FAQ
Here is a broad statement about our Million Meter Challenge, which will answer many of your questions before you even ask them:
Our virtual events are based entirely on the honor system, meaning you do NOT need to send us photos or any other records of your tracking devices. That said, you DO need to log your miles at our website – this is done manually - so we can track your progress. These virtual events are created to provide some extra motivation for athletes to stay in shape after so many race directors have been forced to cancel or postpone their live events worldwide.
Our 5 virtual courses provide an opportunity to follow your progress as you work towards your 1,000,000 meter goal. This means it is also up to individual athletes to determine what counts in tracking their mileage.
Obviously, a run, walk or ride around the neighborhood counts, as do meters completed on a treadmill. Taking your dog for a walk or steps attained from the moment you wake up until you climb into bed – well those examples are up to you. Naturally, if you are counting steps on a daily basis - that works as well.
At the end of this epic journey, it is up to each athlete to earn their bragging rights and the pride to wear their finisher medal, take a selfie, and share it with their friends. This is YOUR run, walk or ride!
ACCUMULATING YOUR 1,000,000 METERS
How do I track my distance?
Tracking your distance is up to you. Use your favorite fitness device, your car, or on-line aps such as www.MapMyRun. As long as you’re actively completing your challenge – running, walking, riding, roller-blading, on a treadmill, on a trail or track, walking your dog – ALL METERS ARE GOOD METERS!
Do I need a GPS tracker (Garmin, Strava, etc.) to participate?
Fitness devices will make your tracking easier and generally more precise, but they are not necessary for our purposes since the meters you enter on this site are on the honor system.
Can I walk or use my step-counter?
Yes, meters are meters. This is an activity-friendly event. We encourage participants of all ages and abilities.
I am a wheelchair athlete - can I participate?
Yes, of course.
Can I ride my bicycle?
Yes, if you are using wheels, simply register under one of the correct "Roll" events.
How about roller-blades?
Yes, absolutely, simply register under the "Ride and Roll" events.
Skateboards?
Sure, why not? If you can skateboard 1,000,000 meters before the end of the year, you deserve a Finisher Medal.
I run and cycle - can I combine my meters?
While we discourage combining your meters from different types of activities, as always, it is up to each athlete. You should consider using meters from cycling as a percentage of the total distance you cover in an individual effort BEFORE you log them into our tracking software. For instance, if you cycle 26.4 miles and you use a 5:1 ratio, you would enter 5.28 miles in your results log.
Can I register after the run start date?
Yes, as long as you can finish your meters by the end date. Your meters start on the day you register.
Do I report my meters on a daily basis?
Yes, that is our preference. You will see your progress on the course map you chose when you registered. The goal is to achieve the 1,000,000 meters by the December 31 deadline.
Can I “double-dip” and use meters from another run, walk, ride, or virtual event during my registered time-span?
Yes, for our purposes, that counts, but ultimately, it is completely up to you!
How do I report my meters?
You do need to log your daily miles manually on the RESULTS page at this website and our program will convert your mileage into meters. You will see your progress on your route map on the bottom of the page as well. You can even drag Pegman (Google's name for the little stick character) onto anywhere on the map for a streetview - how cool is that!
SWAG
What do the shirts look like?
You can see a mock-up of the shirt design on the T-shirt page.
What do the finisher medals look like?
You can see the medal design by our award-winning Creative Director on the Finisher Medal page. However, the design does not really do justice compared to the actual medals.
Are the medals the same for each route?
YES!
Are the bibs the same for each event?
YES, and in addition, your digital race bib will be personalized with your name and unique bib number.
SHIPPING
When will I receive my run bib?
Once you register, you will be able to download and print your personalized bib from this website, accessible from your personal profile page.
When will I receive my commemorative shirt?
We will mail your shirt as soon as possible after you register (within 3-4 weeks), to the address you used for registration. Please be sure you have included your apartment or condo number when you registered
When do I receive my finisher medal?
We’ll mail your Million Meter Medal when this virtual event is wrapping up in December.
Will you ship my SWAG to me if I live outside the U.S.A.?
Absolutely, but you must opt-in at the "Add-on" Page to cover the extra cost of international shipping.
DONATIONS
We are accepting donations for our non-profit Running Starfish Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization recognized by the IRS on August 16, 2019. Accordingly, “Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170.”
Our plan is to distribute these donations during these challenging times to support those who support our live, on-site races. The following have lost irreplaceable income with the cancelation of our spring race, and possibly, our races this fall:
• Our loyal, freelance, contracted race crew members who work hard to make our races happen
• Several small local and loyal non-profits who provide volunteers to our races such as Girl Scout Troops, School Booster Clubs, etc.
Should donations exceed our expectations, we reserve the right to add new non-profit organizations for distribution of funds.
On behalf of those individuals and non-profits we seek to support, THANK YOU!
