FAQs

General
Fundraising
Teams
Ride for the Roses
Mentors
Event Details and Route
Minors
Volunteering

General
1. What is the LIVESTRONG® Challenge?
The LIVESTRONG Challenge is the Lance Armstrong Foundation's signature fundraising event. This annual series of cycling and running/walking events takes place in cities across the country, enabling anyone to support the LAF's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.

2. In what cities will the LIVESTRONG Challenge take place?
The 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge includes the following cities:
Philadelphia, PA - August 25-26
Portland, OR - September 29-30
Austin, TX - October 12-14

The 2007 Ride for the Roses will take place in conjunction with the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin, October 12-14. All event dates are subject to change.

3. I attended the 2006 event in Denver or Southern California. Why aren't you coming back to these cities?
The LAF is committed to providing each Challenge participant and volunteer with a unique experience.  By limiting the number of events and locations, we can concentrate our limited resources to providing you with an event that leaves you transformed -energized, inspired and empowered to make a difference. We encourage you to register for one of the three scheduled LIVESTRONG Challenge events, with locations carefully selected to provide easy access from across the country. If traveling is not possible, you can still support the LAF by raising awareness and funds in your community.  

4. What is the weekend schedule of events for each LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Each LIVESTRONG Challenge will include the following events:

• LIVESTRONG Village - Saturday
  
• Awards Dinner (for participants who raise minimum $5,000 + guest) - Saturday
  
• Ride & Run/Walk - Sunday
  
• Post-Event Celebration - Sunday

Other activities may be added and event schedules are subject to change. More information will be posted as we get closer to the Challenge weekend.

5. How can I participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Choose your Challenge - walk, run, ride or volunteer; then choose your city: Portland, Austin or Philadelphia.  Next, register and pay your $50 registration fee. The combination of fewer event venues and more participants means we can pass the savings on to you.  Though encouraged to raise more, cyclists are now 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.

6. 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 you cannot participate in both a ride and a walk/run during the same Challenge weekend, as those events take place at the same time.

7. 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.

8. 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 your coach to sign an insurance waiver.

9. 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.

10. How can I learn more about the LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Call 888.4.CHALLENGE (888.424.2553) or email livestrongchallenge@laf.org with your questions.

11. Will Lance participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Yes! We are excited to confirm that Lance is scheduled to attend each of the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenges.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 to make this change. All ride-to-run transfers must be requested more than 14 days before your event.

16. I want to run and ride on the LIVESTRONG Challenge weekend. Is that possible?
Unfortunately, No. The run and ride will take place simultaneously on Sunday of Challenge weekend, so it is not possible to participate in both. The weekend is about personal accomplishment and doing something courageous in the face of cancer. Rather than trying to participate in two athletic activities, we encourage you to choose the activity that will challenge you - physically, mentally and emotionally.
 

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Fundraising
1. Where do the funds from the LIVESTRONG Challenge go?
Net proceeds from the LIVESTRONG Challenge directly benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). The LAF's mission is to empower and inspire people affected by cancer. We serve our mission through advocacy, public health and research. On a local level, the LAF has and will continue to support local survivorship initiatives, including those communities where there is a LIVESTRONG Challenge.

2. What happens if I register for the LIVESTRONG Challenge but do not reach the fundraising minimum?
In order to participate in the ride, each participant must raise a minimum of $250 in donations prior to the event. If you have not met your fundraising minimum prior to the event, you may make up the remaining balance through a personal donation to your fundraising account or through the delayed self-pledge option. Your coach can provide you with more details.

3. Why did you lower the fundraising minimum?
In an effort to encourage even greater participation and participant experience, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) has made significant changes to the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge. The combination of fewer event venues and more participants means we can pass the savings on to you. Though encouraged to raise more, cyclists are now required to raise a minimum of only $250; there is no fundraising minimum requirement for walkers and runners.

4. What happens if I register for the LIVESTRONG Challenge, but am unable to participate?
While we'll miss you at the event, you can rest easy knowing you have already done something to make a difference.  Because registration fees and donations are non-refundable and non-transferable, we can put those funds to work immediately to benefit people affected by cancer.

5. Can I fundraise for the LAF separate from a LIVESTRONG Challenge?
Absolutely. Please visit www.livestrong.org/getinvolved for information about other fundraising initiatives.

6. What tools are available to help me with my fundraising?
The three greatest assets to help you in your fundraising are:

• Challenge mentor program
• Online Challenge tools
• Challenge message boards where you can connect with fellow participants

7. What if I want to fundraise but I don't want to participate in a LIVESTRONG Challenge? Will I still have access to these tools?
Grassroots fundraisers who are not participating in the Challenge will have access to numerous online tools, but the mentor program and online Challenge message boards are exclusively for Challenge participants.   

