Frequently asked questions
What is a virtual race and how does it work?
A virtual race is a self-motivated competition that is organized online where you complete a specific distance by running, walking or cycling on a date and time of your choosing, anywhere in the world. This is a great option for those who cannot attend a group run but still want to contribute to the cause and earn an awesome finisher medal!
Simply register for one of our virtual runs, complete the distance anytime and anywhere you desire (even on a treadmill), let us know how you did by sending us your finish time via email or social media. We will mail you a finisher’s medal & race bib as soon as possible after registration. We try to get them to you as soon as possible so you have it the day you complete your run...but don’t open until you’ve earned it!
Do I have to complete the entire distance all at once?
No. While many participants complete their run all at once, it is not required. What we are doing here at Medal Chasers is providing motivation to help with your personal goal setting, while raising money for causes important to the world we live in. If that means you need to break up your run into multiple segments, so be it.
How do I track my distance and time my run?
Results are submitted on the honor system, so you can track your distance and time however you like. The most accurate way to do this is by using a Running GPS watch, but there are also several free smartphone apps available for iPhones and Android phones that you can use. Please send us your finisher photo either through our social media pages, email:
medalchasersvrc@gmail.com or use our Event Submission form under the contact tab on the menu.
When will I receive my Medal & Bib?
Generally medals are shipped in 2-5 days after registering. We like to get the medals out as soon as possible so you have them the day you run your race. You should be rewarded immediately for your hard work. We ship all medals at once via USPS mail. If the total weight of your order is 16 oz or less, they are shipped via First Class mail. If the weight is more than 16 oz, we will ship them via Priority Mail. Either way, we’ll send you an email with a USPS Tracking Number when your medal ships.
Due to the cost of international shipping, we will charge a fee $7.95 for Canada & Mexico, and $10.95 for European countries. ALL shipping fees are waived if your order is over $75. Currently we ship to the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, France, Norway & Germany. We continue to expand our shipping capabilities as we assess the reliability of the postal services in other countries.
*Occasionally, due to unexpected demand for a specific race or manufacturing delays beyond our control, there may be slight delays with mailing. We will communicate these on each race's registration page and our Facebook page as soon as we are aware of the delay.
How much of each registration fee goes to charity?
Medal Chasers makes donations to our featured charities at the conclusion of each event. We follow the Better Business Bureau’s cause-related marketing best practice of stating exactly how much of each registration fee will be going to the featured charity. Per our 3rd party fundraising agreement with featured charities we are committed to giving at least $6 from each registration. These donations apply to all registrations, including any discounted ones and ones we may give away in contests. Every single person who participates in our virtual races is making a difference. We do not set minimum or maximum total donation amount. Whether we are able to donate $1000 or $10,000 to a given charity that is $1000 or $10,000 more than the charity would have if Medal Chasers didn’t exist. Our largest donation to a charity to date is $13,000 donated the Pinky Swear Foundation.
Our virtual runs both help spread awareness and raise funds for worthwhile causes, but if you are looking to maximize your contribution to a specific charity, by all means, please donate to them directly.
Is Medal Chasers a nonprofit organization?
Medal Chasers is not a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, but don’t let our tax classification fool you. Just because we are not officially classified as a charity by the IRS does not mean we can’t raise funds for many worthwhile organizations that are.
While a portion of your registration fee will be donated to charity, we are not a 501(c)3 charity and are therefore unable to provide tax receipts to each individual registrant.
Can I make an additional donation to a charity?
If you have no desire to particpate in one of our races but want to contribute to the cause, please visit our charities page and you will see links that will take you to the featured charity’s website. If you would like to make an additional donation, please follow the link and donate directly to the charity via their website. By doing so, your donation will be both instant and tax deductible. There is no reason for us (or anyone else) to ever act as a middleman between you and a charity when you want to make an additional donation.
What is your t shirt design and quailty like?
All of our t shirts are lightweight and constructed with an innovative Moisture Transport System to wick away sweat-and keep you feeling fresh for training. For durability, the graphics & letters are screen printed and the shirts have a soft & comfortable feel. Shirts are considered tech shirts and made with a polyester blend.