RUN WITH US!

PLEASE CHECK BACK HERE IN EARLY SEPTEMBER 2008 TO APPLY ONLINE FOR
A 2008-09 HARVARD COLLEGE MARATHON CHALLENGE (HCMC) SLOT.

IN THE INTERIM, KEEP IN MIND THAT POSTING RUNS TO OUR LISTSERV AND ATTENDING POSTED RUNS AND OTHER EVENTS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING A SLOT!

Want company running but don't necessarily wanna run a marathon? Join our listserv to meet other members of the Harvard community who enjoy group running! Lots of students and staff use our listserv to announce informal runs that span a wide range of distances and paces. Sometimes these runs are prearranged, and other times they occur on short notice. So whether you're a 12-minute miler or a 6-minute miler, you're welcome to join our listserv. At the very least, it's a great way to explore new running routes with others!

OVERVIEW FOR POTENTIAL OFFICIAL PARTICIPANTS

If you'd like to participate officially as a Harvard College Marathon Challenge (HCMC) runner/fundraiser — which means you'll receive a numbered bib for the 2009 Boston Marathon — then please read the rest of this page and submit one application. Do keep in mind that actively participating in runs posted to our listserv and actively posting to our listserv will increase your chances of getting a slot!

As a Harvard College Marathon Challenge (HCMC) participant, you'll be one of the few lucky folks at Harvard to receive a coveted official invitational charity entry for the 113th Boston Marathon, which will take place on Monday, April 20, 2009 (Patriots' Day). Between now and then, you'll have many opportunities to meet and train with other HCMC participants, in the process exploring vast tracts of heretofore unvisited areas around Cambridge, Boston, and other local communities. In exchange for the satisfaction, camaraderie, increased wellness, and sheer pleasure you'll derive from this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you'll also have the privilege of raising a few bucks for worthy causes that are well-known on campus. Since its inception in 2005-06, HCMC runners have raised over $125,000 for Project HEALTH and Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA)! In short, if you elect to participate in HCMC, you'll:

• improve your physical conditioning
• regularly leave the creature comforts of campus to venture forth into parts unknown
• help those who need it by facilitating charitable giving
• bask in the supreme post-achievement glory that'll envelop you when you cross the Finish Line
• have loads of fun along the way!

Are you now accepting online applications for the 2009 Boston Marathon?

Nope, not yet. But check back in August/September!

How many slots does Harvard College Marathon Challenge have for the 2009 Boston Marathon?

We don't know yet. In past years, we've had between 17 and 67 slots per year.

Who is eligible for an official HCMC slot?

You, if you are:

• a current Harvard undergraduate who, from September 2008 through April 2009, will be enrolled in good standing throughout this period and is not studying abroad or on a leave of absence at any time during this period;
• a current Harvard proctor, resident tutor, resident dean, or housemaster who is eager to train/run freqeuently with our student participants; or
• a Harvard staff member, administratror, or faculty member who works closely with Harvard undergraduates and is eager to train/run frequently with them.

Regardless of your eligibility or whether you get an official slot, we warmly welcome you to join our community of Harvard-affiliated runners by subscribing to the HCMC listserv.

Can I participate if I'm blind or mobility-impaired?

In most cases, yes, once you've been cleared by the Boston Athletic Association. If you fall into this category, please e-mail marathon@harvard.edu immediately, before the application process closes. We'd very much like to help you get a slot.

Can I participate if I play a varsity sport?

Definitely check first with your coach and then with your trainer. At least one of those two will probably tell you it's not a great idea.

Do I need to "time-qualify" (run really fast) in order to participate?

No! As an invitational entrant who is running for charity, you will not need to time-qualify in advance. Those familiar with the Boston Marathon know that this is a major bonus.

What if I've never run long distances before, or if I'm not very fast?

That'd make a you a typical participant, since this is an amateur event! After training up to it, most of our runners run the Marathon at a pace between 7.5-11 minutes/mile. But some run faster and some run slower. Preparing for a marathon is like writing a thesis, but with your body and your mind as joint beneficiaries of your efforts. You'll have, and you'll need, months to train physically and mentally for the Big Event. The good news is that you can take up to six (6) hours to complete the 26.2-mile course! That's the official maximum time limit, which equates to about a 13.5-minute mile. Remember, this isn't a race: it's a steady, measured, disciplined event that you'll work towards over time. Plus, running the Boston Marathon is very different from running on your own: there are huge crowds lining the entire Marathon route — spectators ranging from little kids to nursing home residents — and they'll all be cheering for you and supporting you no matter how fast or slow your're going. If you're on the fence about whether you want to run a marathon, then click here to see what previous HCMC participants had to say about their experiences.

