Any distance beyond 26.2 miles is considered an ultramarathon. And any runner who considers it? Some might call them mad. We just call them ultrarunners. These super-accomplished runners who prefer the long road require specific shoes that offer both support and comfort mile after mile.

Sure, compressions socks and appropriate hydration can give you an edge. But everyone knows that shoes are everything—especially in a 50-mile run. As popularity for the sport grows, so does the offering of ultra running shoes built specifically for the challenging occasion.

Shoes that qualify for an ultramarathon are surprisingly lightweight considering their bulky appearance. With beefed up midsoles and hardy outsoles, ultramarathon shoes can really handle any type of race, even the unintimidating 5K. That being said, the shoes are best suited for long-distance trail runs.

Let’s take a look at the four collections of ultra shoes currently available.

Brooks Cascadia

Born from the insight of ultramarathoner Scott Jurek, the Brooks Cascadia has been a favorite of trail runners since its inception. To solidify its place in our hearts, the latest iteration received the coveted Editor’s Choice Award from Runner’s World. And just like Jurek, the shoe is 100 percent vegan, down to the adhesives and glue that hold it together.

New Balance 1210

New Balance conducted intense research when molding the 1210. They even went as far as to build a last based on the scans of ultrarunners’ feet before and after a race. The shoe itself is surprisingly lightweight at 10.3/8.1 oz. (men’s/women’s) due to the use of its REVlite midsole foam. The New Balance 1210 has an 8 mm drop that’s slightly lower compared to Cascadia’s 10 mm drop.

The North Face Ultra Guide

The North Face Ultra Guide is an aggressive trail shoe built for runs beyond the road. It’s lighter than the Cascadia and the 1210 but has just as much protection. Using its trademarked Cradle Guide technology to add a second density to the shoe that will provide stability no matter where the runner’s foot strikes. It lends full phase heel-to-toe protection along with a solid amount of cushion.

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra

Inspired by award-winning ultrarunner Killian Jornet, the S-Lab Sense Ultra is a racing flat with extra rock protection in the midfoot strike area. At 7.4 oz., it’s much lighter that the competition. If you’re looking for more of an ultra-training shoe instead, be sure to check out the S-Lab Sense Ultra’s more robust companion, the Salomon Sense Mantra.

What shoes do you wear for your long-distance runs?

Finding a pair of running shoes that fit—and that you love—can feel like you’re chasing a mirage. How do you choose among the hundreds of brands styles and features? Do you need Nike or Newton?

In search of an answer, many runners will go to a specialty running store and get a gait analysis and an “expert” running form evaluation. The runner will perform a wet-foot test. Based on arch height, they will receive a recommendation for a neutral, stability or motion-control shoe.

But is that the best way to choose among the ever-growing options of running shoes? Hardly. And the stakes are high: The wrong pair of shoes can lead to injury among otherwise healthy runners. Or you could just wind up hating your shoes, and who wants to run in shoes you hate?

Instead of relying on the wet-foot test or technology like “impact guidance systems,” there’s a far more effective way of choosing the right pair of shoes for trails, roads and even racing.

But first, you have to get your form right.

Form over Footwear

Shoes are important, but not as helpful as good running form. If you don’t have the basics of a neutral, relaxed stride, your particular type of running shoe won’t even matter.

So, how do you run properly? I like to simplify and give you only a few small changes to make in your form that will automatically take care of most bad habits. Stick to these basics:

• Increase your cadence to 170-180 steps per minute. This will ensure you’re not over-striding and “reaching” out in front of your body.
• Land with your foot underneath your body. Practice the cue to “put your foot down” underneath you. This helps prevent aggressive heel-striking that’s common in many runners.

These two simple changes to your running form will dramatically improve your efficiency and help you to run more relaxed. You’ll probably also experience fewer injuries with a more neutral stride!

The One-Question Test

Stop debating the minutiae of the shoe-buying process: gel vs. air, springs vs. lugs, or memory foam vs. biomorphic sock liner. There’s a better way—just ask yourself one question:

How does the shoe feel?

If a shoe fits well and feels good when you run, then you’ve found the right shoe! You can read a few shoe reviews to see how it performs, but you’ll never really know about a shoe unless you wear it.

