We are one month away from the Boston 5K and are looking forward to participating alongside you in-person on April 18 AND supporting you from afar if you are participating virtually between April 17-19! We appreciate your commitment to fundraising on behalf of The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation.
Team Shirts
Shirts were mailed yesterday via FedEx to the address you registered on TeamRaiser with – get excited! If your shirt is too small or too big, you can bring your shirt to exchange on race morning at the Revere Hotel. Or, if you don’t receive your shirt by Monday, March 23 please let us know so we can look into it!
Resources:
B.A.A Info for Athletes: The Boston 5k home page will provide all general runner information, including race day logistics.
Runner Portal: The runner portal is your one-stop shop for all things 5K! Here, you are able to access team updates, fundraising tips and tricks, instructions about receiving donations, key program dates, and much more.
TeamRaiser Participant Center & Fundraising Page: Customize your personal fundraising page and use the online tools to send emails to your friends and family asking for their support. Click here and then select LOGIN in the upper right corner. You can also share your personal fundraising page on social media to reach your commitment!
Team FAQs – Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day, keeping in mind that details are subject to change.
When is the fundraising deadline?
- The deadline to raise the amount you agreed upon when registering on TeamRaiser is Thursday, April 16 at 6am EST. If you have not met the fundraising amount you agreed to at this time, your credit card will be charged the difference to get you to your commitment. If your card does not go through, we will have the ability to process donations onsite at the Revere. More fundraising tools and information can be found here.
What are the plans for race day?
- 6:30am: Revere Hotel* (200 Stuart Street) opens for runners; mix, mingle, and get ready for the 5K or to cheer on your friends and family!
- 7:30am: Team photo; walk to start line
- 8:00 am: Race starts
- 8:30am: Celebratory brunch and awards in the ballroom at the Revere Hotel. All are welcome to attend!
*Parking is available at the hotel, and the cost is the responsibility of the runner.
What’s the easiest way to get to the start line on race day?
- All race day logistics from the B.A.A will be found here.
- MBTA: For a complete map and schedule, please visit www.mbta.com. Boylston and Arlington are the closest Green Line stops, while Chinatown is the closest Orange Line station.
- PARKING: The B.A.A. recommends that participants park at the Garage at 100 Clarendon in Boston’s Back Bay. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods but is limited.
- RIDESHARE: Charles Street will close at 5:00 a.m., and drop-off access near the start line will be blocked. If you plan on being dropped off on race morning, please plan to do so on Tremont Street or Beacon Street.
I haven’t received my race day bib?
- U.S. residents will be mailed their bib number and participant guide in late March. International residents, including Canada, and runners who did not receive their bib in the mail may pick up their bib number at the Boston 5K bib counter at the Boston Marathon Expo on Friday, April 17 or on 5k race day morning at the Athlete Services tent near the start area between 6:30am and 7:30am on race day. A government-issued photo ID is required to claim or replace your bib number.
- For more information on participant basics click here.
I lost/damaged by 5k bib. What do I do?
- If you misplaced your bib or it gets damaged, access to replace your bib will be issued at the Athlete Services Tent near the start area on race day- just don’t forget a government-issued photo ID! For more information on participant basics click here.
I am a virtual participant, what do I need to do?
- Simply complete your 5K April 17-19 and send us a photo at team@bwh.harvard.edu!
Can I come to the Revere if I am a virtual participant?
- YES! We hope you do!
When will I get my Stepping Strong team shirt?
- Shirts were mailed via FedEx to the address you registered with on our fundraising platform, TeamRaiser. If you do not receive your shirt by Monday, March 23 please let us know.
Help! My Stepping Strong team shirt is too small/big what do I do?
- You can bring your shirt to exchange on race morning at the Revere Hotel!
Do I get a Boston 5K shirt?
- Yes! The Boston 5K shirt is different than the Stepping Strong team shirt, and all registered in-person runners will receive one after completing the race. Shirts are not mailed to athletes, and sizes are while supplies last.
Do you have a sample of something I could text/email/post on social media for fundraising support?
- Below, we offer a sample text that can be used on social media for fundraising support. There are also images created for social media use here.
“On Saturday, April 18, I will be participating in the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong team to support The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation. Our team’s goal is simple: turn tragedy into hope.
Insert photo and story of someone you are participating in honor or in memory of (if applicable).
Please consider supporting my run today with a donation. Together, we can help countless military and civilian trauma patients in Boston and beyond. Any amount will make a big difference!
Click here to donate today: insert link to your personal TeamRaiser fundraising page.
Thank you for your love and support!”
Are there fundraising incentives?
- Yes! You can qualify for great incentives when you go above and beyond your fundraising commitment. Plus, everyone who kicks off their fundraising with a self-gift of $50 or more will receive one entry into a chance drawing for Red Sox Field Box tickets! Please note: If you are sharing a TeamRaiser page with other individuals, the total raised will be divided based on how many people are sharing the page for fundraising incentives.
When will I get my fundraising incentives?
- Incentives will be mailed by the end of May to the address you entered while creating your TeamRaiser fundraising page.
How might inclement weather affect the event?
- The B.A.A carefully monitors forecasts and prioritizes participant safety. Races will proceed rain or shine, and other weather conditions are typically met with adjustments made to the schedule and routes.
Are there any items prohibited by the B.A.A?
- For safety reasons, the B.A.A prohibits strollers, in-line skates, skateboards (and any similar vehicles), and animals.
Thank you once again for joining us! If you have any other questions, please contact us at team@bwh.harvard.edu or 857 505 1225.
From start to finish,
Ali