Running a marathon is a true opportunity for tremendous personal accomplishment. It is a life changing experience, an achievement to be proud of for rest of your life, and it feels even better when you know the months of training you undergo will make difference in lives of India’s underprivileged children. Although not an easy feat by any measure, but contrary to common thinking, running a marathon is something that can be taken up by people of all abilities. All you need is a strong desire, a little time commitment, and let Team Asha take care of your training and motivational needs.
Our marathon training program is the largest fundraiser for supporting Asha for Education supported projects across India. In addition, Team Asha is also proud to have been instrumental in changing the lives of hundreds of professionals across the United States by helping them realize their athletic ambitions and fitness goals. Team Asha program was born in spring of 2000 in Silicon Valley, CA. Since then Team Asha has expanded to a total of 9 cities. Over 500 runners have trained and completed marathon or half-marathon raising more than $1.2 Million towards education of underprivileged children in India. In all, Asha has touched lives of 300,000 children in India from 385 projects in 22 of India’s states. No other charity or fundraising program can boast of such big accomplishments, and Asha owes it all to the commitment of our runners, our volunteers, and our donors who make it happen year after year.
Chicago joined the Team Asha program in 2005 with 7 runners. This year we are aiming to expand our program to include 100 runners, who will run either the Bank of America Chicago marathon or the Rock & Roll Chicago Half Marathon, and raise $65,000 for Asha’s projects in India. Team Asha runners will undergo a training program under guidance of an experience coach and group leaders.
So, this year, embrace the challenge, get fit, make new friends, and have the time of your life.
- Team Asha comprises of various professionals in the hi-tech industry, doctors, lawyers, students, stay-at-home moms and accomplished athletes.
- One does not have to be an accomplished athlete, or at peak fitness level to join the team. In fact, over 80% of Team Asha runners are new to running or any form of endurance sports
- Roughly 40% of Team Asha runners are women.
- Our runners and walkers range from 22 to 63 years of age.
- Our track record speaks for itself – over 99% success rate with athletes who have completed the training program
