Run or Walk a 5K with Team EMC

We're Going the Distance for Moms -- Will You?

We want you to join us in supporting global maternal health!

Support our team members through Crowdrise or run or walk a 5K of your own. Why a 5K? That is less than the average distance a pregnant woman in the developing world must travel to receive the basic health care she needs to deliver her baby. And often that is simply too far to walk for a woman who is 9 months pregnant, in labor, and has no access to transportation.

You can help make a difference. To show your support, join team EMC and run or walk in solidarity with us. We run so that others don't have to.

FAQS

What is Every Mother Counts?

Founded in 2010, Every Mother Counts (EMC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving maternal health and combating maternal mortality worldwide. Currently a woman dies every 2 minutes from complications related to pregnancy. Over 90% of those deaths are preventable. And for every woman who dies, there are 20 other women who suffer lifelong disabilities.

Why a 5K?

Every Mother Counts has put together a team to run the NYC Marathon on November 4th in support of global maternal health. We’re asking people across the country to join us in solidarity by running or walking their own 5K. That is less than the average distance a pregnant woman in the developing world must travel to receive the basic health care necessary to deliver her baby. For many women in developing countries, that means walking while 9 months pregnant and in labor. If the woman needs more comprehensive obstetric care, that distance increases considerably.

The goal for these runs-whether they be 5ks or marathons- is to raise awareness about this simple but devastating barrier. Every person who goes out to walk or run can tell their friends and family why they’re doing so and hold signs or wear shirts so that passer-bys can learn about it too. And the funds we raise will be helping to make sure women elsewhere can get a ride. Basically, we run so that others don’t have to.

Okay, I’m in. How can I get started?

It is as simple as grabbing a couple of friends and going for a 5K run or walk on November 4th. Then share your photos and stories of your own run/walk with us via Facebook or email us here.

Please use Charity Miles, a free app that enables you to earn 25¢ per mile for EMC, whenever you walk or run. It's a free, easy way to raise both money and awareness for EMC. And you can use it any time you walk or run— even if you're not doing a full 5K. Please download the app to your iPhone or Android today. Every Mile Counts!

Purchase the official Oiselle Every Mother Counts team shirt here. 40% of all proceeds go to EMC. To receive your team shirt by November 4th using priority USPS mail, be sure to order by October 19th. 2-day and overnight shipping is also available.

Ask friends and family to sponsor your 5K by making donations through Crowdrise. Again, all proceeds go to EMC. Click here to join Team EMC and set up your own fundraising page as part of the team, then send it out to friends and family.

My office wants to participate! How do I get us organized?

Recruit team members and put together your own group! Set up a team Crowdrise page for each race and determine a team leader. Reach out to personal contacts and let your family and friends know what you're doing through Facebook and Twitter. Use Charity Miles as your team's official running app. Let us know what you’re doing and send us a photo. We would love to advertise your walk and let folks know that you’re out there! If you have any questions at all, we are here to help. And moreover, we’d love to hear stories, from training to hearing from all those who supported you so we can send you all a huge thank you!

What are some resources to help me organize and train for the 5K?

You can find an official 5K going on in your area (Runner's World Race Finder) or simply just map out a 5K distance and grab some friends to run or walk around a known route. Some resources to map out 5K include map my run or Nike. Click here for a list of some 5Ks we've heard about.

Only you can decide your training needs for a 5K--it depends on your fitness level. If this is truly a first endeavor into running, well first of all that is amazing. And second of all- we know you can do it. Here are a couple resources to help: a Sofa to 5K plan, a Healthy training schedule from the Mayo Clinic, and some “Race Day Tips” from our friend at LUNA Bar, Jane Kibii. Originally from Kenya, Jane is a runner on the LUNA Pro Team and has won several major national events ranging from 5ks to half marathons. She ran her first marathon in 2009 and came in 5th place! As a native Kenyan, Every Mother Counts is an important cause for Jane and hits close to home. Last year as we geared up to run our first marathon she sent us some tips that ring true today for ALL runners.

How far is 5 Kilometers anyway?

5Ks is equal to 3.10686 miles. We’ll call 3 miles good.

Did you mention sharing photos and stories?

Yes! We’d love to see the photos and hear the stories of your own run/walk on November 4th. PLEASE share them here.

I’m not a runner, but I’d still like to support Team EMC. What can I do?

Remember, you don’t need to run a 5K, you can walk one too. And you can always support Team EMC by visiting our NYC Marathon team Crowdrise page or supporting an individual team member. Or even just by spreading the word to your own communities about the effort and about distance as a barrier. You can learn more about the transportation barrier here.

This all sounds wonderful, but I still have a question. How can I contact you?

For any and all 5K questions, click here to email us. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.