See You at the Finish Line… IBD Cures! [Team Challenge]

Preparing for a Half Marathon
DONATE TO Team CHallenge

Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s endurance program, created to raise funds to accelerate cures for IBD and support critical patient programs. With exclusive entries to premier races around the world like the TCS NYC Marathon and the BMW Berlin Marathon, plus many ways to get involved here at home, anyone can participate in Team Challenge. 

Check out their 2025 destinations!

You can walk, run, swim, cycle or move any way you’d like in support of the IBD community, while raising critical funds!

Team Challenge is a community: a family bonded together for a purpose much larger than ourselves–to help fund cures for the millions of Americans living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. With every move we make and finish line crossed, we get closer to a world free of IBD.

Interested in learning more? Contact them here! 

At Team Challenge, community is everything. Their dedicated participants are a big motivation!

A Personal Battle with Crohn’s Disease: Dewey’s Journey

Dewey was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as a teenager after enduring months of stomach pain and invasive tests; a condition then thought to primarily affect middle-aged individuals. Despite the diagnosis, Dewey pursued his passions, excelling in basketball, soccer, and academics, studying abroad, and building a successful career as an institutional stockbroker. He later completed 23 Team Challenge races, including the New York City Marathon. After undergoing J-pouch surgery in 1986 and having his diagnosis changed to Crohn’s disease in 2005, Dewey remained resilient. Now retired and traveling the world, he co-facilitates a support group, emphasizing the importance of acceptance in managing chronic illness. 

Runner Rebate Program

We’re excited to present the Runner Rebate Program to strengthen the impact of your support for Team Challenge! Runners who commit to fundraising for this organization can receive a complete refund of their registration fees by achieving their fundraising targets! Here’s how it works:

  • For the 5K, raise $150 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
  • For the half marathon, raise $350 and get a 100% refund of your registration fees.
  • For the full marathon, raise $500 and you’ll receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
  • For the 5K/Half Combo Crush, raise $650 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
  • For the 5K/Full Combo Crush, raise $750 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.

By meeting these fundraising targets, you’ll not only earn a free race entry, but you’ll also play a crucial role in supporting individuals with IBD through the efforts of Team Challenge.

Join us in making a difference by supporting Team Challenge and their mission to find a cure for the millions of Americans living with IBD. To donate or fundraise for Team Challenge, please click the link below:

Donate to team challenge

The Half & Full Marathon are Now Sold Out!

Important Notice:
This race is officially sold out. Please do not purchase a bib from any third-party website, marketplace, or individual claiming to have a bib for sale. The only legitimate way to secure an entry at this time is by getting off the official waitlist.

Participants found wearing or using someone else’s bib are in violation of race rules and may be disqualified and barred from participating in future events.

You can still be a part of race weekend by securing your spot in The Hoag OC 5K! Spots are limited, register now!