Special Events
Strides for Hope
What is Strides for Hope?
Strides for Hope is a charity marathon training team in which participants raise money in exchange for receiving a comprehensive program to help them prepare to participate in a marathon, half marathon, or 5K.
Click here to purchase Strides for Hope Ribbons.
Upcoming Strides for Hope Races:
St. Luke’s Hospital Half Marathon & 5K
Location: Allentown, PA (Lehigh Parkway)
April 25, 2010
Training Begins: January 2010
The Strides for Hope program is designed for both veteran and novice runners and walkers. Experienced individuals can improve their performance or the first-timer can prepare their minds and bodies to complete a race. Remember, runners are not made overnight. People become runners with intelligent and consistent training.
What are the Benefits for Team Members?
Personalized Training Program
- Comprehensive personalized training program
- Support and motivation in our group environment
- Presentations on injury prevention, nutrition, etc.
- Tips on form, technique, apparel and equipment
Team Apparel
- Strides for Hope team running shirt
Social Gatherings
- Kick-off party
- Mid-Training get-together
- Post event Victory Party
Committed Staff Support
- Regular event & training updates
- Fundraising tips and guidance to help reach your goal
- Stationery, pledge forms and samples for letter writing campaign
What Does the Training Program Include?
Because each team member is different, our trainer(s) will work with each individual to design a personalized training program for both runners and walkers. The training program is designed to meet the needs of the rookie runner or walker, the average runner or competitive walker and the competitive runner or veteran marathoner.
In addition to weekly individual running/walking schedules, the training includes organized group long runs/walks held every weekend at various location throughout the area. The program includes informational presentations focusing on topics such as injury prevention, nutrition, selecting the best running shoes, and a pre-race preparation review. Our trainer(s) will also make themselves available to answer questions. A complete training packet is provided upon registration. With the help of our experienced trainer(s) and the support and camaraderie of your team members, you can achieve your goal!
What Kind of Time Commitment Do I Need to Make?
Making a commitment to the training is vital to enjoying a successful race experience, but it doesn’t require as much time as you might think! The program consists of three days of running or walking during the week with relatively lower mileage. You fit these workouts into your own schedule at a time and location that is best for you.
Group long workouts are scheduled once a week on (alternating) weekend mornings. The long workouts are the most important part of the training and provide you with an opportunity to disprove the old adage about “the loneliness of the long distance athlete.” The encouragement and support you will give and receive from fellow teammates and coaches will make the long run/walks much easier. Long workouts are held in locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. Long workouts start in the early morning so you can get the training in and get on with the rest of your day.
Our half marathon training program will start in January and continue for sixteen weeks until the race. The 5K training program will begin in February and continue for twelve weeks. Each program will be led by an experienced trainer and mentors who have run or walked in races with Strides in the past.
I Run, But Not More Than a Few Miles … How Can I Run 13 Miles?
With the right attitude, commitment and a solid training program, anyone can complete a race. If you are already able to run 30 minutes at a time, you are at a great place to start a training program.
If I am a Walker, Can I Still Participate in Strides?
Absolutely! If you are a walker, you can participate in the 5K. The mission of Strides for Hope is to raise funds and awareness for The Wellness Community – GLV. You don’t need to be the first person across the finish line!
Who are the Trainers and What Kind of Support Can I Expect?
Strides for Hope has one of the best training teams in town and looks forward to a 100% completion rate! Our experienced trainer(s) will be with you every step of the way with expert advice, encouragement and support.
Half Marathon Trainer/Mentors: Mark Will-Weber, Ellen Bishop
5K Trainer/Mentors: TBD
What is The Wellness Community? Why Should I Raise Money for Them?
The Wellness Community is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people with cancer and their loved ones enhance their health and well-being by providing a professional program of emotional support, education and hope. Through participation in professionally led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body/spirit classes, people living with cancer and their family and friends learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of disease.
The Wellness Community has been designed to promote comfort and safety in a warm, home-like setting, which allows people to connect with and learn from each other. Programs are available for adults and of all ages and cancer diagnoses and are offered free of charge.
How Much Money Do I Have to Raise?
For the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon and 5K, each person is asked to raise a minimum of $500. A small portion of the money raised will be used to cover the expenses of the training program. The remainder of the money will be used to support programs and services at The Wellness Community – GLV.
How Do I Raise the Money?
Fundraising is easier than you might think. When you share your commitment and dedication to supporting people with cancer, you’ll be pleased at the generosity of others. Veteran Strides for Hope team members have been surprised how relatively simple it is to raise money for a cause that effects so many people. Many past team members have raised well over the minimum fundraising goal doing nothing more than sending letters to their family and friends! A complete fundraising packet and letter writing campaign materials are provided upon registration to help you meet this goal and our experienced fundraising staff will be available to help you with fundraising suggestions and support.
When Does the Money Have to be Turned In?
Fundraising deadlines will be followed throughout the program. Team members are required to turn in all of their donations prior to the day of the race.
What Kind of Financial Investment Do I Have to Make?
A $50 registration fee is required. You will need to invest in the stamps and use your personal envelopes for your letter writing campaign. You may also need to purchase some training items including walking/running apparel, athletic shoes, water bottle, etc. Our trainer(s) will help you determine what you will need.
Can I Participate In Honor or Memory of Someone with Cancer?
As you begin this personal challenge, your inspiration is knowing that your commitment will support cancer patients as they face their own personal challenge of fighting for recovery and improved quality of life at The Wellness Community. You can participate in honor or memory of someone you know who has been touched by cancer, or we can partner you with a cancer patient who would be honored to serve as your inspiration during your training.
I’m a Cancer Survivor; Can I Participate to Celebrate My Survivorship?
Many cancer survivors have participated in Strides for Hope as a way to celebrate their survivorship. Your participation will not only be a personal accomplishment but also provides inspiration and hope to others living with cancer. Celebrate your survivorship by joining our team! Again, we request that you consult your physician prior to joining Strides for Hope to obtain approval for participation in the training program.
I’m Still Not Sure, How Can I Find Out More About the Program?
The Wellness Community will conduct several information seminars in the Fall/Winter of 2008. Check back for more information or call The Wellness Community at 610.861.7555.
I Want to Join the Team, How Do I Sign Up?
To register for Strides for Hope in Training for the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon and 5K, you can either call TWC at 610.861.7555 or see next page for a registration form and return it along with your $50 non-refundable registration fee. Make checks payable to The Wellness Community – GLV. Upon receipt of your paid registration, you will receive a complete fundraising packet and detailed information about the training program. If you have further questions please call The Wellness Community at 610.861.7555 or e-mail us at infoglv@thewellnesscommunity.org.