Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Team Lifeline?
• What is Chai Lifeline?
• What kind of training does Team Lifeline provide?
• What’s the Team Lifeline weekend experience?
• How can I be part of Team Lifeline?
• How can I achieve these goals?
• Will I be able to finish a half or full marathon?
• How long is the training period?
• How do I begin?

1. What is Team Lifeline?

Team Lifeline is an innovative and effective training program that will help novice runners get ready to run or walk a marathon or half-marathon, and will help experienced runners reach their personal goals. 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 magical, medically supervised overnight camps for very sick children and teenagers- Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special.

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2. 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 two-dozen, 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 daily challenges of 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 claimed leader in pioneering new solutions to the challenges facing sick children and their families.

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

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3. What kind of training does Team Lifeline provide?

Whether you choose to walk or run, are an experienced athlete or a former couch potato, Team Lifeline’s training program will get you ready to complete either the full or half-marathon of your choice. (See the 2010-2011 Race Schedule by clicking here.)  Toby Tanser, the official Team Lifeline coach, inspires runners to achieve their personal bests through interactive online coaching, weekly training tips, and answers to your questions.

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4. What’s the Team Lifeline race weekend experience?

Once you reach your fund raising minimum, Team Lifeline provides Las Vegas and Miami participants

• Roundtrip airfare to the destination city
• Hotel accommodations for three nights
• Guaranteed race admission and the payment of all associated fees
• Kosher pre-race pasta and post-race victory parties
• Optional Shabbat meals (There is an extra charge for these meals.)
• An exciting three days spent with hundreds of people all running with the goal of bringing happiness to seriously ill children.

Team Lifeline participants in the New York City Marathon are invited to the Team Lifeline pre-race pasta party in Manhattan, and of course, receive a guaranteed space in the New York City Marathon.
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5. How can I be part of Team Lifeline?

Team Lifeline Las Vegas and Miami participants in the United States and Canada commit to raising a minimum of $3,600. Participants from outside the US and Canada commit to raising a minimum of $4,500. Participants who do not require hotel accommodations and airfare commit to raising a minimum of $3,000 each. There are special rates for family teams (parent-child, husband-wife, and siblings).

Team Lifeline New York City Marathon participants commit to raising a minimum of $3,600 and are guaranteed a space in the New York City Marathon. Hotel and airfare are not included.

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6. How can I achieve these goals?

Even if you've never raised money 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. You’ll have your own web page where your contacts can track your progress and make donations.

Experience has shown that it is not only possible, but easy to reach this goal. Chai Lifeline is an amazing organization, and our runners have reported that people were eager to give when they learned about it. 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!

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7. Will I be able to finish a half 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 the perfect recipe for success. How do we know? Each year, a significant number of Team Lifeline members run their first race with the group. Since Team Lifeline began, every one of our runners and walkers has crossed the finish line.

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8. How long is the training period?

Approximately four months depending on your current level of fitness. Team Lifeline provides training programs for everyone from a road warrior to a couch potato.

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9. How do I begin?

Click here to register and get immediate access to training and fund raising materials. Your non-refundable $75 registration fee is a 100% tax-deductible donation to Chai Lifeline.