General FAQ
1. What is the LIVESTRONG Challenge?
The LIVESTRONG Challenge is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's signature fundraising event inspired by hope, courage and the perseverance of Lance and the nearly 12 million Americans affected by cancer. We take to the streets on bicycles and on our feet, uniting individuals to stand together to fight cancer.
2. In what cities will the LIVESTRONG Challenge take place?
The 2008 LIVESTRONG Challenge includes the following cities:
Portland, OR - June 29
San Jose, CA - July 13
Philadelphia, PA - August 24
Austin, TX - October 25-26
The 2008 Ride for the Roses (for participants raising a minimum $10,000, will take place in conjunction with the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin, October 24-26. All event dates are subject to change.
3. What is the weekend schedule of events for each LIVESTRONG Challenge?
For Portland, San Jose and Philadelphia:
LIVESTRONG Village - Saturday
Fundraising Appreciation Dinner (for participants who raise minimum $3,000) - Saturday
Ride & 5K Run/Walk – Sunday
Post-Event Celebration - Sunday
For Austin the schedule of events is:
LIVESTRONG Village – Friday & Saturday
Awards Dinner (for participants who raise minimum $3,000) - Saturday
5K Run/Walk – Saturday
Ride - Sunday
Post-Event Celebration - Sunday
Other activities may be added and event schedules are subject to change. More information will be posted online as we get closer to event weekend.
4. How can I participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Choose to walk, run or ride, then choose your city. Next, register and pay the $50 registration fee. Though encouraged to raise more, cyclists are required to raise a minimum of only $250; there is no fundraising minimum requirement for walkers and runners. As you begin to raise funds and awareness, consider creating a team of family, friends and/or coworkers - encourage them to join you in the fight and to register as an athlete or volunteer.
5. Can I participate in more than one LIVESTRONG Challenge this year?
Yes! You'll need to register and pay the necessary registration fee, as well as meeting the minimum fundraising requirement for each separate LIVESTRONG Challenge for which you are registered. Please note that in Portland, San Jose and Philadelphia you cannot participate in both a ride and a walk/run, as those events take place at the same time. In Austin, the 5K and bike ride are held on different days and we want all participants to have the opportunity to participate in both events. We're currently evaluating how we will register participants for both events in 2008 and we'll notify all Austin participants when we have a plan in place.
6. Is there an age minimum to register for a LIVESTRONG Challenge?
No. We welcome participants of all ages to join us in the Challenge. Minors (18 years of age or younger) must be accompanied on the event by a registered adult participant who also agrees to the fundraising commitment. Please note that the 70 and 100-mile ride options may include challenging hills not suitable for the novice rider. We recommend only experienced cyclists who are at least 16 years old register for the 70 or 100-mile distance option.
7. Is there a health insurance requirement to register for a LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Yes. All registered participants (and volunteers) must have personal health insurance during the time of the event in order to participate. Although we provide emergency medical services at stops along the route free of charge, each participant must have personal medical insurance to cover the cost of any medical services received away from the event (for example, ambulance transport and emergency room costs). If you are unable to obtain health insurance, please contact LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org to sign an insurance waiver.
8. Are the events capped?
Yes. The maximum number of participants for each LIVESTRONG Challenge event will vary based on course and venue limitations. When an event nears capacity, we will post a message on the main website to alert interested participants of the approaching closure.
9. How can I learn more about the LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Call 888.4.CHALLENGE (888.424.2553) or email LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org with your questions.
10. Will Lance participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Yes! We are excited to confirm that Lance is scheduled to attend each of the 2008 LIVESTRONG Challenges.
11. Can I change the distance that I signed up for?
It is very important that you sign up for the distance that you feel that you will be most comfortable completing at the time of the event. If you need to change the distance that you have selected, please contact LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org. It is important for us to keep accurate records of the number of participants at each distance to plan the route accordingly to ensure a fun and safe event for all participants. It is possible that we may need to close registration for a particular distance.
12. Can I change from rider/runner to volunteer or vice versa?
Yes; however, remember that all registration fees are nonrefundable. Please contact LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org to change your participation from rider/runner to volunteer (or volunteer to rider/runner). We need to maintain accurate records of your role on the event so we can get you all of the information that you will need. It is possible that we may need to close registration for volunteers.
13. I signed up to participate in one of the events but I now have a scheduling conflict. Can I change my registration to participate in another city?
Yes. We'd be happy to help you switch your registration. Please contact LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org if you need to change to a different Challenge location.
14. I registered to ride, but what I'd really like to do is run. Can I switch?
Yes, registered riders who wish to participate as a runner may switch. Please contact LIVESTRONGchallenge@laf.org make this change. All ride-to-run transfers must be requested more than 14 days before your event.
15. I want to run and ride on the LIVESTRONG Challenge weekend. Is that possible?
In Portland, San Jose, and Philadelphia you cannot participate in both a ride and a walk/run, as those events take place at the same time. In Austin, the 5K and bike ride are held on different days and we want all participants to have the opportunity to participate in both events. We're currently evaluating how we will register participants for both events in 2008 and we'll notify all Austin participants when we have a plan in place.
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