We are one month into the new year and perhaps you made a lofty goal to run and exercise more.

And perhaps, like over 50% of resolution makers you’ve fallen off the wagon a little. Well, here is the motivation you need to just keep running!  

While you are racing to the finish line, you can help fund cutting-edge childhood cancer research! Join Team Lemon—the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Charity Racing Team! While you run, walk, ride or swim, you can help raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer. Team Lemon is an amazing way to reach your athletic goals and feel super good—inside and out! 

Ready to race to the finish line with Team Lemon? Here are 6 great ways you can volunteer your time, fulfill your New Year’s resolutions  and help find a cure for childhood cancer, one race at a time!

1. Pick Your Race! Sign up for an available race slot (our current list is here) and ALSF covers the registration fee, while you commit to a fundraising minimum. These minimums  vary per race (usually $500-$1500, depending on race length). Or choose to Bring Your Own Bib! BYOB Team Lemon members register for events directly and have no fundraising minimum. Whichever option you choose, ALSF still gives you access to a race coach, Team Lemon race events, a t-shirt and a useful fundraising website!

2. Set Up Your Fundraising Page! All Team Lemon athletes get an exclusive fundraising page that can be customized with photos, fundraising goals and personal stories. Update your page to include why you are running and personal photos. Then, share your page on your social media channels and with your friends, family and co-workers. Let everyone know you are running for childhood cancer and ask them to help support you! 

3. Meet the Team! All Team Lemon runners can join our private Team Lemon group on Facebook! In the group, you can virtually meet other team members, connect for training and fundraising tips and enjoy camaraderie with other athletes. 

4. Train for the Big Day! Start now! Coach Mary Kelley, the official Team Lemon coach, says that preparation time varies by each individual. However, the general rule: if you are a newer runner, the longer your preparation should be. Sign up for a Couch to 5K (or 10K or Half-marathon program). Bring some consistency to your training, take a look at your diet and talk to your doctor for any health concerns you have. 

5. Keep Racing Towards Your Fundraising Goals! Think outside of your fundraising page and get creative with fundraising events! Ask a local restaurant to designate a fundraising night at their business and donate the proceeds to you. Get your local runner friends involved and host a lemonade stand at the end of a training run — with all proceeds to benefit ALSF. Host a beef-n-beer with ticket and raffle sales. Ask friends to sponsor you per-mile you run. Or come up with your own unique fundraiser. 

6. Get Inspired! Meet childhood cancer Heroes, Super Sibs and Researchers who are all working together to fight cancer, one cup at a time! 

Want to learn more about Team Lemon and the Bring Your Own Bib program? Head here or drop an email to our Team Lemon coordinator, Matthew Stevens. Thanks for helping us get closer to cures for all children, one race at a time!