Join the SWB
NYC Marathon Team
For the eighth time, Soccer Without Borders will have a charity team in the TCS New York City Marathon!
Whether you are a seasoned marathoner, or setting your sights on your first one, we are looking for passionate individuals to make each mile count for SWB!
​
Each runner's fundraising efforts supports Soccer Without Borders' mission to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change. Each year, SWB provides free, holistic youth development programs to nearly 6,000 youth, and leads collaborative efforts to advance gender equity and social inclusion through soccer around the world. As a member of Team SWB, you can dedicate your efforts to support a specific SWB Hub or initiative, or run on behalf of all SWB programs.
​
All runners will receive a guaranteed race entry as well as a benefits package based on their pledge level. To be considered for the SWB Marathon Team at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, every interested individual must complete the online application. Each application is reviewed and considered individually and carefully, with special attention to the runner's personal fundraising goal and reason(s) for wanting to join the SWB team.
MARATHON DATE: November 3, 2024 in New York City
MANDATORY TEAM MEETING: June 20, 2024 (12:00pm ET)
APPLICATIONS: Accepted on a rolling basis
Due to a large volume of submissions, we are temporarily pausing applications. Please be sure to check back soon for updates.
Be sure to read the FAQ's before applying!
Team Member: $3,500
-
Guaranteed entry into the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon
-
An SWB-branded training shirt by Capelli
-
Fundraising & Training toolkit
-
Personalized online fundraising page
-
Invitation to join Team SWB's pre-race dinner in New York
-
A platform to connect with your fellow running teammates
What type of impact will $3500 make? Funds raised at this level will support newcomer youth to reach their full potential on and off the soccer field!
​
​
Advocate: $6,000
-
All of the benefits of the Team Member level, plus:
-
Bring a friend or family member to join Team SWB's pre-race dinner in New York
-
A set of SWB-branded​ training gear by Capelli
-
$100 Capelli Gift Card
​
What type of impact will $6000 make? Funds raised at this level is enough to fund an SWB league in the United States for 8-10 middle school teams!
​
​
Champion: $10,000
-
All of the benefits of the Team Member level, plus:
-
Bring a friend or family member to join Team SWB's pre-race dinner in New York
-
A set of SWB-branded​ training gear by Capelli
-
$200 Capelli Gift Card
-
An opportunity to personally connect with the participants you're fundraising for, including a personalized thank you video and more!
​
What type of impact will $10,000 make? Funds raised at this level is enough to fund a site of 30 participants for an ENTIRE YEAR of activities and support on and off the field.
​
​
Already have a 2024 TCS New York City Marathon spot?
If you received a bib through the NYRR lottery system, you can still use the opportunity to support Soccer Without Borders! Pledge a minimum of $1,000 and join Team Soccer Without Borders! You'll receive all of the benefits of the $3,500 pledge level. Contact us for more information about being an "unofficial" team member.
Due to a large volume of submissions, we are temporarily pausing applications. Please be sure to check back soon for updates.
Picture highlights from different SWB programs. Learn more SWB program news on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be on the team if I've never run a marathon?
Congratulations on considering your first marathon! The TCS New York City Marathon does request that individual race entrants be able to complete the marathon in six hours or less. If you feel confident about this requirement, we would love to hear from you.
​
What is the deadline for applications?
The application is available March 1st and we will accept applications on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as they come in. Each applicant will receive status notification via email.
​
What are the basic fundraising commitment and other fees?
The basic fundraising commitment is $3,500 and this pledge must be raised in full by October 31, 2024. To guarantee the basic commitment is met, a credit card valid through November 2024 is required from anyone who accepts a spot on the team roster. If a runner is not able to meet the basic fundraising commitment by October 31, 2024, the remaining balance of their pledge will be charged to the credit card on file. SWB will not make a charge without first notifying the runner and confirming the amount of the shortfall. Payments can be made in one transaction or via a monthly plan.
​
Separate from the basic fundraising commitment, team members are responsible for paying the race registration fee directly to the New York Road Runners (NYRR). This fee is $255 for NYRR members, $295 for non-NYRR members and $358 for non-US residents and is non-transferable and non-refundable. We will provide you with instructions and a login to do this once you are accepted to the team.
​
I have my own entry for the TCS New York City Marathon. May I join the team?
Registered TCS New York City Marathon qualifiers and other official entrants are most welcome and encouraged to join the team! Qualifiers and others with their own race entries agree to raise $1,000 as a part of the team. Reach out to sgoethals@soccerwithoutborders.org for more.
I live outside of Greater New York City. Can I still apply?
Yes! We welcome applicants from all over!
​
Is there a wait list?
Yes. Applicants who are wait-listed will be notified by email and will be contacted again should a spot on the roster become available.
What happens if I get injured and am unable to race on marathon day?
Oh no! While we hope this never happens, if you get injured and have already completed (or you’re on track to complete) your fundraising commitment, your guaranteed entry to the marathon can be deferred to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. This deferment must be made by November 1, 2024.
​
What happens if something else comes up and I need to cancel?
You can cancel your participation with the SWB marathon team for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon any time before August 1, 2024; however your TCS New York City Marathon registration fee will not be refunded and you will be charged $75 by Soccer Without Borders. You must contact Sophie Goethals (sgoethals@soccerwithoutborders.org) in writing before the cancellation date. After August 1, 2024 you are responsible for fulfilling your pledge, even if you are unable to participate in the marathon. Under no circumstances can donations received by Soccer Without Borders be refunded.
Can a friend take my place on the team?
No, you may not choose someone to replace you or allow anyone else to use your race entry. SWB maintains a waitlist of applicants and will choose someone from that wait list to replace you if it is still possible.
If I don't make the team or the wait list for the upcoming marathon, can I re-apply for another event or next year?
Yes please do!
What fundraising assistance do I receive as a SWB team member?
All SWB team members receive an individualized on-boarding that includes a fundraising training. All team members create and execute a fundraising plan with the guidance from the team coordinator who offers one-on-one fundraising support throughout the entire campaign. Our team coordinator is here to help you every step of the way! Team members have access to a Team SWB’s online fundraising toolkit that features a robust set of tools and resources to support runners with fundraising. Team members also have access to the team website which allows each runner to personalize an individual web page, send fundraising emails, and manage fundraising progress and records.
What training support do I receive?
All team members will receive access to our online toolkit that includes training resources with recommended training programs and suggestions for local running groups to join. The team coordinator will also connect you to the other SWB team members in case geographies allow you to train together. You are free to do what works best for you!
Due to a large volume of submissions, we are temporarily pausing applications. Please be sure to check back soon for updates.