ABOUT DIRTY SOCKS 5K RUN AND WALKATHON CAMPAIGN
Charityfootprint-Event info


Ellie’s Army Foundation is so excited for this year’s
Dirty Socks 5K Run and Walkathon!

course map


THE RESULTS ARE IN! To check your time, you can click the link below. Thank you warriors!
Link: http://accuchip.racetecresults.com/Results.aspx?CId=16337&RId=396

Why Dirty Socks?

Ellie's transplant surgeon told her that if she wanted to get well, she would need to walk. To motivate her, he asked to see "dirty socks."

Despite the pain, Ellie walked and walked. She was a Warrior. Sadly, Ellie did not survive.

All children suffering from life-threatening illnesses must walk to get well. Sometimes they can only take a few steps.

Together we walk for them. We walk for Ellie.

Our Mission

As you can imagine, the costs associated with having a sick child are enormous. Because of tremendous medical bills, many families cannot afford their daily living expenses (rent/mortgage, electricity, food, etc.). Now, due to COVID-19, many parents have lost jobs, or cannot work outside the home for fear of bringing the virus home to their already compromised children. They know all too well that the virus would most likely be a death sentence for them.

The Dirty Socks 5K Run and Walkathon is going to be a blast! At the same time, we will be helping to relieve the financial burdens of these families.

Be a Warrior, and get your socks dirty!

Why 31?

After Ellie’s 2nd double-lung transplant the doctors all told her that if she wanted to recover, she would have to walk. It was all about the walks. Actually, even the next day after the surgery they had her up on her feet walking, albeit only 10 steps or so. I don’t know how she did it.

One day, Dr. Gustavo the transplant surgeon with whom Ellie shared an incredible bond, came to see Ellie before leaving the hospital. He had the weekend off. He told Ellie that he wanted her to walk 30 laps around the unit that she was staying on. It was a seemingly insurmountable goal (as she had only walked 15 laps until that point) but he challenged her.

On early Monday morning Gustavo came to see Ellie. He asked her, “So did you walk the 30 laps?” “No” Ellie replied. He smiled, he knew that it was a lofty goal and that she wouldn’t be able to do it. “31” Ellie said, “I walked 31 laps.”

And that was Ellie, she always had to do one more. She pushed the limits. She faced life’s challenges head on. Never settling. Ellie wanted to make a difference. And on that day, she wanted to survive.

Sadly, Ellie did not. But she left with us many lessons. One of which was to aspire. To be the best that you could be. To strive to do what may be seemingly impossible. Ellie didn’t make it, but because of her resolve, the battle was magnificent.

The number 31 has taken on tremendous meaning for us. It symbolizes that we must be the very best that we can be. To fight. Fight for others, for our beliefs and for ourselves. To give it all that you’ve got and then give some more.

So please raise $31or $310 or $3100!!! Walk the 3.1 miles that make up a 5K. Bike the 31 map that we have set up. Hop, skip or swim it if you would like!! But take the challenge. Be a Warrior! Be Magnificent! Be #Elliestrong

Looking to Create/Join a Team?

1. You will be able to create or join an existing team when you register for the race.

2. Look into the teams dropdown to see if your team is already listed. If so, click on the team name and you'll become part of that team.

3. If you do not see your team listed, select the option to "+ create a team" from the teams dropdown list, and add your team details.

4. Once a team has been created, you can share your team page url with anyone you'd like to invite to join.

Visit Our Shop

Buy some swag. 100% of the proceeds go to families in need. Link: https://elliesarmy.org/store/

Become A Sponsor

We offer sponsorship opportunities at all levels. We would love to partner with your business to help children with life-threathing illnesses. We value your generosity and offer robust sponsorship packages. click here to view our sponsorship packages


course map
FITNESS GOAL
COMPLETED: 1,489 miles
TARGET: 1,550 miles
FUNDRAISING GOAL
RAISED: $ 97,464
TARGET: $ 93,000
You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong. ~ Sue Fitzmaurice
Come join us and leave your footprints ... stamp 31 on the map of the US
HOW IT WORKS
Register for the campaign and set your fitness & fundraising targets.
Share your story and raise funds & awareness.
Track workouts anywhere & anytime and complete goal.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
ELLIE'S ARMY FOUNDATION
Ellie’s Army Foundation provides financial assistance, support, and hope to children and young adults battling life-threatening illnesses in an effort to give them the best chance to survive.

Read more about the organization >>

HOW YOUR PARTICIPATION HELPS
All proceeds will go toward alleviating the financial burdens of families with critically ill children.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?

Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.

Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.

What is the campaign registration fee?

Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.

The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.

How can I create my fundraising page?

Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.

How will I track my distance?

You can track your workouts by setting up your devices (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Google Fit, Misfit, Strava), or download the Charity Footprints' iOS or Android app and track your workouts toward this campaign. ?>

If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.

How do I join a team on this campaign?

While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.

I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?

All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.

Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?

The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.

That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.

Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.

Who can I contact if I need help?

You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.

How do I change or switch my team?

If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.