New MDA Endurance Program aims to find treatments and cures for muscle disease

The Muscular Dystrophy Association today announced the formation and launch of MDA Team Momentum, a new nationwide endurance program designed to help support MDA's mission to find treatments and cures for muscle disease.

The MDA Team Momentum program gives beginners and endurance pros alike the opportunity to participate in an endurance race — a marathon or half-marathon — and dedicate their efforts to the fight for muscle health. Offering world-class training, mentors, a solid community of support and inspiration every step of the way, MDA Team Momentum not only will change the lives of millions of Americans affected by muscle disease, but also those of the walkers and runners who make every mile count for good.

"We're excited to announce and officially open registration for MDA Team Momentum today," said MDA Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Income Development Ann McNamara. "Every step participants take, every mile logged during training and events, and every dollar raised will advance MDA's mission to assist families with health care services and day-to-day support, fund life-changing research worldwide, and fight back against dozens of life-threatening muscle diseases."

The program provides in-person, group and online training and support tailored for half-marathon or full marathon races, while participants set fundraising goals for each race. MDA also will provide ample online resources, tips and suggestions to make reaching all fundraising goals easy, fun and successful. Recruitment for participants is currently underway in four key markets: Dallas, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. However, participants from around the world are encouraged to join the team.  

MDA Team Momentum is seeking inaugural partnerships for 2014 races, including the Michelob Ultra Boston 13.1 Marathon in Boston on Sept. 14, 2014, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12, 2014, and the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Va., on Oct. 26, 2014. To join MDA Team Momentum or to learn more, please visit, MDAteam.org and like the MDA Team Momentum page on Facebook at facebook.com/MDATeamMomentum.  

The tagline for MDA Team Momentum is "Move Your Muscles. Strengthen Theirs."  MDA strives to recruit runners through its existing programs, as well as through outreach to a whole new audience of supporters that can benefit from the program, enjoy the experience and advance its mission of help and hope for the families it serves.

"Team Momentum is a natural and contemporary extension of our brand enabling walkers, runners and athletes of all levels of ability to join forces with MDA and move their muscles to help strengthen those of the individuals and families living with muscle disease," said MDA Nationwide Director, Endurance Alison Tibbits. "There's never been a more hopeful time to find new treatments, and we believe Team Momentum can help us dramatically accelerate our program after decades of discovery and support for the families we assist." 

Sponsor Support

Three national partners have signed on for the 2014 MDA Team Momentum season to help support the campaign and MDA's programs of research and health care services, including MDA summer camp.