Frequently Asked Questions

What is Team Lifeline?
Team Lifeline is an innovative and effective training program that will help get you ready to run or walk the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. In the process, you’ll be raising money for Chai Lifeline, an organization dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families, and its two incredible, medically supervised overnight camps for very sick children and teenagers.

What is Chai Lifeline?
Chai Lifeline is the international children’s health support organization that provides crucial emotional, social and financial assistance to seriously ill children, their families and communities. Chai Lifeline’s twenty-five, free, year-round programs and services bring joy and hope to children’s lives and allow each member of the family to cope with the crises and long-term repercussions of serious pediatric illnesses. Among Chai Lifeline’s diverse offerings are art therapy, counseling, family retreats, recreational and social programming, crisis intervention, sibling programs, insurance support, family days and holiday parties, and of course, Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, incredible overnight summer experiences designed to meet the medical and social needs of children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses. Chai Lifeline is an acknowledged leader in pioneering new solutions to the challenges facing sick kids and their families.

For more information on Chai Lifeline’s programs and services, visit the Chai Lifeline website at www.chailifeline.org.

What kind of training does Team Lifeline provide?
Whether you choose to walk or run, are an experienced runner or a first time runner, Team Lifeline will help train you to complete either the half or full marathon. Participants receive a series of training programs from which to choose. You decide how you want to train based on your current skill level and goals.
In addition, Team Lifeline offers online coaching that gives runners access to experienced runners and coaches. Our Team Lifeline mentors will guide you through the training process. In addition, Team Lifeline will organize group runs and health and fitness seminars in areas with significant numbers of Team Lifeline participants.

What else does Team Lifeline provide?
In addition to training, Team Lifeline participants receive
• Roundtrip airfare to Miami
• Hotel accommodations for three nights (Friday through Monday)
• Guaranteed race admission and all associated fees
• Pre race pasta party and post race victory party
• Optional Shabbat meals and services (extra charge)
• Fundraising assistance
• Inspiration and motivation
• The opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a wonderful race experience
• The satisfaction of helping 3,000 children worldwide who are living with serious pediatric illness.

What do Team Lifeline participants do in return?

To receive the benefits listed about Team Lifeline, participants commit to raising a minimum of $3,600 if traveling within the United States and Canada, and $4,500 for each participant requiring travel from abroad. Runners/walkers who do not need airfare or lodging are required to raise a minimum of $3,000 each, but can participate in the training program and will receive fundraising assistance. There is also a special reduced fundraising requirement of $3,000 for participants of family teams (parent-child, husband wife, or sibling team).

Even if you've never raised money for an organization before, our materials and strategies will make it easy to solicit and collect pledges from friends, family, colleagues, neighbors and others.

We will provide you with materials and suggestions that simplify the process and enhance your chances of reaching your personal goal for the race. You\'ll have the benefit of our proven strategies for reaching potential donors as well as access to the Team Lifeline website for online contributions.

Experience has shown that it is not only possible but easy to reach this goal by reaching out to the widest possible group of potential donors. You will be surprised how friends, family and co-workers will respond to your effort to run/walk a half or full marathon to help this wonderful cause.

Team Lifeline will be with you every step of the way to help you reach your goal!

I never run. Will I be able to finish a ½ or full marathon?
Absolutely! One of Team Lifeline’s training programs is geared towards the novice runner. The combination of Team Lifeline’s training program, online coaching, support network and the motivation to raise money for a good cause is exactly what a novice runner needs.

How long is the training period?
Approximately four months.

What is the course like for the Miami Marathon and Half-Marathon?
The ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon are run on a flat, single loop course that traverses through some of Miami’s most beautiful and interesting neighborhoods. For more information on the event, please visit the marathon website at www.ingmiamimarathon.com.

I live in the Miami Area, is my fundraising target different?
Yes. Those who live in the Miami area and do not need hotel rooms or flights will need to only raise $3,000 for Chai Lifeline. Team Lifeline will coordinate training teams, offer fundraising assistance and cover race fees. In addition, Miami area runners will be able to participate in the Pre-race pasta party and the post-race victory party and receive a team lifeline t-shirt.