Frequently asked questions

Miles for Miracles program | Fundraising | Training | Race weekend

Miles for Miracles program

What is the application process to be selected as part of the team?
All interested runners (including our alumni runners) must complete an online application. Along with your contact information and running experience, we’re interested in learning why you want to run for Boston Children's Hospital and your fundraising goal and plans. Once you submit your completed application, we may contact you directly to speak further.

What’s the difference between a standard and an own entry runner?
A standard runner is an athlete who is applying to use one of our charity entries/bibs to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon. An own entry runner is an athlete who already has an entry/bib for this year's TCS New York City Marathon.

As a qualified/own entry runner, why should I fundraise for Boston Children’s Hospital?
Boston Children's Hospital changes lives every day. We need the support of runners like you who recognize what a special place this is. As an own entry runner, your fundraising minimum is only $1,000 and you’ll have access to the perks of being part of our team.

Where can I fill out an application?
Apply here. If you have questions, contact us at run@chtrust.org.

What are the costs associated with running the TCS New York City Marathon?
In addition to the required fundraising commitment, all runners are responsible for paying their own $295 race registration fee to the New York Road Runners. You'll also need to submit a non-refundable $125 administrative fee and credit card number upon acceptance to the team. Note: The deposit does not count towards your fundraising commitment.

What COVID-19 protocols will be in place?
Boston Children's Hospital will adhere to all COVID-19 protocols put forth by the state of New York, the CDC and the New York Road Runners the time of the event. All participants will receive up-to-date information on protocols just prior to the event. If you have questions, please contact us at run@chtrust.org.

Are COVID-19 vaccinations required?
Boston Children's Hospital encourages all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and may require participants to provide proof of vaccination as well as complete a symptom screening in advance or upon arrival at marathon weekend events.

What happens if the marathon is cancelled?
If the marathon is cancelled, Boston Children’s will follow the New York Road Runner’s guidelines and determine the best course of action for our team. Registration fees and donations are non-refundable.

What is a Patient Partner?
The Patient Partner Program pairs up kids who are current or former patients with runners to help inspire them. Do you already know a patient that you’d like to run for? We’d be happy to sign them up for the program so they get all the benefits of being an official Patient Partner. Email run@chtrust.org for more information.

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Fundraising

How do donations help kids?
Your funds help provide lifesaving care and support to patients and families, through the Boston Children’s Hospital Every Child Fund. When you fundraise, you advance promising research, care for kids facing complex illness and give parents supports that enable them to stay by their child’s side.

How can friends/family/colleagues donate to my run?
Your supporters can donate to your run by:

• Giving online by credit card on your personal fundraising page. The link is milesformiracles.org/newyork. (Type in the runner’s name under "Find a participant"). Please note: the online gift minimum is $5. Runners can also set up a personalized URL in their fundraising center to share with friends and family.
• Making a check out to Boston Children's Hospital. Put your (runner's) name on the memo line, complete the check donation form and include it in an envelope with the check.
• Giving you cash. Please do not mail in cash. You can write a personal check or get a bank check and mail it in an envelope. Note: Make sure to include your donor’s information on the envelope or include the check donation form so we can add them to your fundraising page.

Where do I send donations?
Encourage your supporters to donate online through your personal fundraising page. If the donor prefers to write a check, make checks payable to Boston Children's Hospital and mail to the address below along with this check donation form.

Boston Children’s Hospital Trust
Attn: Gift Services/ Miles for Miracles
401 Park Drive, Suite 602
Boston, MA 02215

What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising commitment?
Every runner who is accepted onto the team provides their credit card information. You’ll have until October 24, 2023 to reach your fundraising commitment. If you’re not able to reach the commitment by that time, your credit card will be charged the difference.

Will donors who give by check or cash appear on my personal fundraising page?
Yes. Our gift processing team will add all donations we receive in the mail to the honor roll on your personal fundraising page and your total will be updated. Note: Offline donations may take 7-10 business days to be reflected on your page.

Do you send acknowledgement letters for contributions?
Yes. Boston Children's Hospital acknowledges all gifts of $250 or more and sends receipts for these gifts per IRS guidelines. All online gifts receive an automatic email receipt.

How do I learn more about matching gifts?
Many companies offer matching gifts for their employees who give to non-profits like Boston Children’s Hospital. Increase the impact of your donation by applying for your company to match your gift now. Check here to see if your company will match your donation »

Can I create a Facebook Fundraiser for Boston Children's Hospital?
Unfortunately, not. Because of technical changes that Meta (Facebook’s owner) has made to Facebook Fundraisers and payment processing, Facebook Fundraisers are no longer compatible with our fundraising systems.

What are Miracle Makers? How do I become one?
Miracle Makers are runners and patient partners who go the extra mile in their fundraising efforts for the hospital. You'll find more information about Miracle Makers here.

One of my donors made a one-time gift, but why does their bank statement say their gift is recurring?
Some banks will label this gift transaction as recurring even if it is not. If your donor would like to confirm that they made a one-time gift, they may contact run@chtrust.org.

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Training

Do you offer any coaching?
Yes. We have dedicated coaches who work with runners of all levels and running abilities. They'll provide you with a training schedule and offer team practices to help you train. You'll receive more information directly from the coaches if you are accepted to the team.

Do you organize any training runs?
Yes. Our team meets most Saturday mornings in the Greater Boston area.

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Race Weekend*

Do you provide hotel room blocks for Marathon weekend?
No. We don't provide any room blocks for marathon weekend. We recommend making hotel reservations right away because the hotels sell out quickly. Visit the official marathon website for hotel information.

How do we get to the starting line on marathon day?
When runners register officially for the marathon on the NYRR website, they’ll be able to select a transportation option to get to the starting line in Staten Island.

Where can my family and friends watch the race?
Boston Children’s hopes to have a designated cheering section along the course. If permitted, the location will be announced closer to race weekend.

*All race weekend festivities and logistics are subject to change based on COVID restrictions and guidelines put in place by the state government and the New York Road Runners.

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