FUNDRAISING
Is there a fundraising minimum?
No, but we encourage all participants to set competitive goals for themselves and for their team to help us raise critical funds for the cancer community. Don’t worry if you have never done peer-to-peer fundraising – we can help!
What will my fundraising support?
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of all participant-raised dollars support EMF's portfolio of funds:
- Discovery Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Research Fund at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Samfund which provides financial assistance to young adult cancer survivors
Can I increase my goal on my fundraising website if I am crushing it?
Yes!
How is my fundraising page created?
Once you register on the website, you will automatically receive a personal fundraising page. Team captains will create Team pages.
I'm on a team. Can donations be made to my Team's page or my page?
Yes, a donation can be made to your team page. If a donation is made on your individual page, it is credited to you and your team. If a donation is made on your team's page, the donor will have the option to credit the donation to a specific individual. If the donor does not select an individual, the donation will go to the team, without individual credit.
Will Expect Miracles Foundation help me with fundraising tips?
Yes! Check out our website for some helpful tips on how to maximize your fundraising.
For starters, here are our four best practices:
- Personalize your page
- Share on social media
- Email your contacts
- Rule of 3 reminders – people appreciate reminders!
Can someone support my fundraising by donating through another avenue besides credit card?
Yes! If a donor is donating in a way other than a credit card, they should complete this form so you get credit on your page.
Donors may contribute by sending a check or donate through their Donor Advised Fund, as well as through payroll deductions, stock, United Way or company matches. Please make checks out to Expect Miracles Foundation and send donations to: Expect Miracles Foundation 89 South Street, Suite 701 Boston, MA 02111 Expect Miracles Foundation (tax ID: 20-4127495) is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donations are deductible to the full extent allowed by applicable tax laws.
How can I get offline donations (anything not made via credit card) added to my fundraising page so that they go towards meeting my fundraising goal?
Please use this form to get credit for any donations that are not made via credit cards.
Is my fundraising based on my mileage?
No, but it can be! While most participants ask for donations to support their participation in the Distance Challenge, you may ask people to pledge a certain amount for each mile you complete (i.e. $5/mile). You will need to personally keep track of your pledges so that you can follow up with those supporters after you finish the Distance Challenge.
TEAMS
What is the difference between a "CORPORATE TEAM" and a "FRIENDS & FAMILY TEAM"
It's exactly as it sounds. If your team is started by a company or made up mostly of employees of a company, you should select Corporate Team.
Whereas, if the team is made up of mostly friends & family, please select that team type.
The leaderboards will be sorted by Corporate / Friends & Family and we will present awards in each category. The reason for the two options is to help keep the categories fair and equal.
I know I’m going to be on a team. Do I have to wait for my Team Captain to register our team before I register as an individual and join the team?
Yes!
What are the parameters of a team?
Anyone 2 and above can participate! Do keep in mind, however, that there are two types of teams: a Corporate Team and a Friends & Family team. A Corporate Team should mainly include employees of that company.
Can there be more than one Team Captain?
Teams are welcome to name more than one captain to help rally, lead, and motivate their team to reach their fundraising and mileage goals. However, due to restrictions on the website, only one person can technically register and be listed as a Team Captain on the fundraising page. If you do have more than one captain, feel free to mention so on your fundraising page & contact us to let us know: (DistanceChallenge@expectmiraclesfoundation.org).
Is it better to have one big team or multiple teams from my company?
Every company is different. If you want to create friendly competition between your office locations or business groups, having multiple teams is a great strategy. Or, if you’d like to have just one large company team, that’s fine too!
When an individual registers they will select an “organization.” So even if your employees are on different teams, you will be able to see an aggregate fundraising and mileage leaderboard based on teams and organizations.
I'm on a team. Can donations be made to my Team's page or my page?
Yes, donations can be made to a team page.
If a donation is made on your team's page, the donor will have the option to credit the donation to a specific individual. If the donor does not select an individual, the donation will go to the team, without individual credit.
If a donation is made on your individual page, it is credited to you and your team.
How do I create a page for a child?
MILEAGE
How do I log my miles and get credit for them?
Logging miles will begin on May 15. There is an option to track your mileage through linking Strava, MapMyFitness, and Garmin. A "Fitness Tracking" section will appear on the backend of your fundraising page on May 15, where you will find instructions for linking apps. Additionally, we will email instructions for how to connect wearables. You can also self-submit your mileage on our website.
