FAQ
Mad Dash Frequently Asked Questions
What type of race is available?
The 2022 Mad Dash features a 5km course on beautiful trails and a grassed field. The trails are fairly smooth with some hills, roots, and rocks. In the past a 10km option was available, but we decided to host only a 5km this year as it is the most popular option by far and it was a big challenge to host a 10km on the Hardwood trails. The 10km course we could figure out is very confusing.
There's also a Kid's Fun Run! Kids get a special racing bib and a metal. They can choose from a 1km course or a 100 yards course. Usually kids 8 and under do this but it's really up to the parents/guardians and the child's ability. All ages are welcome in the 5km if it can be done safely in less than an hour.
Will the race be timed?
The in-person race will be timed (chipped number bibs) with age graded awards. If you participate virtually you can complete the chosen distance at your own pace, and time yourself. You will be able to upload your times, but we are not tracking for awards. Since virtual runners will run/walk on a different route, with varying elevation, and terrain, we are not giving out awards based on fastest times.
Is there a new course for 2022?
The 5km course is the same as the 2021 5km course at Harwood. Click here to see the course map.
When can I register?
You can register any time through the morning of the race on October 9 until 9:30am. Online registration is available untul 9:30am on race morning, or you can register by paper at the event. Virtually you can register through October 11.
I am not from Vermont, can I still participate?
Run in person, October 9th, and we also offer a virtual running event, so there are no geographical boundaries to participation. We encourage everyone, runners and non-runners, from around New England to join us to raise much needed funds for the Mad River Path Association. Recruit friends and family from around the country (Canada too) to join you as a team .
Can I submit my virtual walk/run time?
Yes! You will need to “opt in” at registration for this feature. You can post your time, or see all runners results, by visiting the “Results” page.
Can I run with a stroller?
As long as you feel safe running with a stroller or a jogging stroller, feel free to do so! If you go to our Harwood course keep in mind that these are trails and not roads so some of the surfaces are rough for strollers with obstacles like rocks and roots.
Can I run with my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Harwood trails or at the event per Harwood Union High School rules. Please leave your pups at home.
Are there awards?
The in-person event provides awards. We are not providing awards for the virtual event since people will be participating on their own.
How do I start my own team?
To start your own team, simply go through the standard registration process. Follow the prompts through registration and when prompted in step three, to “Create or Join a Team” join an existing team from the drop down or create a team, select “Create a Team.”
I registered as an individual. Can I still create or join a team?
Yup! If you registered as an individual during the registration process, you can still create or join a team later by logging into your personal account. Go to the RunSignup page and sign in (icon in the top right corner). Once signed in, go to your Profile (icon in the top right corner again). Scroll down to “Fundraisers” and click “edit fundraiser” for the person you’d like to move to a team. Scroll down to “create or join a fundraising team” and either select an existing team from the drop down list or follow the prompts to create a new fundraising team.
How do I donate to a team or individual?
To donate to a team or individual, visit the donation page. You can search by name or scroll through either the individual fundraiser names or team names until you find who you’re looking for. Click “select” and then either choose one of the donation amounts listed or enter your own, and then proceed with payment.
What do I do with money I have collected offline?
Donations collected in person/offline can be sent in the mail (please do not send cash; a check only made out to Mad River Path Association), please indicate if your contribution is in honor/memory of an individual, a race participant or race team.
Send contributions to:
Mad River Path Association
PO Box 683
Waitsfield, VT 05673
Can I get a 2022 Mad Dash t-shirt?
Yes! All in-person runners/walkers get a shirt with their registration. For virtually, participants shirts are available to order on-line during the registration process. We made the shirts optional to lower the registration costs. Shirts are $15 and benefit the Mad River Path Association. We are arranging for those that live in the valley to pick shirts up at a local retailer. All those from outside the area, shirts will be mailed to your registration address.
Can I mail in a paper registration form rather than registering online?
Sorry, but registration must be completed online. However, if you have a problem registering online, please email us at dash@madriverpath.org.
What about fundraising?
While the Mad Dash is our biggest fundraising event, donations are optional. During the registration process you have the option to include a donation and we thank you for any additional support. You can also become a fundraiser. It's easy and we ask that you send 5-10 emails to friends and family asking for their support of the trail system.
As a virtual runner/walker can I walk or run on a different day?
Yes! You can walk or run from wherever you are on any day you choose. We encourage everyone to participate now, through October 11th. We especially encourage you to form or join a team and walk or run together as long as you follow the social distancing guidelines. The more runners and walkers the better.
What are the COVID precautions?
At this time we are monitoring the state guidelines for updates on related precautions. The Mad Dash will follow all state COVID guidelines. Of course, all participants are welcome to wear a mask and are encouraged to do what you are most comfortable with.
