To Benefit:

Program:

Calling all Chicago Marathoners (or any person in training for a fall marathon!)  Are you ready for the key milestone training runs?  Welcome to the Universal Sole Marathon Milestone Series!  We have id’d the four key milestone runs during training and we will host the runs from Universal Sole!  Each run will be fully supported with water, energy drink & Clif Shot/Blocks.  After the run, NovaCare will be on hand to talk with folks about any injuries or nagging pain they may have. 

Key Dates:

August 7 – 14 Miles         August 21 – 16 Miles       September 4 – 18 Miles                    September 18 – 20 Miles

Entry Details:

We have two different types of entry formats:

1)  An entry fee of $20.00 for all 4 runs which includes a limited edition Nike/Universal Sole Tech T.  Five dollars of all entry fees go to Back On My Feet (See info below) – Runs go from USOLE @ 7am

2)  If you don’t own a hydration belt, we have a great partnership with Nathan Hydration Belts.  An entry fee of $55.00 for all four runs gets you a brand new Nathan Hydration Belt (The Speed 4R Belt) and the limited edition Nike/Universal Sole Tech T.  Five dollars of all entry fees go to Back On My Feet (see info below) – Runs go from USOLE @ 7am

Registration for the run series is taken via email, joel@universalsole.com  or by calling Universal Sole at (773) 868-0893.  Please indicate number 1 just registering for the runs or number 2 which includes the Nathan Hydration Belt.  Nike tech t's will be limited and on a first come basis for folks that sign up early!  Registration will be taken day of the runs as well.  Nike Tech T can't be guaranteed for folks that do sign up on the milestone date days.

Information on Back On My Feet

Back on My Feet is a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.  Back on My Feet does not provide food nor does it provide shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. There are no labels, no stigmas and no stereotypes. At Back on My Feet, all members - regardless of race, education or socioeconomic status - join together to move their own lives forward as well as the lives of their teammates.

The Back on My Feet experience is anchored in teams – comprised of those experiencing homelessness and those who are not – running together every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:45 am.  Armed with the increases in emotional and physical strength that running brings, members then further advance their lives through the Back on My Feet Next Steps program.  For members who maintain 90% attendance and a good attitude, the Next Steps program aligns them with educational and job training opportunities, financial literacy sessions, job partnerships and housing programs to help move their lives forward in a way that is self-sustainable.  In addition, grant money is made available to the members for approved purchases or investments for building this new chapter of their lives.  A budding Alumni network speaks to the strength of the relationships formed at Back on My Feet and provides a continuing connection to the BOMF community.

Though over 300 members have run a competitive race – 59 completing a half marathon and 16 finishing a full marathon – the truly inspiring numbers from the Back on My Feet program are that 97 members have obtained employment, 68 have enrolled in job training/re-education, and 46 have obtained housing.  On average across chapters, Back on My Feet has a success rate of over 50% in helping members move their lives forward; this metric (significantly more successful than other programs for those experiencing homelessness) is a testament to the efficacy and sustainability of the program.

Over 200 members have moved their lives forward through Back on My Feet and that number increases every day.  Back on My Feet currently has chapters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Boston, and will launch in Chicago in September. The organization has received incredible media support, including attention from NBC Nightly News , ABC World News,CNN,and The Today Show for its ingenuity in tackling this difficult social issue. More information can be found at www.backonmyfeet.org.