The UNC Dance Marathon as a Marathon

Ryan Carp and Cheryl Phillips are members of the 2019 Public Relations Committee

Whenever we talk to people that haven’t heard of Carolina For The Kids or the UNC Dance Marathon, they sometimes are confused by the name of the Dance Marathon – after all, it isn’t a long-distance race, nor do we dance the entire time. Their confusion got us thinking, however – how does the UNC Dance Marathon compare to an actual marathon? So, this is our assessment of how the UNC Dance Marathon stacks up with a 26.2-mile race.

Pre-race preparations = Pre-Marathon preparations

Before a marathon begins, runners make sure they’re fully hydrated, stretch to warm up their muscles, and get mentally focused for the race. They’ve been training for months in advance to ensure that they can achieve their goals. In the same way, everyone involved in the Dance Marathon has been fundraising and planning events, all culminating in this huge occasion. Before the Dance Marathon, dancers will pack the supplies they need, stretch to warm up their legs for the coming stand, and mentally prepare themselves for everything that lies ahead.

The start of the race = The start of the Marathon

At the beginning of a marathon, the runners all line up at the starting line and take off at the sound of a starter pistol, a buzzer, or an electronic prompter. At the Dance Marathon, everyone stands up in unison to officially kick off the 24-hour event. This moment in both types of Marathons is an important symbol of the beginning of a time that will change the lives of all the people involved.

Your fellow runners = Your fellow dancers

In a marathon and at the Dance Marathon, participants are surrounded by hundreds of their peers who share their dedication to the cause or to their sport, their months of preparation by training or fundraising, and their commitment to the physical and mental challenge that they are currently facing. Both runners and dancers feel the uplifting spirit of those around them who have been waiting for this moment just as long as they have.

In-race hydration = Meals and snacks at the Marathon

Over the course of a marathon, runners rehydrate themselves by drinking water or sports drinks; this fluid intake helps them to maintain their performance level throughout the race. This might seem insignificant, but is actually vital to a runner’s results. Meals and snacks at the Dance Marathon play the same role for dancers – they revitalize our bodies and our spirits, giving us the energy and focus we need to stay physically and mentally strong. Since 24 hours is a significant amount of time to not only stay awake, but also to stay standing, food and drink are an important part of what keeps the dancers going.

Fans cheering on the runners = Morale captains and Motivators

At marathons, fans in attendance support the runners through cheers, high-fives, and words of encouragement throughout the race, helping them perform to the best of their abilities. At the Dance Marathon, Morale captains and Motivators take up this role; through their boundless energy and endless support, Morale captains and Motivators give dancers the extra mental boost that they need to keep standing For The Kids.

The last mile = Family Hour

When running a marathon, the last mile is both the most anticipated and the most rewarding – with the finish line in sight, the runners are extremely close to accomplishing the goal that they’ve worked so hard to achieve. The last leg of the race can be so uplifting, and it gives a new burst of energy and motivation to finish strong. The last hour of the Dance Marathon, Family Hour, shares these characteristics, as the stories of the patients and families of UNC Children’s leave an indelible impression on the dancers that hear them. Family Hour is encouragement to dancers that their work and dedication does not go unnoticed, and that all the time they have put in has added up to something that is so worthwhile.

Crossing the finish line = Total Reveal

For marathon runners, crossing the finish line marks the end of their journey and the accomplishment of their ultimate goal. For dancers at the Dance Marathon, Total Reveal (the announcement of the year’s fundraising total) is their “finish line,” signifying the conclusion of the Dance Marathon and quantifying the impact that CFTK will have on the patients and families of UNC Children’s. This moment is exciting to both dancers and runners, as they have finally accomplished that for which they have worked.

Post-race celebration = Sit Down

Just as runners celebrate their achievements and catch their breath after crossing the finish line, dancers can celebrate their hard work and dedication when they finally sit down together at the conclusion of the Dance Marathon. Dancers have a moment to relax after their full day of standing For The Kids.

Post-race recovery = Post-Marathon recovery

After finishing a marathon, runners replenish themselves by eating, rehydrating, and resting. They get to leave the race knowing that they have completed something they can be proud of. The same is true for dancers after the Dance Marathon; physically exhausted and mentally drained, many dancers choose to recover with a long night’s sleep, dreaming about the memories they made and the lives they affected in the last 24 hours. They can sleep happy, having just seen the great impact that they can make on a child or family in need.