Officially, they're called the Youth Homes Run 4 Kids Team - a group of young and old athletes, new runners and seasoned racers - and they are running to raise $1,000 each for the Missoula-based nonprofit that serves more than 200 young people every day who are in need or in crisis.
If all goes according to their individual plans, crossing the finish line means Youth Homes will gain $42,000 in pledges, which will help pay for special activities such as piano lessons, sports training and orthodontia, said Kim Anderson, Youth Homes development director.
The pairing of these two nonprofits is well suited, Anderson said. To run the full length of a marathon's 26.2 miles takes commitment, planning and heart, some of the same qualities it takes to raise healthy, confident children.
“I think people participating in a marathon definitely have to be prepared for it, to be able to struggle through and persevere,” she said, “and I think it's a nice metaphor for the kids we work with because that's what they have to do when facing the obstacles in their own life.”
For race organizers, anything that helps people get outside is helping their overall mission of creating a healthier community, said Missoula Marathon race director Jennifer Straughan.
“The running club is all about getting people out there and moving. That's our goal, anyway,” Straughan said. “We love to have participants and people training, feeling good about what we are doing, and making it a lifestyle for themselves.”
Fundraising is the lifeblood of most nonprofits, and how to do it in a creative and engaging way is always a challenge, Anderson said.
When Youth Homes first approached the Missoula Marathon about its fundraising idea, they were greeted with enthusiasm.
“They have been so easy to work with, and we didn't have to spend our time on logistics of running and could instead focus on our participants to make sure they had everything they needed, and understood the kids they are helping,” Kodadek said.
Along with Anderson, Youth Homes' Ramey Kodadek, community relations coordinator, and Chris Carey, development and marketing coordinator, helped lead the effort, garnering support from Montana Rail Link, which paid for each of the 42 runners' registration fees and the 18-week marathon training course hosted by Runner's Edge.
Right after the race, Outback Steak House is cooking up a special meal for the Youth Home runners, and awards will be handed out.
“It's pretty amazing to take on the training needed to run a half-marathon and a marathon,” Kodadek said. “And it's super-daunting to go out and raise $1,000 at the same time.
“It's really impressive, and we really appreciate our runners.”
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