SOMA TogetheRun | Walk 5K

THE BASICS:

1. Who can participate? Anyone can participate, from either our 4 posted routes or anywhere you choose!
2. How old do you need to be to participate? Anyone ages 0-200. All are welcome to join us!
3. Can you bring pets? Not only can Fido join the fun, but you can register him/her as a participant to get them a bib and fundraising page!
4. I can't participate on that day and time, as I have {work, 20 kids soccer games, knitting club meet-up}. Can I still register and do it whenever I'd like? Of course! You can do this event anywhere, anytime (on or after 9am on Saturday May 22).
5. 5K is a bit long for my my kiddos and I with a stroller and skateboard in tow. Thoughts? Don't be a hero! Wait, you already one. Just do what you think makes sense on any of the routes or on your own, then go home and have a bagel while high fiving.
6. How can I get my Gaiter and Bib? There will be a pre-event pickup of the awesome branded gaiters featured above at Meadowland Park Conservancy's Skate House by the Pond (also the start/finish of Routes 1 and 2) on FRIDAY May 21st from 1-7pm ET. You can also bring food items to donate to MEND including: Hot & Cold Cereals (low-sugar) Shelf-safe Milk Peanut Butter Pasta (whole wheat or regular) Pasta Sauce (in cans) Tuna (in water) Canned Vegetables (no-salt or low-salt) Canned Fruit (in juice, not syrup) Rice (1 lb. bags) Beans (canned or dried)
7. What time should we meet at the route starts if we want to walk/run in person with others? 8:40am sharp! See more details within route section below.
8. What should I bring/wear? Watch the weather! Wear sunscreen. Wear your bib and your gaiter! Bring a water bottle and maybe a small snack. Bring your fully charged phone so you can catch some of the Facebook Group content/post, listen to the Spotify playlist, and follow along with our Routes via the free RunGo app (more info below).
9. Do you need Volunteers? Yes, yes we do. Please see here for volunteer roles and times on Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd.
10. Can you register the day of the event? Yes, but in order to participate in person with us on May 22nd on one of our routes, please register by Friday at 5pm so we can accommodate your bib and gaiter pickup that day before 7pm. 

THE ROUTE(S):

1. Is it a timed course? No! You are more than welcome to time yourself using your own GPS tracking device, but this is a fun run/walk in the spirit of community and giving back! For more serious runners, SOMA Fox Running Club will officially host Route 4 here, for those looking to break their personal record. There will be pacers for 22 and 30 min 5K estimates, and coaches to support you.
2. How do I track my mileage/pace and post it? You can use any app/GPS tracker you'd like such as RunGo, Strava, MapMyRun, or your Apple Watch to track. Come back to the site and post your results when complete! Our routes above are currently in RunGo, which is available to download and use for free on ios or android and will provide you with voice navigation and turn by turn directions via GPS.
3. Wait, What is the route? There are 4 route options throughout SOMA here, provided by SOMA Fox Running Club. They each have different features such as Routes 1 and 2 starting and finishing from our branded arch/live broadcast area at the Meadowland Park Conservancy in South Orange, or the more athletic route hosted by SOMA Fox Running Club in Maplewood. You can also walk/run from anywhere you choose, anywhere in the world!
4. Are the streets closed off to traffic? No they are not so please be smart and safe. Wear bright colors if you can, stop for car traffic and at red lights. Marshal Volunteers/Cheerers for busier intersections are welcome, please click Volunteers if interested.
5. Will the 4 pre-selected routes be marked? Yes! We will chalk and mark the routes, but you can also follow them on RunGo.
6. Will there be restrooms on the 4 recommended routes? Yes! Each route has a restroom option, as noted on the maps.
7. Will there be water stations? No, in order to hold a safe, contactless event please bring your own bottle of water. There will be some extra bottles at the start/finish lines in case you forgot.
8. Will there be snacks/fruit? Due to the nature of our beneficiary and providing support to our neighbors with food insecurity, we want to avoid waste. In fact, you are encouraged to BRING/donate any of the following items to bib and gaiter pickup at Meadowland Park on Friday between 1-7pm: Hot & Cold Cereals (low-sugar) Shelf-safe Milk Peanut Butter Pasta (whole wheat or regular) Pasta Sauce (in cans) Tuna (in water) Canned Vegetables (no-salt or low-salt) Canned Fruit (in juice, not syrup) Rice (1 lb. bags) Beans (canned or dried)

THE CHARITY & FUNDRAISING:

1. Where does the money go? All registration fees will be used to cover any minor operating costs of the event including marketing and the gaiters, however anything leftover will go to MEND. 100% of any submitted donations, or participant fundraising, will go to MEND as well in providing support to those in our community going through food insecurity.
2. But who is MEND? MEND Hunger Relief Network is an interfaith network of 20 member food pantries located throughout Essex County, NJ. MEND strengthens and supports its food pantry network by providing supplemental food, funds, volunteers, and a monthly forum for collaboration. MEND also advocates for policies to improve the quality of life for those in need in the County.
3. I've registered and setup my page - but is fundraising required? No, however it is very much encouraged! We have a goal of $10,000 and would love your support in providing meals to the 200,000+ people served by MEND pantries.

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:

1. What can I do if I can't afford the current registration fee? We want anyone who wants to join us to be able to. Please reach out to jess@wheelhouseevent.com
2. Is the event COVID-19 safe? All participants will be required to wear masks if at any point they are within 6 feet of another group of participants. Your provided gaiter will help with easy on/off (and in style!). Please just use common sense when out on the courses or within your community. Hand sanitizer will be avail at all start/finish locations as well.
3. Where's that free beer (and cold brew/iced team, cookie, and pickle at?): Your tyvek race bib will have pull tabs to use at Able Baker, The Order, Baker Street Market, and The Fox and Falcon (12-5pm that day)
4. Is there a Bag Check? No, due to COVID-19 and maintaining minimal contact, there is no bag check at any of the starts...travel light!
5. I like a good playlist when I run and walk - you have one of those? Heck yes we do! Click here for our spotify playlist and let us know at jess@wheelhouseevent.com if you have any requests!