FAQs
Relay and Course FAQs
Q: How many years has the relay been taking place?
A: 2011 was the inaugural Run to the Sun relay. The year 2013 is the 3rd Annual Relay.
Q: Is the relay a point-to-point course or a looped course?
A: It is a point-to-point race, beginning at Enchanted Rock State Park in the Texas Hill Country and finishing at Laguna Gloria in Austin.
Q: Is the run certified?
A: No, but the distances are accurate.
Q: Do you allow walkers?
A: A sub-11 minute mile pace is recommended, which is fast, so we do not recommend the relay for walkers. To take part in the fun and raise funds without out physically participating in the run, you can register as a Run to the Sun virtual walker.
Q: What time does the relay start?
A: Each team will get their own start time. The fastest teams may start near 6:00PM on Saturday, April 20, while slower teams may start as early as 2:30PM. Teams are staggered in order to have teams arrive at the finish together.
Q: How long is the relay and each leg?
A: Each relay leg is between 4-7 miles. See the Course page for an idea of leg distances.
Q: Where are the relay exchanges?
A: Relay exchanges can be found on the Run to the Sun Course page.
Q: On the course map, is Difficulty 1 hard or easy?
A: We have categorized each of the course segments and Difficulty 1 is the easiest segment while Difficulty 5 is the most challenging.
Q: Are elevations and length of segments available for the course?
A: These details will be provided to the teams in early 2013. Please visit the Course section under Event Details on the website or click here for a map of the relay course.
Q: Will teams be provided with more instructions on how to run the course?
A: Yes. Detailed running and driving instructions will be included in the Team Packets available the day before the relay.
Q: Is the course completely paved or are there dirt sections?
A: There are 2 relatively short sections that are not paved surfaces. The first is about a mile into the 2nd leg. It is a half mile through the woods. Another unpaved section is on a dirt road/path that leg 4 runners will be on for the last mile of that leg. The rest of the relay is on shoulders of paved roads.
Q: Is transportation provided?
A: Each team will journey in their own vehicles. Most teams like the flexibility and roominess of 2 large passenger vans. Two vehicles allow for half the team to cut away from the race for short periods of time.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: BBDF reserves the right, in the event of an emergency, inclement weather conditions, or national disaster to cancel the event or to start at a later time as BBDF otherwise determines in its sole discretion. In the event of cancellation, BBDF does not guarantee refund of entry fees.
Q: Can minors under 18 years of age participate?
A: Minors over age 16 may participate with parental waiver. We also require that at least two adults be present in a vehicle accompanying the runners at all times during the relay. Please contact us for more information.
Q: Will water be provided along the course?
A: No. Teams are responsible for their own hydration needs.
Q: Will there be port-a-potties or restrooms along the course?
A: Yes, there are port-a-potties or public restrooms at or near each exchange point.
Team FAQs
Q: How do I start a team?
A: After you register, you can start your own team by visiting your Advocacy Center, clicking on the “Teams” tab, typing in your team name (which you can edit later), and clicking “Create Team.” As the team captain, once you’ve created a team, you can use the tool in your Teams tab to invite your friends and colleagues to join your team.
Q: How do I join a team?
A: After you register, you can join an established team by visiting your Advocacy Center, clicking on the “Teams” tab, and finding the team name in the list “Choose a Team” box.
Q: How many runners can be on a team?
A: A minimum of Six (6) / maximum of Ten (10) runners can be on each team.
Q: Can I register even if our team captain has not created our team?
A: Yes, you can register, start fundraising, and join the team at a later date.
Q: Can we change our team name?
A: Yes, the team captain may edit the team name in his or her Advocacy Center on the “Teams” tab.
Q: Can I leave a team (to start my own!) or switch to another team?
A: Yes, you may leave a team in your Advocacy Center on the “Teams” tab. You can then start a new team or join another open team.
Q: What happens to the money I’ve raised if I switch teams?
A: The money raised by a runner stays with the runner even if he or she switches teams.
Q: How will I know how much my team has raised?
A: You will be able to see your team totals with a new Team Status feature on your personal fundraising page.
Q: What should my team bring to the relay?
A: Please visit the Team Instructions page for recommendations.
Fundraising FAQs
Q: How do I upload a photo or change the statement on my personal fundraising page?
A: You can access your personal Advocacy Center, which includes tools to uploard a photo or image and write your own personal statement, from the link in your original set up email or anytime by entering your email address on the Advocacy Center page.
Q: What if I lost my original confirmation email with my personal link?
A: You may find your link and other tools to place your link on your blog or website by accessing your Advocacy Center.
Q: Can I increase my fundraising goal?
A: Yes! You can edit your goal by accessing your Advocacy Center here. You can also email runtothesun@beyondbatten.org with the new goal amount and we will adjust your registration and fundraising commitment. This will be reflected on your fundraising tracker located on your donation page and on your runner page.
Q: How often are offline donations (checks and cash sent directly to BBDF) reflected on my fundraising page?
A: Currently we are updating the offline donation amounts weekly. If you believe a check may have been sent and would like to verify receipt, you may find all listed checks credited to your account under “Recognitions” in your Advocacy Center. If you need additional information, please contact runtothesun@beyondbatten.org
Q: Will fundraising incentives be offered?
A: Yes. Find out more here or donate here.
Q: One of my donors is requesting a W9 and/or tax ID letter. Can you provide this?
A: Yes. Please send your request to runtothesun@beyondbatten.org.
Q: I would like to have a poster made for the relay to assist with our fundraising efforts. Can you send me files of the Run to the Sun Relay logo and any other information?
A: Yes. We are excited to have our teams help spread the word about the relay event. Please send an email to runtothesun@beyondbatten.org or call Rachel at 512-944-3417 to discuss your logo needs and the pre-print approval process.
Q: Who should the donors make the checks payable to and where should they send them?
A: Checks should be made payable to: BBDF and ask your donor to include the runner name in the memo section. All checks can be mailed to: BBDF, PO Box 200998, Austin, Texas 78720.
Ways to Get Involved
Q: Can friends and family join us at the sunrise celebration?
A: Yes!
Q: Where can I learn more about sponsorship opportunities?
A: Visit the Run to the Sun sponsorship page or contact Rachel at 512.944.3417.
Q: Can I volunteer?
A: We will need over 50 volunteers to make this event run smoothly. Click here to register as a volunteer.
Q: Can I connect with other runners and BBDF on Facebook?
A: Yes, please join us on our Facebook page.