Any willing adult can become a Team M3 mentor!

Mentors provide students with guidance, support and inspiration. The MGR Foundation supports mentors by covering all training costs and providing discounted race entries when possible for adults who train weekly with high school student runners. 

What is required to be a Team M3 Mentor?

  • A Youth Focus – Mentors are committed to supporting youth by running with their students throughout their training runs and races. They encourage their students and are willing to be open with them to foster a mentoring relationship. As a Team M3 Mentor you agree that your main focus is to support a youth to complete a monumental goal, before your personal goals.
  • Consistency – Mentoring relationships are beneficial only through consistent participation. Mentors train with students each Saturday morning from May through October, with only a limited number of absences.
  • Flexibility – Mentors are paired with students by pace group, however mentors may be asked to join pace groups slower than their natural pace to support student needs.

I've never run a marathon before but I love this idea! Can I participate?
Yes! Team M3’s training is modeled after the Jeff Galloway run/walk program, ideal for novice and young runners to increase endurance and reduce impact. Through a gradual increase in training geared towards your ability level, Team M3 can transform anyone (with doctor's approval) into a marathoner!

What race options can I train for?
Team M3 runs one 5k, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Mentors can choose to run only the 5k and ½ marathon or all 3 races.

How can I get involved?
Information meetings will be held at REI, 1466 N. Halsted St. on March 22nd and 25th at 6:30 P.M. and also on April 3rd at 10:00 A.M. All prospective mentors are required to attend a meeting to be eligible to participate with us. Space is limited so please RSVP to cathy@mgrf.org.

If running isn’t your thing, we can still use your support. For other volunteer information click here.
click here for more information.

If you have any questions email Program Director, Cathy Braund at cathy@mgrf.org.