Frequently Asked Questions

Miles for Miracles Program | Fundraising | Training | Race Weekend

Miles for Miracles Program

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

What’s the difference between a “standard” and an “own entry” runner?
A standard runner is someone who is applying to use one of Boston Children’s Hospital's charity entries/bibs to participate in the London Marathon. An own entry runner is someone who already has an entry/bib for the London Marathon from qualifying or another source, such as a race sponsor.

As a runner who has my own entry runner, why should I fundraise for Boston Children’s Hospital?
Boston Children's Hospital changes lives every day. Your fundraising support brings the very best medical care, research breakthroughs, and support services to patients and families who need them most. As an own entry runner, your fundraising minimum is $2,000 and you’ll have access to all of our perks as a part of our team!

Where can I fill out an application?
Apply here »

What are the costs associated with running the London Marathon?
In addition to the required fundraising commitment, all runners are responsible for their own travel expenses. Runners with a Boston Children's bib will also need to submit a non-refundable $100 administrative fee and credit card number upon acceptance to the team. Note: The $100 does not count towards your fundraising commitment.

What is a Patient Partner?
To inspire our runners, Boston Children’s pairs up current or former patients with runners through our Patient Partner program. Do you know a patient that you’d like to run for? Ask their family to register for the Patient Partner Program, or email run@chtrust.org for more information.

Fundraising

How much money do I have to raise?
Runners who want to run through a Boston Children’s Hospital entry must commit to raising a minimum of at least $7,500. Runners who already have an entry to the London Marathon through qualifying or another source, must commit to raising a minimum of at least $2,000.

How do donations help kids?
Money you raise provides lifesaving care and support to patients and families at Boston Children’s through our Every Child Fund. When you fundraise, you advance promising research, provide the best medical care to kids facing complex illnesses and give parents support services that enable them to stay by their child’s side.

What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising commitment?
Every runner who is accepted to the team provides their credit card information. You’ll have until May 21, 2024 to reach your fundraising minimum. If you’re not able to reach your minimum by that time, your credit card will be charged the difference.

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. Visit www.milesformiracles.org/london. Click on DONATE then type in the participant’s name under “Search for a Fundraiser”). Runners can also set up a personalized URL in their fundraising center to share with friends and family. Please note: online donations must be a minimum of $5.
• 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. If a donor gives you cash, write a personal check for that amount and mail it in an envelope to the address below. Please note: Make sure to write your donor’s information on the envelope or include the check donation form so we can add your donor’s name and donation amount 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.

Will donors who give by check or cash appear on my personal fundraising page?
Yes. Our gift processing team will add donations received in the mail to your personal fundraising page. 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 to employees who give to nonprofits like Boston Children’s Hospital. Increase the impact of your donation by applying for your employer to match your gift.
Check here to see if your company will match your donation »

Will my matching gift count toward my fundraising?
Your matching gift will not count toward your fundraising until it is received and booked by Gift Services at the Boston Children’s Hospital Trust. Please note: It can take months for us to receive your matching gift and we cannot withhold charging your credit card on a fundraising deadline while waiting for your matching gift to arrive.

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 is a Miracle Maker? How do I become one?
Miracle Makers are runners who go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts for the hospital. Learn more about Miracle Makers here.

One of my donors made a one-time gift. 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

Does Boston Children's offer any coaching?
Yes. We have dedicated coaches who work with all levels of 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 rooms for Marathon weekend?
No, we do not provide hotel room blocks. We recommend making hotel reservations right away because the hotels sell out quickly. Visit the official marathon website for hotel information. We can also connect you with a U.S.-based marathon travel group that has hotel blocks.

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