Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the "Get a Running Start Expo"?
The Get a Running Start Expo is a brand new feature that we are rolling out for this year's Race.  The intent is to broaden and enhance your overall Race experience.  The Expo will kick off the Race for the Cure weekend. You can beat the Saturday rush by picking up your race packet, rally your team, meet some of the race sponsors and just have a fun. The Expo will feature speakers, informational seminars, free products and services, demonstrations and entertainment. Come and spend a few hours to start the Race for the Cure weekend with a bang. 

Do I have to collect pledges in order to join the race?
While there is no requirement for entrants to collect pledges, the Race is a major fund raiser for much-needed breast cancer research, education, screening, outreach and treatment programs, and relies heavily on our supporter's generosity. With the current economic situation, corporate sponsorship funds are hard to come by. We are counting on our race participants to fill the void by your fundraising efforts. We greatly appreciate your help and participation in the race. 

Why did you move the Race from UMass Boston?
UMass Boston has been a great location for the Race for a number of years and UMass has been a wonderful host. However, we have reached the point where that venue would be hard pressed to support a larger number of participants. Our long range plans are to grow the participation in the Race, so we needed to find a larger venue. Our Race Director, DMSE, conducted an exhaustive search and after many months of meetings and negotiations, they were able to secure the Seaport Boston location along with the Seaport World Trade Center. The Seaport area is a vibrant and growing section of Boston and we feel it's a great fit for our Race in the future. It provides easy access to mass transit (the World Trade Center T stop on the Silver line is directly across the street), abundant parking for those who wish to drive, an array of hotels and restaurants, and a spectacular view of the Boston waterfront.

We hope that you share our excitement for this new and exciting chapter in the Mass. Race for the Cure!

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 8:15 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 2009 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

How do my sponsors and I turn in our donations?
The preferred method for sponsors to support you is online donations. You can send emails to sponsors directly from the race web site with information on how to donate. Sponsors may choose to mail a check directly to Komen Mass. We ask that you provide them with a form to send in with their check in order to properly credit their donation. Instructions for printing the donation form follow:

1. Visit http://www.komenmassrace.org
2. Click on the "Login" button.
3. Enter your user name and password and click "Continue".
4. Click on the "Tools" tab.
5. Click on the "Print Donation Form" link located just below the tabs.
6. You can now print the form using your web browser's print function, make copies for your supporters and ask them to mail their donations to the address printed on the form. 

You may also download a printable donation form, fill out the form using Microsoft Word, print the form, and mail or turn in the form along with your donation. 

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 read and agree to a liability waiver 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 the online Multiple Registration or Family Registration options. However please note that you will be responsible for making sure that anyone who you register online has read and agreed to the waiver. If the race entrant is under 18, you must be their parent or legal guardian to sign the waiver. 

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.

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 locations have changed this year:

Thursday, September 24 12:00-6:00 PM
The Mall at Chestnut Hill
199 Boylston Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Friday, Sept. 25 3:00-7:00 PM
Get a Running Start Expo
Seaport World Trade Center Boston
200 Seaport Blvd
Boston, MA 02210-2031

Team members must pick up their t-race packets individually (unless otherwise instructed by their captains)

Can I pick up t-shirts & bibs for other people?
Yes, you can pick up for someone else.

Where do runners get their timing device?
We are pleased to announce that we will be using the ChronoTrack "D-Tag" timing system this year. This new system uses a disposable timing tag which attaches to your running shoe. It eliminates the need to return the timing chips at the end of the race, and also eliminates lost timing chip fees. The timing device is attached to the runner's race bibs. Runners will receive the device with their bib. 

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

Are there prizes?
Yes, all participants are eligible for awards for both running and fundraising. 

The individual running awards/prizes are: 

• First 3 overall male and female finishers
• First 3 overall Survivor finishers
• First master (age 40-54) Survivor finisher
• First senior (age 55+) Survivor finisher
• First 3 male and female finishers in each age group:
  • 19 & under
  • 20-29
  • 30-39
  • 40-49
  • 50-59
  • 60-69
  • 70 and over

What is the "Pink Honor Roll"?
The Pink Honor Roll is a special recognition of the top 100 fundraisers in the Race for the Cure.   Members of the Pink Honor Roll will be assigned race bib #s 1-100 and be given a special Pink Honor Roll t-shirt.

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". 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.

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 World Trade Center building. In addition, portable toilets will be available outside the building.

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. Look for the signs when you arrive on Race day. 

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 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:

The Seaport World Trade Center Boston
200 Seaport Blvd
Boston, MA

For public transportation take the MBTA Silver Line Waterfront (SL1) to the World Trade Center Station, located adjacent to the Seaport Hotel.  Visit the MBTA site for maps

We encourage you to take public transportation where possible, or carpool with friends. 

Is parking available at the Race location?
Yes - there are a number of parking lots in the Seaport district with more than enough spaces for race participants. The typical cost is around $10-12 per car. The Race Committee has secured a special discounted parking rate at the LAZ parking lot on the corner of Seaport Blvd and Boston Wharf Road.

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. 

Is there a way to assign "friendly" URL to my personal web page?
Yes. We have implemented a new feature on our web site which allows you to assign a personalized web page link (URL) to your personal page. For example if you choose the name "Charlie" for your web site, people will be able to directly access it as www.komenmassrace.org/charlie.

If you would like to take advantage of this feature, make sure you fill in the "Personalized Web Page Link" box when you register.   Note that you MUST do this when you register. There is no way to go back after you have registered and assign the name.

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?
Kids for the Cure - www.komenmassrace.org/kidsforthecure - is a grass roots movement for kids, led by kids. Join kids across Massachusetts in the fight against breast cancer. You can make a difference!

On Race Day, 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. 

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.