What if I selected "other" activity?
That's great! We are excited to hear you will be doing something that gets you moving for the Distance Challenge. You are welcome to swim, dance, rollerblade, etc! If you would like to submit your distance in the fitness tracker on the backend of the website, you are welcome to, but please note the leaderboards will only display biking & run/walk. Our staff will send you a conversion sheet for how to track your acitivity in mileage. You will still be seen on the fundraising leaderboard!
Does speed count for the Distance Challenge?
No, just mileage.
How will I know how I am doing and my team is doing compared to others?
During the week of May 15-21, you can view leaderboards on our website and track organization, team, and individual; fundraising & mileage.
Can I run, walk or bike multiple times a day?
Yes, each participant may run, walk or bike as many times as they would like during the day / week.
What if I just want to complete a set number of miles?
That is perfectly fine!
What types of mileage is eligible to be counted?
For running and walking: Participants can run or walk outdoors, run or walk on a treadmill, or use an elliptical to log miles.
For biking: Participants can bike outdoors or track via a stationary bike.
For "other" activity: You can track your activity by time. Our staff will send you a conversion sheet to change your time to mileage. Unfortunately, we will not have a leaderboard for miscellaneous activities but your fundraising will be shown on the fundraising leaderboards!
I read the FAQs but I still have questions. Who can I contact?
For questions, please contact us: DistanceChallenge@expectmiraclesfoundation.org
ROAD RACE
Are spectators permitted?
Important note about spectators: As this race is taking place within the Franklin Park Zoo, spectators must purchase a reduced cost ticket to the Zoo to enter the race course for $15. If your friends and family would like to watch you run in the race, these tickets will be available for sale at registration and give you access to tour the Zoo throughout the day. Children under age 2 are free!
What is the date of the in-person road race?
May 6, 2023. It will take place 9 days before the Virtual Distance Challenge begins. Anyone partcipating in the race AND the Virtual Distance Challenge will receive 2.5 miles on their distance tracker.
What is the cost?
Virtual Distance Challenge
$40 per adult
$20 per child
In-Person Race
$50 per adult
$30 per child
Distance Challenge + In-Person Race
$75 per adult
$35 per child
Where is the in-person race happening?
Franklin Park Zoo, located at 1 Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA 02121.
What time should I arrive for the in-person race?
Registration opens at 6:30am and be open until 7:45am. Runners will start at 7:30am and walkers can start at 8:00am. Please arrive with enough time to get your bib and begin with your run or walk wave.
Can I check-in for a friend / colleague the morning of the event?
Yes you can. You only need the name they registered under to do so. Be sure to coordinate, we have had situations where someone picked up a packet for another and the original runner also showed up asking for their packet.
Where is the race taking place, how far is the race, and what is the route?
The walk/run is taking place within the property of the Franklin Park Zoo. The race is 2.5 miles and a route map will be sent to all participants.
Will there be a place to leave a bag for the race?
Yes, there will be a bag check.
Can a stroller participate in the event?
Due to the tight route, runners cannot push a stroller. However, if you plan to walk, you can push a stroller. Children under 2 can ride in stroller at no additional charge. Children 2+ must be registered for the race.
Are dogs or animals permitted?
How can I get to the race / where can I park?
The Franklin Park Zoo is accesible via Boston's public transportation. Additionally there will be plenty of free parking available on the Zoo premise. Registration will be held at the zebra entrance. Parking is free and is located across from the zoo and along the golf course.
What safety / Covid measures are in place for the event?
Participant safety is a high priority. Security personnel are present throughout the property and along the route.
Expect Miracles Foundation will adhere to all COVID-19 protocols put forth by the state of Massachusetts and the CDC at the time of the event.
Can I run with headphones?
We strongly discourage the use of headphones in our races. If you do use headphones, please keep one ear free and listen for instructions from the race monitors.
What happens if it rains?
Will there be Port-a-potties on the course?
When will race results be posted?
I registered but now I can’t make it, can I get a refund or defer my registration to next year?
You CAN donate your entry to charity, you will get a cash donation receipt. Just let us know!
You can transfer your entry to another person for free before the bib name deadline.
Can I volunteer for this event?
Or contact Delaney at ddeavila@expectmiraclesfoundation.org to learn more about volunteering.
