Frequently asked questions

Miles for Miracles program | Fundraising | Training | Race weekend

Questions about the Miles for Miracles program or the TCS New York City Marathon? Review the information below or contact run@chtrust.org.

Miles for Miracles program

What is the application process to be selected as part of the team?
All interested runners (including 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 TCS New York City Marathon. An own entry runner is someone who already has an entry/bib for the marathon from qualifying, race lottery or another source, such as a race sponsor.

As a runner who has my own entry, 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 $1,500 and you’ll have access to the perks offered to 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. Runners with a Boston Children's bib will also need to submit a non-refundable $125 administrative fee and credit card number to Boston Children's upon acceptance to the team. Note: The $125 fee 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.

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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 $4,500. Runners who already have an entry to the TCS New York City Marathon (through qualifying or another source) must commit to raising a minimum of $1,500.

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 illness 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 and commits to several fundraising deadlines throughout the training season. You’ll have until October 23, 2024 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.

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

• Giving online by credit card at milesformiracles.org/newyork. (Your supporters can clikc on "DONATE" then type your name). Runners can also set up a personalized URL in their fundraising center to share with friends and family. Please note: the online gift minimum is $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. 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 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.

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

Will donors who give by check or cash appear on my personal fundraising page?
Yes. Our gift processing team will add donations received by 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 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 »

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 someone donate by Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
Yes. Learn more about donating by Donor Advised Fund here and share this link with your donors.

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

Does Boston Children's 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 hotel room blocks. 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 for the marathon on the New York Road Runners website, they 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.

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