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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Walk
General
About My Participant Center
ABOUT THE WALK
What is the Capital Challenge Walk MS?
The Capital Challenge Walk MS is an endurance challenge hosted by the National MS Society. The event will raise funds to end multiple sclerosis, increase public awareness of the disease, and promote health and fitness. Walkers commit to a fundraising minimum before making a life-changing journey of 50 kilometers over two days, helping bring us closer to a cure for MS! Visit our Event Details page for more information.
Where is the event held? When?
The Capital Challenge Walk MS will be held on October 3-4, 2009. The walk will take place in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. For safety and security reasons, we will not release the route until the day of the event. The starting point will be announced approximately one month before the event, and the walk will finish at the U.S. Capitol. We encourage friends and family to gather at the start and at the U.S. Capitol to cheer walkers on as they cross the finish line.
How do I register?
Register online or call (202) 296-5363, option 2.
Can I start or join a team? What is a team? Tell me more about being on a team.
An official team is a group of four or more fundraising participants (walkers, Super Crew members, or virtual participants) who each commit to raising the $1,500 fundraising minimum. After your four core team members register, Crew members and volunteers can join too! Only official teams are eligible for Team Awards and the Elite Feet Team Club. We also provide support for teams and team captains to help with fundraising ideas, recruitment, and building team spirit. This information and more can be found on the Teams page.
Is there a minimum number of people for a team?
In order to be in eligible for awards, a team must have a minimum of four members.
If we form a team, do we EACH have to raise $1,500?
Yes. Every participant, even those who are part of a team, has to raise $1,500 in order to take part in Capital Challenge Walk MS. See the Teams page for more information about requirements for teams.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. The registration fee for individuals is $55. For teams, there are two options. The team captain may choose to have each member register individually and submit the $55 registration fee. Or, the team captain can register the team and pay a $200 registration fee, which covers registration for the entire team.
Is there a fundraising minimum?
Yes. All walkers agree to meet a fundraising minimum. The fundraising minimum for individuals is $1,500. Each member of a team must also raise a minimum of $1,500. Check out our Teams page for more information.
Can I register on the first day of Capital Challenge Walk MS?
Absolutely! We welcome all individuals who want to participate. If you register at the event, you MUST submit your $1,500 fundraising minimum at registration, in addition to your registration fee. However, if you register any time after September 1, you will not be eligible for awards.
Is there an awards deadline?
Yes. In order to be considered for awards, we must receive your checks by September 1.
What if it rains?
We will walk rain or shine!
Will there be food provided?
Yes. We will provide food and beverages at all rest stops along the route, as well as lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Any allergies or dietary requirements should be indicated on your registration form.
What if I have a food allergy?
Any allergies or other dietary requirements should be indicated on your registration form.
Where can I park?
Please check back closer to the event, as more information will become available.
What if I didn't make my fundraising minimum?
All participants must meet the $1,500 fundraising minimum in order to participate in Challenge Walk MS. Unfortunately, if you did not meet the minimum you cannot participate.
What is a top fundraiser?
While we recognize all Capital Challenge Walk MS fundraising participants as top fundraisers, there are a few ways to get special recognition.
Fundraising participants are eligible to be a member of the Above Average Club (raise more than $1,927.99) and the Super Star Club (raise more than $2,500). These two clubs are great ways to get connected and receive special recognition during the event. We also recognize the Top Fundraiser, the individual who raised the most money.
Top fundraising teams may be recognized by an invitation to the Elite Feet Teams top fundraising club. See the Teams page for more details.
Is there any support along the route?
Yes! There will be rest stops every few miles. These will have restrooms, water, and snacks. Additionally, there will be SAG (support and gear) vehicles along the route. They can assist any walkers who need assistance along the route or who need to take a break from the walk.
Who do I make checks out to?
Please make checks out to the National MS Society.
Is there an age restriction?
The minimum age to participate is 12. Any participant between the ages of 12 and 18 MUST have a parent or guardian present at all times throughout the weekend (including in SAG vehicles). No one under the age of 12 is allowed to participate. Additionally, any participant who is under the age of 18 MUST have a signed and notarized waiver. Anyone 18 and over may participate.
Can I bring my pet?
We do not allow pets—with the exception of assistance pets—to participate in the Capital Challenge Walk MS.
How do I get a t-shirt?
Every Capital Challenge Walk MS participant will receive a training t-shirt, a day-two t-shirt, and recognition item at the closing ceremony. We encourage teams to show their team spirit and camaraderie by making their own team gear for day one.
What if I need medication during the event?
All of our rest stops will have First Aid stations, and there will also be volunteer medics along the route. If you need medicine carried, refrigerated, or handled, please indicate that on the registration form.
Is the route accessible?
Yes! The route is fully accessible. If you need assistance, please alert us ahead of time by indicating that on your registration form.
Can I bring my friends and family?
We highly encourage friends and family to come on Saturday morning to the beginning of the walk to cheer participants on as they kick-off the weekend, and to join us again on Sunday afternoon at the closing ceremony at the U.S. Capitol to cheer participants on as they cross the finish line.
If they would like to be a part of the weekend, they are more than welcome to volunteer or work as part of our crew. However, we cannot accommodate family and friends who are not crewing or volunteering at the event.
Where do we sleep?
All participants spend the night together in a designated overnight site, usually a school gymnasium. We highly encourage participants to pack accordingly and bring sleeping bag, pillows, air mattresses, and anything else you might need. Your luggage will be picked up and transported to the overnight from the starting point, so you do not need to worry about getting it to the overnight yourself!
Do you want to know more about what to expect during Capital Challenge Walk MS weekend? View our slideshow or contact our office.
What is the difference between a volunteer, a Crew member and a Super Crew member?
A volunteer is someone who is able to come for a few hours on a single day, or a few hours each on both days, but cannot be at the event all weekend. There is no registration fee for volunteers.
A Crew member is someone who is at the event all weekend, from start to finish. Crew members have a $25 registration fee to cover overhead like food and their spot at the overnight.
Super Crew members pay the crew member registration fee and commit to raise the $1,500 fundraising minimum, just like the walkers, and volunteer for the weekend.
Check out the Volunteer page for more details!
For additional details about the walk, please visit the Event Details page. If you have additional questions about the Capital Challenge Walk MS please contact us at 202-296-5363 or CapitalChallengeWalkMS@MSandYOU.org.
GENERAL
- I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact us at CapitalChallengeWalkMS@MSandYOU.org.
- How do I change my Username and/or Password?
First, login to the site using your username and password. Once logged in you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign in again.
- How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Towards the bottom of each e-mail message there is a link stating, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe. Please be aware that important event information is distributed via email to event participants. Unsubscribing means you will not receive this key information, or information about other National MS Society events. If you are concerned about the emails you are receiving, please call the chapter at 202-296-5363 and press 2 to speak with someone about modifying your email preferences.
ABOUT MY PARTICIPANT CENTER
- What is a Personal Page?
A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your Participant Center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
- By default I have a personal page, do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.
- How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Participant Center. On the bottom right side of the Participant Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
- How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her participation center and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal.
- How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.
- How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
- What is a team message?
Simply go to your Participant Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.
- What is the difference between making my personal page private or public?
By default, a personal page is Public, meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your personal page to Private means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you. | 
