Train 4 Autism Marathon Series!

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I'm pretty late in announcing this, but I just got it finalized last week and I use Wednesdays to give Operation Jack updates. We're going to have a series of three Train 4 Autism races, featuring marathons and half-marathons. The good news? I'll be offering prize money for the overall series championship. The bad news? The first race is a month from today. Like everything associated with Operation Jack, though, participation trumps everything else, so you don't want to miss a race!

Here's how it's going to work: I'm working with Charlie Alewine, who puts on a series of low-key races, and we're going to stage races on April 3, August 8 and December 27. The December 27 race will be the 60th and final race I run for Operation Jack! The races will work as a fundraiser, but we'll also offer $750 in total prize money. FULL DETAILS HERE

There will be a half-marathon and a marathon at each event. Series points will be awarded for the top five finishers at each event (5, 4, 3, 2, 1). Beyond that, each finisher will receive 10 series points for participation. So, the fewest amount of points you can earn for completing all three races is 30 (10x3) and the most is 45 (10+5 bonus, x3).

The first tiebreaker will be total races completed and the second tiebreaker will be average time. So, if somebody wins the first two races and doesn't show for the third, and somebody else shows up and finishes dead last in all three races, they'd both have 30 points (10x3 and 15x2). Since the first tiebreaker is total races completed, the runner finishing dead last in all three races will end up ranked higher in the series.

Prize money will be $250 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place in the marathon series and the same in the half-marathon series. And of course, by showing up to race, you'll be supporting Operation Jack.

The races are low-key and low frills, but you'll get a tech shirt and a medal.

Weekly Contest Idea
Give me some feedback on this. I'm always scratching my head for ideas, so fortunately, other people are actually thinking. My friend Jen Morgan came up with one yesterday and I'm going to give it a shot for a week and see if it flies. I'll mention it again tomorrow, but here's the deal ... make your guess as to what you think my time will be in my race this weekend and whoever is closest without guessing too fast of a time will win their choice of an Operation Jack tech shirt or sweatshirt.

Now here's how you guess: Click on the Donate Form and make a donation in the amount that you think my time will be. If you think I'm going to run a 3:13, then donate $3.13. If you think it's going to be a 3:08, donate $3.08. Whoever gets the closest without guessing too fast of a time will win. I'll do a random drawing if there's a tie. I'm figuring it's an easy way to make a contribution and I'm hoping that collectively, enough of you will play along to make a difference over the course of the year. I'll talk about this again tomorrow, but go ahead and start making your guesses now!

I'm Going To Leave It At That For Today
That's enough for today. I know the shorter I keep this thing, the more likely y'all are to read to the bottom. And if you don't read to the bottom, you won't know that my ice cream streak is at 31 days now! Have a great Wednesday, everybody. I know I will — I'm hitting In-N-Out for lunch!

Comments
Posted by Shelly Overton, 3.3.10, 5:00 p.m.
Love the series idea, the only question for me would be is there a time limit for the half?
Posted by Ally Phillips, 3.3.10, 11:02 a.m.
Love this idea--obviously, Morgan is a genius. And so awesome about the marathon series! Posted by Melissa G, 3.3.10, 10:26 a.m.
I think that's a great idea, Jen. Many people who would not otherwise donate will at least do $3 or so. And hopefully it'll add up quickly! Posted by Jen Morgan, 3.3.10, 8:59 a.m.
You and your In-N-Out... seriously, I gotta get out to the West Coast to behold this wonder.

Anyway, glad you like the idea! I tell you, my roommate and I were plotting on my entire run this morning while she paced me. I'll keep you informed of ideas. :)