Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles is a marathon?
26.22 miles. A half-marathon is half this distance 13.11 miles. A relay marathon is four runners sharing the marathon distance with each runner covering approximately 6.5 miles.

Which marathon are we running?
Team Asha runners will either run the Lewis and Clark Marathon St. Charles, Chicago Marathon or any of the marathons around the area of the runner's choosing. Please look at the marathons page for a list of marathons that we plan to support.


Is there a minimum fitness level requirement?
Yes, beginning runners (marathoners) need only be able to run about 20 to 25 minutes continuously at any speed. In previous years, people who have not been running have been able to complete a half marathon with our training. The team running program will lift you to the required fitness level, the key is discipline and commitment to the training program. Talk to our runners; they'll help you reach your goals. As always, we advise that you talk to your doctor before you start any fitness program.

What is Asha for Education?
Asha for Education is a non-profit organization committed to improving basic child education throughout India. Asha is an IRS-certified 501 (c)3 organization; donations are tax-deductible. TeamAsha is the marathon campaign arm of Asha for Education. To learn more please visit the Asha for Education website .

What does TeamAsha provide?
- A team of veteran runners to guide and motivate you throughout the program.
- Support from our volunteers, including food and beverages during and after the race on marathon day.
- Support from volunteers during training runs, including mentors to run with the team and drinks during the run. - Advice from our alumni marathoners.
- TeamAsha marathon t-shirts and an Asha for Education volunteer t-shirt.
- Race Day celebration with food, drinks.
- Clinics on running techniques, injury prevention and diagnosis, gear selection, etc. - Nutrition clinics (how to train your body to burn energy over sustained periods of time). - Track workouts - Discounted shopping at preferred running stores.
What kind of commitment is expected from the runners to successfully complete the full/half marathon?
Keep pace with the Training program and reduce the risk of injury by :

  • Train with us from now to your marathon day, including a Saturday long run, which gradually increases in length.
  • You should run atleast 3-4 times per week, with us or on your own; please try to complete the long Saturday run with the group whenever you can. Team Asha trains every Saturday morning at Forest Park, Creve Coeur Lake or occasionally Queeny Park or the Katy Trail.
  • Meet your fund-raising goals for Asha.

What do we do during training for the marathon?
- We provide a weekly training program. The training schedule includes a gradual increase in mileage and then a tapering period prior to the marathon. It also incorporates speed training and hills into the weekly program for more experienced runners.
- Our alumni runners provide tips on training techniques, stretching, pacing, etc.

I have never raised money for a cause. How do I raise the dollars?
- You are providing an opportunity for others to find and donate to a good cause. Contact your friends, colleagues, and family, early and often. Also, post your goals and training in your workplace to let your colleagues know that you have made a commitment. Many people will want to support you on the strength of your own convictions and commitment. Many corporations offer matching donations;
check into this possibility at your workplace! Most people want to donate to a good charity and most people want to help a good cause.
Our alumni runners and fundrasiers will help you with strategies, letter writing, and how to thank your donors and keep them aware of your progress.
Where do the funds I raise go?
All funds raised will go to Asha for Education's projects in India. Each runner can choose the project from among the ones Asha St. Louis chapter supervises.

How much money actually goes towards the cause?
Asha for Education prides itself in being a zero overhead organization. Every dollar donated towards your goal will go in full towards the cause (minus the credit card transactions costs). Runner pays for the cost of registration and team Asha volunteers and sponsors will bear costs associated with the training, if any

I'm in! Where do I go from here?
Contact us and we will be glad to guide you from here.

Attend one of our Info Sessions to learn more about the program and get your questions answered.