May 20, 2012

The M*A*S*H Team is proud to be an official training program for the EYE-Q California Classic Half Marathon.  This event starts and finishes inside Chukchansi Park, and tours downtown Fresno, the Chaffee Zoo, and the Tower District.  M*A*S*H Team members that participated in the inaugural 2011 race concluded that this is a must-do annual event, so grab this opportunity to get in on the California Classic with M*A*S*H.  Whether you are a novice or an experienced runner or walker, the EYE-Q California Classic Half Marathon is one race that you will be glad you tackled.

If you have ever wanted to start a running or walking program and complete a half marathon, this is a wonderful opportunity for you!  No matter where you're starting from, the M*A*S*H Team can help you complete your goal.  We have had hundreds of walkers and runners successfully cross the finish line!!  As it has done for others, the M*A*S*H Training Program will enable you to successfully complete this event on race day, MAY 20, 2012.

The M*A*S*H Training Program is a fundraising vehicle for Medical Ministries International.  The M*A*S*H 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, Congo, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mexico, Armenia, Columbia, Laos, Fiji, South Africa, Indonesia, Honduras, Ethiopia, and the Philippines.  In 2011, MMI was able to ship 60 tons of donated medical supplies that otherwise would have ended up in American landfills.  Your participation on a M*A*S*H Team directly supports these efforts.

MMI will provide:

• Individual Training Program, including Saturday morning group training runs and walks (usually at Woodward Park) beginning March 10, 2012
• Coaching by M*A*S*H Team Trainers
• M*A*S*H Team Race Shirt
• Entrance to the EYE-Q California Classic Half Marathon
• 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 half marathon distance
• A willing heart to support MMI’s mission
• $250 minimum fundraising requirement (donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law)
• Raise $100 more than your minimum fundraising requirement and receive a M*A*S*H Team running hat
• Raise $500 more than your minimum fundraising requirement and receive a $50 Sierra Running Co. gift card, and a M*A*S*H Team running hat
• Raise $2,000 more than your minimum fundraising requirement 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

Registration for the 2012 EYE-Q California Classic M*A*S*H Team is now open. You are encouraged to register for the Team as soon as possible in order to fully benefit from the training program. No further participants will be accepted after the final deadline of March 31, 2012. To sign up for this M*A*S*H Team, please print and complete the registration form.

Special Value: Please note that M*A*S*H again will have a Team for the 2012 Two Cities Marathon and Half. Training for the Two Cities Team will begin June 9, 2012. The minimum fundraising requirement for the Two Cities Team is $400; however, if you register now for both the EYE-Q California Classic Half Marathon and the Two Cities M*A*S*H Teams, the combined minimum fundraising requirement will be $550 -- a reduction of $100 compared to registering separately for both Teams.

Attention Cyclists!  New for 2012 -- M*A*S*H also will be forming a Cycling Team to train for and participate in the California Classic. For further information on the 2012 California Classic M*A*S*H Cycling Team, please use the Contact link above.