In the past 10 years, over 2,000 runners have raised over $1 million for people with disabilities through OE’s running programs.

Why Join?  In addition to the privilege of running for an organization that is literally changing peoples’ lives every day, and the knowledge that you are directly benefiting the clients we serve and their families, you will receive several other benefits as part of the OE marathon team:

• Complimentary race entry
• Exclusive race day warm-up and reunite area with restroom facilities in Charity Village
• Team shirt
• Race day transportation to and from Northwest Indiana to the start/finish line
• Team training programs for runners in Northwest Indiana of every fitness level
• Catered pasta dinner in Northwest Indiana Friday evening before the race
• Group training runs take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings in Porter County and on Sunday mornings in Lake County.

Fundraising Requirements

•         Runners who register before midnight on the day the Bank of America Chicago Marathon officially closes, will pay a registration fee of $50 and will raise at least $250 in addition, for a total of $300.
  
  
•         Runners who register after midnight on the day the Bank of America Chicago Marathon officially closes, or on any subsequent days following it, will pay a registration fee of $125 and will raise at least $275 in addition, for a total of $400.
  
  
•         Runners who have already registered for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and wish to become a member of the OE Marathon team, will raise a minimum of $200.
  
  
•          All fundraising monies must be submitted to the Marathon Team Coordinators no later than September 26, 2009.  Runners who do not turn in their fundraising minimum on time, should understand that their packet and bib number will be pulled by Team Coordinators, and they will not be able to run the marathon or receive any of the team’s benefits.
  
  
•        If for any reason, including injury, a runner decides not to complete the training program, he or she will reimburse Opportunity Enterprises in the amount of $250 minus their registration fee, which covers all costs the agency has incurred on their behalf.
  
  

The Popcorn Panic Race is now being administered through the Valparaiso YMCA.
Please contact the YMCA for training and registration questions at (219) 462-4185 .