India Literacy Project (ILP) is fielding eight teams this year (6 running and 2 walking teams). 100+ men and women are training together to show their support to ILP and help ILP achieve its fund raising goal of $150,000 from this relay event for this year. On behalf of the runners and walkers who are participating in this year's relay and ILP, we are seeking your support towards the causes supported by ILP.

Team ILP infuses the fun of accomplishment as a group into a solitary pursuit such as running and draws upon the collective will of the group to bring about lasting social change in India.

ABOUT TEAM ILP

Team ILP is a group of India Literacy Project volunteers and supporters who enjoy running and other outdoor activities. Currently, the Team fields at the 200 mile Relay from Calistoga, Napa to the beach boardwalk in Santa Cruz, held every year.

THE RELAY

The Relay is America's Second Largest Relay. From the Calistoga Mineral Water Company in Napa Valley to the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, "California's Longest Party" relays the message on donation through Organs 'R' Us. Teams of 12 travel 200 miles through Calistoga, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Sausalito, San Francisco, the heart of Silicon Valley across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Beach in Santa Cruz. The course is divided into 36 segments called "Legs" with 84 turns. Each member of the team is pre-assigned 3 legs of the relay. The legs vary in distances (between 3 to 8.9 miles) and level of difficulty (Easy to Very Hard). The date of The Relay varies each year to provide moonlight for course lighting. For 2010,The Relay will be held on May 1st and 2nd.

Runners travel 200 miles on shoulders of roads or sidewalks, 4 miles on five bicycle paths, 3 miles through two vineyards, 1 mile across a ranch and 1 mile through a quarry. Nine legs have ocean views and five legs border reservoirs. Members of the relay team take turns to cover the 36 legs according to the pre-assigned sequence. For example Runner #1 will cover legs 1, 13 & 25, Runner #2 legs 2, 14& 26 and so on. Runner #12 will cover Legs 12, 24 & 36. For more information on each of the legs, visit http://www.therelay.com

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM

Coordinated by experienced runners

Many of the Team ILP members have completed a marathon before. The coordinating team will also bring in outside experts to provide tips on good running techniques, stretching tips, warm-up and cool-down routines, picking the right shoes and such other details that go into injury-free running.

Team building, Community Awareness and Fund Raising: All-in-one!

A few of the past year's relay team members have gone to become more involved in the cause of literacy and have taken on leadership roles in ILP. Fundraising target kept at a very achievable $550/runner (compared to as high as $3000 in some marathon training programs). This we feel lets the runners easily reach the goal and concentrate on having fun and training without being distracted by a high fundraising burden. Last year every runner exceeded this target with many hitting the $1000 watermark.

Prepare beginners for the next level

Due to the nature of the relay (3 legs at an average distance of 5.5miles/leg within a 30hr period) and the nature of the course, the training is geared towards intermediate distance running, hill running and back-to-back runs rather than very long distance running. That said, the training program will also prepare runners to complete a half-marathon by the end of summer. A few of the past years’ relay team members built on the relay training program and went on to complete marathons.

Focus is on basics of good, injury-free running

This program is a good launching pad for runners contemplating running marathons in the future. The idea behind the program is to trigger the passion for running as a fitness activity as well as provide a forum for groups of people to come together to effect a positive change in the lives of millions of underprivileged in India.

WHAT CAN A RUNNER/WALKER EXPECT FROM Team ILP

* Experienced coaching staff
* A training calendar geared towards the Relay
* Tips on injury-free running from experienced runners
* Weekend and Weekday Group Runs
* Logistical support such as Team Registration, travel to, during and from the Relay (Vans, Van Drivers etc.,)
* The costs associated with team registration, van rentals, equipment etc., will be borne by the Team ILP Relay program
* A fun atmosphere and a memorable experience


WHAT DOES A RUNNER/WALKER COMMIT TO

* Train religiously to complete the Relay
* Participate and complete the relay along with your team members
* Have fun doing so
* Raise $550 in pledges to support projects funded by ILP