Frequently Asked Questions
Registration, Swag and Fundraising Questions
Registration
Where do I find my Registration Confirmation?
To search for your confirmation, please click here.
What is included in the Entry Fee?
Your entry fee includes:
- Running Hat
- Finisher medal
- Personalized run bib, if registered by Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- On course water stations
- A great post-run party
- A timed run with results provided by Enfield Timing
- Sending kids to YMCA of Greater Toronto Camps
- All taxes and processing fees
When does registration close?
Registration closes on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 5:00 pm.
Is registration capped?
Registration is capped at 1,000 participants.
Is there a time limit?
The course will be open for 85 minutes before the finish line is dismantled.
Can children participate?
Children must be a minimum of 6 years old to be a registered participant. We ask that all children 12 years of age and under be accompanied by an adult. All registered participants will receive a bib, run hat and finisher medal.
Children under 6 years of age can be a part of the event if they are in a stroller or in a baby jogger. Children in strollers/joggers are free. However, as they are not registered participants, they will not receive a bib, run hat or finisher medal.
Are walkers allowed?
Yes, walkers are encouraged to participate. Be sure to choose your estimated finish time appropriately during the registration process.
I have a conflict, can I get a refund?
All entries are non-refundable and non-deferrable. Please review our full Refund and Transfer Policy.
Swag
Can I get my hat after the event is over?
No, you can not pick up your hat after event day.
Are there finisher medals?
Yes, all registered participants that cross the finish line will receive a finisher medal.
Fundraising
What is the charitable cause?
All proceeds raised through the YMCA Charity 5K will support sending kids to YMCA Camps. The goal is to raise $175,000 and send over 500 kids to camp.
Why should I fundraise for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Choosing to fundraise for the YMCA you can help the next generation of leaders develop skills, discover themselves and build self-confidence through fun and adventure of YMCA camps.
Are there fundraising prizes?
YES! We are so grateful you have chosen to be a fundraising champion! As a thank you for your fundraising efforts and enabling more children to experience the joys of camp, there are some great prizes. For starters, raise $350 (and send 1 kid to camp) and you will have your entry fee reimbursed. Allow 6-8 weeks post-run to receive the reimbursement on your credit card statement.
Will I receive a charitable tax receipt?
Tax receipts are issued directly by Race Roster on behalf of the YMCA of Greater Toronto for donations of $10 or more. Please contact: giving@ymcagta.org if you have any questions or are missing a tax receipt.
Run Details, Shuttle Buses and Course Limitation Questions
Run Details
What time does the race start?
The 5K will start at 9:00 am.
Is the race ‘chip’ timed?
All distances are professionally timed by Enfield Timing using the BibTag timing system.
Are there finisher medals?
Yes, all registered participants that cross the finish line will receive a finisher medal.
What is the route like?
This 5K route follows the scenic, paved paths around Downsview Park.
What about inclement weather?
The YMCA Charity 5K will take place, rain or shine!
Shuttle Buses
Are there shuttle buses?
Yes, round trip shuttle buses have been arranged for pick up and drop off at 7 YMCA GTA locations. Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased until Wednesday, September 18, 2024 for those participating in the run as well as their family and friends, up to a maximum of 6 per participant.
Can I bring a stroller on the shuttle bus?
Due to space limitations on the school buses, only folding strollers will be permitted.
What are the pick up and drop off times for the shuttle buses?
The pick-up time at ALL locations is 6:45 am. Please be on time to avoid missing your bus! All buses are scheduled to arrive at Downsview Park by 8:00 am on Run Day. Buses will depart Downsview Park at 11:15 am.
Course Limitations
Can anyone cross the finish line?
Only registered participants are permitted to cross the finish line.
Can I wear my headphones on course?
If you choose to wear headphones or earbuds on course, we ask that you keep the volume low so that you can be aware of your surroundings and be able to hear instructions from our course marshals on route.
Can I run with my dog?
For the safety and consideration of all participants, dogs are NOT allowed on the route with the exception of service dogs.
Are bikes, scooters, skateboards, scooters or inline skates allowed on the course?
For safety reasons; bikes, skateboards, scooters or roller blades/inline skates are NOT allowed on the route.
Are wheelchairs allowed?
Traditional wheelchairs are permitted on the course. However, for the safety of all participants, 3-wheeled racing wheelchairs are not permitted on course.
Volunteering Questions
Volunteering
Do you need volunteers?
Always! We need a number of volunteers in a variety of positions to make the event a success.
How can I sign up to volunteer?
Simply contact us via email and a member of our Team will contact you with more information.
Will I get high school volunteer hours?
As a charity run series, all high school students collecting volunteer hours for the Community Service component of their OSSD will indeed receive a record of their time spent with the YMCA Charity 5K.
If you have a question not listed in our above FAQ, click here to contact us.
