Race Info & FAQs
Thinking of participating in AEP’s FunRacer Virtual 5K this year? See below for helpful information on what to expect. Click here to register.
Please email FunRacer@aeprogram.org with additional questions.
1. What is a virtual event?
A virtual event allows participants to complete the race on their own. AEP wants you to "do" Your 5K Your Way! You can run, walk, dance, skip or jump the race distance at your own pace and at a time and location of your choosing. You choose your own race day and your own starting line, whether it is a treadmill, a park, your living room, or your neighborhood street. You can do your 5K all at once or over the course of "Race Week."
2. Do I have to do my virtual event during the Race Week?
Ideally, yes, AEP would like your participation to happen during “Race Week” on June 13th-18th, 2020. However, you can “do” your 5K race your way and that includes holding your FunRacer anytime between now and June 18th.
3. Will it be a set course or one I can make up?
Participants can choose their own route for the virtual event. It would be unsafe (particularly in these social distancing days) for AEP to provide a route that everyone could use at any specific time. Additionally, the geographic nature of participants being all over the country/world makes this difficult.
WE SPECIFICALLY ASK THAT YOU DO NOT USE ANY RACE DAY ROUTES THAT ARE NOT PEDESTRIAN SAFE. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT A GROUP RUN WITHOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES IN PLACE.
4. Do I need to submit results?
This is 5K Your Way! So the honor system is being used for completing the event. While fun and enthusiasm are most important, AEP is asking participants to upload their finish time so that there can be a results page. Click here to access your participant page to upload your results.
As you submit Your 5K Your Way race times, do not forget to also submit your photos to FunRacer@aeprogram.org or on our Facebook FunRacer Event page. We will be using the hashtag #AEPFunRacer.
5. Will I have to use my phone, running watch or other device to record it and upload results?
It is not mandatory, but using a phone, running watch or other device to record your 5K will make uploading results easier. You may also submit a verified race result by June 18th, 2020 on the free ASICS Runkeeper app, coming soon!
6. Are there achievement rewards?
AEP has set goals to help you and your team (if applicable) friendraise with FUN! Gather your team and earn virtual badges based on your fundraising achievements. Raise $100 to earn your Giraffe badge. Raise $250 to earn your Zebra badge. Become prideful and raise $500 to earn your Lion badge. And, raise $1,000 to earn your Elephant badge and become a part of the AEP herd! You may earn these badges on your own or as a team and celebrate every step of the way! You will be notified by email as you hit your goals and earn the virtual badge for being awesome!
7. What participant amenities will I receive for the virtual event?
Each participant will be emailed a printable race bib at the time of registration. Every participant based in the U.S. who reaches the $250.00 fundraising level will receive a custom face mask created out of African chitenge fabric. Every participant who reaches the $500.00 fundraising level will receive a custom AEP FunRacer t-shirt. And, every participant who reaches the $1,000.00 fundraising level will receive a custom AEP grocery tote.
Click here to purchase FunRacer t-shirts and women's tank tops!
And click here to buy an AEP elephant t-shirt!
We will attempt to have in-person pickup for Philadelphia-area residents when it’s safe to do so. For non-local residents and those unable to make an in-person pickup, we will mail to the address provided during the registration process.
8. Will there be awards for the virtual event?
YES!! AEP will hold a 2020 FunRacer Virtual 5K "Wine Down" Award Ceremony via Zoom on Thursday, June 18th at 6:00 PM eastern. Do not forget to RSVP during registration. We will share FunRacer results and award prizes in three categories:
- Enthusiasm Category
- Best Race Selfie
- Best Race Attire
- Most Creative 5K
- Most Creative Finish Line
- Racing in Recognition Category
- Best Race Photo Recognizing a COVID-19 Medical Professional or First Responder
- FriendRaising Category
- Top Individual FriendRaiser
- Top Team FriendRaiser
So do not forget to send us your photos to FunRacer@aeprogram.org or post them on AEP's Facebook FunRacer event page.
9. How can I register for the AEP 2020 FunRacer Virtual 5K Event?
Registration is now open, click here.
10. Why did AEP choose a virtual peer-to-peer fundraiser this year?
Peer-to-peer fundraising lets you, AEP’s supporters, fundraise on our behalf by reaching out into your social networks to spread the word and share the AEP story. Since many are still confined at home, this virtual fundraiser will help build relationships with new supporters by tapping into your networks—through friends, family, local clubs or teams and colleagues. Have FUN with FunRacer and know that you will not only help AEP survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but thrive in 2020.
