Race FAQ

What happened to the "Boston Race for the Cure" - did you change the name?
Yes, this year we changed the name of the race from the "Boston Race for the Cure" to the "Massachusetts Race for the Cure". This change reflects the broad spectrum of people and institutions beyond Boston that the Massachusetts Affiliate supports. You may also notice our new logo. We are keeping in step with Komen National's new logo and name change to "Susan G. Komen for the Cure".

New name, new look, same Race!

Does the race include any special recognition for breast cancer Survivors?
Yes, this special group of people is recognized in a number of ways. Survivors remind us all that participating in this event is part of a bigger race to find a cure for breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer Survivors and their co-Survivors are invited to enjoy a complimentary Survivor Sunrise breakfast at 7:00 AM in the Survivor Pavilion.
  • Survivors may pick up a complimentary pink cap and pink T-shirt at the Survivor Pavilion.
  • "In celebration of" and "in memory of" pink placards are provided to pay tribute to loved ones and friends affected by breast cancer.
  • The Pink Parade, where Survivors lead race participants to the start line, will begin at 7:45 AM. Team Captains should make sure to arrange for any Survivors who attend the ceremony to meet up with the team afterwards.
  • Following the race Survivors may pick up their special gift bag, compliments of our generous race sponsors, at the Survivor Pavilion.
  • For more information about the 2007 Salute to Survivors' Program, please call the Race Hotline at 617.737.5121 / MA Relay 1.800.439.2370 or e-mail to salutetosurvivors@komenmass.org






Do I have to collect pledges in order to join the race?
No, entrants are not required to collect pledges other than their race entry fee. The Race, however, is a major fund raiser for much-needed breast cancer research, education, screening, outreach and treatment programs. We strongly encourage team members to solicit support and greatly appreciate your fund raising efforts and participation in the race. More information on pledges can be found in the "Pledges/Sponsorship" section of this information kit.

How do my sponsors and I turn in our donations?
Complete information and instructions for submitting donations can be found in the "Pledges/Sponsorship" section of this information kit.

How do I pick up my t-shirt & bib?
You may visit one of the pre-Race packet pickup locations or pick up on Race day. The Pre-Race pickup schedule is as follows:

Thursday, September 20 12:00-6:00 PM
Talbot's
500 Boylston Street (Copley Square)
Boston. MA 02116

Friday, Sept. 21 & Saturday, Sept. 22 12:00-6:00 PM
New Balance Factory Outlet Store
40 Life Street
Brighton, MA 02135

There is a change this year - team captains will no longer pick up t-shirts & bibs for his/her team. The change was instituted to reduce problems and confusion with team members not receiving their packets in advance. Team members must pick up their t-shirts & bibs individually. Note that the ChampionChip timing devices will be distributed on Race day - this is also a change from past years.

Can I pick up t-shirts & bibs for other people?
Yes you can. The only exception being if the person did not acknowledge the race waiver online, they will personally have to sign a waiver form in order to pick up their race package.

Where do runners get their ChampionChip timing device?
Unlike past years, runners will pick up their ChampionChip timing device on Race day - it will not be included in the pre-Race packets. Instructions on where to pick up the chips will be provided when you arrive on Race day. This change was made to reduce the number of lost and forgotten chips.

What is the "Most Creative Team" award and how is it decided?
The award will be presented to the team with the most creative theme and/or team uniform. The creativity can be accomplished by wearing original t-shirts, accessories like hats, carrying signs, doing cheers, etc. Let your imagination run wild! The winner will be selected by the Race Committee, so keep an eye out for them on Race day as they will be asking each team to identify who they are.

