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Tufts University President Lawrence S. Bacow
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2008 President's Marathon Challenge

October 26, 2007

Dear Tufts Faculty and Staff:

For the last five years, Tufts runners have competed in the longest-running marathon in the country and raised more than $1.5M to support nutrition, medical, and fitness research, education, and outreach programs at the university.  The Tufts team will be at it again this year, and I invite you to join the 6th annual President’s Marathon Challenge.  At 10:00 a.m. on Patriot’s Day, Monday, April 21, 2008, the members of the Tufts Marathon team will gather in Hopkinton to participate in a Boston tradition and raise funds for several signature programs at Tufts. Although I will train with the Tufts team, I have decided not to run the actual race this year.  After completing five marathons, I need to give my aging knees a rest.  However, I look forward to participating in our regular training runs as I have been doing all fall.

Preparing for a marathon is hard work, but the camaraderie that develops among team members from our twice-weekly training runs is energizing.  This year we hope to field a team of 200 runners.  Marathon numbers will again be provided to alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends who commit to raising a minimum of $2,500 to support the President’s Marathon Challenge.  Students are asked to raise a minimum of $1,000.  Numbers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Members of the team will be supported by dedicated Tufts faculty experts and members of Tufts’ Athletics Department.  Don Megerle, Tufts’ Men’s Swimming Coach of 34 years; Professor Miriam Nelson from the Friedman School; and Eric Johnson from University Advancement will again support our team’s training, coaching, and fundraising efforts.

The requirement to raise $2,500 may keep some otherwise enthusiastic participants on the sidelines.  If you feel that you can not commit to raising this amount, we have set aside a limited number of entries with a fundraising goal of $1,000.  Applicants for this level should contact our marathon coordinators.

Last year Nova, WGBH's award-winning science series, followed a group of first-time marathoners to explore the remarkable transformation the average person undergoes as a result of training for a marathon.  “Marathon” will makes its debut on PBS on October 30.  I encourage you to watch this remarkable documentary, which spotlights members of the Tufts Marathon team.  I hope it will motivate you to take up the challenge.

Please sign-up online at:  http://tuftsmarathonchallenge.com.  For more information, explore the website or contact Don Megerle at marathonchallenge@tufts.edu.

Best regards,

Larry Bacow

(Please note that similar messages regarding the President's Marathon Challenge were delivered to students, alumni and parents.)