Fit matters more than the shoe’s technology or its characteristics—one that’s too tight won’t allow your foot to expand, or a shoe that’s too big will cause slipping and uncomfortable blisters. The width of your shoe can also keep your foot from striking the ground the way it should.

Ill-fitting shoes—those that feel uncomfortable when you run in them—can also lead to injuries. Make sure you’re taking the right injury prevention steps in your training to stay healthy. Finding shoes that make your feet healthy is just part of the solution!

Many runners also are keen to try minimalist or “barefoot” running shoes. Relying less on technology—and more on your own body—is a great idea, but just remember that they put a lot more stress on your feet and lower legs. Before you make the full transition, gradually wear shoes that weigh slightly less than your last pair. In a few months, you’ll be wearing minimalist trainers!

When buying shoes online, be sure to choose a company that allows you to return running shoes even if you’ve worn them for a test run (like RunningShoes.com!). Ensuring a good fit is critical to staying healthy and reaching your big goals.

Jason Fitzgerald is a 2:39 marathoner and USATF-certified running coach at Strength Running. Get his latest coaching advice and free injury prevention course here. Follow him on Google+.

Prepping for a race is no run in the park. After you throw down some major cash to register, that’s when the fun really begins. But before you get all wrapped up in the nuances of daily training, tapering, carb-loading and hydration, be sure you’re feet are properly equipped.

Some runners wear specific shoes to train and break out lower, lighter shoes for the big day. Others simply run races in their daily trainer and find just as much success. The most important thing is to pinpoint the exact shoe you’ll wear on race day, and give yourself enough time to break it in. Keep in mind that breaking in a shoe doesn’t mean you simply wear it around the house the day before the race. You should run in it several times prior to be sure it fits comfortably without blisters or other foot pains. Because nobody wants an unexpected surprise on race day. Well, unless that surprise is first place.

For short distances such as a 5K, wear a lighter shoe that’s maybe even a little lower to the ground. This will assist in picking up the speed. If you are running a half or full marathon, look to shoes with more cushioning. Your feet need the extra support with every extra mile. The most important part is that your feet feel comfortable and remain injury-free up through the race.

Here are a few of our favorite styles to break out on race day.

5K Shoes

The Mizuno Wave Musha is a lightweight racer designed to correct overpronation.

• Type: Racing
• Pronation Control: Mild
• Weights: 7.4/6.3 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 22 / 13 mm (Heel/Toe)
• Drop: 9 mm
• Features: Mizuno Airmesh / AP+ / Mizuno Wave Technology / SmoothRide / X10

For neutral runners looking to move fast, Saucony Type A provides a sliver of cushion and a smooth ride.

• Type: Racing
• Pronation Control: Neutral
• Weights: 5.6/5.2 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 16/12 mm (Heel/Toe)
• Drop: 4 mm
• Features: Air Mesh Upper / Gusseted Tongue / SSL EVA / XT-900™

Built off of a spike last, the New Balance 1400 is a fierce racing flat that’s not messing around.

• Type: Racing
• Pronation Control: Neutral
• Weights: 7.1/5.7 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 19/11 mm (Heel/Toe – Midsole)
• Drop: 8 mm
• Features: REVlite

10K – Half Marathon Shoes

From Asics speed collection, the GEL-DS Trainer has just a touch of stability.

• Type: Racing / Minimalist
• Pronation Control: Neutral / Mild
• Weights: 9.1/7.6 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 19.5/9.5 mm (Heel/Toe)
• Drop: 10 mm
• Features: I.G.S.® / Heel Clutching System™ / Guidance Line® / Propulsion Trusstic® / Dynamic DuoMax® Support System / WET GRIP® Outsole / No Sew Upper

Become a midfoot striker with the Brooks PureConnect, built for those with a neutral stride.

• Type: Minimalist
• Pronation Control: Neutral
• Weights: 7.2/5.9 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 14/10 mm (Heel/Toe)
• Drop: 4 mm
• Features: BioMoGo DNA Midsole / IDEAL Heel / Toe Flex / Nav Band / Anatomical Last

With a grippy outsole and light stability, the Saucony Fastwitch turns you into a speed racer.

• Type: Racing
• Pronation Control: Mild
• Weights: 6.9/6.2 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 15.5/11.5 mm (Heel/Toe)
• Drop: 4 mm
• Features: Air-Mesh Upper / Dual Density SSL EVA / XT-900™ / FlexFilm Overlays / Premium Sockliner

Full Marathon Shoes

Selected as a Runner’s World Editor’s Choice, Brooks Ghost nicely balances cushion and responsiveness.