What division does my team belong in?
There are five divisions. The divisions are intended to encourage competition among like teams.
  • Corporate - any large or small business
  • College/School - schools K-12 and institutions of higher learning
  • Health Care - health related organizations, including hospitals, medical offices, etc.
  • Clubs/Community - for example health clubs, weight loss centers, religious groups, community organizations, running clubs, etc.
  • Friends & Family - any team that does not fit into one of the above divisions

What is "Sleep in for the Cure"?
Out of town? Can't make it on Race day? Just too hard to get out of bed on Sunday morning? No excuses on Race Day, you can still make a difference! Register for "Sleep In for the Cure" and you'll receive a Race t-shirt and eyeshades courtesy of Bernie & Phyl's Furniture, the official Sleep in for the Cure sponsor. Simply follow the instructions to register as a race participant and then on the registration form select the "Sleep In for the Cure" radio button. You will be able to use the same web site features as runners/walkers to create your web site, solicit sponsors, etc.

What is "Proud in the Pew"?
For those who are committed to the fight to eradicate breast cancer but are unable to attend the Race for the Cure due to religious obligations, show your support and declare yourself "Proud in the Pew". Register and raise money for the Susan G Komen for the Cure and we will send you a special "Proud in the Pew" button you can wear proudly to services on Race day. You will also receive a Race t-shirt. Follow the instructions to register as a race participant and then on the registration form select the "Proud in the Pew" radio button. You will be able to use the same web site features as runners/walkers to create your web site, solicit sponsors, etc.

May I register someone else for the Race?
Only if they are under 18 and you are their parent/legal guardian. Otherwise all participants must register themselves. Each race entrant must sign or acknowledge (online) a waiver form personally. The only exception is if you use the multiple registration option - refer to the next FAQ for more information.

Can I register multiple people at one time for the Race?
Yes, via online registration only. However please note that due to legal considerations, each race entrant must personally sign or acknowledge (via email) a waiver form. If the race entrant is under 18, you must be their parent or legal guardian to acknowledge or sign the waiver.

When you register your family/group online, you will pay for them via credit card all at one time. It is important that the email address you enter for the participant is their personal email address (for minors use the parent/legal guardian's email). Prior to the race, everyone who you registered will receive an email asking them to confirm the waiver agreement. If they fail to confirm via email, they will be asked to sign the waiver form when they arrive to pick up their race bib and T-shirt.

To register multiple people in one transaction, proceed with the normal registration process. After you confirm the online waiver you will see several choices on the next screen - 2 of which allow for multiple registrations. Both options are effectively the same with one small difference:
  • Register Multiple People - this option provides each registrant with their own personal web page.
  • Register Family - this option provides for a single "Family" web page that all registrants will share.

I am interested in donating but not sure how much to give?
All contributions make a difference and help to support community members in need. For example a $100 donation provides meals for a week to a family of four dealing with breast cancer through Community Servings. Through our funding to CHAT (Connecting Hope, Assistance and Treatment) at Brigham & Women's Hospital, $40 provides breast cancer patients with transportation to and from treatment, $100 helps underserved patients receive medication and $300 makes it possible for patients to get prostheses or wigs.

Are there restroom facilities at the Race location?
Yes, men's and women's restrooms are located in the UMass gymnasium and portable toilets are available outside.

Is water available during the Race?
Yes, there are water stations located along the Race route and at the finish line.

Is there a rain date?
No, the Race will be held rain or shine (let's hope for sunshine!)

Is there a safe place to leave my belongings when I am running?
Yes, a secure baggage claim area is available to store belongings. It is located in the tennis courts adjacent to the running track (just outside of the gymnasium).

Are baby strollers allowed on the race route?
Yes, all strollers will be lined up behind the runners & walkers.

Can I bring my dog to the Race?
No, we love pets but cannot accommodate them at the event.

Can I rollerblade/roller skate in the Race?
No, rollerblades and roller skates are not allowed due to safety concerns.

Must teams race together?
No, teams are not required to race together, however it may be more fun to do it that way!

Do I have to be a runner to join a team?
No, teams can be a mix of runners, walkers, parents with baby strollers, supporters, cheerleaders, etc!

I want to run competitively, can I do that?
Absolutely! All runners are provided with a ChampionChip timing device. Runners' times are electronically recorded and posted after the race. Prizes are awarded to the best times in a variety of categories. Team runners are eligible for individual awards.

