Update: 16 September 2013

I set out yesterday to run the 5.7km track in the company of a long standing JMB supporter running her first ever fun run. It was an inspiring run, with my companion setting the pace and the sunshine and fitness loving Melbourne population setting the scene around the Yarra. There were cyclists, runners and walkers of all hues, not to mention the rowers. 

An event like the Marathon festival harbours many inspiring stories and JMB can claim a few within the ranks of its supporters. Many, like Dimity Harris are taking a stab at their first ever fun run. Others like Grade 6 student Inigo Geroge are running the longest distance they've ever attempted.

What was the furthest you'd run at the age of 11? My longest ditance at that age was the 800m event at the local Little Aths.

Support a first timer with their courageous effort by donating to their page.

http://melbournemarathon2013.gofundraise.com.au/page/GeorgeInigo

http://melbournemarathon2013.gofundraise.com.au/page/HarrisDim

http://melbournemarathon2013.gofundraise.com.au/page/Bell27

Update: 5 September 2013...Less than 6 weeks to go. Are we traveling well?

Yes we are! Can we do better? Yes we can!!

It may be the wrong election slogan, but it's the right sentiment for the team who've chosen to Run for those who can't.

So far, 277 runners and walkers will don the blue JMB singlets to raise awareness of Acquired Brain Injury. Whilst many of you are friends and family of James, and loyal supporters from James' alma mater - Carey Baptist Grammar School - more than half are new supporters of the cause. Welcome and thank you to all.

A massive 429 runners and volunteers have registered to fundraise for the JMB foundation. Their collective target - $211,000. Approximately $11,500 has already been raised.

It's a steep climb to bridge the $200,000 gap if we are to reach your target. You'll need to find an extra surge of energy for the sprint to the fundraising finish line. Here are some ideas that might give your fundraising a boost:

• Sausage Sizzle (nothing beats it)
• Cake Stall (if you can’t bake rope in your mum or dad, friend or neighbor to help)
• Quiz Night (great chance to stump your friends with your amazing geography, film noire or AFL knowledge.
• Masterchef style cook off
• Put on a gig (if you have musically inclined friends and family ask them nicely to donate their talents for a night or afternoon of smooth jazz or hair metal)
• Cheese & wine? (Everyone likes cheese and wine, see if an expert will donate some time and explainthe trade with some taste testing along the way)
• Organise an after party to celebrate your success, and encourage last minute donations!

GO TEAM!

Intro: 18 March 2013.......People like to know what they're donating for and to as a rule, don't they?

What do dollars raised for JMBF buy?

• $40 - $80 buys one hour of therapy. Therapy will decrease physical discomfort and can stimulate neural pathways to aid rehabilitation. ABI sufferers will benefit from therapy weekly.

• $140 buys half a day of community access. Young people with acquired brain injury lose contact with their social networks and suffer from isolation.

• $490 is enough to provide a week of day care respite for home carer's of a young person with ABI.

• $18,000 buys a customised wheelchair.

• It takes close to 740 average donations to raise $40,000 dollars - the size of a small contribution to the construction of age appropriate accommodation.

The JMB Foundation is an associated charity in the 2013 Melbourne Marathon Festival.

On 13 October, our supporters will come together to Run for Those Who Can't.

Some runners and walkers will go the extra mile and fundraise for the Foundation to help raise much needed funds for additional therapy and essential equipment - financial support that will aid young people with severe and catastrophic ABI achieve maximum levels of comfort and potential.

You can help! Join our team of fundraisers here, or donate to the JMB Foundation.

The JMB Foundation has been involved in this amazing event for the past 6 years, fielding the largest team of participants and consistently enjoying team success with overall team placings in 2012 for the Half Marathon, 10km, and full marathon events - 1st, 2nd and 3rd resepctively. We are fortunate to have enthusiastic support from runners and volunteers who help us contribute to the overall management of the event.

Your donations go directly to the JMB Foundation, so click on DONATE NOW!

Thank you for your support and helping to make a difference