• Type: Structured
• Pronation Control: Neutral
• Weights: 10.7/8.8 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 24/12 mm (Heel/Toe)
• Drop: 12 mm
• Features: Anatomical Brooks® DNA / BioMoGo /  DRB® Accel / Heel Caterpillar Tech /  HPR Plus

Asics created the GEL-Nimbus to preserve your stride mile after magnificent mile. This shoe was also selected by Runner’s World as an Editor’s Choice.

• Type: Structured
• Pronation Control: Neutral / Mild
• Weights: 11.1/9.1 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 32/21 mm (Heel/Toe)
• Drop: 11 mm
• Features: I.G.S.® / Guidance Line® / Solyte® Midsole / ComforDry™ Sockliner / Biomorphic Fit® Upper / Heel Clutching System™ / Discrete Eyelets

The Pearl Izumi Streak is lightweight enough to take on a 5K, yet it has enough cushioning for a marathon.

• Type: Racing
• Pronation Control: Neutral
• Weights:  7.6/6.8 oz (Men’s/Women’s)
• Heights: 18/9 mm (Heel/Toe)
• Drop: 9 mm
• Features: 1:1 Seamless Upper / 1:1 360° Lacing / 1:1 Energy Foam / 360° Reflectivity

What race-day shoes do you recommend?

Why all the encouragement? Well, there’s something in it for those who share. One commenter will receive two pairs of the Mizuno Wave Enigma 2. Part of Mizuno’s neutral collection, the Enigma gives runners an ample amount of cushioning for a smooth ride.

Mizuno Wave Enigma 2

Features

• Drop: 12 mm
• Weight: 11.6 oz
• Mizuno Wave Technology dissipates impact forces away from the foot for a smoother, more cushioned feel.
• SmoothRide Engineering promotes natural movement from the back of your foot to the front, initiating that rocking-chair motion.
• Dynamotion Fit reduces lateral stress for optimal fit.
• AP+ midsole designed for long-lasting durability and unparalleled responsiveness.

Love is kind of like an Enigma, right? To enter for a chance to win, just answer the following question in the comments section of this post. The staff here at RunningShoes.com will choose a winner from our favorite answers.

Who’s your running Valentine? Tell us why you love him or her!

Let your running valentine be anyone special to you—a husband, a mother, a best friend—someone who brings joy and color into your world; the person who makes you smile on a rainy day. Share your story about them, gain some good vibes, and potentially pick up some free Mizuno shoes. Sounds like a win-win to us!

UPDATE: We have a winner! Congrats to Debbie, who submitted the following note about her valentine:

I know most people choose their valentine to be their boyfriend, significant other, or spouse, etc. and I am married and love my hubby with all my heart but this year I would choose my son, Benjamin, as my special valentine. He has been an inspiration to both myself and my husband. A couple years ago he boldly came to us and told us that he was concerned for our health and he loved us so much and he wanted us to be around for a long time and that he wanted to make sure that he could help us do anything he could to encourage us to get healthy. Through a lot of encouragement we have joined weight watchers, started an exercise program and more recently Benjamin is encouraging us to run in the Pat Tillman marathon. Benjamin runs/jogs right beside me like my personal trainer encouraging me with every step cheering me on. Our other three children are also jumping on board in getting healthier.

Debbie and her son will each receive a pair of the Mizuno Enigma 2. We thank you to all who participated. There were some really great entries. We hope you shared your kind words with your special valentine!

UPDATE 2:

Debbie sent us a picture of her and her son enjoying their new shoes. She writes:

My son has now convinced my husband and I to start hiking mountains. We are here at the top of North Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona. It has been a fun and challenging journey. Thank you again for the shoes.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be announced on Friday, Feb. 15. 

** CONTEST CLOSED** Thank you for submitting your entries!

Running has more than hit the mainstream. How can we tell? Research shows that a record number of runners are participating in road races now more than ever. It doesn’t matter if it’s a half, full or even an ultra-marathon—runners can’t seem to get enough miles in.

We map out the numbers (and some of the most random races) in our most recent infographic. While the exact cause behind the popularity of running isn’t entirely clear, there’s a litany of scenarios that could have potentially launched this trend.

