Run for a Reason and Become a HERO

There are multiple ways to participate through the Run for a Reason Program and become a HERO.

HERO Benefits can be earned through your donations and fundraising efforts, check out our HERO Benefits below.

Fundraise for Registration

Fundraising for Registration or FFR, offers the runner the opportunity to fundraise on behalf of an official RFAR charity partner. In order to participate in this program, the runner will commit to fundraising a minimum (varies by charity), and in exchange, the runner will receive an entry into their desired race. FFR opportunities are available for the three races:

  • Chevron Houston Marathon
  • Aramco Houston Half Marathon
  • We Are Houston 5K presented by Aramco and Chevron

The 2025 fundraising campaign will close on Jan. 31, 2025 at NOON.

Following are important dates and milestones regarding the Fundraise For Registration (FFR) Application:

December 1, 2024
The runner must have raised at least $175 of your required minimum, note that the fundraising minimum is MORE than the milestone above. If the runner has not raised at least this amount by Dec. 1, 2024, the application will not be accepted, and the runner will not be eligible to participate in the event. This will also be the deadline for fundraising balances for HERO status and to determine the HERO benefits that the runners will be eligible for.

January 7, 2025
The runner must have raised the fundraising minimum (as prescribed by your charity). If the runners do not have the minimum fundraised by this date, their bib will be held at packet pickup. They will need to either show proof of having met the fundraising minimum or pay the remaining balance in order to pick up their bib. Charity administrators will be able to charge the difference on this date if the runner wishes to avoid a hold on their bib. Alternate arrangements will be allowed on a case by case basis to be discussed with the charity administrator.

January 31, 2025
Last day to fundraise! 2025 Fundraising Campaign closes.

To register as an FFR:

  1. Visit the charity index
  2. Select your RFAR Charity
  3. Click on the Apply & Commit button under Fundraise for Registration
  4. Select your distance and complete the form
  5. DO NOT WORRY, YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED FOR YOUR ENTRY FREE! (Your Charity will cover the race entry once your fundraising commitment is met!)

Credit card information is requested at check out, however, at this time you will not be charged for the registration fee,. You will only be charged for any add on events or merchandise. You will have until Dec 1, 2024 to raise at least $175 of your required minimum. If you have not raised at least that amount by Dec 1, 2024, your application will not be accepted and you will not be eligible to participate in the event. Your credit card information will be saved in the event that fundraising minimums are not met.

HERO (Donate for Registration)

HERO Registration gives the runner the opportunity to obtain a guaranteed entry into the Chevron Houston Marathon or the Aramco Houston Half Marathon by purchasing their entry at a reduced price ($140 marathon/$125 half marathon plus processing fees) and making a one-time tax deductible donation of at least $350 to one of the official RFAR charity partners. Additionally, HERO runners will have the opportunity to continue fundraising for their selected charity through a personalized fundraising page.

To register as a HERO:

  1. Visit the charity index
  2. Select your RFAR Charity
  3. Click on the Register as a HERO button under Donate for Registration
  4. Select your distance and complete the form
  5. Some people wish to make a donation greater than $350, if this is the case, you can increase the amount of your donation, by simply changing the donation amount prior to check out.

Just Fundraise

Just Fundraise is an opportunity for those that want to support a charity or fundraise on behalf of a loved one to do just that, Just Fundraise!

To register to Just Fundraise:

  1. Visit the charity index
  2. Select your RFAR Charity
  3. Click on the ‘Create a Fundraising Account’ button under Just Fundraise
  4. Complete the form
  5. Fundraise!

Searching for an individual or team fundraiser? Click on the Fundraising Leaderboard link below and select either the Fundraisers or Teams tab. Click on the Find a Fundraiser or Find a Team search bar to locate your favorite runner or team!

2024 Fundraising Leaderboard

Have any questions? Email us at rfar@houstonmarathon.com.