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What is Get Your Rear in Gear?

Get Your Rear in Gear® is the signature event of the Colon Cancer Coalition. It is the largest colon cancer-focused event series in the United States. In addition to raising funds to increase screening rates and awareness for colon cancer, Get Your Rear in Gear is also a call to take care of your body and make healthy choices. Money raised has immediate impact on the local community by being invested back to increase screening for colorectal cancer and raise awareness through public education projects.

How long is a 5K?

A 5K is 3.1 miles.

Is the run timed?

Yes, most Get Your Rear in Gear events are electronically timed. If the event in your area is not timed it will be noted on the local event information page. You may choose not to be timed. Walkers who would like to be timed should register as a runner.

Are there prizes?

Marathon-quality medals are given to the top finishers in traditional age groups. Many events also provide awards for the top overall male and female finishers. If other awards are given, the information will be included on the local event information page.

What is your weather policy?

In case of inclement weather, Get Your Rear in Gear events will not be re-scheduled. Our full weather policy is available here.  

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs and other pets are discouraged and some locations prohibit animals of any kind, with the exception of service animals.  Specific pet information for your event is on the local event information page.  

Can I bring a stroller?

Strollers are welcome. Those participating in the 5K run, please be courteous of other participants and line up towards the back of the pack.

Can I participate in a wheelchair?

Participants using a wheelchair are welcome. Most Get Your Rear in Gear events are held on paved courses. If you have specific questions about the route in your area or accessibility at the event site, please see the race map, or contact the local event director.

Can I walk or do I have to run?

All Get Your Rear in Gear events are open to both runners and walkers.  Please register as a runner if you want to be timed and a walker if you plan to walk or don’t need a time.

Can I register on race day?

This is ever changing with COVID-19 rules and regulations, but we are pleased that on-site registration is again available. Check for the most recent updates on the individual event page.

Do I need to come to packet pickup or can I pick up my packet on race day?

This is ever changing with COVID-19 rules and regulations. Please check the information on the local event information page to see if your event will have a packet pick up.

Where do I check-in?

Specific packet pick-up and check-in information will be available on each local event information page.

What comes with my registration fee?

Your registration includes your race number and an event t-shirt, as well as refreshments following the run/walk, timed results, event photo gallery, medals for the top finishers, awards for the teams and individuals, etc.

What do survivors receive?

Self-identified survivors receive complimentary registration and a special survivor t-shirt. If you are a cancer survivor, select your local event here and choose the “survivor” option in the registration-type menu.

Where should I park?

Parking varies for each Get Your Rear in Gear event. Please review the local event page for any specific parking instructions for your event.

Can I pick up a packet for someone else?

You can pick up packets for others in your household.

I wasn't able to attend the race; will you mail me my packet?

Unfortunately we are unable to mail t-shirts to registered participants. You are invited to have a member of your household or a friend pick your packet for you.

Do I need to fund raise to participate in a Get Your Rear in Gear Run/Walk?

Fundraising is appreciated, and we rely on participant fundraising to make an impact on awareness and screening in the local community. Fundraising is not, however, required to be a part of a Get Your Rear in Gear event. For more information about fundraising, please see our Fundraising FAQs.
 
 

Can I register for an event in another city in the same year?

Yes, when registering for the second (or third, or forth) event you will be considered a “returning user.” When registering, login with the same credentials used for the previous event(s). If you have misplaced this information use the link provided to ask for a password reset, you will need the email address used to register for a previous event.

I registered as a walker, and now I want to run.

Please contact us to request your registration be updated. Please include your name, age, and event you are participating in (Twin Cities, Boston, Houston, Seattle, etc.)  

I have completed my registration and now I would like to register someone else. How do I do that?

Log in to your participant dashboard. Find the MY INFO tab. Here there is an option to register another participant.

I am unable to complete registration using Internet Explorer.

Unfortunately, our registration software does not support early versions of Internet Explorer (7 or earlier). If you are having trouble registering or viewing items in your participant dashboard, please try using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 8 or later. If you are still having trouble, please contact us and we’ll help you figure it out. 

My company/employer wants to pay for multiple registration fees. Is this possible?

