Q: I am not sure that I am qualified to participate as a runner because I am not fast. Is it OK to be slow?
A: We are not concerned about speed. We want everyone to have a good experience. Walking is OK.
​
Q: How difficult is it to push a chair with a person it in?
A: The chairs are light and well designed. Walking with one that has a passenger is easy. Running with a chair is comparable to running up a slight incline without the chair. The biggest challenge is that your arms are in a fixed position so you lose the benefit of swinging your arms, and that will feel awkward at first.
​
Q: How should I train for a race?
A: Train like you would for any other race but add in some extra distance and make sure you include some inclines as well. Again, we're not about speed, so don't let this become a barrier to participation.
​
Q: Is it OK to walk during a race?
A: Yes.
​
Q: Any special instructions to consider during the race?
A: Stay to the right so you do not disrupt other participants. Check in frequently with your Rider to make sure they are OK. Some Riders will be non-verbal so establishing some way to check in with them before the start of the race will be helpful. Runners who are on the team but not currently pushing should run on the left side of the chair or in front. Runners who are not currently pushing should help the runner currently pushing by watching for other people that may want to pass and by watching for bumps in the road.
​
Q: Can I bring my phone during the race?
A: The chair has a pocket for your phone. We need each team to have at least one phone on board.
​
Q: Can I bring a drink bottle during the race?
A: Yes. The chair has a pocket for snacks and or for a bottle. Your Rider could also have your bottle in the chair with them.
​
Q: Who will be on my team? Can I choose?
A: We will do our best to match Runners and Riders if they request to be together. Our general approach is to team runners together who run at a similar pace and who can share a common set up of the chair handles. Runners with a large variation in height will want different set ups.
​
Q: I noticed that I need to register for the race and also with The Agape Project. Why do I register with both? Do I pay two fees?
A: The races will want all participants to register with them and most do have a fee and a waiver. You will get all the benefits that come with the race registration, like chip timing, T-Shirt, and medal (for example). The Agape Project registration helps us keep track of information that we need on hand to keep ourselves organized. We keep our non-profit operating costs low and the fee we charge helps cover a small portion of those costs. One of our goals is to eventually eliminate fees for our participants in 2025.
​
Q: I would like to run with The Agape Project but I would prefer not to push a chair. Is that OK?
A: In this case just sign up for the race but do not sign up with The Agape Project. Feel free to wear one of our shirts.
​
Q: What should I wear to the race?
A: Wear your normal running gear like you would for any other race. We would like you to wear one of our T-shirts. We will have them on available for purchase on race day. The cost is $25.
​
Q: What happens before a race?
A: Show up a bit early at our gathering place so you can meet your teammates, including your Rider. There may be Rider information that we will want to you be aware of. Talking with the Rider's family ahead of the race is a great idea too. We need to get all the teams set up with their chairs in time to proceed to the starting line as a group.
​
Q: What if something happens and I want to stop before the race is completed?
A: Work out a plan with your team members that will support the best possible experience for your Rider. Call us for help if needed. You will have our contact information on race day.
​
Q: What if something happens to the person in the chair and help is required?
A: Call us for help if needed. You will have our contact information on race day. We will be able to bring the Rider's family if that is required. If the situation is extreme call 911 and then call us.
​
Q: What if my rider wants to get out of the chair?
A: The Rider must remain in the chair until the Rider's family assists them out of the chair after the race.
​
Q: Are there any special instructions for switching pushers during the race?
A: Switching runners is easy with a simple hand off while the chair is moving in a straight line. Runners should switch frequently and avoid becoming tired.
​
Q: Does the chair have a brake?
A: Yes. There is a lever that can be engaged to slow the chair on a downhill run. It is a disc brake that will bring the chair to a complete stop if the lever or fully engaged. It acts as a parking brake as well.
​
Q: Are there any special instructions for turning the chair?
A: The front wheel is in a fixed position, but the chair will turn easily if you slow down and push down gently on the handles to take the weight off the front. Take turns slowly.
​
Q: What if the chair gets a flat tire during the race?
A: A flat tire unlikely but possible. Do not continue to move the chair with a flat tire, it will harm the wheel. Call us for help. You will have our contact information on race day.
​