Click here for a larger view of The Running Boom infographic.

So, there you have it. We’re officially living in running’s boom era.

Why do you think running is more popular than ever?

Before the barefoot boom, shoeless enthusiasts were few and far between. As one of the early adopters, David Sypniewski knows all about it. Nearly a decade ago he stumbled upon the barefoot running form and began running in water shoes because there were no other options at the time.

Then in 2008, Sypniewski officially tossed his hat in the shoe-making ring. His Polish background influenced his company name Skora. The root word skóra literally means skin or leather in Polish. The next-to-skin type shoes Skora builds have become known as the crème de la crème for barefooters around the world.

How are Skora shoes different than other barefoot shoes?

One of the first things that differentiates our products is our attention to quality in terms of the choice of materials and the way we build our shoes. We’ve sourced some of the absolute best synthetics and meshes. Very strong yet breathable.

We use sheepskin and goatskin from England—one of the most supple and breathable leathers you can find. It’s not really anything like leathers you are accustomed to that are hot, sticky and sweaty. It’s the best leather you can get. European soccer brands use it. Prada buys the same leather because it is so strong, so soft and gets better with age.

We use double stitching throughout the construction. If you ever pull out an insole or insock on a shoe, you can see a lot of the stitch marks and the unfinished parts. It’s the behind-the-scenes ugliness of shoes. Instead of having that, we use stitch-down construction. The shoe looks as beautiful with the insole as without. Whether you wear it with or without socks, it’s comfortable because our stitching process is as seamless as possible both on the upper and the footbed. There is so much effort in the patterning and engineering so the shoe really gives the level of comfort that runners deserve.

What’s special about the Skora outsole?

Our outsole really separates us from other minimalists shoes. It is the most important part of the contact you get, or don’t get, when you run. We have completely curved the edges of our outsole just like your naked foot. There aren’t any straight edges; there aren’t any 90-degree angles that you have with a 2X4. We have completely curved every single piece of the shoe, which allows for very natural motion. It almost eliminates that teeter tottering effect. Our shoes are designed to get out of the way so the foot can do what it naturally does based on body mechanics and running style.

In the outsole, we use a firmer and more dense rubber EVA midsole. It gives the runner a denser and slightly stiffer platform. So you are not running on a marshmallow so to speak. You are running with a more resilient material.

How many miles can you put on one pair?

Because of our dense EVA outsole, we have high-mileage running shoes. Our tester and ultramarathoner has one pair that has reached over 1,300 miles. And the shoes are still going strong. Sure they look dirty, and the Velcro has grass and everything stuck to it so he can’t get it out, but the outsole is going strong.

When you have a higher density rubber, it is kind of like a car tire. Racing tires are very soft, but they shred. Look at race cars. They change tires midway through the race because the tires disintegrate. You look at all-season tires; they are very hard. You knock on them, and they sound like wood. That’s because the rubber is harder and at a higher density. The effect of that is so that you get 50,000 miles on a pair of tires, right? It’s the same effect with running shoes.

Not only do we give the runner a great ground feel through a higher density material, the shoes last. I can’t put a guaranteed number on it, but it’s more than your average running shoe. And we’re very proud of that. I would say on average they should be getting 500 miles on a pair of Skora shoes, if not more than a solid 200 miles.

Why did you decide to create your own running shoes?

It all started 10 or 11 years ago. I got injured like many runners do. I had a really bad IT injury in my right leg, and I couldn’t shake it. I was running in a traditional running shoe—over padded, over-controlling and was told to heel strike, which we know now that’s not the right way. I got injured, and I couldn’t shake the injury for a better part of a year and a half. Deep tissue therapy didn’t help. I was told to get orthotics and that didn’t help.

In my own frustration I started doing some research online for holistic approaches to running injury cures. I stumbled upon a barefoot running website. I read everything that night. I was just fascinated by how we can run naturally. That running barefoot or in a barefoot style is how we are meant to run. I started running barefoot the next morning. Even though I couldn’t run in any shoe for nearly a year and a half without pain after 20 minutes into my run with my right leg being on fire, I went for a barefoot run that day completely pain-free. I knew there and then that this was something more—before the FiveFingers and the Nike Frees of the world. It just made logical sense, down to the core of who we are as humans.

