FAQs
We have tried to anticipate as many possible questions that participants may have. If you have a question that is not answered here, check the The RUSH Blog, or join The RUSH community and connect with The RUSH team and other RUSHers on Facebook and Twitter for answers.
- How physically fit do teams need to be to complete The RUSH?
The RUSH combines a variety of physical, intellectual, exciting and humourous activities at the Checkpoint Challenges. Most of the physical demands of The RUSH will be associated with traveling between Checkpoints – some teams run, some walk and others are strategic in their route planning to utilize as much public transit as possible.
- How good should our team’s knowledge of Metro Vancouver be?
Having a good knowledge of the city is a benefit but is not essential – the items teams choose to bring with them (i.e. a map) and their ability to learn on the run will also be significant factors in being a successful team during The RUSH.
- Does our team need to follow a specific course when completing The RUSH?
There is no specific route to follow – there will be a predetermined number of Checkpoints Challenges each team must complete and there may be Checkpoints that are required but there is no set route to follow. Teams will receive a Road Map with clues that will help them to decipher the location of the Checkpoint Challenges and use that information to map out their route any way they like.
- What time does the event start?
Teams are asked to arrive at the start line location at 9am.
- Where is the start line?
This year’s start and finish line is Jack Poole Plaza! Click here to get all the info and see a map.
- Where is the finish line?
The finish line will be in the same location as the start line.
- Will there be parking allocated for participants in The RUSH?
Seeing as teams will be using public transit throughout the event, we encourage everyone to use public transit to get to and from the start line.
- How does my team find Checkpoint Challenge locations?
Each team will be provided with a clue sheet that they must decipher in order to locate the Checkpoint locations. Some exact locations will be provided while others will be hidden in riddles and clues.
- What happens if there is a line up at a Checkpoint location?
With a number of teams loose in the city, line ups are inevitable. Plan your route carefully and remember that you can always move on to the next Checkpoint if the line seems too long.
- What happens if my team is unable to find a Checkpoint location?
Keep looking and be resourceful (i.e ask other teams for support) or move on to another Checkpoint.
- What happens if my team is unable to complete The RUSH?
The RUSH course is open for 6 hours – if your team is unable to complete the course within the time limit, head on down to the after party!
**Remember: only teams who complete the course together and within the time limit with the correct number of Checkpoint Challenge Seals will have their place recorded.
- Is there a time limit?
Yes – The RUSH course is only open for 6 hours.
- What happens if my team is unable to complete The RUSH within the time limit?
The RUSH course is open for 6 hours – if your team is unable to complete the course within the time limit head on down to the after party (location TBA – check back often)!
**Remember only teams who complete the course together and within the time limit with the correct number of Checkpoint Challenge Seals will have their place recorded.
- Will my team be required to eat anything gross or do anything dangerous?
Anything is possible during The RUSH – but the choice to complete Checkpoint Challenges is up to your team. If you find a Challenge too difficult or undesirable you have the option of moving on to another location.
- What should my team bring on event day?
It is up to you what you choose to bring with you to help you complete The RUSH (map, pens, paper …) but you should keep in mind that you will be running, walking and taking public transit while racing to find your next Checkpoint location.
**It is wise to bring a snack and some water as there will be no water stations or lunch provided during The RUSH.
- How long will it take to complete The RUSH?
We expect that most teams will finish within 3-6 hours.
- Is there a place for my team to store our belongings during The RUSH?
No – you should pack only what you will need to complete the event. Leave everything else at home or in your car.
- What if one teammate finds out they will be unable to complete The RUSH prior to event day?
- What should we wear?
Wear whatever you feel comfortable completing a race and urban scavenger hunt in – sneakers and shorts are recommended BUT teams should be prepared for inclement weather!
Remember teams MUST wear their event t-shirts (visibly) at all times! - Do teams receive anything on event day?
Everyone will receive an event t-shirt (which MUST be worn at all times during The RUSH), a bus pass, Road Map with clues to deciphering the location of each Checkpoint Challenge and passport for Checkpoint Challenge Seals.
- What is the fundraising minimum to participate in The RUSH?
