Race for the Cure » FAQ
FAQ About The Race | FAQ About Teams
When is the race?
The Grand Rapids Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will hold its 11th Annual Race for the Cure® at the RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville on September 27, 2008.
What if I’m not a “serious runner”?
Then join us for the walk! Race for the Cure® is a walker friendly race. We encourage individuals to walk the 5K or the one mile community walk. Walking the 5K will take 45 minutes to an hour. Walking the one mile will take 10 to 15 minutes.
What happens if it rains?
In most cases, the race will go on! Only in cases of severe weather will the race be called.
Can I bring my dog or ride my bike?
To accommodate competitive runners in the timed event, headsets, roller blades/inline skates, bicycles, scooters, and pets are not allowed on the course or on the event grounds.
Are strollers permitted?
For safety reasons, we discourage strollers but if you must bring them, please line up with the walkers behind the runners.
Where do I park?
Enter RiverTown Crossings Mall using the East entrance off Ivanrest Avenue. The West entrances will be closed due to the Race course. Please park in the South parking lot under Cinemark Theaters. You will be able to walk through the mall to get to Race activities on the North upper parking deck as well as the registration area in the food court. Handicapped parking is available; inform parking volunteers if you have special needs. Please plan to arrive early as streets are closed and traffic does back up on the highways.
When does on-line registration close?
On-line registration will close at midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 24th. After that registration must be in person at pre-registration on Friday, Sept. 26th (from 10am- 8pm at the RiverTown Mall food court) or on Race Day.
When and where do I turn in my pledges?
You can turn in your pledges at any pre-registration event or at the Pledge Tent on Race Day. We really encourage you to ask your donors to pledge on-line by setting up your own personal fundraising page. See Pledge information for instructions.
How do I claim my pledge prizes?
When you turn in your pledges bring all cash and checks and a copy of proof of your on-line fund-raising page in order to be eligible for the pledge prizes. Pledge prizes must be claimed at the pre-registration events or on Race day. No prizes will be awarded after Race day.
About Teams
What is a team?
A team is a group of 12 or more people who want to participate in the race. This group may consist of organizations, schools, churches, neighborhoods, families, friends, etc. Both men and women can participate in both events—5K Run/Walk and One-Mile Community Walk. Anyone who wants to join in the fight against breast cancer can be on your team. There is no limit to the number of members on a team. Team members do not have to participate in the same event.
How do I register a team?
It’s simple! Your team captain will be assigned a team number. The easiest way is to have your team members register online, listing your team’s name and number. Full instructions are given online. The list of registered team members will be regularly posted on the team’s page.
How much does it cost to participate?
View our fees.
What if we don’t have any “serious runners”?
Then join us during the walk! Race for the Cure® is a walker friendly race. We encourage individuals to walk the 5K or one mile. Walking the 5K will take 45 minutes to an hour. Walking the one mile will take 10 to 15 minutes. If you have serious runners, they should register for the 5K Timed Division, because the course is USATF certified and timing chips are available. If timing is desired, please be certain the 5K Timed Division is checked on the participant’s entry form.
What if someone wants to be on a team but can’t come that day?
We call these people “Spirit Runners,” and we're thrilled to have their support. They need to register online or fill out an entry form, and they'll be included in the total team count. They can pick up the race T-shirt at any pre-registration.
Is there a deadline for team members to register?
Team members can register up until on-line registration closes at midnight, Sept. 24th.
Where do I get my T-shirt and packet?
The team captain is responsible for deciding if he/she will pick up the packets or if each individual will pick up their own. It is the captain’s responsibility to communicate his/her choice to the team. The team captain can pick up the team materials on the Team Packet Pick-Up Days . If the team captain is unavailable on that day and still wants to pick them up, he/she should assign a representative to pick up the materials. It is the responsibility of the team captain to distribute T-shirts and packets to all team members prior to Race Day. This gives us time to correct any errors.
Does everyone on the team have to walk or run together for the entire race?
No! You're welcome to do so and may carry signs or banners recognizing your team, but you do not have to remain together on the course.
What else do I need to know?
Just remember to have fun and enjoy yourself! This Race is an integral part of the mission to end breast cancer forever as well as to celebrate the survivors and successes we've had! Some teams have coordinated hand-held signs, company banners, hats, shorts, shoelaces, and even earrings! Chant a slogan or a song along the route. Use the collective imagination of your group and simply be creative! Most importantly, be proud that you’re helping to fund a cure!
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