“Team Challenge,” the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America‘s endurance training and fundraising program, is celebrating its 6th consecutive year as a charity partner for the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon, set to take place this November. Team Challenge is one of the foundation’s channels to draw in much-needed support for research and development for these two types of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Team Challenge participants help raise funds for the foundation in exchange for training, support, lodging, and even airfare to be able to join a sporting event of their choice. Members range from seasoned athletes to beginners, and train in honor of local IBD patients who share their inspiring stories to serve as motivation.
On Sunday, November 16, 2014, Team Challenge is deploying 450 runners from across the U.S. who have collectively raised $1.9 million worth of funds for the foundation. Joining these runners is father-and-son tandem Tavish and Trevor Margers from San Diego, California. Trevor, who is living with Crohn’s, is Tavish’s motivation to participate in Team Challenge. Now that Trevor is old enough to join the team, he will be running alongside his father during the marathon in Las Vegas. Together, they have helped raise more than $31,000 for the foundation, and are hoping to boost it to $35,000 come race day.
“I’m a really healthy kid, lucky enough to do Team Challenge — my friend Jessica has been really sick. I hope I’m helping her and helping to find cures for Crohn’s and colitis along with my dad,” said Trevor Margers.
Invited to speak during the Pasta Party, on the night before the race is Meb Keflezighi, an Olympic silver medalist, New York City Marathon Champion, and 2014 Boston Marathon winner. Craig Comins, the National Director of Team Challenge, is thrilled to offer the participants an opportunity to hear one of the world’s best runners before their own race the following morning.
For those who cannot join the marathon in Las Vegas, but would like to get involved, Team Challenge will be hosting a virtual, inaugural Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27,2014. Visit online.ccfa.org/turkeytrot to register.