FAQs

Go the Distance Event Details 

Can you tell me more about the 5k fun run/walk?

GTD will offer a 5k fun run/walk once again this year. This route is a 1.1 mile loop through the Bergen Community College campus. The 5k is three consecutive loops of this route with the option to end after loops 1 or 2 if needed. Registrants of all ages are welcome to participate in the 5k fun run.

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are allowed in the 5k fun run/walk and will start at the back when the 5k begins. We ask that all participants with strollers are mindful of people who may be running and walking around and behind them.

Are dogs allowed?

Service animals are welcome. In accordance with Bergen Community College rules, all other animals will NOT be allowed at this event.  

What type of bike is allowed on the bike routes?

Bikes must be in good condition with working brakes. No recumbent bikes or bike attachments for children will be allowed. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years of age will are permitted to ride in a children’s bike carrier. If you are looking to rent a bike for this event please see below. 

Do you have information on bike rentals?

The Go the Distance team is proud to be working with Unlimited Biking to give GTD riders the opportunity to rent a bike for use on June 2nd. Participants are responsible for coordinating their own bike rentals. All information can be found on Unlimited Biking's GTD for Autism rental page.

If the race is cancelled due to weather or an Act of God, how will I be notified? Will I receive a refund?

Go the Distance for Autism will be held rain or shine. If the event is cancelled, the GTD team will make every effort to notify all registered participants via the email address provided during registration. Due to reasons beyond the control of the Go the Distance team, the Paramus Police or Town of Paramus may cancel Go the Distance in the event of unforeseen circumstances, severe weather or other reason. If the event is cancelled, there will be no reimbursement or deferment of registration fees.

I am coming to support a family member who is participating. Is there anything at this event for me?

Yes! We welcome supporters. Family members can pay a $20 fee at the door on June 2nd, which will include entry into the Community Festival and lunch. 

Questions about Donations 

I made a donation to the wrong person or wrong team. What do I do?

Send us an email at info@gtd4autism.org with your name, the rider or team name you donated to, the correct name or team and the affiliated program(s).

I’m not sure which program I should donate to. Is there an option to donate to all three programs?

Yes. You can click on the Donate Now button and then select "All Three Programs." 

Questions about Registration and Fundraising 

How do I start or join a team?

Select the program you wish to support at the top of the registration page, click on Start a Team or Join a Team and follow the registration directions.

How do I set up my personal fundraising page?

When you register, you will automatically be brought to your Participant Dashboard, so you can customize your page with photos, video, and text. There is a Help Link at the top of the Participant Dashboard, but if you need additional assistance, please email us at info@gtd4autism.org.

I haven’t registered yet. Is there a registration fee?

Yes. The online registration fee for GTD 2024 is $35 for participants. Pre-event registration ends May 20th. After that date, you can register the day of the event for an increased fee. Children under 2 are free. Only participants registered prior to April 22nd are guaranteed a GTD 2024 t-shirt.

Are there any fundraising minimums?

Yes, participants 18 and older have a fundraising minimum of $250. The credit card used for your registration fee will be charged the balance of $250 if donations do not reach this fundraising requirement by June 15, 2024. If you are a high school or college student, 18 years of age or older, we encourage you to recruit your friends to join you on a GTD team and register as a Youth/Student participant to waive the fundraising minimum. There is no fundraising minimum for participants under the age of 18. 

What if I need help reaching my fundraising minimum?

If you are looking for ways to increase your fundraising check out our fundraising tips here. The Go the Distance team is also here to help make your fundraising experience easy and enjoyable. If you would like additional assistance fundraising, please email info@gtd4autism.org.

How many people can be on a team?

There are no restrictions as to how many people can join a team.

How do I fundraise on Facebook?
Log into your Participant portal on the event website and click "Create a Facebook Fundraiser" to get started. All donations received through Facebook will be credited to those fundraising pages and will be deposited directly to the designated program. 

Can matching gifts count towards my team total?

Yes.  Contact your HR Department to find out if your company has a corporate matching program. This is the easiest way to double your fundraising efforts. It is also helpful to let the Development staff at the designated program know as well, so they can be on the lookout!

How do I handle donations by check or cash? 

You may complete the Offline Donation Form, attach your check and follow the mailing directions on the form. You can send in more than one donation in the same envelope but please complete a form for each check and cash donation to ensure that the donation is applied correctly to your individual, team, or program fundraising page. Check and cash donations can also be delivered directly to the program by the donor with a completed Offline Donation Form. 

I registered for the wrong team. What should I do?

Send us an email at info@gtd4autism.org with your name, the team you mistakenly registered for, the team you would like to be on and the affiliated program(s).

Will my contact information be shared, sold or otherwise distributed to third parties?

No. All contact information will remain confidential.

Will I be contacted by the programs on a regular basis?

Your donation is processed in the database of the program you support. There will be an unsubscribe button in subsequent mailings if you wish to opt out of future communications.

What do I do if I want to participate in Go the Distance but can't attend in person?

If you would like to participate in GTD but cannot attend in person, you have the option to register online as a virtual participant. 

 

Still have questions? Email us at info@gtd4autism.org.