Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of TREK?
The annual TREK USA Charity Relay for Kids is the flagship fundraising event for the DMSE Children's Fitness Foundation (DCFF). The DCFF, founded in 2003 by BAA Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray, is committed to funding nonprofit organizations that use running as a primary means of promoting physical fitness in children. More information on the DCFF is available at www.dmsefoundation.org.
How far do I have to able to run to participate in TREK?
TREK is designed to challenge runners of various fitness levels and running abilities. All TREK runners should be prepared to log an average distance of 15 miles per day for each day they participate.
Do I have to run my 15 miles all at once?
No. We split the 15 miles up into two or three legs each day to both preserve energy and keep the momentum going.
How much money am I required to raise in order to participate in TREK?
Participation in TREK is divided into 4 Team Member levels; Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each Team Member level has its own distance and fundraising requirements.
The requirements for each Team Member level are as follows:
- PLATINUM MEMBERS run all 10 days of TREK and commit to raising a minimum of $5,000.
- GOLD MEMBERS run 7 days on TREK and commit to raising a minimum of $3,500.
- SILVER MEMBERS run 5 days on TREK and commit to raising a minimum of $2,500.
- BRONZE MEMBERS run 3 days on TREK and commit to raising a minimum of $1,500.
What is a typical day on TREK like?
The team will get started around 5:30 each morning with a briefing from Operations Director "Captain" Ron Kramer. The briefings provide runners with the plan for accomplishing the day's mileage as well as updated weather conditions and expected terrain. The team runs in a leap-frog fashion with two people on the road at all times. The day typically ends around 4:00PM with each member running approximately 15 miles per day.
What expenses will I have on TREK?
Overnight lodging, breakfast and lunch are provided for team members during their respective durations on TREK. Snacks, water and Gatorade are also provided for runners throughout the day. Dinner is on your own.
When do I have to raise the money by?
All team members are required to raise their respective fundraising amounts by June 15th, 2008.
What if I don't raise the full amount to which I committed?
The whole purpose of the TREK run is to raise money for The DMSE Children's Fitness Foundation. Each team member is personally responsible for raising the minimum fundraising amount to which they committed. Each runner must provide a valid credit card number upon their official acceptance onto the TREK team. This credit card will be debited only if the runner does not raise the minimum fundraising amount by June 15th, 2008, and debited only for the difference between the amount of funds raised and the minimum fundraising requirement. Once runners receive official notice of their acceptance onto the TREK 2008 Team, they are responsible for the minimum fundraising amount regardless of whether or not they participate in TREK 2008. By applying for membership on the TREK 2008 Team, all runners agree to these terms and conditions.
Where do we sleep?
The team stays in a different hotel each night depending on our location at the end of that day's mileage goal.
If I am not participating in the full 10 days of TREK, how do I get to my start location and when I finish, how do I get home?
Full transportation is provided for all Platinum team members committed to the entire 10 days of TREK. Gold, Silver and Bronze team members are responsible for their own transportation to and from their respective start and finish points along the route.
If I am running only a portion of TREK as a Gold, Silver or Bronze team member, how do I know where I start and finish my mileage?
All runners accepted onto the TREK team will receive their own TREK Operations Manual. This manual provides detailed maps and information on each day's mileage, specific day-by-day routes, start and finish points, hotel information and general information on other members of your TREK team.
