Las Vegas: Official Charity Partner – Team Challenge

Rock the Strip at Night When you Train with Team Challenge!

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is the leading organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis — painful, debilitating, and seldom-discussed digestive diseases.  Team Challenge is CCFA’s endurance training and fundraising program.  When you join the Team, you’ll find new strength inside yourself and help find cures for Crohn’s and colitis. 

 Race like a rock star with Team Challenge in Vegas on November 17! Our coaches will be with you every step of the way, whether you’re a first-time marathoner or an experienced athlete training for a personal best! Run or walk with the Team and you’ll help raise awareness and mission-critical funds.

 Find out more: http://ccteamchallenge.force.com/halfmarathon

 Information meetings kick off in July –  find one in your area and learn how you can change lives!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is CCFA and its mission?
• What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
• What is Team Challenge?
• What do I receive as a participant?
• How does Team Challenge training work?
• How does Team Challenge help me reach my fundraising goals?
• What happens on race weekend?
• How can I sign up?
• How can I find a team in my area?

What is CCFA and its mission?

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. CCFA’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Since its founding in 1967, CCFA has been building awareness and funding cutting-edge medical research, professional education, and patient support. These programs are supported solely by contributions from the public. To learn more, go to www.ccfa.org, or follow CCFA on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ccfafb or Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccfa.

What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic, painful, debilitating diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn’s disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). These diseases are generally accompanied by abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery, and may also experience severe complications. Some 1.4 million Americans suffer from these diseases, nearly 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35, and although tremendous strides have been made in medical research, these diseases still remain medically incurable. Learn more at www.ccfa.org.

What is Team Challenge?

Team Challenge is CCFA’s endurance training program, designed to raise funds towards research for a cure for Crohn’s and colitis. When you join Team Challenge, you commit to help raise critical dollars for the millions of people who suffer from these debilitating diseases while training for an exciting endurance event.

What do I receive as a participant?

In exchange for committing to Team Challenge, you will receive:

• Weekly training by professional coaches over approximately 15 weeks in 28 cities nationwide
• A supportive team to train with each week
• All the tools and help you need to raise your funds
• Training clinics and helpful tips on topics like nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, shoe fit, and more
• A Team Challenge t-shirt plus a singlet for the race
• An all-expenses-paid weekend away in Vegas - includes transportation, accommodations, race entry fees, and entertainment.

Most importantly, this is an opportunity to share a life-changing experience with a tremendous group of individuals, as you train to meet your goals, build awareness, and raise critical dollars for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis research to find a cure.

How does Team Challenge training work?

When you join Team Challenge, you will experience our personalized coaching program that ensures peak performance on race day and beyond. You will meet with others like you and run and walk on the weekend at local parks and recreation areas. You will attend clinics and receive resources on nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, and more. Novice athletes will do something they never thought they could, while experienced runners and walkers will put their abilities to the test. At all levels of experience, our coaches will be there for you every step of the way.

How does Team Challenge help me reach my fundraising goal?

Fundraising goals differ in range based on the location of the team and the event destination. Each participant is given a fundraising goal, has the entire season to fundraise, and is asked to reach their goal two weeks prior to their race. Team Challenge provides participants with all the tools and help needed to raise funds: fundraising clinics, a personal fundraising website, a supportive Team Manager to guide you, and a mentor to help you along the way.

What happens on race weekend?

You will travel with your team from your home town to Las Vegas on race weekend. You and your team will have the opportunity to see the sights of Las Vegas and take part in fun group events, including a pasta party to get you ready for the race!

How can I sign up?

Find your local team below or come to one of our Team Challenge Information Meetings, which will be taking place in August nationwide. Meet a Team Challenge coach, talk with a Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation staff person, and learn more about how you can support advanced research in the quest for a cure. Find your local chapter, check out the informational meeting schedule, and learn how YOU can change a life!

How can I find a team in my area?

Find a local team or visit Team Challenge at http://ccteamchallenge.force.com/halfmarathon.