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registration

Finish for Kids is excited to announce our 14th year of participation in the Marine Corps Marathon as a charity partner! With one of the lowest minimum fundraising requirements of all charity partners, we strive to make the charity option of participation in the Marine Corps Marathon affordable for you, while benefitting our work across the globe. Read more below on our organization and how your support impacts us. 

Paying your deposit of $177 allows us to hold your spot in the 2018 Marine Corps Marathon. After you pay your deposit, your spot in the 2018 Marine Corps Marathon is secure and reserved just for you. Complete your fundraising requirement of just $390 and we will see you on the start line in October! 

To register, click the button below and follow the instructions. You will be asked to pay the deposit of $177 to secure your spot with Finish for Kids. You will then have time to fundraise $390, which are the funds that go directly to Finish for Kids to support our charitable work across the globe. 

As part of our team, you gain access to all of our resources to help you prepare for the big day! From fundraising ideas to a virtual running coach, we are here to help you succeed. The Marine Corps Marathon is known as the people’s marathon, and we can’t wait to have you join our team.

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FINISH FOR KIDS

Finish for Kids is a combined effort between the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) and The Carefree Foundation. As a member of the Finish for Kids team you help support the international medical relief work provided by FIMRC and The Carefree Foundation. The Finish for Kids organization is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge, skills, and training to help you successfully complete the Marine Corps Marathon.

FIMRC

The Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children is a 501(c)(3) global non-profit organization based in Philadelphia, PA. It is dedicated to providing health care services and preventative health programs to underserved communities across the globe. FIMRC’s multi-layered approach to development is unique in its emphasis on access to clinical care, health education, in addition to extensive community outreach. Additionally, FIMRC hosts interested volunteers at its various project sites around the world who donate their time and resources through the FIMRC Global Health Volunteer Program. Volunteers assist with everything from clinic construction to delivery of medical care. Through dedicated members operating at minimal administrative costs, we aim to contribute in the range of 90% of all donations toward health services for children. For more information go to www.fimrc.org.

The Carefree Foundation

The Carefree Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with aspirations to improve care on all seven continents. The organization was founded with two primary objectives. First and foremost, it is our goal to eliminate the social, geographic, and economic barriers that limit people’s access to quality medical care. Our second goal is to help improve the environments in which treatment is rendered. We believe that all people deserve access to high-quality care, regardless of their social or financial situations. In addition, through our efforts to improve the environment of care - by helping facilities become clean, bright, and cheerful - we hope to inspire confidence and optimism in both patients receiving treatment and their families and loved ones. For more information go to www.carefreefoundation.org. 

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Event Information

Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is one of the most prestigious marathons in the country. It is held each fall in Washington, DC and attracts 30,000 runners. The Marine Corps Marathon has the title, 'The People's Marathon,' and is nicknamed the 'Marathon of the Monuments' because it passes many historic sites, such as the Lincoln, Washington, World War II, and Jefferson Memorials. This year, the MCM has once again invited The Carefree Foundation and the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) as charity partners. These two organizations have combined resources to raise funds to provide medical relief around the world through the Finish for Kids team. The MCM guarantees its charity partners a certain number of spots in the race. This year, regular MCM registration is on a lottery basis. Secure your race number by joining us.

Race Date

The 2018 Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 28, 2018

Packet Pickup

In order to have a designated individual pick up the packet for a registered participant, the runner must sign his or her E-Card and provide the individual attending the Expo a photocopy of a Photo ID (driver’s license, government ID, passport). The proxy will be required to sign the form and also show and provide a photocopy of their own Photo ID.

Remember to bring the eCard to Packet Pick-up at the Health & Fitness Expo in its new location at the Gaylord National Resort (201 Waterfront Street) at National Harbor. The two-day event opens with an exciting ribbon breaking ceremony featuring the Marine Corps Base Quantico Ceremonial Platoon at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, October 26.

• Friday, October 26 - 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 27 - 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

BIB INFORMATION

You are only given information for your packet after you have paid your deposit and completely fundraised with Finish for Kids. Upon successful completion of your minimum fundraising requirement, you must notify Finish for Kids and you will be provided a dedicated link and reservation code so you can register directly with the Marine Corps Marathon.  This will allow you to secure your bib for the marathon. 

The official MCM and MCM10K participant bibs feature the timing device attached to the reverse side of the bib. These must remain in place for proper timing to occur.

Emergency medical and contact information form is also on the back of the bib. All participants must complete this information.

The UPS Baggage Sticker will be attached to the reverse side of every MCM and MCM10K bib. The sticker features the runner's bib number and the assigned UPS truck to be utilized for baggage drop off and pick up on event day. Carefully peel the front of the sticker off the backing and attached to the clear plastic bag to facilitate easy identification by UPS volunteers.

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Fundraising

Finish for Kids process and requirements

• A non-refundable deposit of $177 payable to Finish For Kids is required to secure your spot.
• The minimum fundraising requirement is only $390 for individual participants  We encourage you to go beyond if you are able. All donations are non-refundable.
• The deadline to meet your fundraising goal of $390 is July 10, 2018 (or sooner). If your fundraising requirement is not met by this date, your spot will be released and the remaining balance will be charged to the credit card on file.
• Fundraising does not need to stop on July 10th, once you’ve met your goal. You are more than welcome to continue fundraising beyond July 10th.
• Once you have met your fundraising minimum and emailed us to let us know, Finish For Kids will provide you with a dedicated link and reservation code so you can register directly with the Marine Corps Marathon. You must use this code by August 17th. NO EXCEPTIONS. We highly recommend confirming your entry on the Marine Corps Marathon website immediately following utilizing this reservation code.
• The Marine Corps Marathon officials will issue a confirmation and your race number via email to you.  Be sure to follow their instructions regarding race day and packet pick-up. You can always find more information at their official website, www.marinemarathon.com.

