
For a marathon, the target goal is $2600. For a half-marathon, the
target goal is $1300
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 and we will work with you to
help you reach your goal
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, 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 w/ other volunteers, and get your long run in. If
you are unable to attend or can only attend every other week, that
is OK. We strongly 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? - Register
Here
Write to charu<at>runforadream.org if you have any questions.
Thanks for your time !
