Dancers

Dancers are without a doubt the most important people in our organization. Dancers dedicate their time and efforts to improve the life of a child in need of therapy. Throughout the year dancers write letters to their families, attend events such as PJ party, Pumpkin Carving, and Charity Ball, fundraise, and form lasting relationships with other students. At the Marathon, dancers have the opportunity to celebrate all they’ve accomplished throughout the year!

Pod Competitions

This year’s competition system focuses on pod v. pod battles and is called Pod Wars. There will be numerous games and activities that will be included in the Pod Wars system and dancers will have tons of opportunities to help their pod win the Pod Wars challenge!

Marathon Preparations

Before you begin to pack for the most epic weekend of your life, it’s important to take a few steps to prepare your body for this amazing party! Here are some key things to remember and do so that you can have the best time at the Marathon:

Week Before the Marathon:
● Cut caffeine out of your diet – you won’t be having any caffeine at the Marathon because it causes you to crash
● Drink plenty of water – a dehydrated dancer is a sad dancer!
● Get plenty of rest – staying awake for 30 hours can be challenging, but it will be much easier if you have been getting enough sleep leading up to the weekend

What to Bring to the Marathon:
You will be given space to put a bag of your personal belongings at the Marathon. Here are some things you should consider bringing to make the weekend more enjoyable:
● Extra footwear – athletic shoes, sandals, flip flops, slippers
● Extra shirts
● Extra athletic shorts/athletic pants/sweatpants/sweatshirts
● Reusable Water Bottle
● Changes of socks/underwear
● Toothbrush & toothpaste
● Deodorant
● Face Wash
● Hairbrush/hair ties
● Pain killer medicine (Tylenol, Aleve, etc.)
● Any regular medications/prescriptions
● Icy Hot (for achy muscles)/baby powder (for your feet)
● Homework – there will be time and space for you to do any schoolwork you need to get done

What Not To Bring:
● While we want you to have the most amazing weekend of your life, there are a few things that you should try to keep at home to make this possible:
● A Watch – not knowing the time at the Marathon really makes the 30 hours go by much faster. If you keep checking your watch, it’ll just seem to drag on forever which is no fun!
● Computer/iPod/other valuables – Even though we have a bag check area, people tend to put things down in places they forget, and with so many people going through the building during the weekend, we wouldn’t want anything valuable to be stolen!
● Cell Phone – No need to text or BBM, all your friends are in the same building and you’ll be too busy having fun to even think about using your phone!

Transportation to the Marathon

All buses going to the Marathon will say "Charter" on them. The bus stops and approximate times are listed below. You can also take the "North Campus" bus to the Union, and then transfer to the "Charter" bus to get to the Marathon. If a bus passes your stop it is because it is full. Just wait for the next bus. The buses will be running three loops.

Food

At the Marathon, we promise to feed you very well. You will be receiving six meals and other snacks throughout the 30 hours, so no need to worry! The meals will include breakfast, pasta, burritos, pizza, and sandwiches. Picky eater or want something else? Pack it in your personal belongings bag or have family/friends bring you something to snack on!

Entertainment

You’re probably wondering what you’re supposed to do for 30 hours besides stand and eat meals periodically. Don’t fret, there will be so much to do you’ll wish you had more than 30 hours! Performances from popular student groups,bands and live music, fun activities and competitions involving the Pod Wars system, and more! Family speakers will lift your spirits and remind you of why you’re standing for the kids, a rave in the middle of the night will make you go crazy, and famous Michigan athletes and coaches will keep your school pride at an all-time high. And don’t forget the linedance, a 14 minute-long dance choreographed by our very own Morale Captains that will keep you dancing and bopping for hours! Click here to get a full list of the performers from the Marathon this year!

DM store

That's right, the Marathon Store will be back for another year! The Marathon Store will feature apparel and souvenirs not sold at any other time of year. All proceeds from the store will benefit our cause, so be sure to check it out! You can pay with cash or credit card at the store so don’t forget to bring that if you intend to shop!

Visitors

Encourage all of your friends and family to come visit you at the Marathon. It’s a great way to show them what you’ve been working toward all year! Visitors will be able to cheer you on while you stand for thirty hours! They can offer massages, bring snacks or gifts, or even just provide a friendly face. Visitors can also take part in the marathon experience just like you, by doing crafts and activities, watching performances, learning the linedance, and playing with all of our adorable DM kids!

Runabout

A runabout is a fun and energizing activity that happens before each meal. At the start of each runabout you’ll be led in stretches. Then as your team is called you’ll run through tunnel of supportive visitors, roll on mats, and receive massages. After that, you’ll go enjoy some food with your team.

Theme hours

Theme hours are periods of time throughout the Marathon where activities and essentially everything in the Indoor Track & Field Building changes to keep everyone excited and engaged in everything that’s going on! This year’s overall Marathon theme is "It's Game Time" with specific theme hours including Olympic Games, Board Games, Game Shows, Casino Games, Video Games, and Birthday Party Games.