Registration for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is running ahead of schedule, and is expected to close earlier than ever. Last year the race closed on March 23. Runners interested in joining the OE Marathon Team should register as soon as possible at www.oerunners.org.
“If you are considering joining the OE Marathon Team, or know someone who is, the time to register is now,” says Team Coordinator Chris Schneidt. “Runners who wait to register until after the marathon closes will be subject to a much higher registration fee and fundraising commitment.”
Runners who register now will pay a $50 registration fee, and commit to raising an additional $250 for OE. Runners who register after the marathon closes will have to pay a $200 registration fee plus raise an additional $750.
“This fee increase is mandated by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” says Schneidt, “and we will not be able to make any exceptions.”
Team membership includes training programs modified for beginning, intermediate, and advanced runners, which will prepare participants to complete the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 9, 2011.
Training programs include long weekend runs with water stops supervised by experience training coordinators. Runners may choose from a traditional 18-week training program, or, for an additional $100 in fundraising, may choose the Galloway run-walk training method.
In addition to the training program, team members will enjoy other benefits, including complimentary race entry, use of an exclusive race day warm-up and reunite area with restroom facilities in Charity Village, a team shirt, race day transportation to and from Northwest Indiana to the start/finish line, a weekly e-newsletter containing training tips and team updates throughout the training season, and a catered pasta dinner and post-race party during race weekend.
Funds raised by this year’s team will support programs at OE that do not receive government funding, such as All About Kids, enrichment services, and client scholarships.
For more information about OE Running, contact Team Coordinators Chris Schneidt at 219-464-9621, ext. 233 or christene.schneidt@oppent.org or Allison Thomas at 219-464-9621, ext. 239 or allison.thomas@oppent.org.
Team sponsorships are also available at a variety of levels. For sponsorship information, please contact Corporate Relations Liaison Dave Collins at (219) 464-9621, ext. 208 or david.collins@oppent.org.
Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization which creates sustainable life choices and opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and abilities. Today, OE serves 1,100 adults and children with disabilities in Porter County and throughout Northwest Indiana. For more information, visit www.oppent.org