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Sunday, October 26, 2008 | Start Time: 8:00 am | Washington, DC

The Marine Corps Marathon™ is one of the best-known distance races in the U.S. For the fourth year in a row, the MCM has invited OAR to be one of its Charity Partners. The MCM hosts both the marathon and a 10K Race. You can run in either race and be part of the RUN FOR AUTISM — Washington, D.C. team.

By joining the RUN FOR AUTISM - Marine Corps Team, you are choosing to be a part of a group of committed individuals dedicated to participating in events to raise funds for autism research.

Upon race closure, a guaranteed pledge of $500 will be asked of each team member.

Why Run for Autism?

• Raise money for autism research - More than $.87 of every dollar you raise will directly fund research studies that help answer some of autism’s most pressing questions.
• Whether you are a runner, walker, donor or volunteer, your contribution makes you part of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team.
• In the end, you will have made a difference in the lives of thousands of families living with autism.

Autism is:

• a neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact socially. There is no known cure, and it remains a lifelong challenge.
• more prevalent than Down Syndrome, childhood diabetes and childhood cancer combined
• estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 150 births and affect 1.7 million children and adults in the U.S. today

Research, like OAR-sponsored studies, is needed to find answers and provide practical solutions for those with autism today.

RUN FOR AUTISM Team Member Benefits:

• Guaranteed entry into the Marine Corps Marathon
• RUN FOR AUTISM shirt
• Training Program with DCFit
• Invitation to OAR's Runners' Recognition Dinner held the evening before
• Race day support and Finish Line celebration
• RUN FOR AUTISM Fundraising and Training Guide
• A personal fundraising web page

Fundraising:

OAR has no minimum fundraising requirement until the race registration officially closes. OAR believes in a "Set Your Own Goal" fundraising philosophy. OAR's goals for 2008 are to have 1,000 marathon runners and raise more than $1,000,000. OAR's runners have historically averaged raising between $1,500 and $2,000. Runners who raise $2,500 or more receive special recognition at the Runners' Recognition Dinner held the evening before the marathon.

Upon race closure, a guaranteed pledge of $500 will be asked of each team member.

Registration

To register for the Marine Corps Marathon or 10K, please visit: www.firstgiving.com/oar

For more information about the Marine Corps Marathon, please visit their Web site at http://www.marinemarathon.com or contact OAR.

*No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied