FAQ
What is Crohn’s & Colitis Team Challenge? Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s half marathon training program that raises critical dollars for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis research, while it trains you to cross the finish line at a half marathon. You’ll train over approximately 16 weeks for a specific half marathon, will be given fundraising advice and assistance, and then travel as a team to an exciting location for race weekend.
What are Crohn’s and colitis?Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, unpredictable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
How can I find a team in my area?There are teams forming around the country for several upcoming half marathons. Simply
click here and enter your zip code to find the team closest to you.
What if I don’t live near a training site?If you don’t live near a training site, you can join our National Team. You’ll benefit from the same training, just over e-mail and the phone.
How can I sign up for the program?Come to one of our information meetings to learn more,
click here to find a meeting in your area. You can meet a coach, talk to a Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation staff person, and learn more about how you can help bring hope and support advanced research in the battle against Crohn’s and colitis. You can also fill out the ‘Tell Me More’
form—and someone from your area will get in touch with you to sign you up for the program.
What is training like?You and your teammates will be trained in a group by professional coaches over approximately 16 weeks. You’ll meet at local parks, trails, or tracks, and run or walk together on the weekends or weekday afternoons. Your coaches will help you get ready for the big day by offering free clinics on fitness, injury prevention, nutrition and other relevant topics. If you don’t live near a group that’s training, you have the option of training remotely on the
National Team — you’ll be given the same guidance, just via conference calls, email and phone calls. You’ll create memories as you train with others like you, and we’ll help you get ready, whether or not you’ve run or walked this far before.
How much money am I expected to raise?Fundraising minimums vary from race to race. Learn more at an Information Meeting in your area!
How does Team Challenge help me reach my fundraising goal?We’ll give you all the tools necessary for you to reach your fundraising goal—and help you have fun with it! We’ll supply you with a free fundraising Web site—and will offer advice on online fundraising and site design. We’ll offer clinics where you’ll learn about fundraising statistics, letter writing, party planning, corporate sponsorships, matching gifts and more.
Who benefits from the money I raise?The funds you raise through Crohn’s & Colitis Team Challenge directly benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and support its mission to find cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, and more than 83 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org).
What do you cover the costs of?When you commit to fundraising, we commit to covering the cost of your transportation, accommodations, race entry fees, professional coaching and admission to parties at event weekend.
What happens on race weekend?You’ll travel with your teammates, coaches, and Foundation staff to the race. Throughout the weekend, you’ll celebrate together and have free time to explore wherever you are. Highlights include a pre-race pasta party, entertainment along the half marathon course, and a post-race victory party.