Yes, we can set up billing codes for your organization. Please contact us to arrange.

I accidentally registered as an individual and meant to join a team. What do I do?

 Log in to your participant dashboard. There choose the option to create or join a team. 

Online registration is closed, can I still register?

This is ever changing with COVID-19 rules and regulations, but we are pleased that on-site registration is again available. Check for the most recent updates on the individual event page.

How do I form a team?

When you go to register select “Create or Join a team.” The first person to register for a team will automatically be designated the team captain.

Can I reactivate my team from last year?

Yes! When you register select “Create or Join a team.” You will then be able to reactivate your team from previous events, and contact your team members to invite them to this year’s team.

We are registered separately and now would like to become a team.

 No problem! Log in to your participant dashboard. On the right hand-side of their dashboard choose to add yourself to a team. Don’t forget to customize your team page with the reason you are participating!

I accidentally registered as an individual and meant to join a team. What do I do?

 Log in to your dashboard and select the “Create or Join a team” option.

I have completed my registration and now I would like to register someone else. How do I do that?

Log in to your participant dashboard. Once you are on the dashboard page click the MY INFO tab. From there choose “register another member”.

My company/employer wants to pay for multiple registration fees. Is this possible?

Yes, we can set up billing codes for your organization to either form a team or pay for multiple registrations. Please contact us to arrange.

Why do I receive emails for Team Captains?

You are receiving these emails because you are registered as a Team Captain. All Team Captains are automatically opted-in to receive event updates and other important information about the event you have registered for. You may not opt out of emails from this event as many of your teammates may not register with unique email addresses and you may need to pass important details on to your team members. Information that may include venue details, packet pick-up information, any weather-related updates, or other vitally important information. 

Is there a fundraising minimum to participate in this event?

There is no fundraising minimum to participate in a Colon Cancer Coalition event, but we appreciate any and all donations. Money raised by runners and walkers like you help us reach our goals of increasing screening for the nation’s No. 2 cancer killer. If each our participants raised or donated just $35 that would give the Colon Cancer Coalition an additional $1 million each year to help reach the goal of an 80% colon cancer screening rate in every community.

Where does the money go?

Money raised at each event stays in the local area to further colon cancer education, awareness and screening. For examples of how the money has been used visit our grants page.  

How can I raise money?

When you register you are automatically set-up with a fundraising page. Personalize your page with your story or inspiration for participating, and then send emails to your friends and family asking them to support your efforts. 

Can a Facebook Fundraiser be counted towards my event fundraising efforts?

Yes! When you register, simply connect your participant dashboard to your Facebook account to automatically create a Facebook Fundraiser that syncs to your event fundraising totals.

How do I log on to my participant dashboard?

Choose “LOGIN” at the top of the event page. Use the email address and password used when you registered. If you have misplaced your password, use the link provided to request a password reset. If you do not get an email please call at 952-378-1237 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please be patient, we need reset passwords manually and will help you as soon as possible.

I'm having trouble updating my participant dashboard and sending emails.

From your participant dashboard click on the “email” tab. There you will find options to customize emails, email individuals on your team, the entire team, etc. You can always contact us with any questions. 

What is my personal page URL?

You have the opportunity to personalize your page URL during the page setup process in the participant dashboard.

Can someone donate to me through the mail?

Yes, they can send a check to the Colon Cancer Coalition, 2950 Xenium Ln N, STE 102, Minneapolis, MN 55441. Be sure they include your name, team name (if applicable) and the local event in which you are participating in a note included with the check. Please be sure they include an email address to receive a donation receipt.

What do I do if someone gives me cash or check in person?

To have the donations be counted towards the online fundraising totals and be eligible for fundraising prizes, please mail all checks to the Colon Cancer Coalition, 2950 Xenium Ln N, STE 102, Minneapolis, MN 55441, no less than 10 days before the scheduled event. Please be sure to note the event and the participant and/or team for which to attribute the gifts. Use the donation register to record multiple donations. Please do not send cash in the mail. You may also drop off cash or check donations on event day.

What can I do if a check is written out to me personally?

