Our biggest event of the year will be held on Halloween in Washington, DC at the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and 10K. Both races begin at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, wind their way through Washington, and end at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Rosslyn, Virginia.

This will be our second year as charity participants and we hope to surpass last year's amazing fundraising amount of $42,000. Can you help us? Team Kam has secured 25 race entries for each event, so grab your bib while supplies last! Contact Kelli at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about joining our marathon team. For more information about the marathon itself, please see their comprehensive website at www.marinemarathon.com.

Runners are required to raise a minimum of $1,000 to compete in this year's marathon. If you don't think you'll be able to complete the marathon or raise the required funds, you can sign up for the 10K on the same morning. The required fundraising minimum for the 6.2 mile race is $500. Participants are entitled to the same Team Kam benefits as the marathoners (see below).

To join our marathon team, please start by filling out our application and returning it to Kelli at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Once your application has been approved, you will be asked to sign off on our Terms and Conditions.

If you would like to sponsor a runner for the Marine Corps Marathon or 10K, please click here.
 

Can I really run a marathon? Is it difficult to raise $1,000?

Yes and no. Anyone in relatively good health can complete a marathon, even if it means walking the whole distance. It's obviously a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning to train, but if you've ever been on the sidelines during a marathon, you've probably been surprised by the types of people in the race. Old, young, overweight or underweight, fast or slow, if you put your mind to it and train properly, you can cross the finish line.

On this site we offer some tips on training, as well as an opportunity to pair you up with a running partner in your area. We aren't making any official endorsements regarding the training resources we provide, but we'd like to offer ideas and tips in case you need someplace to start.  Review some our training resources on our training page.

Additional information about the marathon, fundraising and marathon weekend:

1) By joining Team Kam for The JMML Foundation and raising funds for JMML research, you will receive a bib (registration) for your race, as well as two tickets to our carbo-loading pasta dinner the evening before the race, a gift from Team Kam and The JMML Foundation, training advice from our site and access to our marathon mentors, the opportunity to be paired with a running buddy, and a chance to win a prize for the most funds raised. (Note: Our most sponsored runner in 2009 raised over $2,800...and she came over from London to run!)

2) Fundraising is not as difficult as you might think. In fact, one of our 2009 runners raised over $1,000 in just under 24 hours! Our fundraising page gives plenty of ideas on how to gather those funds. It's easiest to get donations in one lump sum in any amount, but you could also ask folks to sponsor you per mile. People have the option of donating online, or in person by cash or check. Please refer to our donation page for more information.

3) A pace of 14 min/mile will need to be kept in order to finish the race. Participants not finishing the first 19 miles at that pace will be asked to board the straggler's bus and return to the starting line. If you'd rather run a shorter distance, ask us about the 10K.

4) If you are looking for a training partner, email us so we can connect you with a runner in your area.

5) For those of you coming from out of town, please let us know if you want help finding a place to stay anytime that weekend. We can give you some pointers on where to stay and how to get around town.

6) We will have a pasta party the night before the race so we can carbo-load and mingle before the big event. We are planning the dinner at an Italian restaurant in downtown DC. We'll even have an after-party on Sunday at a neighborhood bar to discuss our accomplishments and swap stories.

For any and all questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kelli at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  
No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.