Finding Our Way Down East

How does the race work?

All of our races are virtual, so you can complete your miles wherever you are! You will log in your miles/activity into your race page and work towards your "finish line." As we are not meeting in one place, racers can share their progress online, and complete miles during days and times that are convenient for them. If you choose to do the Kittery to Calais race, you will receive milestone badges that will tell you what destination you have made it to based on the amount of miles you have completed - all without leaving your neighborhood! You can complete your miles however you want. You can choose to walk, swim, run, spin, push a stroller/pull a wagon, hike - whatever works for you! You can complete your miles any day and time that fits your schedule. 

Who can participate in these events?

Everyone! We have put together races for various levels, so choose what suits you best. You can also encourage family and friends to join your team and challenge them to get moving with you. You can run/bike/walk/swim/hike from anywhere to participate. How you choose to accomplish your miles is up to you! We also have a FOWDE Facebook group you can join to encourage one another and share your achievements. 

Do I have to fundraise?

Once you register, your fundraising page is automatically setup! You can change the wording and the goal amount that you wish to fundraise. You are not required to fundraise or meet a certain goal in order to participate in this race. However, this event is a fundraiser for Wayfinder Schools, so we appreciate any fundraising you do! 

Are there prizes?

We have some great prizes for this year's race!

INDIVIDUAL PRIZE: The individual who raises the most money over the course of the entire Finding Our Way Race (May 30 - Sep 5) will receive an L.L. Bean gift card for $50, a free subscription to Down East Magazine and some new Wayfinder Schools merchandise! 

SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTER EXTRAORDINAIRE: Share your race experience on social media and be entered into the raffle to win a $50 gift card to L.L. Bean, a free subscription to Down East Magazine and some new Wayfinder Schools merchandise! Any racer who shares a photo on Facebook and/or Instagram documenting part of their race will be entered into the raffle. RULES: You must tag Wayfinder Schools in your post AND use the hashtag #fowde22 so we can find you. You will get one entry for every photo you post and tag/hashtag (you may share as many photos as you want!). You will get an additional entry for every photo you share while wearing your Finding Our Way Down East t-shirt. Photos may be submitted any time during the race (May 30 - Sep 5). (Please note, by sharing any photos, you are giving Wayfinder Schools permission to use those photos on their own social media platforms, website, and marketing materials when talking about the race and Wayfinder Schools events.)

TEAM PRIZE: The team that raises the most money over the course of the entire Finding Our Way Race (May 30 - Sep 5) will be featured in an ad in Down East Magazine this fall! The winning team will be able to submit a team photo and a message that they would like to share. This is a great opportunity for businesses and families to be recognized on an international level.

When will my t-shirt arrive?

Once you have registered for a race, we will work on getting your t-shirt out to you! T-shirts will be in production starting in May. We encourage everyone to take photos during their "race" and share on social media. Be sure to use the hashtag #FOWDE21 so fellow racers can see your success. 

How do I complete my challenge?

You can complete your miles however you want. You can choose to walk, swim, run, spin, push a stroller/pull a wagon, hike - whatever works for you! You can complete your miles any day and time that fits your schedule. 

When can I start?

You can start entering your miles on the first day of your event. Please see the start dates below:

• Finding Our Way Down East - Kittery to Calais
  • Starts May 30th

• Finding Our Way 22k - June
  • Starts June 1st

• Finding Our Way 22k - July
  • Starts July 1st
    
    
• Finding Our Way 22k - August
  • Starts August 1st
    
    
• Finding Our Way 65k - June
  • Starts June 1st
    
    
• Finding Our Way 65k - July
  • Starts July 1st
    
    
• Finding Our Way 65k - August
  • Starts August 1st

Can I sign up for more than one race?

Yes! Did you complete the Finding Our Way 21k in June, and now you want to see if you can push yourself on the 65k in July? Go for it! Anyone can sign up for more than one of the monthly races. The Finding Our Way Down East - Kittery to Calais takes place from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so only one registration is required for that race. Please note, if you are signing up for more than one race, you will only receive one t-shirt. You may purchase additional t-shirts on the race store page. 

What if I am already signed up for a different race that isn't associated with Wayfinder Schools?

Why not do both! You can use your training miles and race miles for other races towards these Wayfinder races if you wish - what a great way to track all that training you have been putting in! 

How do I track my progress/submit my miles?

This challenge relies on the honor system. Here is how you can track your miles and share your accomplishments:

1) Go to the "Results" tab on the Menu bar at the top of the race page. At the top of the page, it will say "Post your Virtual Results." Hit the Blue "Submit Virtual Results" button. Search for you name and follow the steps.

You can also click on "Submit Virtual Results" when you are in your profile (click on the user icon once you are logged in, and then click on "Profile" in the drop down menu).

How do I manage my registration?

1) If you are not already, log in by clicking the user icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

2) Once logged in, click on the user icon and click "PROFILE" on the drop down menu that appears. 

3) Find your event that you registered for and click on it. Then click on "Manage Registration."

Once here, you can join a team, create a team, update your shipping information, etc.