I always use the analogy: “Why do we need an expert to tell me that me that breast milk is best for infants?” We are so fascinated by studies that can be proven or disproven, but some things are just inherently coded in our DNA. I was doing all my mileage barefoot, and there was nothing on the market. All I could run in as an option was Aqua Socks water shoes. They would swim around and get all stinky.

And you decided to create your own improved version for running?

I knew very early on that maybe I could build a better mousetrap. I sat on the idea for several years, and finally in late 2007, I said enough dreaming and wishing. I started putting things together. It took us the better part of three and a half years because of sourcing, funding and design. We started from scratch—no factories, no material suppliers, no sales people, no distribution channels. It took us quite a while, but we wanted to build something better. Otherwise, why bother?

Skora’s Form has been called the Bentley of barefoot by Wired.com. Do you agree with this statement?

We take the finest materials, a fit that is unparalleled, and wrap it up in something that is a luxury product runners deserve. That’s what we wanted to achieve—build what runners deserve and don’t cut any corners. As consumers, we’re tired of that. I’m tired of that.

So, I totally agree. They hit the nail on the head. Maybe Bentley is shooting a little bit too high. Another blogger called us the Lexus of running shoes. It is definitely a performance product and being named with such caliber brands, I mean wow. We couldn’t be any prouder. And we are such a new company it’s kind of “wow, others get it.” It means we did the right thing.

Do you consider barefoot running a trend?

Quarter after quarter for the past year and a half, sales of motion control and stability shoes have been declining by double digits. And neutral shoes, which includes lightweight and minimal, has been increasing by a staggering 20 percent. The numbers don’t lie.

I think this is more than a trend. It is going to help reestablish the normal construction and thickness of midsoles—whether you have air, gel or all sorts of technologies that are really not much more than marketing spin. It’s a return to building shoes that runners and athletes need and nothing more. It’s stripping all the excess away that quite frankly has only added injury rates in runners.

Do you feel that natural running will be something we see for years to come?

Absolutely. The change can already be seen in running shoes, trail running shoes, trail trail shoes—you know the big classic hikers you need for approaching a mountain. It’s already starting to affect how manufacturers of all types are building shoes. I believe it’s more than jumping on market opportunity. Consumers are demanding this and standing up almost in solidarity saying: “We want less not more.” We went way too far since the ’80s looking at shoe structure and cushioning as the solution.

What do you call your shoes if not barefoot? What is the term you use?

I knew you were going to ask that. You know what we call them? And you are going to think it is a cop-out answer, but I hope you see the brilliance in it. We see them as real running shoes. Real running shoes for the real runner. It’s as simple as that.

What’s the biggest misconception about barefoot running?

The biggest misconception still revolves around the fact that runners, or consumers in general, think that buying the product is a magic pill. If you buy a minimal product, whether it’s a FiveFingers or a pair of Skoras, that somehow that’s it—that’s all you need, and you can continue in your regular trend with no change to your form or your approach to training. That is the biggest misconception.

We launched our sub-website RunReal.com with an open letter to the industry asking not only consumers but manufacturers within the running shoe industry to stop the bullshit and come together. We need to come together about using the right marketing language about what is barefoot and minimal. Some brands say “Oh, you know if you have anything more than 9 mm of total stack height in your outsole/midsole, then that can no longer be called a barefoot shoe.” We can argue that 7, 8, 9 or 10 is the right number, but as long as we keep arguing and making all these marketing gimmicks, all that does is confuse the consumer and lead to more problems.

Remember that lawsuit where a person spilled hot McDonalds coffee on themselves and sued because the coffee was not labeled as hot? We all need to take a little bit of responsibility to understand what running means in more low profile, minimal shoes. You need to work with your body and listen to it to train properly. Slow down your speed at least. But more importantly, reduce your mileage. Listen to your body. You might not be able to do your five miler right out of the gate. It could take you three months. Now that’s OK. We believe that it’s not about quantity of mileage but quality.

We’re all plugged in with our iPods, GPS with our watches and heart rate monitors. It’s all about technology. Just going out there and pounding the payment because your watch tells you need to do a 60-minute run today. We’re not in favor of that. We prefer to say unplug, disconnect and reconnect with your own body. Find your rhythm, reconnect and reposition your body so you can run stronger better for life. Because that’s the goal. We want to be running for life because we love the sport and the recreation of it.