FUNDRAISING TIPS

We are committed to making the fundraising process as easy as possible for our runners. Upon registration with Finish for Kids, we will send you a welcome packet with a number of unique ideas for fundraising to be able to meet your goal. We will also provide you with a unique link for peer-to-peer fundraising! You can share this link across social media or within emails to help you fundraise and make the marathon a reality. 

cancellation and Deferral policy

FIMRC and The Carefree Foundation count on the Marine Corps Marathon to support our initiatives across the globe. As a result, no deferrals or transfers are accepted through Finish for Kids. Deposit and any donations that have already been received by Finish For Kids are non-refundable. If you must cancel for any reason, the canceling runner will still be responsible for honoring the fundraising commitment. The outstanding balance will be charged to the credit card on file.  Please know that we are two hard-working charities with only 100 spots in the marathon and these funds are already allocated in our programming budgets.  When a runner does not come through on their commitment, we are by default not able to fund medicine for our kids or other project expenses (100% of marathon funds are allocated to direct project expenses).

If your request for deferral falls within specified dates, you can follow the Marine Corps Marathon's process for bib deferral directly on the website. All fundraising requirements and registration must be completed in order to defer your bib directly through the Marine Corps Marathon. For more information on the process, visit:  http://www.marinemarathon.com/events/marathon/registration/transfer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is my $177 deposit used?

Your non-refundable deposit of $177 is used to hold your spot and covers the Marine Corps Marathon registration fee and processing fee once your fundraising requirement is met.

Does my $177 deposit count towards my fundraising goal of $390?

Your deposit is independent of your fundraising goal. The $177 deposit secures your place on our team and covers the Marine Corps Marathon registration fee, while the fundraising minimum of $390 is in support of Finish for Kids and our efforts across the globe.

How can someone make a donation to support my run?

Donations can be made using your personal fundraising page. The link will be provided to you after you have registered with Finish for Kids. Donations can also be made by check to Finish for Kids at 940 Leonardville Road, Leonardo, NJ 07737.

Where does my fundraising go?

Your hard work fundraising goes directly toward charity projects and programs across the globe for both the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children and The Carefree Foundation.

What are important dates to remember?

• July 10 :  Fundraising deadline
• August 17 : Last day to use your code for MCM official registration
• August 15 to September 27 :  MCM Deferment Program dates
• July 12 to September 14 : MCM Transfer Program dates
• Late September/Early October :  MCM sends out e-cards with bib numbers
• October 28 :  Tie up those laces! It's RACE DAY!!

It is important to adhere to these deadlines as there are no exceptions and we don’t want you to lose your spot after your hard work fundraising and training. It may be a good idea to load these dates in your calendar and set reminders. Please keep in touch with us along the way to let us know how you’re doing.

What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising goal by July 10th?

If you do not raise the full $390 by July 10th, the credit card on file will be charged and we will send you your unique reservation code for official registration. You will then be able to exercise the option of deferring to next year or transferring to another runner.

What happens when I meet my fundraising goal?

As soon as you reach your goal, email us at marathon@finishforkids.org to let us know! We will then send you your unique reservation code that you will use to officially register with MCM. This is your final step!

How do I know that my registration went through when I sign up online?

Registered runners will receive a confirmation by email directly from MCM after completing and submitting the online registration form. We also highly recommend confirming you are in by visiting Confirm You're In. You do not show up on the confirmation page of the Marine Corps Marathon runners page until you have used your unique code to register. 

When will I receive my bib number/electronic confirmation card (e-card)?

Bib numbers will be listed on the e-card and delivered via email directly from MCM to all registered participants in late September/early October.

Can a bib be transferred to another runner?

Yes, the MCM offers a Transfer Program. You must first meet your fundraising requirement and officially register to be eligible. Visit the transfer page of this website for additional details. Their program runs from ?July 12 to September 14?.

Can runners defer an entry to the following year?

Yes, the MCM offers a Deferment Program. You must meet your fundraising requirement and officially register to be eligible. Please refer to the deferment webpage for details. A limited number of deferments will be available. The program runs from August 15 to September 27. When capacity for this program is reached, it will be closed. There will not be notification of program status. Runners can only defer an MCM registration to the following year. Subsequent deferments are not allowed.

How do I get the t-shirt I ordered?

T-shirts will be mailed to your home mid-September. Be on the lookout!

How do I join the Finish for Kids Facebook group?

We will send you invitation to our closed group to the email address you used when you registered. Here you will have access to our running coach who will provide a training program and support to prepare for the big day! This is also a great place to connect with other runners!

Where can I find a hotel?

Go to marinemarathon.com/events/marathon/travel which lists hotel partners for MCM weekend. We highly recommend making travel arrangements sooner rather than later because they book fast!

I have a friend who wants to run. Do you have any spots?

We have a limited number of spots so have them register immediately! They can also reach out to us as soon as possible to marathon@finishforkids.org. We also maintain a waitlist once our spots are filled. You never know!

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CONTACT US

Questions? Feel free to reach out directly so we can answer your questions!

Email: marathon@finishforkids.org

Phone: 888-211-8575 x3