Frequently Asked Questions | The Agape Project

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.

Q: How do I know if I am a good candidate to participate as a Rider?

A: It is best to assume you are a good candidate and then proceed with the medical form. We will review the information on the medical form to determine if there are risks that we will want to avoid so that we can be sure all members of team the are safe on race day.

Q: Do the chairs have a weight limit?

A: Yes. The limit is 250 pounds.

Q: Is there a cost for me to ride?

A: No. However, some racing events will collect a fee for chariot riders when they register. In these cases, we will refund your entry fee.

Q: Can I get a practice ride prior to the race to see if I like it?

A: We recommend that riders set up a short practice ride. Send us an email so we can get the practice ride set up.

Q: Can I use my own chair?

A: No. The Agape Project cannot be liable for equipment that it does not own and insure.

Q: I do not require a chair and I would like to run with a guide. Will The Agape Project provide a guide to run with me?

A: The Agape Project is not providing guides for runners with disabilities at this time. We may consider this opportunity in the future.

Q: Is it OK to carry some items with me during the race?

A: Yes. You are welcome to bring things along that will keep you comfortable, such as food, drinks, or extra clothing if it might be cold or windy. Anything that fits in the chair with you is probably OK.

Q: I registered with The Agape Project, now what do I do?

A: Completing a registration tells us that you have an interest and lets us share information with you. You only need to register one time. When you decide you are ready to take the next step, then go ahead and compete a sign up for a specific event. We hope you will participate in more than one event with us. Don't forget to fill out the forms (waivers) along the way.

Q: I signed up to participate in a race through The Agape Project. Do I also need to sign up with the race through the race's web site?

A: In most cases the answer will be yes. There are some races that do not have a fee and do not require registration. Check the instructions on the Details page for the event you are interested in. We do our best to provide accurate information along with the race's web site.

Q: Where do I go on race day?

A: We will share information with you so that you know where we are gathering ahead of the race. The logistics will vary for each race. We will have an area where we will meet and prepare the teams. The meeting places will be walking distance to the starting lines.

Q: I signed up or an event but am unable to do it. Can I back out?

A: Yes. There is a Withdraw option on the Sign Up for Event page.

Q: What if the weather is bad on race day?

A: Our decision to cancel or run will be based on the safety of our Riders and our Runners. We will communicate our decision as soon as possible.

Q: What happens when the race is over?

A: We will provide some snacks and drinks and we hope that the Runners, Riders, and families will spend a little time together before heading home

Q: Can I post pictures of the event on social media?

A: We want to respect the wishes of anyone that has asked us not to post their image. If you do plan to post, please check with us ahead of time and we will let you know which participant images should not be posted.

Q: I have a race in mind that I would like to recommend. How do I do that?

A: Send us an email.

Q: I know of an organization The Agape Project could work with. Who should I talk to?

A: Send us an email.

Q: Where does The Agape Project race?

A: We currently operate in the Southeast Michigan area.