Please endorse the check to the Colon Cancer Coalition and mail to Colon Cancer Coalition, 2950 Xenium Ln N, STE 102, Minneapolis, MN 55441, or drop it off  on race day.

Can I mail in a cash donation?

Cash donations can be dropped at an event. Please do not send cash through the mail. Instead please make your gift online or mail a check.

Can I enter a check online?

Unfortunately, we cannot allow offline donations (cash and checks) to be entered by individual fundraisers. Please mail all checks to the Colon Cancer Coalition, 2950 Xenium Ln N, STE 102, Minneapolis, MN 55441 or drop them off on event day. Use the donation register to record multiple donations. You may also drop off cash or check donations on event day.

Where can I find a donation form to download, print and mail?

Download the individual giving form here. A donation register for fundraisers is here.

Where can I find a list of people who have donated to me?

A list of people who have contributed to your fundraising activities can be found in your participant dashboard.

How can I send a thank you email to my donors?

Log in to your participant dashboard, click on send email, there are sample messages you can use to thank your donors. 

Why am I receiving emails telling me that I've received a donation?

Congratulations! Someone has donated to the Colon Cancer Coalition through your participant page! Thank you for your efforts! We appreciate it.

Can I submit a matching gift for this event?

Definitely, after making your donation find your company list on our matching gifts page, or contact us for help.  

I do not see the name of a donor that I know made a gift to me or my team.

Please contact us and we can find the donation and move it to an individual or team.

Making Donations by Mail or Phone

What other ways can I make a gift other than through the website?

Checks may be mailed to the Colon Cancer Coalition offices at 2950 Xenium Ln N, STE 102, Minneapolis, MN 55441. Donations can be made over the phone by calling 952-378-1237 Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time.

Can I make a cash donation?

Cash donations can be given to an event participant to be dropped off during an event. Please do not send cash through the mail. Instead please make your gift online or mail a check.

If I donate by mail, who do I make the check out to and where do I send it?

Make the check out to the “Colon Cancer Coalition.” Include the event city and a participant or team name (if applicable) in the memo line or in an accompanying note. Mail the check to the Colon Cancer Coalition, 2950 Xenium Ln N, STE 102, Minneapolis, MN 55441. If you would like a receipt for your records, please include your email address.

Making Donations online

How do I make an online donation to a specific participant or team?

Visit the the “DONATE” page on our website, from there you can choose to make a general donation, make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one, or support an event participant.

Can a donation be split among team members?

Yes, please contact us with your name, the event you are donating to, and who the gift should be allocated to.

What do I do if my donation is sent to a team when I intended it for a specific person?

Please contact us and request the gift be moved from to the team to a specific participant. Please include your name, email address and the specific participant’s name. We will move the donation and reply with confirmation of the change.

Other Donation Questions

How can I get a receipt for my gift?

Any gift made online, or an offline donation and includes an email address, will receive a donation receipt automatically from the system. To request a duplicate receipt please contact us. Include the email address used with the online donation, and/or as much information about the gift as you can remember.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Donations made to support participants, Fundraise Your Way fundraisers, gifts in Memory and Honor of someone touched by colon cancer, and gifts to the general fund are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Get Your Rear in Gear and other event registration fees are not tax deductible.

Can I still make a gift to a team/participant if the event has already happened?

Yes, team and participant pages remain active until registration is open for the next year’s event.

Can I submit a matching gift for this donation?

Definitely, after making your donation find your company list on our matching gifts page, or contact us for help.  

How do I sponsor or provide product for the participants? Who should I contact?

We rely on generous community partners to make our events successful. If you are interested in sponsoring your local event through a cash sponsorship or in-kind donation (water, refreshments, entertainment, photography, etc.) please contact us.  

How do I volunteer?

Get Your Rear in Gear and Tour de Tush events cannot happen without our tireless volunteers. Help is needed in many capacities from being a part of the local race committee, to registration, water stops and course marshals during the event. Complete information about volunteering can be found here. Then contact your local event director to let them know how you can help.  

My question is not addressed in the FAQ and/or I need extra help.

We are happy to help you with any other questions that you may have, please email us anytime, or call 952-378-1237 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time.