We hope everyone is excited for the Boston 5K with the Stepping Strong Team in ONE WEEK!! We are honored to have you part of our Stepping Strong family. Please take a few minutes to review the information outlined below so you are prepared for race day!
Resources:
B.A.A Info for Athletes: The Boston 5k home page provides all general runner information, including race day logistics.
Runner Portal: 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. Make sure to 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.
- What are the plans for race day?
6:30am: Revere Hotel* (200 Stuart Street) Silver Ballroom & Liberty Hall (NEW LOCATION!) 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. 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?
Review all race day information and logistics here.
- I haven’t received my race day bib?
U.S. residents were 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 the Boston 5k 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 the Boston 5k participant basics click here.
- I am a virtual participant, what do I need to do?
Simply complete your 5K April 17-19 and send a photo to 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, in early April. We WILL have shirts at the Revere to exchange sizes.
- Help! I didn’t get/my Stepping Strong team shirt is too small/big, what do I do?
We will have limited shirts available on race morning at the Revere Hotel to exchange sizes or get a new one.
- Do I get a Boston 5K shirt?
Yes! The Boston 5K shirt is different than our 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.
- 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.
- 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 for the Boston 5K with Stepping Strong! If you have any other questions, please contact us at team@bwh.harvard.edu or call/text 857 505 1225.
From start to finish,
Ali