What if my main interest is competitive marathon running and hopefully even time-qualifying for a future marathon?

Unless you're a veteran HCMC participant, HCMC probably wouldn't be a good fit for you. HCMC is largely about building a sustainable recreational running community in which competitive marathon running is unsupported and actively discouraged for first-time HCMC participants. If you join HCMC, you'll be expected to do some training runs with other participants who have lesser time and pace goals. But you should still definitely join our listserv and feel free to post your training runs anyway, because we always have some participants who are quite fast and who may want to run with you at your preferred pace!

What training program should I follow, and how long will training take?

Training programs abound for runners of all ability, experience, and distance levels. There are training programs for totally inexperienced runners; there are training programs for recreational runners; there are training programs for competitive short-distance and cross-country runners who want to try their first marathon; and there are training programs for veteran marathoners seeking to improve their performance. You should find a training program that feels comfortable for you. Here are some well-known training programs that span distances from 5K to a full marathon:

• Cool Running (scroll down for training programs)
• FIRST: Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (run only 3 days/week, but intensely)
• Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide
• Jeff Galloway's "low-mileage, injury-free training program"
• Runner's World (click on "marathon training")

If you're new to running, then you should start training for Boston before Thanksgiving. If you're already a recreational runner, then plan on training for at least 4 months (16 weeks).

How much is it gonna cost me?

The exact amount of the 2008-09 Registration Fee has not yet been set, but for reference, the 2007-08 Registration Fee was $210. You must pay the Registration Fee online, using a MasterCard or Visa debit card or credit card. Payment of the Registration Fee constitutes your official acceptance of your HCMC slot. The Registration Fee goes to the Boston Marathon organizers, not to Harvard College Marathon Challenge. It covers the Marathon's huge administrative costs, which include official bus transportation to the starting line, a long-sleeved T-shirt, a medal and ribbon at the end, extraordinary logistical support in between, and a bunch of other random goodies. Once you've paid the Registration Fee, you're officially "on board" as an HCMC participant!

I know there's fundraising involved. Where does the money go?

The funds you raise will benefit two charities that mean a lot to Harvard undergraduates: Project HEALTH and Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA). You'll choose the distribution ratio for your funds between these two charitable organizations (50/50, 75/25, 0/100).

How much money will I need to raise, and by when must I raise it?

The minimum fundraising amounts and dates for the next Boston Marathon have not yet been determined. Please check back this fall for updated information. Below are the minimum amounts that participants had to raise (or self-pay, if they chose) last year:

FUNDRAISING TABLE	3pm EST THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2007 (Interim Fundraising Benchmark #1)	3pm EST WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2008 (Interim Fundraising Benchmark #2)	3pm EST FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008 (Final Fundraising Deadline)
Anyone joining HCMC after March 21, 2008	N/A	N/A	$750
Undergraduates who are new to HCMC	$600	$1000	$2000
Undergraduates who previously participated in HCMC	$750	$1500	$2500
Non-undergraduates who are new to HCMC	$1000	$2000	$2500
Non-undergraduates who previously participated in HCMC	$1500	$2500	$3000

Now for the ultra-harsh rule: Failure to meet an interim fundraising benchmark will result in forfeiture of your official Marathon slot and your Registration Fee. To be fair to other participants and to our charities, this is non-negotiable. Furthermore, all donations are nonrefundable regardless of whether you run the Boston Marathon with HCMC. To keep this in perspective, almost all other Boston Marathon charities require each participant to raise at least $3000.

Fundraising sounds like a real hassle!

Yes, you may have to work hard to meet your fundraising benchmarks. But fear not, for we have enlisted the aid of a proven online service that puts the "fun" (back?) into fundraising! You needn't go door to door with a clipboard — those days are over. Instead you'll have your own personalized web page — kinda like Facebook — that takes credit card pledges. Runners love it because it's simple and allows them to track their online fundraising progress. Donors love it because they can read your page, see your picture, and leave little messages for you on your page (like a Facebook wall). Our service even sends automatic, customized, thank-you e-mails to each donor right after they've pledged. All you'll need to do is give your potential donors the web address for your page. It's an exceptionally user-friendly process for everyone! And of course, we'll take good old fashined check donations too.

