The Dirt

What is “26 Miles for 26 Charities”?

Now in its 5th year, 26 Miles for 26 Charities (26 for 26) is offering a training program for athletes interested in raising funds and completing the 2012 LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday, February 19, 2012.

26 Miles for 26 Charities is the philanthropy program of the LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon®. 26 Miles for 26 Charities provides Central Texas non-profits with the opportunity to advance community awareness while raising money to support their mission through runner involvement.

The LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon provide us with an amazing opportunity to showcase our city to the world. 26 Miles for 26 Charities is a great way to highlight the many wonderful organizations who selflessly give back to our community. How does the training program work?

A weekly schedule will be provided with the following levels for both marathon and half marathon training:

• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Beginner
• Walker

Long runs/walks will be coached and supported on Saturday mornings. As training progresses, long runs/walks will be hosted on the actual race course. We will encourage participants to join together for runs/walks during the week. Training as a “team” is a primary key to getting to the finish line and having fun along the way.

During the marathon, each participating charity hosts a water stop along the race course. During the training, the charities will have the opportunity to “practice” hosting a water stop for the runners.

How much does the training program cost?

Most marathon programs charge $200 – $300. Team 26 for 26 is provided to charity runners/walkers for $25. In order to receive the training, a participant must commit to raising money for one of our selected charities. More information about each charity, including their primary contacts, can be found at www.youraustinmarathon.com. Each charity has their own fundraising requirements, so you will need to contact them directly for their goals. As part of the registration, each participant will receive a Team 26 for 26 technical t-shirt.

How do I get started?

To register, please click here. 

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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE MAMMA JAMMA RIDE!

With your support, we have raised $391,285.91 in 2011 for eleven organizations including SFC!

Based on a recent study conducted in the UK, 42% of breast cancers there could have been prevented through a healthy diet and exercise. Luckily, here in Austin, we have the The Mamma Jamma Ride, which was held on October 1, raised much needed funds for Sustainable Food Center’s mission to increase access to affordable, nutritious foods to prevent breast cancer and other diet-related disease.  Doing this Ride each year is a great opportunity to help our cause; please join us again next year and be part of the nation’s largest bike ride to raise money for breast cancer prevention and treatment.  There are many ways to be involved – whether it’s as a Rider (join our team!), as a Crew Volunteer, or as a generous Donor!  All proceeds of the Ride stay local: What’s Raised Here, Stays Here!  There is a distance for every Rider, ranging from 13 to 100 miles, and loads of fun volunteer opportunities. 

Learn more about how YOU can be involved in providing care for thousands of people; it’s as fun and easy as riding a bike!

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The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation hosted its inaugural Be Well Walk designed to encourage Austin’s families to make informed and simple changes to improve nutrition and increase physical activity. The walk was held Sunday, October 2, 2011 at 4 p.m. at Longhorn Shores on Lady Bird Lake, and all proceeds benefited local non-profits working to make Austin a healthier community. 

This year, 15 partner organizations were chosen who aligned with the Foundation’s mission of increasing access to nutrition and physical activity and promoting healthy behaviors.  Participating organizations include: ACTIVELife, Austin Sunshine Camps, Born to Run, Camp Fire USA Balcones Council, Explore Austin, Lone Star Circle of Care, Marathon Kids, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living/CATCH, People's Community Clinic, Sustainable Food Center, Texas Center for Treatment and Prevention of Childhood Obesity, Trail Foundation, Westcave Preserve, Whole Kids Foundation and YMCA of Austin.  

Each group was responsible for raising $5,000, registering 100 walkers for the event and having 100 walkers cross the finish line. Upon meeting these goals, each organization received a matching $5,000 donation from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

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Whether you enjoy running, walking or bicycling, there are opportunities to support SFC's mission via physical activity year-round!