How can I get to the Race site?
The Race is being held at:

   University of Massachusetts, Boston Campus
   Clark Athletic Center
   100 Morrissey Blvd.
   Boston, MA

We encourage you to take public transportation where possible, or carpool with friends. Click here for more detailed information.

Is parking available at the Race location?
Yes - limited parking is available at the race location. Click here for more detailed information.

How can I find a participant's personal web page?
In the Top Fundraisers window on the right side of the www.komenmassrace.org web page, click on the "search" link. This will take you to the "Participant Search and Donate" page where you can find the person you are looking for and make a donation to support them.

How can I find a Team's web page?
In the Team Rank window on the right side of the www.komenmassrace.org web page, click on the "more" link. This will take you to the "Team Statistics" page where you can find the team you are looking for and click on its name to go to its Team page.

How can I donate to a Team or Team Member?
1) Go to the www.komenmassrace.org web page.
2) You will see a Team Rank window on the right side about half way down the page. Click on the "more" link.
3) This will take you to the "Team Statistics" page where you can find the team you are looking for. Click on the team name
4) You are now on the Team page. Here you can see information about the team and at the very bottom of the page you can see each team member listed.
5) If you click on the name of a team member, you will go to their personal web page where you can donate to them. Note on the right side of the page you will see a scrolling "Honor Roll" of who has donated to that person - it takes a minute to start up so you will see a shaded box until it gets rolling.
6) If you click on "General Team Donation", you will go to the team donation web page where you can donate to the team. Note on the right side of the page you will see a scrolling "Honor Roll" of who has donated to the team - it takes a minute to start up so you will see a shaded box until it gets rolling.

What is a "Salute Flag"?
The Salute Flags are personalized pink flags which you can purchase to honor a breast cancer Survivor, someone currently fighting breast cancer or someone we have lost. The flags cost $15. Each flag will be printed with the name of the honoree and will be set up by Race volunteers to decorate the Race course. They are yours to keep at the end of the Race. Please visit www.komenmassrace.org to order one.

What is I AM THE CURE?
Komen for the Cure has developed a compelling educational initiative called I AM THE CURE This program empowers people with the knowledge that early detection truly makes a difference. More importantly, it motivates people to take an active role in their own breast health. These words, and the simple steps that lead to early detection, will come to life as thousands of Komen Race for the Cure participants make I AM THE CURE their rallying cry on Race day. Check out www.iamthecure.org for more information.

What is Kids for the Cure?
The Fun Factor will be on hand to lead activities and provide interactive entertainment for children. Children must be chaperoned by and adult at all times. In addition there will be a non-competitive kids lap around the track at 9:30 AM leading into the awards ceremony.

How can I send email to my supporters and/or team members?
There are a couple of ways for you to see your supporters or team members. If you just want a report on the names and email addresses, the do the following:

1) Go to the www.komenmassrace.org web page and log into the My HQ page
2) Click on the Reports tab
3) Select the Donation report or the Team participant report. This will list all the selected people along with their email address.

If you want to send an email to all of your supporters or team members from the web site do the following:

1) Go to the www.komenmassrace.org web page and log into the My HQ page
2) Click on the EMail tab
3) Click on the Address Book link within the "Compose Email Message" window.
4) In the "View By" drop down box select Donors, Team Members, etc.
5) Now you can check the box next to each name and then click on "Send Email to Selected Contacts". You can select the salutation that you want use then select Save.
6) You are now in the email main window and you can compose your email.

Who can answer any other questions that I have?
The Race Committee will be happy to help you with any questions that you might have. Please email us at info@komenmass.org or call the Race Line at 617.737.5121 / MA Relay 1.800.439.2370.


Race Schedule
Online Registration
Packet Pickup
2007 Team Challenge
Survivor Recognition
Pledge Info
Sponsors
Volunteers

<< Back to The Race






















© 2006 The Komen Massachusetts Affiliate. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy & Terms of Use - Contact Us

Website by IX Interactive Inc.