PMDD Awareness Virtual 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Fun Run

Do you like running? Well, you’re in luck! As part of the IGNITE fundraiser, the IAPMD is going to be running (no pun intended) a virtual race where anyone around the globe can get involved. The ‘race’ can be done at your own pace, at your choice of location, and can be done as part of a team or as an individual! Why not get your household together and plan your race to finish at a beautiful ‘lit up’ building near you?

Who?

Everyone! We have set the races at different lengths to make sure there is something for everyone and accessible to all. Runners, walkers, and wheelchair users are all encouraged to participate. You can even get your friends involved (from a socially responsible distance, of course)!

What?

These virtual races (you don’t have to race - but you can if you’d like!) are a fun way to raise funds and awareness to support the mission of the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD). We have included a 5k, 10k, and half marathon* in our PMDD Awareness event for you to choose from. Sign up for one race, or run all three! We also have a FREE 1 mile Fun Run distance which is open to kids ages 4-12. 

*If you would like to do a different length, set up your IAPMD fundraising page here.

Where?

Anywhere you like! These are virtual races/runs/walk/wheels - so you can join in wherever you are in the world! Share your pictures as we want to see where YOU do your race! Use the #IgnitethefightPMDD hashtag so we can see, share and encourage your progress! We also encourage you to orient your run around one of the many buildings and landmarks around the world that will be lighting up for PMDD Awareness Month. Check out our social media pages to see if there is building in your city where you can finish your run for #PMDDawareness!

All we ask is that you choose somewhere that is safe and has level ground as we cannot be held responsible for any injuries! 

When?

Anytime that suits you! Registration for each race opens at 12:01am on Tuesday, April 1st and continues until 11:59pm on Thursday, December 31st. You may run your race anytime between April 1st and December 31st, 2020 to be counted in the results. If you choose to become a fundraiser, we welcome you to keep your fundraiser going as long as you would like. However, for those who would like to have their race fees compensated by reaching a $100 fundraising goal, we do require all funds to be submitted prior to 11:59pm on Thursday, December 31st.

Why?

The Ignite Your Fight virtual runs are a fundraiser for IAPMD as part of their IGNITE THE FIGHT campaign. In 2020 we aim to raise $1 million through a range of sources, to ensure financial sustainability for IAPMD over the next 5 years - meaning we can roll out our strategic plan and make the change around the globe to save lives. This Strategic Plan is our roadmap to guide and prioritize the work of IAPMD to accelerate progress being made around the world on premenstrual disorders (PMDs). With so many opportunities to influence and impact PMDs around the world, this plan reflects the unique role the IAPMD will play in changing the course of PMDs and supporting millions of people affected by these conditions. 

Get involved! Ignite the fight!

How does it work?

You pick which race/distance you want to tackle and you purchase a place. If you love race t-shirts as much as we do, you can also choose to purchase a race t-shirt or some of our other IAPMD merch to commemorate the event. All participants in each PMDD Awareness Virtual Race will receive a free sticker with their registration. Then all you have to do is train (if needed!) and get your groove on at a time that suits you. Tag us in your pictures and use the #ignitethefightPMDD hashtag.

To send in results:

Please respond to the RunSignUp text messaging or email service using the appropriate prompts. Alternatively, you can send your results to a adrienne@iapmd.org.  Please include your event in the subject line (e.g. Ignite Your Fight 5k), along with your first and last name, your time, whether you completed the event as a walk/run/wheelchair participant, and your shipping address so we can mail you your finisher's sticker! We will collect all results through December 31st so you have plenty of time to complete your race! Official results will be announced in January of 2021.

Awards: Each finisher will receive an Ignite Your Fight Race Sticker to commemorate their event. We will also be awarding Ignite Your Fight Luteal Phase Finisher stickers to everyone who completes their race during their luteal phase! To claim the Luteal Phase Finisher award, send an email to adrienne@iapmd.org with the subject line "Luteal Phase Finisher" and include the event you participated in as well as your name and shipping information.

Also, keep an eye on our social media pages to participate in virtual race photo challenges. We will be announcing giveaways for registered participants throughout the year that you won't want to miss!

*This event is a fundraiser for the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD), a 501(c)3 non-profit that seeks to inspire hope and end suffering for those affected by premenstrual disorders through peer support, education, research and advocacy. Your race can start anywhere in the world and be completed at any time beginning in PMDD Awareness Month in April and until December 31st, 2020. Remember to submit your results before May 1st so your efforts may be counted among the official results for your event.