8. Will reaching certain fundraising levels qualify participants to receive incentives?
Yes! There are various incentive levels for both riders and runners/walkers - learn more about the fundraising incentives. The fundraising deadlines for these awards are:

• Philadelphia -Thursday, August 23, 9 a.m. CST
  
• Portland - Thursday, September 27, 9 a.m. CST
  
• Austin - Thursday, October 11, 9 a.m. CST

9. Will reaching certain fundraising levels qualify me to reach specific jersey levels?
Yes. Ride for the Roses attendance and jersey award packages begin at the $10,000 fundraising level. The deadline to qualify for Ride for the Roses is Tuesday, September 4 at 9 a.m. CST.

View the 2007 incentive structure. 

10. Will LIVESTRONG Challenge participants and/or teams be eligible for fundraising awards?
Yes. At each LIVESTRONG Challenge the LAF will recognize outstanding fundraising efforts with special awards during the Saturday night awards dinner:

• Top fundraising individual (Champion Award)
  
• Most individual donors (Messenger Award)
  
• Top fundraising team (Team Champion Award)
  
• Most team members (Team Messenger Award)
  

11. I'm registered to participate in all three LIVESTRONG Challenges. If I raise at least $10,000 total, but I've used my separate HQ sites to do so, will I still be invited to Ride for the Roses?
Prior to your first event, please inform your coach that you plan to participate in multiple event cities and would like your donation totals added together prior to receiving fundraising incentives. While we won't transfer donations from one city to another, we will add up your totals and consider one grand total for you instead.

If the combined total of the donations you raise for all LIVESTRONG Challenges totals more than $10,000 as of 9 a.m. CST on September 4 you will be invited to Ride for the Roses. However, you must inform the Challenge staff that you want your donation totals added together before you participate in your first event.

12. I'm registered for all three LIVESTRONG Challenges and I've raised a minimum $10,000 total. Will I be invited to the Saturday night pasta dinners in all three cities?
You will receive two tickets to the pasta dinner in each city for which you raise at least $5,000. If you are planning to fundraise for all three cities using only one HQ site, please inform the Challenge staff of your plans.

13. Why is September 4th the fundraising deadline for the Ride for the Roses Weekend?
The deadline for Ride for the Roses Weekend is set six weeks prior so that we can tally final fundraising totals, order the appropriate amount of merchandise, and arrange for travel and accommodations for participants.

14. Do I have to claim awards received for my fundraising efforts on my tax return?
The IRS considers all prizes and awards associated with the LIVESTRONG Challenge as income. This income is calculated by taking the fair market value (FMV) of the awards you receive and subtracting any monies you personally donate to the LIVESTRONG Challenge. In keeping with IRS regulations, should the income be greater than $600, the LIVESTRONG Challenge will provide you with a Form 1099. Note that expenses you incur during your fundraising are tax deductible, however, they do not relate to the amount considered income.

15. Why is there a fundraising minimum?
The primary goal of the LIVESTRONG Challenge is to raise funds to support the more than 10 million cancer survivors living in the U.S. This is more than an athletic event - it's a way to support the mission of the Lance Armstrong Foundation in a tangible way. By raising funds through the LIVESTRONG Challenge, you will be helping to support the LAF's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. The LAF serves its mission through advocacy, public health and research.

16. If someone is donating goods/services/space to me for my fundraising efforts, can they get some kind of tax receipt?
Unfortunately we cannot provide an in-kind gift receipt to someone who donates goods/services to a participant's fundraising efforts because the LIVESTRONG Challenge is not the direct recipient of the donated items.

We can provide to you a recognition letter of your LIVESTRONG Challenge participation which you can use in obtaining in-kind goods & services. Please ask your coach for this documentation.

Some participants have found that a great way to acknowledge such gifts is to wear the company's name or logo on their shirt during the event. Others have mentioned the generosity of that person/company at their fundraising event or in a thank you letter to all of their supporters.

17. How much money from the events will be returned to the LAF?
The honest answer to your question is that we don't know and it depends. As you know, the LAF has always prided itself on returning the highest amount of donor investment back into our programs and services. Our commitment to being good stewards of donor dollars has not wavered. We carefully considered the balance of costs and believe that the added expenditures will pay off in the long run by enabling us to reach far more donors and raise far more dollars for cancer survivors.

18. Can a walker/runner fundraise toward Ride for the Roses?
Absolutely! Not only can walkers and runners fundraise but they are also encouraged to do so. All participants have access to the same fundraising tools and support and we hope you'll use them.

