Registration
Q: How many entries do Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and Team Challenge have for the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k?
A: There are an unlimited number of entries available for this event. After the first 8-weeks, participants will have the ability to either recommit or drop from the program. We call this our recommitment period. At that time, teammates who recommit are required to fulfill their fundraising commitment of $2,000 by April 24, 2024. .
Q: Why am I required to give credit card information?
A: In the unlikely event that you do not reach your fundraising commitment of $2,000 by the deadline (April 24, 2024), your credit card on file will be charged the difference. Don’t worry — our team will be there every step of the way to help you reach and exceed your goal!
Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: Yes, all participants must pay a $15 registration fee at the time of their registration.
Q: I have my own entry into the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K. Can I still be a part of Team Challenge?
A: Absolutely! We'd love for you to join Team Challenge. All teammates who fundraise $2,000 or more with Team Challenge receive a host of benefits and perks during training and event weekend. For this reason, we ask that anyone who would like to join Team Challenge, but has already registered with their own entry to the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, to re-register as a member of Team Challenge. Once the $2,000 fundraising commitment has been reached, participants will be eligible for reimbursement of the expense incurred when initially registering on their own. Please contact teamchallenge@crohnscolitisfoundation.org for more information.
Q: What if I register and then can no longer participate?
A: After the first 8-weeks, participants will have the ability to either recommit or drop from the program. Teammates who complete the recommitment paperwork (regardless of their ability to participate on race day) must fulfill their fundraising commitment of $2,000 by April 24, 2024. Please understand we need this assurance to continue incurring program costs and securing event weekend activity details on your behalf. If you feel uncertain about meeting your fundraising commitment, please connect with your team manager to evaluate your fundraising progress and get help in developing a successful course of action. We know that it is possible to raise the funds and we are here to help you reach your goal!
Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k
Q: When is the 2024 Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
A: The 2024 Maine Coast Half Marathon and 5K will take place on May 4, 2024 and the Marathon on May 5, 2024.
Q: What can I expect at the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
A: The Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K takes you through some of Maine’s most beautiful coastlines, white-sand beaches, and pristine marshes, the course is the perfect way to experience some of Maine’s most breathtaking natural beauty. With an option to complete a Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K, the race is perfect for runners of all levels.
Q: How do I find more information about the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K?
A: For more race day information, please visit the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K website.
Q: Where can I share my Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5Kphotos?
A: We love seeing you on race day! Please submit your photos to teamchallenge@crohnscolitisfoundation.org and tag us on Instagram @teamchallenge_crohnscolitisfn.
Fundraising
Q: Is there a fundraising commitment?
A:Yes, all Team Challenge participants are required to raise funds and reach their fundraising minimum once they recommit after the first 8 weeks of the season. Fundraising commitments vary and are based on the event in which you are participating. To participate in the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, you commit to raising $2,000. But not to worry, our team is there to help you reach your goals!
Q: When is the fundraising deadline?
A: To help keep you on track, there are two fundraising deadlines in your Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K journey. The first milestone is our recommitment period, which is halfway through the season (8 weeks). By this point, we recommend that you are at least a quarter of the way to your fundraising commitment. Participants will have the ability to fully commit to the fundraising minimum and deadline at that time, or drop from the program. The second milestone and final fundraising deadline is April 24, 2024.
Q: I’m registered for the event but am no longer able to participate. Do I still need to raise funds?
A: Once you have signed the Team Challenge recommitment paperwork (8 weeks through the season), you are officially committed to fundraising on behalf of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Due to the expenses incurred for teammates, and to ensure that a majority of the funds raised go towards the foundation’s mission, we do not allow drops from the program after that time. The fundraising minimums are set based on the program expenses to ensure that we keep our costs at no more than 25% of the funds raised. Thus, your commitment is extremely important, maintaining the credibility of the fundraising program to all of our donors. Recommitted participants, regardless of their ability to run/walk on race day, must fulfill their fundraising commitment.
Q: How do I raise money?
A: Once you register, you'll receive access to your fundraising dashboard and a link to your personal fundraising page, where you can create customized content, send emails, connect your fundraising page to a Facebook fundraiser, and more. Plus, our extraordinary team will be there with you to help guide your fundraising and training every step of the way!
Q: To whom do I make checks payable and where do I mail it to?
A: Please make checks payable to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Read our offline donation form for more information.
Q: How do I ensure check donations are allocated toward my goal?
A: Please ensure that your name is on the check memo line of the donation before mailing it and accompanying any check donations with this offline donation form.
Q: Where does the money I raise go?
A: The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the quality of life for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). More than 10 million people worldwide are affected by these diseases — when you hit the coastlines in Maine, you’ll be running/walking for them. Read how the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation puts dollars raised by programs like Team Challenge to work.
Perks
Q: What perks does Team Challenge offer?
A: When you join the Team Challenge family, you’ll receive your Team Challenge T-shirt race entry to the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, and a discounted hotel rate local to the race destination. Also included are bi-weekly team calls with your coaches, managers, and other teammates, professional coaching, a 16-week training guide and fundraising resources. In addition, you can look forward to a fun race weekend with a happy hour meet-and-greet upon arrival, a final team shakeout run/walk, dinner celebration and a post-race celebration!
Q: How can I connect with other Team Challenge coaches and members of the Team Challenge family?
A: When you join the Team Challenge family, you’ll gain access to our Strava Club and Facebook Group! Additionally, you’ll be able to connect with teammates on our bi-weekly marathon team calls.
Training
Q: Does Team Challenge provide training support?
A: Yes! Coaching and training support will be offered to all registered participants. For the Maine Coast Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, there is a 16-week training plan available.
Q: Is there an additional cost for training?
A: No. Your $15 registration fee helps cover the cost associated with the coaching and training plans.
Contact Us
Q: Questions?
A: Please contact us at teamchallenge@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.