Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area is inviting runners of all levels to take part in a new community fundraising initiative, Big Team, as part of the 2026 Calgary Marathon.

Big Team brings together participants who are training for race day while also fundraising in support of mentorship programs for children and youth across Calgary and surrounding communities. Runners can select Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area as their charity of choice when registering for the Calgary Marathon and create a personal fundraising page to collect donations from their networks.

The initiative is designed to connect individual goals with community impact. Participants are supported as part of a broader team, with opportunities to train alongside others, share their fundraising efforts, and contribute to a collective goal of expanding access to mentorship.

In 2025, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area supported more than 1,500 young people through one-to-one and group mentoring programs. Despite this reach, approximately 180 children and youth are currently waiting to be matched with a mentor. Funds raised through Big Team will help support volunteer recruitment, screening, training, and match support to ensure safe, consistent, and impactful mentoring relationships.

Participants in Big Team are eligible for a series of fundraising incentives:

• Join the Big Team and raise a minimum of $50 to receive a Big Team branded performance t-shirt
• Raise $250 — registration fee reimbursed
• Raise $500 — entered to win Shokz running headphones

The Calgary Marathon will take place in May 2026. Individuals interested in joining Big Team can register through RaceRoster and select Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area under charity fundraising options.

Click here to register to run for the Big Team on Race Roster Today!

Click here to donate to a fundraising team or individual!

 

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Setting Up Your Fundraising Page

Now that you are registered for the Big Team, you’re just a few steps away from being fully set up to receive donations. Here are five steps to get you started:

(1) Check your email for your Race Roster confirmation. Under the section “Manage Registration”, click the link to access your fundraising dashboard

(2) In your 2026 Calgary Marathon Dashboard, select Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area as your charity (if you haven’t already)

(3) Under Fundraising Click “Edit Page”, add a photo (this helps build trust!)

• Write a short message about why you’re running
• Set a fundraising goal, start with $250 or $500

(4) You can join the “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area” Team under the team options or by searching for us or by clicking here.

(5) Hit save, then copy your page link and share it with friends, family, and coworkers

 

Pro tip: Your first 3–5 shares are the most important, start with people closest to you.

 

You’re now ready to start fundraising and making an impact!

 

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Fundraising Toolkit

Download PDF

 

Where to Get Started

Now that you are registered with the Big Team, you can get started with fundraising for your campaign. To help get the momentum going, here is where you can begin your journey as a fundraiser:

Start with your circle: friends, family, coworkers, neighbours, teammates, and group chats. People give because you asked, and because it’s meaningful to you.

Make it easy: share your fundraising link with a short message and a clear ask (ex: “Could you give $25?”)

Ask early + often: your first week is the most powerful. A quick update every few days keeps momentum going

 

Key Messages

Are you having a hard time finding the words to share with your network that you are fundraising with the Big Team? We prepared a few key messages below that you can try out.

• “I’m running the Calgary Marathon with Big Team to help fund mentorship for young people in Calgary.”

• “Mentorship builds confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging. Your donation helps make those matches possible.”

• “Even a small gift makes a big difference. If you can give, thank you for being part of this.”

 

Sample Donation Asks

We have prepared some sample donation asks that you can use for your network. You are welcome to personalize them to your liking by adding a story, or inspiring the reader with your WHY. If you just want to copy + paste the messages below, that’s cool too!

Text message:

Hey! I’m running the Calgary Marathon with Big Team to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. Would you consider donating $25 to help fund mentorship for young people in our city? Here’s my link: [LINK]

Email:

Hi [Name],

This year I’m running with Big Team to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. Your donation helps create mentoring relationships that build confidence and unlock potential for young people in Calgary — and there are 180 youth currently waiting for a mentor.

If you’re able, I’d be grateful for your support: [LINK]

Thank you so much,

[Your Name]

Social post:

I’m running the Calgary Marathon with the Big Team!

I’m fundraising for mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. Their programs help young people build confidence, belonging, and possibility.

If you can donate or share, I’d appreciate it: [LINK]