19. Are the fundraising award levels for walkers/runners the same as the rider's levels?
No. Fundraising levels for walkers/runners are a bit different from cyclists. View the incentive structure for details.

20. Why is there a $250 fundraising minimum for riders when runners/walkers don't have a minimum?
The LIVESTRONG Challenge ride is the signature fundraising event for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Challenge is modeled after the Foundation's long-time fundraising ride so it made sense to maintain the fundraising element for cyclists. While there is no fundraising minimum for walkers and runners, we encourage all participants to raise money to support cancer survivors.

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Teams
1. Can I participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge as a team with my family and/or friends?
Yes! Team registration for the LIVESTRONG Challenge is available. Each team member must pay the $50 registration fee and meet the fundraising minimum. There is no additional cost to create or join a team.

When you register, you will have the ability to start a team and serve as the team captain or join an existing team. If you opt to register as an individual, you may still create or join a team at any time before the event.

2. What is the advantage to creating/joining a team?
The main advantage of creating or joining a team is the camaraderie of having a group of people to train and fundraise with.  While there are no specific financial advantages to creating/joining a team, many people find that their experiences with team members are very rewarding.

3. Can a team consist of both walkers/runners and riders?
Yes! Forming a team is a great way to involve your family, friends and coworkers. Each member of a team can participate in either the run/walk or the ride. Team members do not have to all do the same activity.

4. Can team members participate in different cities?
Unfortunately, no. One team can include walkers, runners and cyclists, but they do all need to participate in the same city. If you wish to have a team in each city, you must create a different team account in every city.

5. If we register as a team, can we fundraise together?
You are welcome to hold fundraisers with your team members. However, each member of your team is responsible for reaching the fundraising minimum.

6. Can someone donate to a team or do all donations have to go to an individual?
All donations do need to be credited to one person’s account.  Donors can visit an individual’s account directly or take a look at the progress of all team members from the team webpage and decide to whom they would like to donate accordingly.

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Ride for the Roses
1. What is Ride for the Roses Weekend?
Ride for the Roses Weekend is a celebration of the LAF's most enthusiastic supporters. LIVESTRONG Challenge participants who raise a minimum of $10,000 by September 4 at 9 a.m. CST will be invited to participate in Ride for the Roses Weekend (held in conjunction with LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin) in Austin, Texas, October 12-14.

2. Can I participate in Ride for the Roses Weekend in Austin?
Yes! Any LIVESTRONG Challenge participant raising a minimum of $10,000 by September 4 at 9 a.m. CST will be invited to attend the 2007 Ride for the Roses Weekend.

Or, you can participate in one of our three LIVESTRONG Challenge events across the U.S. If you look forward to your annual trip to Austin and you are not sure you can raise a minimum of $10,000 or more, then the LIVESTRONG Challenges are a good option for you.

3. Why did you combine the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin and Ride for the Roses Weekend?
Events like the LIVESTRONG Challenge and Ride for the Roses are about providing exceptional experiences and building communities around a common cause. To make the most of limited staff and maximize the investment of each donor, we are excited to bring these two extraordinary events together to ensure the largest community of support and the most exciting and transformational experience.

4. But I have participated in Ride for the Roses Weekend for many years just by paying the $150 registration fee. Why can't I participate this year?
In an effort to extend the incredible experience many of you came to know through the annual Ride for the Roses, the LAF took the spirit of that event and created the LIVESTRONG Challenge. In recent years, Ride for the Roses reached capacity and limited the number of people able to ride in support the LAF. By offering the LIVESTRONG Challenge in three cities, the LAF has opened the road allowing more people to participate in our events.

If you look forward to riding in Austin, be sure to sign up for the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin.

5. What events make up Ride for the Roses Weekend?
Ride for the Roses Weekend will include the following events:

• Welcome Dinner
  
• Private Group Ride
  
• Autograph Session
  
• Awards Dinner
  
• Ride & Run/Walk
  
• Post-Event Celebration

All events are subject to change. Please refer to the incentive structure for event qualification levels.

6. Are there top fundraising awards for Ride for the Roses Weekend?
Yes! At the Ride for the Roses Weekend awards dinner, the Lance Armstrong Foundation will give these exciting awards:

• Champion Award - Top overall fundraiser
  
• Messenger Award - Participant with the overall most individual donors
  
• Team Champion Award - Top overall fundraising team
  
• Team Messenger Award - Team with the most members
  

7. Will Lance Armstrong be at the Ride for the Roses?
Yes, as Ride for the Roses Weekend is held in conjunction with LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin, Lance will be there.

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Mentors
1. I am interested in becoming a mentor. What are a mentor's responsibilities? How can I get involved?
LIVESTRONG Challenge mentors are volunteers with proven fundraising knowledge and success, who support and encourage Challenge participants with their personal fundraising projects and goals. More information about this exciting program and an online application will be available soon.

