Join Team EMPOWER
Run for charity with Team EMPOWER, Smile Train’s endurance fundraising program. Explore races, get fundraising support, and help children with clefts get the care they need.
What is Team EMPOWER?
Team EMPOWER is Smile Train’s endurance fundraising program, giving runners and supporters the chance to race for a cause while helping children with clefts access surgery and comprehensive cleft care. Participants can join select races, raise funds with support from the Smile Train team, and make a lasting impact.
How It Works
Join the Team
Commit to turning your miles into smiles with Team EMPOWER. Choose a charity entry for an eligible race or join your own entry and fundraise to support children with clefts.
Start a Fundraiser
Receive fundraising tools, staff support, and guidance throughout your journey. Team EMPOWER is designed to help runners stay on track, build momentum, and feel connected to Smile Train’s work from sign-up through race day.
Run for Smiles
Every mile helps support cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children with clefts. Team EMPOWER connects personal goals to lasting impact.
Why Run With Team EMPOWER?
Run with Team EMPOWER for more than just a place on the start line. Participants receive access to select charity race entries, structured fundraising support, and a community connected by a shared purpose.
Charity Entry for Select Events
Team EMPOWER provides guaranteed entry in sold out major marathons in exchange for a fundraising commitment.
Fundraising Support
Participants receive onboarding materials, fundraising guidance, milestone encouragement, and ongoing support throughout training.
A Team Experience
From pre-race communications to race weekend connection points, Team EMPOWER is built to make runners feel part of something bigger than an individual race effort.
Lasting Impact
Team EMPOWER is designed to create a longer-term relationship with Smile Train, not just a one-time race experience.
Upcoming Races
Explore upcoming charity race entry opportunities with Team EMPOWER. From major international marathons to other endurance events, each race is a chance to run for charity and make your miles matter.
Team EMPOWER Spotlight
Meet runners like the Houghs, who have turned personal goals into meaningful impact through Team EMPOWER. Their stories show the different paths people take into the program and the shared purpose that connects them.
Ready to Run for Charity?
Whether you are training for your first race or looking for your next challenge, Team EMPOWER offers a way to run for charity while supporting children with clefts.