The Support You’ll Receive

Training for a marathon or half marathon is definitely a challenge, and so is raising thousands of dollars for the fight
against AIDS.  If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it!  But with our support and your hard work, dedication, and perseverance, this experience will not only be successful but also one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.In the past ten years, we’ve trained more than 20,000 people who altogether have raised $80 million.  These people were not elite athletes or professional fundraisers.  They were just ordinary people who had an extraordinary goal.  Whether you are a beginner or you are an experienced marathoner, we will help you achieve your training objectives and make a tremendous difference in the lives of people living with AIDS.

Knowledgeable and Caring Coaches
Once you register and choose your weekend training site, we’ll assign you an experienced running Coach who will guide you through every stage of this endeavor to assure your success.  AIDS Marathon coaches are friendly and approachable, and they love sharing their knowledge about the sport of running.  Your Coach is a tremendous resource about marathon training, nutrition, injury prevention, running apparel, and how to survive (and enjoy) your first marathon.  Click here for more information about our
training program.

Supportive Program Reps
In addition to your Running Coach, you’ll also be getting a fundraising coach (a.k.a. Program Rep).  Our Program Reps’ job is to help you develop a fundraising plan and motivate you to raise thousands of dollars.  Most of our Program Reps are former AIDS Marathon participants.  So they really understand the challenge before you and what it takes to help you succeed.  You can call or email your Program Rep to ask questions, get advice, or brainstorm fundraising ideas or visit them in the AIDS Marathon office Monday through Friday.  Click here for more information about fundraising.

Your Pace Group
Training for a marathon is more fun and supportive when you’re part of a group.  So when you come to one of our weekend training sites, you’ll never run alone.   Each AIDS Marathoner will be assigned to a “pace group”, a group of participants who run at the same pace as you do.  They are basically your fitness peers.  Whether you are fast or slow (or somewhere in between), you’ll find plenty of others who have the same ability.  Your pace group will train together each weekend and gradually, you will increase your endurance and experience new milestones each week.  Your pace group will be there for you each step of the way, all the while providing additional encouragement and motivation.   You will laugh together, share stories and maybe even shed a few tears of joy as you cross the finish line together.  The support you receive from your pace group will make your experience the best that it can be.  The members of your pace group may become some of your closest friends, as you will share an experience with them like no other you’ve had before! Visit our home page to watch our short inspirational video. You'll get a glimpse of the AIDS Marathon spirit and support that will surround you on your journey!