2. How can I get a mentor?
Please select "I would like a mentor" on the registration form for the LIVESTRONG Challenge to take advantage of this program. If you have already registered for the Challenge and did not select this feature, please call 888.4.CHALLENGE (888.424.2553) or email livestrongchallenge@laf.org.

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Event Details and Route
1. What are the exact routes for the event? Will the routes for the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenges be the same as 2006?
We are currently working with all of the local jurisdictions to develop a safe and scenic route to create the best experience possible for the LIVESTRONG Challenges. More information about the Challenge start/finish locations & routes will be available at a later date.

The routes for the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenges will not necessarily be the same as 2006. We are working hard to determine the best routes in the various cities.
 
2. I ran in the 10K last year, why is it no longer an option?
Based on last year's participation and participant feedback, the Foundation determined that a Community 5K offered the most fun and challenging activity for both walkers and runners. With a limited staff and resources, hosting one walk/run will enable the LAF to provide a much better experience.  

3. I am not a professional athlete. Will I be able to complete the events?
Absolutely! The LIVESTRONG Challenge is designed to have something for everyone; you do not need to be a professional athlete to participate. Please note that the 70 and 100-mile course options may have challenging hills that the novice rider may not be comfortable with. We do not recommend that you register for the 70 or 100-mile options if you are a novice rider or under 16 years of age. We will let you know specifics to each route prior to the events.

4. Are the routes all on the road? What type of terrain should I train on?
Expect cycling routes to be on roads and paved pathways. There is potential for running routes to include off-road terrain.

As soon as we have completed the routes, we will post these to www.livestrongchallenge.org.

5. Will there be hills on the various routes?
You should include hills in your training so you are prepared. The exact route is currently under development. We will be posting route profiles showing elevation for each of the routes as available.

6. What is the estimated ride time for the various ride route options?
Each rider's completion time for the course will vary. Although route hours will vary by city, riders choosing the 100-mile option will be the first group to be released on each event. This group will have the full time the route is open to complete the course. There will also be a cut-off point on the route that riders will need to reach before a specific time in order to complete the route in its entirety. Riders who arrive at this check point past the cut-off time will be redirected and allowed to complete a shorter course. Please note that the 70 and 100-mile course options may have challenging hills that the novice rider may not be comfortable with. We do not recommend that you register for the 70 or 100-mile options if you are a novice rider or under 16 years of age.

7. Will the course be the same for the walk/run as for the ride?
No. Mixing runners, walkers and cyclists on the same course at the same time is very dangerous. Our first priority when designing the route is safety. Because of this, the walk/run and ride will not follow the same course.

8. How far is 5K?
A 5k is 3.1 miles.

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Minors (under 18)
1. My kids and I want to participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge ride. Is this possible?
Absolutely! The LIVESTRONG Challenge weekend is an opportunity for families to come out and support the LAF together. Although there is no age limit, we do want to re-emphasize that certain Challenge ride routes will be physically demanding. Please carefully take into consideration your child's abilities when registering them.

Every child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is registered for the same distance as they are. Also, all participants must be registered and all cyclists will be required to meet the $250 fundraising minimum.
 
All child participants need to be pedaling a bike, either their own, or riding tandem with their parent/guardian. For safety reasons, we cannot allow buggies, sidecars or child seats on the event.

2. My husband and I are doing the ride. Can our kids do the ride, but not fundraise?
Everyone participating in the event needs to register and complete the required fundraising. Please note that every child under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian with them.

3. Can our kids ride with us as unregistered riders?
Everyone participating in the event needs to register and complete the required fundraising. Please note that every child under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian with them.

4. Is there a family minimum for the ride, or do we each have to raise at least $250 dollars?
The fundraising minimum is an individual commitment. At this time, each registered rider must raise a minimum of $250. We encourage you to start a team with your family and utilize your coach for information about fundraising and event ideas that you all can do together to raise funds.

5. I'm participating in the Run/Walk and see that there is no age requirement; does that mean I can bring my child in a stroller or carry him/her on my back?
Yes! The LIVESTRONG Challenge is a family event and therefore baby strollers and baby carriers will be allowed.

6. What isn't allowed on the Run/Walk course?
For safety purposes, rollerblades, skate boards, bicycles and pets will not be allowed on the run/walk course.

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Volunteering

1. I am interested in volunteering for the LIVESTRONG Challenge. Are there volunteer opportunities in each Challenge city and if so, how do I apply?
Volunteers are crucial to the success of the LIVESTRONG Challenge.  More information about volunteer opportunities and an online application will be available soon.

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