Are there any types of runners who shouldn’t wear your shoes?

Interesting question. I am of the belief that anybody and everybody can run better through smart education through retraining and relearning proper running style. It’s all about shortening your stride length and quickening your turn over. In other words, more steps per mile—really short baby steps. I believe everybody can do that.

Now think about it. Close your eyes and imagine a relatively warm pavement parking lot. You park like a block away from the beach, and you’re barefoot. How would you run? Would you run like on your toes like really fast? Probably, right? I believe that everybody can run better with the right thought process and some education.

In a nutshell, I believe our shoes are for everybody, but for everybody who can understand, stop and think about what that means to transition and the process of it.

What do you hope Skora does for the running community?

I want runners to be inspired to stop and think. It is so important to reconnect with ourselves and running. And don’t say, “Oh, I don’t care about that. I just need to do my 10 miler, so it doesn’t matter if I run through pain. It’s normal.” Uh, no it’s not. Running should not hurt—ever. With the exception of maybe if you push yourself to a 100 mile race.

You should be able to go out for a nice 20- or 60-minute run and never be in pain. That means something’s not right. And I think runners forget that and think it’s normal to be in pain. And therefore they think they need highly padded shoes with a lot of gel with better support, and let me put some orthotics in there. That’s going to come back and bite you really hard. I’ve been through it. A lot of runners have. Hence the reason for the minimalist running shoes boom. So many people have gone through it; they never had an alternative. All those people who have instinctively knew that they wanted something different, there’s a variable now.

I’m really happy that Skora is part of it. I’m excited that big brands are coming into it as well. If we had all the knowledge we have today and could use a time machine to go back to 1969 or 1970 when Phil Knight started building the first waffle shoes, we would have said: “Stop, man. Let’s do it this way instead.” I think we would have reaped the benefit and not of had the injuries. Now we are trying to solve the problem that we surreptitiously created for ourselves.

What’s next for Skora?

We launched our women’s line this past summer and have been hard at work adding two new styles for both men and women to our collection. They are by far the most exciting styles yet! The Skora Phase is constructed using the latest lamination techniques, and the Skora Core features perforated Pittards Armor-Tan goatskin leather on the upper. Both are set to launch in March 2013.

Runners love to run, but they also love to indulge every so often. A #RunTreat is the icing on the cake. It’s the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; the light at the end of the tunnel … a well-deserved reward for all that hard work!

We are celebrating these simple pleasures with a photo contest in partnership with Brooks Running. It could be a ginormous cupcake with sprinkles, a bowl chockfull of carrots, some limited-edition Candy Corn Oreos—whatever it is you dream about finding at the finish line!

Runners can enter by uploading photos of their favorite post-run treats RIGHT HERE or on Twitter by using the tag @runningshoecom and hashtag #RunTreat. All submissions must be in by 5 p.m. CT on Oct. 26. Voting ends Oct. 28 at midnight.

But wait, we forgot the most important part—THE PRIZE!! We put together the ultimate Brooks Running Goody Bag that includes:

• Shoes: 1 pair of the all-new Brooks Ghost 5
• Shirt: 1 Brooks running tee
• Shorts: 1 pair of Brooks running shorts
• Sweets: Your favorite Halloween candy!

Photos will be judged based on creativity, the best representation of the contest theme and overall composition. The staff of RunningShoes.com will select and announce a winner by October 31, 2012. This contest is open to U.S. residents only.

There are a number of charity groups throughout the country that allow people to engage in an athletic event while raising funds towards a good cause.

One of the more prominent of these charity groups is the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), whose primary mission is to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the quality of life of children and adults whose lives are affected by these diseases. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. The CCFA estimates that 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from these two diseases, many needing hospitalization stays and life-altering surgeries that sometimes requires a complete removal of the colon.

On the heels of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s enormously popular endurance and fundraising program known as Team in Training, CCFA started their own endurance and fundraising program. In the process, it has raised tens of millions of dollars towards research in hopes of finding a cure. By joining a local Team Challenge group, each participant has a chance to train for an endurance event, while receiving professional training and valuable information from weekly clinics held by the coaches or experts in the field. The participants also are able to make new friends and attend some great social and fundraising events.

