Frequently Asked Questions
Miles for Miracles Program | Fundraising | Training | Race Weekend
Miles for Miracles Program
What is the application process to be selected to be part of the team?
We ask all runners (including our alumni runners) to complete an online application. Along with your contact information and running experience, we’re interested in knowing why you want to run for Boston Children's Hospital. Once you submit your completed application, we'll contact you directly.
What’s the difference between a standard and registered (own entry) runner?
A registered runner is an athlete who already has a waiver for the Boston Marathon®. A standard runner is an athlete who is requesting to use one of our waivers to participate in the Boston Marathon®.
As a registered runner why should I fundraise for Boston Children’s Hospital?
Boston Children's Hospital changes lives every day. We need the support of runners like you who recognize what a special place this is. As a qualified runner, your fundraising minimum is only $1000 and you’ll get a lot of added perks for being part of our team!
Where can I fill out an application?
What are the costs associated with running the Boston Marathon®?
In addition to the required fundraising commitment, all runners are responsible for paying their own race registration fee of $325. You will also need to submit a non-refundable $100 deposit and credit card number upon acceptance to the team. Note: The $100 deposit does not count towards your fundraising commitment.
What is a Patient Partner?
The patient partner program pairs up kids who are current or former patients with runners to help inspire them. Please visit the patient partner page for more details. Do you already know a patient that you’d like to run for? We’d be happy to sign them up for the program so they get all the benefits of being an official Patient Partner.
Fundraising
Where does the money go?
It goes to support the Children’s Fund. This is an unrestricted fund that enables Boston Children’s to continue to provide high quality care, lead innovative efforts to research and the discovery of cures, educate the next generation of leaders in pediatrics, and care for the children and families in our local community.
How can friends/family/colleagues sponsor my run?
Your supporters can sponsor your run by:
- Giving online by credit card on your personal fundraising page. The link is: www.milesformiracles.org/boston. (Click on ‘DONATE’ then type in the runner’s name under ‘Search for a Fundraiser’). Please note: only $5 or more can be given online.
- Making a check out to Boston Children's Hospital. Put your name on the memo line and mail it in a donation envelope.
- Giving you cash. You write a personal check and mail it in an envelope. Note: Make sure to write your donor’s information on the envelope so we can add them to your fundraising page
What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising commitment?
Every runner who is accepted onto the team provides their credit card information. You’ll have until May 21, 2014 to reach your fundraising commitment. If you’re not able to reach the commitment by that time, your credit card will be charged the difference.
Will donors who give by check or cash appear on my personal fundraising page?
Yes. Our team will add all donations we receive in the mail to the sponsor list on your personal fundraising page and your total will be updated. Note: Offline donations may take 7-10 business days to be reflected on your page.
How should I send my check donations to Boston Children’s?
Team members will receive a packet that includes several gift envelopes. For every check you receive, please write your name (name of the runner or patient partner) in the "Memo" section of the check to properly credit your fundraising efforts. Please mail in donations as soon as you receive them so we can properly credit your total. If you need more envelopes, please contact us at run@chtrust.org. All checks should be made out Boston Children’s Hospital.
How can I use social media in my fundraising campaign?
Online social networking with email, Facebook and Twitter are great ways to promote your run. You will find tips and examples on how to use these resources here.
Do you send acknowledgement letters for contributions?
Yes. Boston Children's Hospital acknowledges all gifts of $250 or more and sends receipts for these gifts per IRS guidelines. All online gifts will receive an automatic receipt.
What is the Children’s Champions Club? How do I become a member?
Children’s Champions Club members are runners and patient partners who go above and beyond. You'll find more information about the Children's Champions Club here.
If I get injured and can’t run, am I still responsible for my fundraising commitment?
Yes. You are still responsible for your fundraising commitment if you are injured after the December 17 drop deadline.
Training
Do you offer any coaching?
Yes. We have two dedicated coaches who work with all levels of running ability. They'll provide you with proper training and offer targeted clinics to help you train. You'll receive more information directly from the coaches once you are accepted to the team.
Do you organize any training runs?
Yes. Our team meets every Saturday morning.
Race Weekend
Do you provide hotel room blocks for Marathon weekend?
No. We do not provide hotel rooms. We recommend making hotel reservations right away because the hotels sell out quickly. Visit the official marathon website at www.bostonmarathon.org for hotel information.
Are there any activities planned for Marathon weekend?
Yes. We host a reception for all the runners and patient families on the Saturday before the race.
How do we get to the starting line on Marathon day?
Our private bus leaves from the Westin Copley to bring runners to our indoor facility at the start of the marathon course. This indoor facility is only for Boston Children’s runners, so friends/family won’t be permitted to join you at the facility.
What if I don’t want to take the team bus on Marathon day?
The BAA also provides buses for marathon runners. Information about the BAA buses or where runners can be dropped off on Marathon day will be provided to you directly from the Boston Athletic Association.
What do we do with our bags on Marathon day?
We provide a bag service for Boston Children’s runners only. Our staff will take your bags from you before you head out to the start. After the marathon, you will pick up your bags at the Westin Copley.
Where can my family and friends go on Marathon Monday to watch the race?
Boston Children’s has 3 designated cheering sections on Marathon Monday: St. Paul’s Church in Wellesley, The Hills of Chestnut Hill, and Bretton Realty in Brookline.
