Frequently Asked Questions

For Runner FAQs click here

How long is a marathon?

A marathon is 26.2 miles, and a half-marathon is (yes, you guessed right!) 13.1 miles long.

Which marathon can I run?

We are targeting the Philadelphia Marathon on November 21st. Depending on your eligibility and/or convenience, you may choose the marathon to run in.

Why these marathons?

These marathons are beginner-friendly and fit well into the schedule of training in warm weather, while running the marathon itself in cooler weather. We also give a choice of a Full Marathon or a Half Marathon tailored to suit individual runner's requirements.

Do you train for any shorter runs?

Yes. We have introduced the Rotham Institute 8k (22nd Nov)and the Jersey Shore 5k (4th Oct)! You can join in on a fun of running with a team for a nominal training fee!

Is there a minimum fitness level?

One does not have to be an accomplished athlete or at peak fitness level to join the team. In fact, over 80% of Team Asha runners are new to running or any form of endurance sports. Team Asha's marathon program is designed to train aspirants with diverse running backgrounds.

What is Asha?

Asha is a non-profit organization engaged in the task of providing basic child education in India. To read more about Asha's charter and projects please visit the Asha web site.

What does Asha provide?

- Marathon training package - comprehensive training program conducted by professional, experienced runners.
- The opportunity to network with past marathoners.
- Buddy runs.
- Race registration, ticket to marathon destination, lodging at destination.
- Clinics on running techniques, injury prevention, nutrition, gear selection.

Which training program fits me?

It is true that anyone can run a marathon, anyone! The training required for running the marathon could be vastly different though, depending upon the age and physical fitness of the participant among other things. We suggest that you enroll in the program, talk to the coach, train for a few weeks and see what program fits you the best. To find out more, please sign up for the training program, come to our next Sunday run or contact our marathon coordinators.

What is my commitment?

- 4-6 months of training (train with a team once every week)
- Weekly training schedule will be pursued individually although our coach might schedule a few days during the week to run with the team. Participation at these week day runs are entirely upto the individual participant.
- Raise funds , to support the cause of basic education of underprivileged children in India.

How do I train?

- We provide schedules for every day training. Well-paced training program consisting of hard training days, easy training days and cross training program etc.
- Opportunity to draw from the experience of coaches and past marathoners. Opportunity to learn running techniques and tips for injury prevention & diagnosis, nutrition, gear selection etc.
- Buddy runs (share with past participants and people who've raised funds)

How do I raise money?

- The backbone of the fundraising campaign will be a letter writing campaign (participants write letters to their friends, colleagues, family asking them to donate for the cause)
- There are several traditional notions about asking for money that you will need to overcome. Once you overcome these inhibitions, it is really an easy task. People will be glad to support you in the cause. Many people find donating money an easy alternative to committing time.
- Other fundraising strategies will be shared. - Last year, the Harbingers of Hope team raised over $8,000. Almost all of them did this for the first time in their life. It's highly doable and it's a fun experience too!

What if I cannot raise the pledge amount?

- Asha has to keep its pledge of raising more than its costs. In order to keep this pledge Asha makes to the community, we will secure your commitment in the form of a credit card. We will only charge it for the difference between the required minimum and the money you've raised. We will not charge it until the fundraising deadline which will be towards the very end of the program.

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 you'll help raise money for. See http://www.ashanet.org/centralnj/projects/ for more information on our projects

What is your operating cost?

- Our aim for 2011 is to send 100% of the money raised to support our projects in India.

Is there a joining deadline?

- Marathon/Half Marathon
The program begins Sunday May 23rd 2011 for these marathons. Registration fee of $50 exclusive of marathon registration and accomodation if doing the full marathon. You have until July 30th when we obtain your commitment to the program. You can train and run with the coach till then to figure out how the program suits you. There is no strict last date to join the program although we highly recommend that you join before July 1st.

What do I do next?

- Contact our marathon coordinators and be on your way to a better shape and a better world!