Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I begin?
Want to Participate? Just register here and join us!
You can now create and manage your own personal page, share your photos, goals and get sponsors.
Want to sponsor a participant? Click here for details.
2. Am I required to collect donations/sponsors as part of participating in the 5K?
No. Every participant that signs up for the 5K gets a personal fundraising page as part of registering however participants do not need to solicit donations or sponsorships from friends and family if they aren't comfortable. Your registration fee is a donation towards brain tumor research.
3. Can I mail a check for for my registration fee?
No. Online registrations must be paid with a debit or credit card. We will accept checks the day of the event - but day-of registrations will not receive a t-shirt.
4. Is the 5K a certified course?
No - the 5K is not a USATF-certified route. This is a fun run/walk. The 5K route is relatively flat and goes into off paved areas. There are options for a shorter alternative wheelchair friendly path.
5. Will the 5K be a timed event?
There will be a time clock at the event so you can see how you did, but there will be no chip timing or posting. It is considered a family friendly fun run/walk. Strollers are allowed.
6. Is parking available?
Yes! There will be onsite parking.
7. What is the address of the event?
The event will be at Stillwater Area High School - 5701 Stillwater Blvd, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082.
8. How can my sponsors submit payment?
Online contributions can be made by credit card on the runner’s personalized page. Direct your sponsors to click the "Sponsor a Participant/Team" button near the top of the home page and then search for and click on your name. We try to discourage sponsorships via checks, but we understand that your family or friends may give you checks or cash. In limited situations, we allow you to send checks to us - please see our "Contact Us" page for more information on this.
9. I am concerned that I might not be able to raise the required funds. Will I be able to do it?
Even if you've never raised money before, our materials and strategies will make it easy for you to solicit and collect sponsorships from friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and others. Experience has shown that it is not only possible, but enjoyable, to set and reach your goals. Please refer to the sample letters found on your personal fundraising page center to get started and you will be surprised to see how quickly friends, family, and co-workers will respond to your request to help this wonderful cause. Just remember to make it personal as well, as you want them to know that they are sponsoring YOU and YOUR efforts! And, many companies offer charitable donation matching programs, make sure to ask your sponsors to check with their employers, as it will help you meet your goal ever more quickly.
10. Is the 5K only for runners OR only for walkers?
No! The 5K is designed as a day for the whole family - runners and walkers are welcome!
11. Do you participate alone or as a team?
Either! Participants can participate alone, create a team or join a team!
12. I have never participated in a 5K. Will I be able to finish?
Absolutely! Many of our participants are first-timers. Whether you are a novice or a serious athlete, we will be here to inspire you every step of the way.
13. What happens if there is bad weather the day of the 5K?
The event is rain or shine, with few exceptions. See our inclement weather plan. The race will not be rescheduled and there are no refunds.
14. Do I get a refund if I signed up for the event but I'm unable to make it?
No, there are no refunds. Consider the registration money your donation. If your registration included a shirt it must be picked up during the registration/check-in time the morning of the 5K. Past that time it is not guaranteed.
15. Is there a refund/exchange policy?
Yes. If a donation was made accidentally or for the wrong amount, simply make us aware of the issue and we will be happy to make any necessary refunds, changes or corrections. Race registration fees are not refundable.
16. Will there be registration the day of the event?
Yes, there will be same day registration however we highly encourage you to register ahead of time - not only so we can plan for the 5K appropriately but also you'll save some money on registration and get a free shirt if you register early enough!
17. Can I just make a donation?
Absolutely! You do not need to register or attend the event to donate to the cause. You can be a virtual participant if you wish, which allows you to have a fundraising page and collect funds from sponsors - or you can simply make a donation!
18. Are dogs allowed at the event?
Dogs unfortunately are not allowed at the event at our new location.
19. Will we be able to stay at the event location after the event?
The MN Brain Tumor 5K rents the location of our event by the hour, so once the walk/run is over, we have to clear out of the event location in a timely manner.
20. Where does my money go?
Proceeds from the event go to the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc, a 501(C)3 nonprofit public charity. Your donation is tax deductible. Click the "About" link in the header above to see more information about the Musella Foundation.
21. What are the overhead costs of the MN event?
Our event has costs for such things as rental of the location of the event, insurance, food, etc. All of this is paid for by sponsors, specifically for the purpose of paying for the event. All of our volunteers, including the planning team, are volunteer and receive no payments for their time. 100% of registration fees and donations go to brain tumor research via the Musella Foundation. On the "About" page in the navigation above you can find more details about where this money goes through the foundation.
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