March 7, 2010

Medical Ministries International is proud to announce that it has received a limited number of guaranteed entries for the 2010 Napa Valley Marathon.  The Napa Valley Marathon boasts one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The course runs the length of the famed Napa Valley wine-growing region.  It begins in Calistoga, famous for its geysers and curative waters, and winds south along the historic Silverado Trail to finish at Vintage High School in north Napa.  Runners are treated to panoramic views of the valley, flowering fruit trees, and dormant vineyards carpeted with golden mustard flowers.

The Napa Valley Marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course.  In its January 2002 issue, Runner’s World Magazine named the Napa Valley Marathon one of the Top 20 Marathons in the United States.  Whether you are a novice or an experienced runner, the Napa Valley Marathon is one race that you will be glad you tackled.

Still hesitant? Not to worry -- even if you’ve never run before, YOU CAN RUN A MARATHON!  Medical Ministries International and the M*A*S*H Marathon Trainers have assisted large numbers of runners to successfully finish the 2008 and 2009 Eye-Q Two Cities Marathon and Half Marathon in Fresno and Clovis, California, and the 2009 St. George Marathon in St. George, Utah.  The M*A*S*H Team is now pleased to offer runners the opportunity to take on the challenge of the Napa Valley Marathon.  All abilities welcome from beginner to expert!  The M*A*S*H Training Program will enable you to successfully complete this event on race day, MARCH 7, 2010.

The M*A*S*H Training Program is a fundraising vehicle for Medical Ministries International.  The M*A*S*H Marathon Trainers are donating their time, and all proceeds will benefit MMI, a local non-profit that gathers surplus medical supplies from area hospitals and physicians to send to needy third world clinics.  MMI has provided assistance to India, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mexico, Armenia, Columbia, Laos, Fiji, South Africa, Indonesia, Honduras, Ethiopia, and the Philippines.

MMI will provide:

• Individual Training Program, including Saturday morning group training runs (usually at Woodward Park) beginning November 14th
• Coaching by M*A*S*H Team Trainers
• M*A*S*H Marathon Team Race Shirt
• Entrance to Napa Valley Marathon
• A pre-race pasta party
• Ground transportation from Fresno, California to and from the Napa Valley
• One night's lodging (Saturday 3/6) in the Napa area (double occupancy with a fellow Team member)
• Fundraising tips, including instructions on creating your own webpage to enhance your fundraising efforts

Your commitment as a M*A*S*H Team Member:

• A good attitude, desire, and discipline to maintain a proven training method to complete the marathon distance
• A willing heart to support MMI’s mission
• $600 minimum fundraising requirement
• Raise $700 or more and receive a M*A*S*H Team running hat
• Raise $1,200 or more and receive a $50 Sierra Running Co. gift card, and a M*A*S*H Team running hat
• Raise $2,500 or more and receive a $100 Ruth’s Chris Steak House gift card, a $50 Sierra Running Co. gift card, and a M*A*S*H Team running hat

You are encouraged to register for the Napa Valley M*A*S*H Team as soon as possible in order to fully benefit from the training program.  Space is limited to 20 runners, and our available spots will fill quickly.  No further participants will be accepted after the final deadline of December 12, 2009.

Registration for the Napa Valley M*A*S*H Team is now closed.  If you would like to receive information on future M*A*S*H Teams, please let us know via the Contact link above.