Click on a question or simply scroll down to read all questions.
How many miles is a marathon? A half marathon?
Is there a minimum fitness-level requirement?
What is Asha for Education?
What is Team Asha?
What does the Team Asha marathon training program provide?
What are the costs that I need to bear?
What kind of commitment is expected from the runners?
I have never raised money for a cause. How do I raise 2,000+ dollars?
What happens if I don’t make my fundraising minimum?
Where do the funds I raise go?
How much money actually goes towards the cause?
When does the program begin? Is there a last date to join?
When and where is the marathon I’ll be training for?
I might be interested but I’m just not sure. Where can I get more information?
I’m in. Where do I go from here?
How many miles is a marathon? A half marathon?
A marathon is 26.2 miles; a half marathon is 13.1 miles.
Is there a minimum fitness-level requirement?
There isn’t a minimum fitness level to join the training program. However, as with any exercise program, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before beginning physical training.
Every year we get a lot of runners who are new to endurance sports, especially running. 99% of first-time runners have successfully completed both full and half marathons.
What is Asha for Education?
Asha for Education is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to bringing socio-economic change in India using primarily the medium of education. To read more about Asha’s charter and projects please visit our website.
TEAM ASHA is a premier endurance sports program that trains people for
half and full marathons. It is organized by Asha for
Education and is one of its key avenue for raising funds.
Through this program, we hope to encourage people – both new to
the world of endurance running as well as experienced runners –
to make a physical and fiscal commitment to help provide a better future
for underprivileged children in India.
What does the Team Asha training program provide?
- A comprehensive marathon-training package (for full and half marathons)
conducted by professional, experienced coaches. - Schedules for everyday training. This will be a well-paced training
program consisting of hard-training days, easy-training days, rest days,
suggestions for cross-training, strength training and more. - The opportunity to draw from the experience of coaches and past runners.
- The opportunity to network with past marathoners and fellow runners
in the local community. - The opportunity to discuss ideas with past participants and people who have
raised funds. - Clinics on running techniques, injury prevention and diagnosis, gear selection, etc.
- Nutrition clinics (how to train your body to burn energy over
sustained periods of time). - Track workouts
What are the costs that I need to bear?
There is an initial, nonrefundable registration fee of $60 or $75(depending on when you register.
Other costs include race registrations (we will negotiate a charity group discount that can be
used during registration for major races), running gear like shoes, apparel etc, food/drink
supplies during long runs. Finally, depending on the marathon you choose, you will bear your
travel expenses.
What kind of commitment is expected from the runners?
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I have never raised money for a cause. How do I raise $1500 dollars?
This is a very valid concern that every new member of Team Asha has. We will help you with ideas,
materials, fundraising clinics etc to help you with your fundraising. Till date, more than 99% of our runners have
successfully met the fundraising targets.
What happens if I am unable to meet my fundraising target?
Team Asha mentors and other Asha volunteers will work with you throughout the program and
beyond to help you honor your pledge of raising the target amount. Please see this program as a means
of supporting and encouraging the underpriviliged children and not simply a marathon-training program.
Without your fundraising efforts, it would be difficult for Asha to continue
supporting these projects. We urge you to do your best to honor your commitment in helping these children.
If in the end you still fail to reach the target then you are required to cover the balance by yourself.
Where do the funds I raise go?
The funds raised will go towards some selected projects. You will have
the opportunity to learn about the
projects for which you’ll be helping to raise money.
How much money actually goes towards the cause?
Our operating expenses are minimal and are covered with funds raised through special events like
the Spring Run as well as the registration fees that you pay. Hence more than 97% of the
funds you raise will go to projects.
When does the program begin? Is there a last date to join?
Please see the main page for details.
I’m in. Where do I go from here?
Register for the program.
Apply online or mail us the registration form and fee. Welcome to Team Asha!