Join Team Sweetness For the 2011 Chicago Marathon June 16, 2011

The Walter & Connie Payton Foundation and The Jarrett Payton Foundation have teamed up in 2011 to create 'Team Sweetness' - an official participating charity in the upcoming 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Although the general registration period for the Chicago Marathon is closed, Team Sweetness has secured more than a dozen post-close entries and they are looking for runners to join their team (the deadline is June 30th). This year will mark the 34th Anniversary of the Chicago Marathon - as you know, #34 was the number worn by Walter Payton, marking a perfect opportunity to remember the legacy of one of Chicago sports fans' most beloved athletes.

The Payton family is encouraging Chicago runners to join Team Sweetness - proceeds from runners fundraising efforts will be directed to both foundations which help abused, bullied, neglected and underprivileged children. Also, runners already registered for the marathon can still sign-up to participate and run for Team Sweetness (see details below).

"My dad always said if you can catch a child at a young age, you can really change a life. There is a passion we share in my family - providing opportunity for abused, neglected and underprivileged children to get a boost in their self-esteem and a reason to believe that tomorrow can be different - tomorrow can be a better day." -Jarrett Payton

RACE INFORMATION:

Running With Team Sweetness:

*New Registrants must pay a $34 Team Sweetness Registration Fee and pledge to raise funds in the amount of $1,100; New Registrant Entries Must be Received by June 30th (Half the minimum fundraising commitment due October 1; Full fundraising commitment due November 11)

*Already registered Chicago Marathon participants must pay a $34 Team Sweetness Registration Fee and pledge to raise funds in the amount of $400 (Half the minimum fundraising commitment due October 1; Full fundraising commitment due November 11)

Additional benefits of joining Team Sweetness:
*Special pre-race pasta dinner the evening before the race hosted by the Walter & Connie Payton Foundation and The Jarrett Payton Foundation **Connie, Jarrett and Brittney Payton will be on hand to meet and support the Team Sweetness runners

*Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) Marathon Training Program discounted rate

*Official Team Sweetness T-Shirt or Singlet

*Fundraising tips and personal online fundraising page to aid your fundraising efforts

*Other fundraising and special prizes to be given out between now and race day

All entries into the race are non-refundable or transferable according to the rules of the Chicago Marathon. Non-runners are also welcome to participate by becoming a Team Sweetness volunteer.

Official Website: http://www.teamsweetness.com