Most new participants to Team Challenge are first-time half marathoners and some have never walked more than a few miles at a time. Because of the varying level of ability, team members are assigned mentors to fit each participant’s fitness level, whether it’s an experienced runner or first-timer. Many team members are people who live with Crohn’s or colitis, while others may be family members, loved ones, friends or others simply looking for a great way to learn how to complete an endurance event while receiving excellent coaching and support.

The Team Challenge training program typically consists of 16 weeks in order to develop the endurance level of team members slowly so that they are able to physically adapt to the demands of endurance training in a safe and comfortable manner. There may be times a team member might experience difficulty with the training, the fundraising or both. However, with the aid of their coaches and mentors, most team members who begin with the training on day one eventually make it all the way and participate on race weekend.

A huge dinner party the night before an endurance event allows the Team Challenge staff to congratulate and honor everyone for their efforts in fundraising. Of course, the training oftentimes transforms participants’ lives into a more active lifestyle. Special guests make appearances at the dinner party, including people of all ages who live with Crohn’s disease or colitis and want to share their personal experiences. Others may be well known celebrities who also want to share their story with having to live with one of these diseases. Despite many stories that may be heartbreaking, there are also stories of strength and perseverance. Indeed, the entire evening is a night filled with love and inspiration and that memory helps each team member on race day, as to why there were all brought together on day one.

When Team Challenge first began on the east coast, the program offered participants a chance to complete a half marathon under the guidance of an endurance coach and several mentors who help assist each participant meet their fundraising and fitness goals. The first race was extremely successful. Today Team Challenge has regional chapters in over 40 cities across the country, including teams in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles and New York City. Chapters sponsor two half marathon events each year and many of the regional chapters will then converge onto just a few events, thus making the Team Challenge participants quite visible with their orange race singlet that create somewhat of a flow of orange speckled throughout a half marathon course.

Due to its success by drawing thousands of participants each year to half marathon events, Team Challenge created a cycling program and a triathlon program last year. These programs enable participants to live the dream of crossing the finish line in an athletic event like a triathlon. Regardless of the event, once a Team Challenge member crosses the finish line, chances are it will be a memory they never forget.

Team Challenge is now recruiting for their next big event, the Las Vegas Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon, which is held in early December. Follow them for updates on Facebook and Twitter.

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Guest author Randy Yagi is a certified USA Track and Field and USA Triathlon coach. He is part of the staff at Running Shoes Guru, covering distance events such as the Olympics, giving coaching advice and writing about athletes that inspire us.

Click here to view a larger version of our Olympic running Infographic.

We want to motivate the masses to get RUNspired. That’s why we’re asking runners across the U.S. to share their favorite words of inspiration.

These inspiring words can be almost anything—from a favorite catchphrase to a song lyric or a totally insightful quote. Much like the New Balance motto, “Let’s make excellent happen,” the words should evoke that get-up-and-go spirit. They should be the kind of things you say to make those swelteringly hot or exceedingly dreary days seem like insignificant hurdles. Get ready to crank up that personal morale and get moving!

The Prize

The person who shares the words that inspire us the most will win a race day getaway for two to Falmouth, Mass., including airfare and hotel accommodations for one night. Falmouth is a fabulous seaside town and historical Cape Cod summer resort destination. The winner will receive two entries to the prestigious New Balance Falmouth Road Race, one of the most popular races in the country. Every year there are more applicants than registration numbers!

On August 12, more than 11,000 runners are expected to participate in the New Balance Falmouth Road Race, which is now in its 40th year. Expected to draw more than 75,000 spectators, the road race will stretch seven miles from the Woods Hole Community Center through winding, tree-lined roads to a breathtaking flat area of beach that opens next to Martha’s Vineyard Sound.

Doesn’t that sound amazing? And you don’t have to wait until August to check it out. They’ve posted a video tracing the entire course. Check it out!

How To Enter

To enter, contestants should submit their RUNspiring words to the New Balance Race Day Giveaway application on RunningShoes.com’s Facebook page. Finalists will be determined by voting. Entrants are encouraged to share their submission on Facebook and ask friends to vote. The inspiring words that receive the most votes will be selected on June 29. The final winner will be chosen by the staff at RunningShoes.com and announced on July 6, 2012. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, ages 18 and older.

Now who’s ready to get RUNspired? Let’s do it!