Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum fundraising requirement?
2. What am I paying for when I register on firstgiving.com?
3. Why do I not see my name on the marathon’s website?
4. I want a preferred/competitive start.  How can I get one?
5. I have a donor who wants to write a check.  To whom should they make out the check?
6. Oh no! I can't run in this year's marathon anymore! Can I get my money back?
7. What's a running singlet?

What is the minimum fundraising requirement?

OAR believes in a "Set Your Own Goal" fundraising philosophy. OAR's runners have historically averaged raising between $1,500 and $2,000. Runners who raise $2,500 or more receive special recognition at the Runners' Recognition Dinner held the evening before the marathon.

What am I paying for when I register on firstgiving.com?

When you register online through firstgiving.com, you are paying for your race registration fee and a portion of OAR’s administrative costs, i.e. the fundraising guide, brochures, T-shirts, running singlet, etc.  The registration fee you pay online is NOT considered a donation.

Why do I not see my name on the marathon’s Web site?

Good question.  As a charity partner, OAR registers all its runners after the races close.  This allows OAR to organize and gather all the runners into one database that can be easily submitted to the race.  It also gives the race organizers a sense of the size of our team.

I want a preferred/competitive start.  How can I get one?

You will need to provide OAR with documents certifying your qualification for a preferred/competitive start.  OAR will then pass your documents on to the race organizers.  Documents include a race certificate with a qualifying time or a Web site link showing your qualifying time.  Please check with the races’ websites for qualifying times. 

I have a donor who wants to write a check.  To whom should they make the check payable?

Please have all check donations made out to “Organization for Autism Research” or simply “OAR.” Be sure to have your donors include your name and "Run for Autism" on the memo line. After collecting a check or checks, please send them to the OAR office.

Oh no! I can't run in this year's marathon anymore! Can I get my money back?

OAR has a no refund policy. However, OAR is more than happy to put your registration fee toward next year's race or another race of your choosing.

What's a running singlet?

A running singlet is like a tank top. Here's an example: