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2007 Goal
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| Frequently
Asked Questions
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How exactly do the runners get from Bloomington/Normal to Peoria?
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The runners make the 54-mile trip from Bloomington (Eastland Mall - Bergners)
to Peoria in a 2-mile relay type fashion. Runners are accompanied by police
escorts, vans, and motor homes as they make their way to Peoria. We run through
Ironwood Subdivision, to Kappa, ElPaso, Eureka, and Washington.
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How many miles do I have to run?
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You can run as little or as much as you are willing / able to run. Individual
runner totals range from 6 to 40 miles. The length of each segment is well
marked and a "catch" van is available if you are unable to complete a leg --
this comes in quite handy late in the afternoon after a long day of running
when even 2 miles seems too long!
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What kind of runners participate in the St. Jude Run?
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Runners of all skill levels participate. This is not a race -- we have had
everyone from the 5 minute miler to the 10 minute miler participate. The event
is purely a fun, fund-raising event. There are plenty of miles between
Bloomington/Normal and Peoria to accomodate everyone.
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Do I need to be in great shape? I'm not a distance runner and 54
miles sounds like a long way!
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Each leg of the run is approximately 2 mile - you can choose how many or how
few they run. The pace for each leg is approximately 10 minutes per mile. We
may have a few "faster" legs for the faster runners. But these will be
documented well ahead of time. Last year, we had runners run over 40 miles of
the 54 total miles and we had runners who ran less than 6 over the 9 hours.
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How fast do I have to be able to run?
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This is not a race! The goal pace for most legs in 10 minute miles. If you are
struggling to keep this pace over the entire leg, the catch van is there to
"pick you up!" There will be legs designated for the faster runners to let them
stretch their legs out a bit!
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I normally run 7 minute miles -- 10 minute miles seem really slow!
What about the fast runners?
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Unlike most running events, this is not a race and there is no reward for being
fast. The goal pace for most legs in 10 minute miles. If there is enough
interest (based on information provided on your registration form), there will
be some legs designated for the faster runners.
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How much money do I have to raise?
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Everyone has to raise a minimum of $500. A $50 contribution will be required
when you register and it will count towards your goal. It's easier than you
think -- In past runs, the average amount raised per runner was almost $1000.
Fundraising assistance is available from experienced St Jude Runners and
volunteers -- just ask!
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I've never raised this much money before, how do I start?
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Most runners have found that fundraising letters are an efficient and easy way
to reach their goals! Sample letters will be provided in your runner packet.
When you enclose a self addressed stamped envelope, you'll be surprised by the
number of donations you get back.
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What if I am unable to raise the $500?
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If you need assistance, please contact
Dennis Cler. You will also find many opportunities to help raise funds
by participating in our group fundraising efforts. For more information on
group fundraising activities, contact
Vanessa Walker.
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I'm not a runner, but I'd like to participate. What other
opportunities are there?
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There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer both prior to the event and on
the day of the event. If you are interested in group fundraising activities,
contact Vanessa Walker
or Elaine Clem. If
you would like to assist on the day of the run - we need van drivers, food and
water delivery, and individuals to collect money along the route -- contact
Sue Held.
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This sounds like a wonderful cause, how can I make a financial
contribution?
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To make a financial contribution, please contact
Dennis Cler . . . no amount is too small or too large! If your business
is interested in sponsoring the event or providing in-kind donations, please
contact Jennie Smith for more
information.
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I'm interested in getting more information about the event before I
make a decision, how do I keep in touch with your organization?
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To receive periodic updates and information, you make contact
Sue Held.
She can send you additional information as well as add you to our
mailiing list. We hope you'll join us!
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How much time will I need to dedicate to this effort prior to "Run
Day"?
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You can spend as much or as little time as you'd like -- all we ask is that you
spend enough time to reach your fundraising goal. However, there will be
several opportunities to become more involved in the run -- group fundraising
activities, team meeting, and the family picnic. You'll find the event much
more enjoyable and meaningful if you do take some extra time to get to know the
St Jude patient families and other runners.
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How much time will I need to block out on "Run Day"?
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As a runner, you'll need to be at Eastland Mall early on the morning of the run
day. We spend all day on the road, arriving in Peoria at approximately 5:30 pm.
You may return to Bloomington at that time -- however, we highly recommend that
you stay in Peoria for the events at the civic center -- running in with the
Memphis Runners, seeing the telethon, eat dinner, and present our check. We
return to Bloomington about 8 - 9 pm.
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If you want to participate, but cannot commit all day to the event, you may run
a portion of the day -- but will have to arrange for your own transportation
back to Bloomington.
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Creature comforts during the day -- what are they?
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We'll have plenty of vans and a RV with a bathroom facility. Most of the vans
have room where you can store extra clothes. Although the shirts you wear out
of Bloomington and into the Civic Center will be given to you on run day, bring
a few pairs of shirts and socks plus an extra pair of shoes in case of rain.
There are shower facilities in Peoria but the lines tend to be long. The vans
will be loaded with plenty of water and sport drinks as well. In addition,
we'll be stopping for quick lunch in El Paso at a family who has supported St.
Jude for a long time. Plus there's time to stop in Eureka and Washington as
well.
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Seems like a long day . . . what will I do when I'm not running?
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You'll be surprised at how quickly the day will go! Just wiping the sweat off
and changing clothes will take a good amount of time. At each 2-mile exchange
point, you can get out of the vans, stretch, take a bathroom break, and talk
with the other participants. The conversations themselves can be pretty
interesting! There will be water, bagesl, fruit, cookies and other snacks
provided by our sponsors -- you may want to snack if you aren't scheduled for
the next leg. You are also welcome to bring reading material or other
activities with you.
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Just be sure to get out of the van & cheer on the runners each time they
approach the exchange point!
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What do I need to bring on the day of the run?
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Extra clothes, socks, shoes are highly recommended! Suntan lotion, chapstick,
sunglasses, and a hat are also recommneded. Water, sports drink, and food will
be provided. More details will be provided closer to the day of the run.
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Finally, even though this sounds like some fun, why would I put
myself through all of this work and time commitment?
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I'd like to take a quote out of a thank you letter we received from Ron
Theobald of Bloomington, a St. Jude parent AND volunteer at last year's run:
"It was truly gratifying to watch you all make such an effort and sacrifice for
a cause that is so important to many of us. Running like you all do is a good
metaphor for the individuals fight against cancer as well as the search for a
cure. Personally, our son is about 1/3 of the way through his three year
treatment protocol, so I suppose you can think of it as if he's somewhere
between Kappa and El Paso on his run. Search wise, I heard Joseph Mirro say
last week he believes research will find a cure for many childhood cancers
within the next 20 years. To extend the metaphor, they're probably approaching
the river. They know the end of the search is within reach, but can't see it
quite yet."
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