Elonthon Dance Marathon is a 13.1-hour dance marathon benefiting Duke Children's Hospital

and Health Center. Elonthon began in 2003 by a very passionate and service-minded group of

students from Elon University in North Carolina celebrating an amazing young boy in then local area. These students were interested in making an emotional and financial impact

on the patients and families of Duke Children's Hospital. Two

hundred students participated in the inaugural event in Elon's south gym, staying on their

feet and dancing for the entire event. Through their efforts, they collectively raised $28,500.

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Today, Elonthon serves as the university's largest student-run campus program as well as the

largest philanthropic event on campus. Each spring, Elon students have the opportunity to

participate and dance for 6, 7.1 or 13.1 hours. Throughout the event,

participants have the opportunity to hear the incredible stories of strength from nearly 30 extremely

inspirational miracle children. Participants can also learn the Morale dance, compete

in Color Wars, watch entertainment acts, play video games, participate in in-event fundraising, dance

their heart out at rave hour, and more 

to change kids' health, change the future.