Each team is required to fundraise a minimum of $200 in donations on or before June 23, 2012 in order to participate in The RUSH.
- What if all of my team’s fundraising has been done online – how will you know if we have hit the $200 minimum?
No problem. We will have record of it when you register.
- Does each teammate have to raise $100?
Technically one teammate could raise all of the money or two thirds or whatever portion they would like. It is up to your team to decide how they would like to share the fundraising duties.
**Don’t forget the more money your team fundraises means more incentive prizes and more money going toward vital lung health research, programs and education!
- What is a personal fundraising page?
When you register we set each team member up with a personal webpage where you can manage your donations and progress. It allows you to send a link to potential donors and they can donate immediately online.
Additionally each team will have a team page where donors can see the team totals and goals for the event.
- Do we have to use the personal fundraising pages?
Nope. It will automatically be created it for you, but you don’t have to use it. Anyone wishing to donate to your fundraising efforts will be able to view your page even if you don’t personalize it.
- Can I change the name on the fundraising honour roll?
Sure. Call us at 604-731-5864 or send an email with the modified information to therush@bc.lung.ca and we’ll make the change through our end.
- If a donor wishes to donate by cheque, who should they make the cheque payable to?
Please make all cheques payable to the BC Lung Association.
- Is there a minimum donation required to receive a tax receipt?
Nope. Tax receipts will be issued for every single contribution. Online donations will automatically be sent a tax receipt by email immediately. All other donations must be accurately recorded by you on your pledge sheet and handed in to us at the end of the fundraising period. We will mail out tax receipts to everyone listed on your sheet in the amount of their donation.
- What does the winning team receive?
The winning team receives a TRIP FOR TWO AROUND THE WORLD plus FREE entry into next year’s event (and bragging rights)!
- Are there prizes for teams that place in the top 3?
Yes – 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams all receive FREE entry into next years event!
- What does the top fundraising team receive?
The top fundraising team will get an awesome prize… that will be announced shortly!
- Is there a prize for top individual fundraiser?
No – because this is a team event we encourage teamwork and award prizes based on team efforts!
- Can a person register if they do not have a teammate?
Yes – as long as you pay your $25 non-refundable registration fee ($35 if you register after June 1st , 2012). However The RUSH is a team event and you MUST have a teammate on or before June 23, 2012.
If you are having difficulty finding a teammate connect with people in The RUSH community on Facebook and Twitter.
- How much does it cost to participate in The RUSH?
The registration fee for each team is $50 ($25 per teammate) before June 1, 2012 and $70 ($35 per teammate) for those who register after June 1, 2012. Each team is required to fundraise a minimum of $200 in donations on or before June 23, 2012 in order to be eligible to participate in The RUSH.
- How many teams will take part in The RUSH?
We cannot anticipate how many teams will register but there is a 250 team limit to this year’s event.
- Is there an age restriction?
Yes both teammates must turn 16 years of age on or before June 23, 2012. In addition, those under 19 must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature to complete the waiver.
- Can a team be two males or two females?
Yes – there are no restrictions on team composition (as long as both members are human!).
- Are teams able to use a car or taxi during The RUSH?
No – the use of any mode of transportation other than foot and public transit is against the Rules & Regulations. Any exceptions to this will be outlined prior to the event.
- Are teams able to use rollerblades, skateboards or other wheeled transportation devices during The RUSH?
No – the use of any mode of transportation other than foot and public transit is against the Rules & Regulations. Any exceptions to this will be outlined prior to the event.
- How will The RUSH organizers know if teams use prohibited forms of transportation?
The RUSH Officials are scattered throughout the course, as well as numerous staff and volunteers – and let’s not forget this is a race and another team would be more than happy to turn in a team that cheats in order to increase their chances of winning the trip for two around the world!
If your team is caught using prohibited modes of transpiration, you could be disqualified.
- Can the registration fee be refunded?
No – the registration fee is non-refundable.
For a list of other eligibility restrictions please read the Rules & Regulations.
- Where can I find Pledge Forms, Waivers and a copy of the Participant Handbook?
Download PDFs right here:
**2012 PDFs Coming Soon!**
