10 Key Reasons to run the 2015 Boston Marathon® for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge

Running is a numbers game. It’s about mileage, pace, and splits. It’s about how many more calories you can eat post-run. It’s about timing every sip of water so that you never get dehydrated. It’s about how many soulful conversations you have with your running buddies to pass the time.

Running the prestigious Boston Marathon® with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) team is a whole different numbers game – the most fulfilling, meaningful numbers game of all.

Here are the top 10 key reasons to apply now to run the 2015 Boston Marathon for DFMC:

 10. The sea of Dana-Farber singlets in Hopkinton, MA. Most DFMC team members begin in the same wave in Hopkinton on Marathon Monday. Spectators and other runners say thanks because they too have a Dana-Farber connection. Meredith, a 2014 DFMC teammate, shared this starting line experience on her blog Run, MeriG. Run, “As we marched towards the starting line, the amazing residents of Hopkinton and race volunteers cheered D-F as if we were already heroes. It was basically the best parade ever. And we hadn’t. Even. Started.”

9. #DFMC has a long charity running history with the Boston Marathon.  Dana-Farber was among the first organizations recognized by the Boston Athletic Association for its Boston Marathon Official Charity Program. DFMC is the largest charity partner, with more than 500 team members.

8. 90+ degrees. That is how hot it was on that day that DFMC’s Training Advisor Jack Fultz WON the 1976 Boston Marathon (the hottest Boston Marathon in history). Jack creates three training schedules for DFMC runners – beginner, intermediate, and advanced – to support a range of fitness levels and running goals.

7. Mile 25: a special DFMC landmark. DFMC’s Partner Program and In-Memory Program connect runners with pediatric cancer patients and loved ones of former pediatric patients who received care at Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic. These inspiring families gather at Mile 25, tote super creative signs, and cheer on the DFMC runners in the last stretch of the course. Check out some of the Patient and In-Memory Partners at Mile 25!

6. #WeRunTogether: Groups that run together, stay together. DFMC offers group runs for Boston-area teammates. Running alone can be challenging, so the group runs really help. Water stops and lots of cheering included!

5. The DFMC Recovery Zone. After running 26.2 miles, you deserve some extra TLC! In addition to an area where you can meet up with family and friends, the DFMC Recovery Zone features an exclusive runner’s area offering free massages, food, and changing rooms.

4. 100% of funds raised support the Barr Program.  Unique among most charity running programs, every single penny raised by the DFMC runners supports the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  The Barr Program funds bright, creative scientists pushing the boundaries and making basic research discoveries with the potential to transform cancer treatment.

3. 26 years and going strong! The 2015 Boston Marathon will mark the 26th running of DFMC. DFMC is in it for the long run!

2. Creative fundraising ideas from DFMC runners. The DFMC staff and hundreds of enthusiastic teammates are here to provide you with lots of fundraising recommendations throughout the season. From the more traditional email campaign, to the latest and greatest ideas, there’s tons of support available to help you reach your goal.

1. The most meaningful miles. While more and more people are running marathons these days, YOU can run a marathon AND change the future of cancer treatment. Crossing that finish line will be even sweeter knowing you are helping to raise vital funds for cancer research.

Learn more about the 2015 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, and how you can apply!

Katherine McIsaac
Account Manager/Writer, Development Communications