Honda LA Marathon Announces $4 Million Charity Challenge
Edward Norton, Crowdrise join effort to push race-related fundraising to new heights; Runners utilize social networking platform to raise money for charity
Marathon officials today unveiled an aggressive charity fundraising campaign designed to raise $4 million in connection with the March 20, 2011 Honda LA Marathon Presented by K-Swiss. Through a new partnership with Crowdrise, an innovative fundraising website launched in 2010, the Marathon is making it easier than ever for runners to support the charity of their choice as part of the largest fundraising effort in the Marathon’s 26-year history.
“Crowdrise is all about giving people the right tools to raise money for their favorite cause in a new, fun and compelling way,” said actor and activist Edward Norton, who founded the online platform. ”The Honda LA Marathon is an event that truly connects the entire city, and it has the potential to be an incredible fundraising force as well. We are thrilled to be on board this year to help unite the entire LA Marathon running community.”
The $4 million fundraising target would double charitable totals from the 2010 race – which was already the largest in the race’s first 25 years. The expanded charity program is in line with the vision of Marathon Owner Frank McCourt, who directed Marathon staff to make the charitable component of the race a much higher priority.
“The marathon is not only a great running event, it is a civic asset for all of Los Angeles, and an opportunity to do a lot of good for our community,” McCourt said. ”This partnership moves us one step closer to the day when every participant will raise funds for the charity of their choice.” Read more
On Pace to Race: Injury Prevention for Marathon Runners
Orthopaedic surgeons offer safety tips just in time for major marathon in Chicago
On the brink of Chicago’s popular marathon, 45,000 marathon runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will turn corners and pick up their pace for the big race in October. But training for a 26.2-mile race is no easy feat, which is why it is so important to take precaution and keep your body in tow to prevent injury before, during and after the race. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) urges runners to follow a running regimen that suits their activity-level and to not overlook aches and pains, no matter how minor they may seem.
“Completing a marathon is a huge accomplishment, but what many people don’t realize is that just getting to the starting line is half the battle,” said Ron Noy, MD. “Many common overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, shin splints and stress fractures, which take runners out of the race, can be prevented. Have at least a year of consistent running under your belt before beginning marathon training and then find a progressive program that matches your skill level.” Read more
2011 Honda LA Marathon Preview: Charity Runners to Take to LA’s Streets on Wednesday
LA Marathon Official Charity teams will run Stadium to the Sea route to kick off $4 million fundraising campaign
What if you could harness the transformational power of sport not only to change your life, but to change the life of someone far less fortunate? That’s the shared objective of the 65 Official Charities of the Honda LA Marathon presented by K-Swiss, and that’s the reason why so many of them will be running the Marathon’s Stadium to the Sea route on Wednesday, September 22.
In an effort to kick-off fundraising for the 2011 race, runners representing a wide variety of non-profit organizations will run the Stadium to the Sea route. They will start their journey at 7:00 AM at Dodger Stadium and run the full 26.2 miles of the course, finishing just before the Santa Monica Pier at the finish line of the 2011 race.
Race organizers have set an aggressive goal of helping charities to raise more than $4 million in contributions around the 2011 Honda LA Marathon presented by K-Swiss. “Perhaps nothing exemplifies our mission statement of ‘inspiring athletes and connecting communities’ more than our Official Charities Program,” said Ginger Williams, Director of Community Relations for LA MARATHON LLC. “Wednesday’s run is all about letting Los Angelenos know that they can make their miles count for so much more on race day.” Read more
New York Most Popular City to Run a Marathon
Reasons to run a marathon’ research reveals European minds
The world of running is experiencing an incredible boom, and 2009 heralds the continuing growth in popularity of this sport. As the number of runners (in particular women) strengthens by the day, so does the ever-increasing appeal of marathons around the world. ASICS’ recent ‘Reasons to Run’ research revealed that, of the 85% of Europe’s 80 million runners who have not yet run a marathon, 37% plan to do so in the near future. With the imminent New York marathon in mind (November 1st), it is also worth knowing that this is a marathon in which 15.2 million European runners aspire to run.
2009 also marks the 60th anniversary of Japanese sportswear brand ASICS. Turning 60 is an extremely symbolic event in Japan, and a milestone ASICS is extremely proud to have reached. Sixty years of continuous research and technological innovation has led ASICS to be considered the most valued running shoe amongst serious runners. The New York marathon is a perfect example to highlight this point. Since 2005, around 50% of New York’s participants have run in ASICS shoes. *
The evolution of marathons
The marathon is the most iconic individual achievement of our time, and these days simply being accepted in to a major marathon is a feat in itself. It has evolved from the elite, ‘super-athletes only’ race to a mass phenomenon where the number of marathons and the amount of runners taking part around the world increases every year. In the last decade, the New York marathon itself has seen a growth of approximately 20,000 participants, and is now considered to be the most coveted race to run amongst 19% of European runners.
