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 $6.95 for Canada & Mexico, and $9.95 for European countries. ALL shipping fees are waived if your order is over $70. Currently we ship to the following countries: United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, 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?
The mission of Medal Chasers is to provide epic race bling to our athletes and improve the lives of those in need by giving back and donating what we can. No amount is too small! Every donation can make an impact! Visit our Community page to see all of our featured charities. We are committed to donate as much as possible determined by the amount of registrations for each event. For our charity events, we donate a minimum of $6 of the registration fee back to the charity. Every single person who participates in our virtual races is making a difference. When an event sells out we will make an additional bonus donation. The amount of the bonus donation is calculated after all event expenses have been paid. All donation amounts are posted on our Community page. Our events 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. You will find links on our charities page that take you directly to that charity's donation site.
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 the difference between Medal Chasers charity events, challenge events and just for fun event?
Charity events are tied to a specific cause with the medals & bibs being designed for that cause. We guarantee to donate a specific amount for every registration ($5 min). Generally, we have an established relationship with the organization and have completed the organizations 3rd party fundraising agreement.
Our challenge series events are generally long term events and have a specific fandom related theme. Because of the long term nature of these events we do not always have an established charity to donate to at the start of the events. Lump sum donations are made throughout the event to charities we select. On occasion we may give participants a chance to vote on who we donate to.
Proceeds from our just for fun events are used to sponsor programs in and around our communities. The programs selected are usually related to enhancing the lives of children in some form. Sponsorships are given out at the discretion of Medal Chasers, LLC. If you have a program you feel is worthy of sponsorship funds, send us an email at info@medalchasersvrc.com and let us know. We'll be sure to take a look at your suggestion.
You can learn more about our philanthropic efforts by visiting our Charity & Community page.
Does the race bib come with the medal or is it digital?
Your race bib is shipped with your medal. Some bibs are printed PaperTyger, which is a high quality waterproof & tear resistant material. Other events will be printed in Tyvek paper also a waterproof & tear resistant material. Bib numbers are automatically assigned. Some of the events feature customized race bibs with your name & distance. This is a free option for all participants. But, it is only offered on select events. If it is an option you will see it on the events registration page.