The Marathon

March 27-28
10am-4pm

Indoor Track and Field Building
1150 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Click Here For Directions!

Imagine running with hundreds of other students under the "Go Blue" banner to take on a challenge that will be exciting, fun, and inspirational. The Dance Marathon features these students standing valiantly for 30 hours to symbolize the difficulties that the DMUM children cope with everyday. However, these 30 hours are so much more than standing. These 30 hours feature DJs, cultural shows, local performers, games, food, crafts, and dancing that combines into one giant party. However, the real stars of the show are our families and children, who take the stage to share their inspirational stories, cheer on the teams, and do a little dancing along with our dancers.

Marathon FAQ's

How can I get there?

For dancers, busses will run special routes near all the dorms the morning of the marathon to get you there right on time. Click here to view the bus schedule
For visitors or volunteers, click here for directions
Planning to come to the marathon Saturday night? Call the BTB Party bus! The Party Bus to transport to the Marathon on Saturday, March 27th, from 6PM - 3AM. The cost of a ride is $2, but $1 will go back to DMUM. The number for the BTB Party Bus is (734) 274-4208.

Can I still get involved with dance marathon?

Yes you can! We are always looking for volunteers, moralers, and student groups to participate in SMORG. Scroll down on the page or click here to learn more!

I heard there is a store at the marathon this year, can I really buy apparel while I'm there?

That's right: new to this year's marathon is a marathon store. The marathon store will feature apparel and souvenirs not sold any other time of year, including plenty of things to keep you comfy for 30 hours. All proceeds from the store will benefit our cause, so be sure to check it out! Just remember to bring cash or your check book to the marathon if you intend on shopping -- you must pay up front, and no credit cards will be accepted. Please note: if your parent/guardian has purchased a marathon store gift card, you will receive it when you check in at the marathon on March 27.

Can I still donate during the marathon?

YES! We count on your donations and support during the marathon to reach our fundraising total. You can donate online by credit card, or bring cash or checks to the marathon itself!

If I'm not a dancer, will there be food there for me to purchase?

Worried about being hungry while you're there? Domino's will be selling pizza from 7-11pm on Saturday March 27th.

Do you have a question that wasn't answered?

Keep reading for Q&A's specific to your marathon role, or, Ask Us! Our Web Marketing Team will be checking for your questions all month and even through the marathon!

Dancers

Check out this Message From the Spirit Team

Marathon Preparation

It is very important that you start to get ready for the Marathon. Besides gathering your clothes, toiletries, costumes, it is even more crucial that you start to get your body ready for the Marathon. During the next week you are going to want to cut out the caffeine in your diet, you are not going to be able to drink it at the Marathon and your body will be prepared if you start to cut it out today. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is going to be your best friend in the next week. You also want to catch up on sleep. Staying awake for 30 hours is physically challenging, but if you are well rested your body will able to take on the Marathon and you will enjoy it to its fullest!

What Should I Bring?

At the marathon each dancer can bring one bag (about the size of a gym bag) to keep in the bag check area. Dancers typically like to bring things that they find comfortable for the 30 hours, think of it as what you'd pack for a sleepover- just without the sleep part. Here is a list of some items you may want to pack:

Extra Shoes: tennis shoes, slippers
Extra T-Shirts: you'll get one when you arrive, but bring 2-3 extra
Shorts
Sweatpants
Sweatshirt
Extra Socks
Toothbrush and Paste
Deodorant
Face Wash
Hairbrush/Hair Ties
Pain Killer
Pepto Bismol
Any Regular Medications or Perscriptions
Icy Hot
Baby Powder
Rubbing Alcohol and a Wash Cloth for Stinky Feet
Tennis Balls (for massaging sore feet)
Homework

What should I leave at home?

Just like your favorite things can help you out, there are a few items that might make the marathon less enjoyable for you. A few things you shouldn't bring are:

A Watch - Part of the fun of the marathon is not knowing what time it is, checking your watch every 10 minutes will make it seem much longer
Your laptop, ipod or other valuables - while we have a bag check area, most dancers tend to accidentally walk away from things they set down. And, we'll have plenty of music for you to listen to!
Your cell phone - Who needs to be texting when you have so many people around anyway?
Caffiene - It will just end up making you crash a few hours in

Entertainment: What will I do for 30 hours?

Dozens of performances by your favorite campus groups and talented community performers. Activities, decorations, crafts, and competitions for each theme hour. A rave in the middle of the night that is the biggest party this building has ever seen. Performances and speeches by our fantastic families and lots of activities to spend time with the kids. The most exciting and energetic linedance of any dance marathon!

What will there be to eat there?

Worried about being hungry at the Marathon? Well don't fret, you'll be fed 6 meals and three snacks throughout the 30 hours! The meals will include (in no specific order) burritos, pizza, pasta & sauce, sandwiches, stir fry, and breakfast on Saturday & Sunday. Have something specific you want to eat at the Marathon? Feel free to bring it in your bag! Also you can stop by the rejuvenation station at ANY time during the marathon for some water or a snack!

Visitors

I know some one who is dancing in the marathon, can I come support them?

Of course! Friends, family and guests are encouraged to attend to cheer on their dancers. Just remember, our dancers don't know what time it is, so be sure to keep that a secret

Can I bring my friend a snack?

Sure! Our dancers love having their favorite foods brought to them, just make sure to leave the caffiene at home, it'll end up making the dancers crash.

Will I be able to call my friend to see when I should come?

Dancers are encouraged to leave their phones at home or keep them turned off, so don't plan on being able to reach them. Rest assured, you are welcome at any time during the marathon

This Sounds Great, Can I Still Get Involved?

Moralers

Moralers are the hundreds of amazing people who visit and cheer on our dancers (participants), those who stand on their feet for THIRTY HOURS at the marathon! Moralers can support dancers by offering massages, bringing snacks or gifts, or even just providing a friendly face and positive attitude! Moralers can also take part in the marathon experience just like the dancers, by doing crafts and activities, watching performances, learning the linedance, and playing with all our adorable DM kids!

**New this year**
Moraler Corralers- MoCos are Moralers who sign up for longer shifts of time, and are given various fun responsibilities at the Marathon. Such responsibilities include helping organize moralers at the times the dancer need it most, working closely with Morale Captains, participating in activities at the Marathon, and just helping the dancers have the best experience possible! There are added incentives to signing up for this opportunity so if you've got the extra time Marathon weekend be sure to sign-up!

Sign Up Here!

Volunteers

The marathon can always use plenty of volunteers as well. Volunteers are needed to work stations (such as bag check) and to help us keep things running smoothly all weekend long. If you are an individual interested in volunteering, just let them know when you come to the marathon. For student groups, or groups of individuals interested in volunteering, please contact our event management chair at dmum.management@umich.edu.

SMORG

Looking for a way to help out with this year's Marathon, but also want a way to gain some great exposure for your student organization? Think about applying to participate in this year's SMORG carnival!

Contact dmum.crr@umich.edu if your student organization is interested in participating in SMORG.

Not a UM student? No Problem!

The Community Experience Program is being piloted by DMUM this year as a way to reach out and welcome the community-at-large to attend our main event on March 27 and 28. As a participant in the Community Experience Program, you will receive a t-shirt, a snack pack, be given a tour of the Marathon, and then invited to participate in the different events and performances. It is also a great way to learn more about pediatric disabilities and the therapies at Mott and Beaumont hospitals that are supported by DMUM.

Interested in learning more or signing up? Click Here!

Don't see your question answered here? Ask Us!

Check Out Some Pictures from Past Marathons