Frequently Asked Questions
Event Details
When: January 10-31, 2025
While we encourage you to complete the running challenge during the official dates, participation and fundraising is open all year long.
Where: Participate virtually from wherever you are!
Registration
How do I sign up?
You can sign up online in three ways:
- Join a Team: If you are joining an existing team that your captain started, you can search for your team and sign up yourself here.
- Start a Team: If you plan to captain a new (or new to 2025) team and are ready to get the wheels rolling, get started here.
- Join as an Individual: If you are signing up on your own, you can get started here.
What are the costs involved?
There is no registration fee for the 2025 Challenge, and fundraising and self-donations are highly encouraged! In order to unlock the email function of your participant center, you will need to donate or raise a minimum of $5 online. This is not a registration fee, but a mechanism to prevent spamming.
Do I have to fundraise?
Fundraising is highly encouraged because every dollar, sat, and BTC raised allows us to provide services to patients and families affected by ALS free of charge and brings us closer to our goal of finding effective treatments and cures for ALS.
If you are a first-time fundraiser or interested in learning more, check out our Fundraising Tools.
Our staff is another resource for you and we will be here for you at every step of the way! Don’t hesitate to reach out and we can come up with a fundraising plan together.
My colleagues might start a team, can I register as an individual now and switch to their team later?
Of course! We can easily move you onto a team (or start a new team for you) whenever you wish. Just email us at run@alsnetwork.org to get started!
Do I have to join a team?
No. You do you! You can participate as an individual, start a new team, or join an existing team. Whatever works best for you!
Event Logistics
Is there a deadline for online registration?
Participation in the 2025 Running Bitcoin Challenge is open all year long! Check out the Event Details page for deadlines to earn fundraising incentives.
Can I participate if I am under 18?
Yes, all ages are welcome to participate! Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their participation waiver during registration.
What if my family or friends want to join me?
The more the merrier! In fact, why not start a team? That way, you can all share the same team fundraising link and boost your fundraising potential!
Fundraising and Financial Questions
What is the deductibility of my donors' contribution?
ALS Network is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law. Registration fees are not accepted as tax deductible.
What is the event's Tax ID?
We will be using the Tax ID for ALS Network, which is 95-4163338.
How do I turn in donations made by cash or check?
Please download the donation form available in your Participant Center and mail it in with any donations to ensure your fundraising efforts are credited properly. You can mail your donations to the ALS Network office:
ALS Network
Attn: Running Bitcoin Challenge
PO Box 7082
Woodland Hills, CA 91365
Is it safe to mail cash?
No, please don't mail cash. To turn in cash, We cannot be liable for cash donations that have been mailed to us. If you receive cash donations, please convert it to a check and mail it to our ALS Network office along with the donation form available in your Participant Center. You can mail your donations to the ALS Network office:
ALS Network
Attn: Running Bitcoin Challenge
PO Box 7082
Woodland Hills, CA 91365
Can I donate through my donor advised fund?
What if my donors need a receipt?
All people who make an online donation via our website will receive an email confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Those who send checks valued $100 or more will receive a thank you letter by mail that can be used for tax purposes. If you have a donor who needs a receipt, please let us know and we will be happy to provide one. Also, if you turn in donations within 2 weeks before or after the event, please let us know if one of those donors needs a receipt.
Do matching gifts count?
Yes! Employer matching gifts are a great way to double your fundraising impact. For detailed information about matching gifts, please refer to our Matching Gifts page.
Where does the money go?
We work hard to make sure every dollar raised and donated has maximum impact on the fight against ALS. We pride ourselves on functioning with a high standard of transparency and efficiency. Fueled by philanthropic support, the ALS Network funds global research, advances ALS advocacy, and provides professional care services free of charge. For more information please visit our Where the Money Goes page or contact us at run@alsnetwork.org.
No less than 80% of all funds donated to the Running Bitcoin Challenge will contribute to the Hal Finney ALS/MND Research Fund. The fund will advance groundbreaking research related to ALS and other motor neuron diseases.
Your Participant Center
What is a Personal Page?
Your Personal Page is an online promotional tool to use when asking your friends and family to join your team or make a donation. Once you're signed up, a personal page is automatically created for you. You can customize this page with photos and your personal story by logging into your Participant Center. Our staff is here to help you every step of the way.
NOTE: To avoid saving issues due to page refreshes and time outs, it is highly recommended that you create your personal page language outside of the participant center, and on a blank Word, Pages, or other document. Copy and page your finalized language into your page content window and save.
What is a Team Page?
A Team Page (customized and managed by team captains, or the person who created the team) is where visitors should go to JOIN the team or find a specific person on the roster to whom they'd like to donate. A team captain can add specifics about why the entire group is participating in this event, list their goal, and add a graphic such as a group picture or a company logo.
How can I see who is on my team?
Login to your Participant Center and click on View Team Roster from the navigation on the right side of the page.
How do I login to my Participant Center?
To login to your Participant Center, you will enter your username and password into the Participant Center Login window. Once you’ve entered your username and password, you will be taken to your personal homepage.
Team Captains can toggle back and forth between editing their personal page and their team page.
What if I forget my username or password?
If you do not remember your username or password, they can be reset with the links at the bottom of the Participant Center login page.
Should I make changes to my Personal Page?
We know from experience that the participant's personal touch makes the page more compelling to prospective donors. Be creative and have fun with it! If you need inspiration, email our staff at run@alsnetwork.org and we can assist you.
How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
Login to your Participant Center. At the top of this page, you'll see your current goal and a link to change it directly below. Or you can contact us for help at run@alsnetwork.org.
How can I see who has donated on my behalf?
Login to your Participant Center. Click on the Progress tab at the top of the page, then scroll down to view your donor list. You can also download a list of your supporters from this page.
For other questions, contact the Running Bitcoin Challenge Staff at run@alsnetwork.org.