How does the selection process work?

Traditionally, demand for slots has vastly exceeded supply. We try to ensure diverse participation across Houses and the Yard. We also want both inexperienced and somewhat experienced runners; both new and veteran HCMC participants; and some non-undergraduates (resident deans/tutors/proctors, etc.) in addition to the undergrads who will constitute the large majority of participants. Individuals who demonstrate their interest by participating in runs posted to our listserv, and by posting their own runs, will receive priority. Priority also goes to those who will be on campus next year, as those veterans are essential to sustained community-building and to carrying forward the HCMC tradition.

What if I really want to participate in HCMC? Is there any way to increase my chances of getting a slot?

Yes! Participate actively in HCMC events by going on runs posted to the listserv and by posting your own runs (and questions, etc.) to the listserv!

If I'm going to run the Marathon as an unregistered "bandit" runner anyway, can I increase my chances of getting an official HCMC slot by raising funds "unofficially" for HCMC's charities, which will demonstrate my commitment and dedication? And can those funds count towards my fundraising minimum if I do subsequently get an official HCMC slot?

No and no. We wish the answer were "yes" to both of these questions, because that would mean more money for our charities! However, HCMC is required to abide by an agreement that states we will not facilitate unregistered running in the Boston Marathon. So, this is non-negotiable: As an unregistered or "bandit" runner, whatever fundraising efforts you undertake on behalf of any charity can never count towards your HCMC fundraising minimum if you receive an HCMC slot in the future. Of course, you can still do whatever you want on your own (e.g., you could go to a fundraising website such as firstgiving.com and set up your own fundraising page to raise and give money to a particular charity). Just know that this cannot involve HCMC at all, and it won't increase your chances of getting an official HCMC slot.

When will you start offering the next batch of slots to applicants?

Probably in late September. Stay tuned for updates.

How will you offer slots?

Usually by e-mail, occasionally by phone.

Will you notify those who do not receive slots?

Probably not, because (a) the large number of applicants makes this logistically untenable, and (b) you may still be offered a slot later — perhaps months later — if someone relinquishes a slot.

If I'm offered a slot, must I accept it?

NO, you are free to decline the slot, so there's no downside whatsoever to applying!

If I'm offered a slot, can I give it away or sell it to someone else?

Selling slots is strictly prohibited. However, you may transfer your slot to another Harvard College undergraduate who wants to run, as long as you write that person's name in section (f) of the application form. Asking your non-runner friends to fill out an application with your name as transferee is a great way to increase your chances of receiving a slot!

What happens when I say, "YES, I want the slot!"?

You'll have a very brief window in which you must accept the slot by paying the Registration Fee. Then the fun begins! HCMC is a community effort, so we'll have a kickoff meeting followed by group runs and perhaps other events. We'll also give you suggested training programs and tips, as well as fundraising guidance if you need it.

What if I don't get a slot but I still really want to participate in HCMC?

We may have a wait list that we'll use when slots open up due to injury, illness, failure to meet fundraising minimums, or if we get more slots later. Wait list slots are not distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Rather, we use the wait list to reward folks who often post runs to our listserv and go on runs that others post. Your chances of receiving a wait list slot are much higher if you are an active listserv participant who runs regularly with us and posts runs. Keep checking this page in the fall, after the application process closes, for more information about how we'll handle distribution of slots after the first-round distribution has ended.

If I'm already running the Boston Marathon in an official, time-qualified slot, can I still volunteer to raise funds for PBHA and Project HEALTH through Harvard College Marathon Challenge?

YES, PLEASE! If you've time-qualified to run the Boston Marathon and have already registered to run it, then we'd love your help raising funds for our charities, and your volunteerism will serve as a tremendous inspiration to other HCMC participants! Please e-mail marathon@harvard.edu and we'll help you make these arrangements. Basically, you'll register online as an HCMC participant just like everyone else, except the Registration Fee and minimum fundraising requirements will of course be waived for you.

What if I have questions?

E-mail marathon@harvard.edu with your questions. We'd be happy to answer them! Apologies in advance if we don't reply immediately.

  Questions? E-mail marathon@harvard.edu
  ©2008 President and Fellows of Harvard College