ASICS’ participation in marathons
No other brand can lay claim to the fact that the majority of marathon participants worldwide wear their shoes. The shoe count at the last two New York marathons alone showed that 55% (2007) and 51%(2008)* chose to wear ASICS. For this year’s event, ASICS has organised yet another ‘shoe count team’ to see just how many hardcore runners choose to run such a demanding race in ASICS shoes.
Providing the best at every level
Since its launch in 1949, ASICS has grown from a small sports-shoe company founded in Japan to a highly regarded, award-winning international sportswear brand. ASICS’ founder, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka deeply believed in the fact that exercise leads to the development of a healthier body, and that a sound body is the cradle for a sound mind. When it came to naming his company, Mr. Onitsuka opted for the initials of a Latin quote that summarised his belief: Anima Sana In Corpore Sano (a sound mind in a sound body). Nothing epitomises his philosophy more than running a marathon, as this is the ultimate event where body and mind must work together in harmony in order to complete those long and arduous 42.195 kilometres.
But it is not just the body and mind that are tested to their max, as a marathon also stretches sports products to their limit in the most extreme way. And that is why, after sixty years of determination to provide athletes of all levels with the best possible products, ASICS is still so popular at marathons the world over. Whether an elite runner or a first-time finisher, those wearing ASICS can run safe in the knowledge that they’ve put their trust in the most dedicated running brand.
* ASICS employees count one specific brand of footwear each during the 2.5 hours after the winner crosses the marathon finish line. The resulting percentage indicates that ASICS is the preferred brand of footwear among serious marathon runners.
Source: ASICS Europe B.V.
Running a marathon – The realbuzz.com Beginner’s Guide
With 120,000 runners recently finding out whether they have successfully got a ballot place in the 2010 Virgin London Marathon, a buzz of activity is surrounding next year’s iconic race.
The results of the ballot have been announced and those lucky enough to have secured their ‘own place’ will be jumping for joy. And those unlucky in the official ballot this year, will be scouring through the hundreds of charities offering ‘Gold Bond’ places, and running for a cause close to their heart. Once a place is assured – everything is focused on training and finding a suitable training plan, to ensure that the 26.2 miles is achievable, regardless of experience, age, and speed.
So, if you’re one of those lucky people planning to run on 25th April 2010, here are few tips to help you get started, and help you to answer the question that’s no doubt hovering around in your head…
Can I really train for a marathon?
- If you haven’t exercised in a while, get a check up from the doctor to ensure you’re fit enough to do the training, as well as the final race.
- Evaluate your fitness levels; you need to know where you are before you can progress, so sit down, and honestly assess your fitness levels.
- Select a training plan. Trying to prepare for a marathon without a training plan is like trying to find a new town, without map. To successfully set off on this journey towards marathon success, you need to follow a structured training plan that is right for your fitness levels.
- Get the right gear. Quite simply to start with you need basic shorts and t-shirt (and for the ladies a fitted sports bra). But as you progress with the training you will undoubtedly want to get clothing that won’t chafe, and will suit the season you’re training in. However, you should really invest in a pair of trainers that suit your running style. There are many running shops which can assess your ‘gait’ and give advice on the correct shoes.
- What should you eat, and drink whilst training? Correct nutrition andhydration are vital to ensure that your body is capable of doing the longer runs. Paying close attention to your diet is essential. To get you thinking as a runner, you need to be consuming plenty of ‘slow-release’ carbohydrate to provide energy, so a meal of pasta would be ideal. Don’t neglect your fluid intake, because your requirements will increase both for storing fuel in your muscles and because you will lose more through sweating.
- How much training do I need to do? Up to a point, the more training youdo the better. However it is vital that you allow for rest and recovery too. Your training plan should comprise a careful blend of long runs, recovery sessions, and faster-paced training as you build up your marathon specific endurance. For more information on training plans visit: http://www.realbuzz.com/shop/category/pdfs/
- How long will the race take me? That all depends on you, your fitnesslevels, your injuries, and your speed. It can take runners from anything from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours to finish the race. Remember that most races nowadays have timing chips, so you can ensure you measure your timing successfully.
So can I really do it? The answer to that question is YES! After all, over 600,000 finishers have completed the London Marathon. Progressing from non-runner to marathon finisher is always a real success story, and one that is genuinely achievable by following a correctly structured training plan that will help you towards your marathon goal. Preparing for, and completing a marathon is a great accomplishment and a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience. And, as well as achieving your goal, there is the great spin-off benefit too: improved health and fitness. So, if you are thinking of taking the plunge, then do it – realbuzz.com guarantee that it will be the experience of a lifetime.
Source: realbuzz.com