Team Challenge Endurance Training Program Generates $8 Million for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in 2010

Program offers runners and walkers the ability to make a difference in the lives of digestive disease patients in 2011 through its world-class destination race training

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Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

Jan 12, 2011, 12:34 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2010, over 2,000 people ran, walked, or cycled with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's endurance training and fundraising program, Team Challenge. These participants at all fitness levels raised $8 million for research, education, and support services for patients suffering from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic and often debilitating digestive diseases affecting over 1.4 million Americans.

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"It was amazing to see the number of people running in the race for this cause," says Mike McCready, lead guitarist for Pearl Jam, who supported and celebrated with participants during race weekend at the Zappos.com Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon, alongside other celebrities including Ali Fedotowsky and fiance Roberto Martinez from The Bachelorette; and meteorologist Bob Van Dillen from HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade." "As a Crohn's patient I am grateful that Team Challenge is helping to raise much-needed awareness about this disease and ulcerative colitis. It is so important that people understand what patients go through and that patients understand that they are not alone in their fight."

In 2010, Team Challenge participants completed the Centurion Cycling's Blue Mountain race; the 13.1 Boston Marathon; the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon; and the Zappos.com Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon.

And this month, the Foundation invites runners and walkers of all levels around the country learn more about how they can challenge themselves, change lives, and help find cures while training for world-class destination races taking place during summer 2011.

Those interested in learning more about training for an upcoming race can attend an information meeting, which are taking place across the country in January, February, and March. Training takes place over 16-weeks in group sessions led by professional coaches while participants raise much-needed awareness of and funds for Crohn's and colitis research, education, and support initiatives. Find a local information meeting at www.ccteamchallenge.org

Team Challenge participants who sign up will train for either the June 4 Virginia Half Marathon; the June 26 Kona Half Marathon; or the July 17 Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon. During the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon, runners and walkers will experience a fast and peaceful course through the winding country roads of Northern Virginia through hillside vineyards, expansive horse farms, and historic estates. The Kona Half Marathon takes place on the beautiful Kona Coast, and offers views of the ocean, mountains, and lava fields of Hawaii. During the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon, participants will take in rolling vineyards of the Carneros wine region. For all races, event weekend kicks off with a pasta party and concludes with a finish line bash.

This spring, Team Challenge will launch its Triathlon program that will train participants to swim, bike, and run the TriRock Triathlon Series San Diego race on September 11, 2011.

About Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.

About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 81 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org. Join CCFA on Facebook at http://apps.facebook.com/supportccfa/and follow CCFA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccfa.

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

SOURCE Crohn's & Colitis Foundation