Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon Team

IN-PERSON RACE

When does the application open?

The application open date is determined by the B.A.A., but we anticipate they will open on or around September 11.

Who can apply to run the Boston Marathon with the Brigham Stepping Strong Team?

Anyone 18+ years old by race day and who believes in the mission of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is willing to commit to raising critical funds to support The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation. First-time runners, experienced marathoners, Brigham employees, grateful patients, and friends are all welcome to run with the Brigham’s Stepping Strong Marathon Team in one of the most elite road races in the world.

What does The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at the Brigham do?

The mission of The Stepping Strong Center is to catalyze multidisciplinary collaborations that inspire groundbreaking innovation, effective prevention, and compassionate intervention to transform care for civilians and military heroes who endure traumatic injuries and events. To learn more visit bwhsteppingstrong.org.

Can qualified runners join the team, and if so, what is the fundraising commitment?

Yes! Anyone who secures a bib on their own and is registered through the B.A.A. can join the team. Qualified runners are asked to commit to a fundraising minimum of $1,000 and must complete an application..

When will I know if I am on the team?

Each application will be reviewed by a selection committee and runners will be accepted on a rolling basis. We send out updates throughout the recruitment period and have the intention of filling the team as quickly as possible.

What is my personal fundraising commitment?

Runners who need a Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) bib number will be responsible for raising a minimum of $7,500 as set forth by the B.A.A. Top consideration will be given to those applicants who commit to raising more than $8,500 and who provide a detailed fundraising plan to support their commitment. We encourage all fundraising commitments to be met by marathon day. However, the deadline to fulfill your fundraising commitment is June 1, 2024.

All teammates running for the Brigham Stepping Strong team will be required to have an on-line fundraising page on TeamRaiser.

When is the fundraising deadline?

Runners of the 2024 Brigham Stepping Strong Marathon team are responsible for meeting 3 fundraising deadlines:

January 31, 2024: $2,000 fundraising threshold

March 31, 2024: $5,000 fundraising threshold

June 1, 2024: Remaining fundraising commitment

All team members must provide a valid credit card per the runner contract (sent to runners when accepted to the team) to participate. If you do not reach the $2,000 fundraising threshold by January 31, 2024 and the $5,000 fundraising threshold by March 31, 2024, we will charge the difference to the credit card provided. If you do not reach your fundraising commitment by the June 1, 2024 deadline, we will charge the difference to the credit card provided.

What happens if I need to withdraw?

Should you need to withdraw from the team for any reason, including injury, you will need to inform us in writing at marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu before January 1, 2024. If your spot on the team can be filled from a waitlist, you will be released from your fundraising commitment. If your spot on the team is not filled before the official list of 2024 Boston Marathon Program runners is submitted to the B.A.A. in late-January, you will still be responsible for your fundraising commitment. B.A.A. bib numbers are non-transferrable once the paperwork is submitted to the B.A.A. Any donations raised and received by the Brigham will not be refunded, even if you cancel before January 1, 2024.

Do I have to pay any fees to join the team?

All Brigham Stepping Strong Team members are required to pay an entry fee to the B.A.A. (subject to change per the B.A.A.) that is separate from your fundraising efforts. The Brigham covers all other program expenses.

GENERAL

Does the Brigham Stepping Strong Team accept Matching Gifts?

Many companies match employee charitable contributions. You can check with your employer to see if your company has this program and ask donors if their employers match gifts. Many companies issue matching gift checks quarterly or semi-annually. Therefore, if you plan to use a match to reach your fundraising minimum, it is your responsibility to contact the matching company to ensure the match and then send the Brigham the matching gift information. Matching gifts can be counted towards your fundraising if you advise the team appropriately.

What type of training will I get?

We engage a running coach, John Furey, to lead the physical training efforts for our team. He leads all personalized coaching with teammates of all running levels—from beginners to experienced marathoners. You can visit his website, furey262.com, to learn more.

What is the Brigham's relationship with the Boston Athletic Association?

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a proud partner of the B.A.A.’s Boston Marathon Official Charity Program. Thanks to the support of B.A.A., the Brigham is able to raise critical funds to support The Stepping Strong Center with a goal of accelerating multidisciplinary trauma care for the benefit of patients worldwide.

To learn more, contact Ali Luthman at marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or 857 505 1225. For information about Stepping Strong news, events, and funded program areas visit https://steppingstrong.bwh.harvard.edu/.