|
Frequently Asked Questions
New Questions
Event Overview
Logistics
Fundraising
Youth Group Participation
New Questions & Answers
We have received these questions from several people--So we are adding these to the list:
Do all the members of my team have to participate in the same category? No. Team members can sign up for whichever category they choose (noncompetitive, competitive 25, 50 or 100). However, at least four members of a team must compete in the same category in order to be considered for team racing awards.
Can my team do a relay during the 100 story race? No. Relays are not permitted. Each team member will attempt to complete the race they signed up for. In the 100 story category, each member will attempt to climb the building four times.
What constitutes a team? Many teams have been formed by co-workers, friends, group members and families who wish to be participating under the same team name. We do encourage this camaraderie. However, to be eligible for team awards, at least four people must compete in the same category.
Do participants climb down the stairs? No. Step Up registrants will only climb up the stairs. Those participating in the 50 and 100 story categories will have their timing chips stopped when they reach the top, and then they will take the elevators down. Their timing chips will be re-started when they go through the starting line again the second, third and/or fourth time.
Event Overview
What is the registration fee and deadline? For noncompetitive climbers registration is $25 & for competitive climbers (25, 50 & 100 stories) registration is $35. You CAN register the day of the event, but the fees that day will increase to $40/noncompetitive & $50/competitive. A per person fundraising goal for all registrants ages 21 & older is $25.
How many stairs are there? 580 steps, 1,160 steps, or 2320 steps depending on whether a registrant is climbing the stairs once, twice or four times.
How many stories is Step Up? 25, 50 and 100 story options are available
Where is the event held? Step Up is held at the Dominion Tower in downtown Norfolk. The address is 999 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510. Click here for a map.
Is parking available? Free parking is available for all event participants and volunteers. The entrance to the parking lot is located on Waterside Drive.
I’m not comfortable with online stuff. What can I do? A: You can download this entry form and use this pledge form instead. Your donors can also mail us checks made out to The Up Center at: Jessica Oulahan, The Up Center, 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23322. Make sure they put “Step Up” and your name in the memo line for proper crediting.
Logistics
How long will Step Up take? This depends on each participant’s fitness level, speed and the amount of time spent at the midway water station. Top racers may finish in as little as two minutes for the 25 story race, while the average participant may take about 5-12 minutes to finish.
Are water stops available on the route? Yes, we have designated water stops at the 13th and 25th floors.
When will I receive my start time? Start times for the noncompetitive participants are being emailed Monday, April 19. Competitive racers have the following start times:
10:15am: 100 Story Climb
11:15am: 50 Story Climb
12:15pm: 25 Story Climb
How will competitive participants be lined up? Competitive participants will be lined up in order by their bib numbers. Bib numbers will be assigned based on the answer to the question: "How fast do you run a mile?" A climber will be sent off every ten seconds, so the line will kove quickly. Therefore it is imperative that you arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your start time to ensure you are ready to climb at the designated time for your race.
How will competitive teams be timed?
The times of the four top competitors on a team will be added to determine the team time. The team with the lowest combined time will win.
Will I receive an event T-shirt? Yes. All noncompetitive participants will receive an event T-shirt and all competitors will receive a technical shirt at check-in. You can also earn additional prizes by collecting pledges.
Can I buy additional event t-shirts? No. All participants will receive an event T-shirt or technical shirt at check-in, but no additional t-shirts will be available for purchase.
What time should I arrive? 45 minutes to 1-hour prior to your assigned start time..
Can we practice at the building before the event? Only participants in our authorized Boot Camp training sessions can practice at Dominion Tower. Other participants may not practice in the building. Due to safety, security and liability reasons, we cannot allow anyone in the stairwells before the event begins.
Are there rules for passing? Climbers are asked to pass on the right and to notify other climbers when passing. Please say "PASS" or "PASSING". For planning purposes, please note the stairs wind counter clockwise.
Will photos be taken? Finish line photographs will be available for purchase. Other photographers for The Up Center and possibly the media may be taking photos as well.
Can my friends and family wait for me at the finish line? No. Due to space limitations, no spectators are allowed at the finish line. Friends and family are welcome to wait at the festivities area outside Dominion Tower.
Can I bring anything up the tower? No backpacks of any sort are allowed. Pets are also prohibited unless the animal is an approved facility dog. (Please notify us if you plan to use a facility animal). You may wear headphones, but be conscious of other climbers and volunteers while in the stairwells. Please make sure your radio, MP3 or CD player is worn with a proper exercise carrier .
Is there a bag check area provided? There will be a free bag check area for personal items on the atrium level. Bags must be small enough to fit in a regular brown shopping bag.
One of my team members will not be able to compete after all, can I swap in another team member in his/her place? Yes - if the change is made at least two days prior to the race. Please note that each team member participating must fill out a registration form and waiver form.
Can I register other people online, beside myself?
Yes--However all registration information for each participant must be provided and each adult participant must sign a waiver. A parent or guardians must sign waivers for participants under the age of 18.
How do I cancel my registration?
Please contact Jessica Oulahan at 757-965-8649 or jessica.oulahan@theupcenter.org to cancel your registration. Refunds for registration fees will be provided, less a $5 processing fee, until 4/15/10. No refunds will be available after this date. Please note that no fundraising donations will be refunded.
What if I cannot finish?
Climbers who run into difficulties can exit the race at the 13th floor. If an exit is needed on another floor, volunteers will radio security to open a door.
Any health considerations?
Please note the health considerations noted in the liability waiver. It is recommended that asthmatics have their inhalers at the event since the stairwells can be dusty.
Fundraising
Is there a fundraising minimum? No. We have changed our fundraising requirement to a fundraising goal. Please see the fundraising page.
How much do I have to raise to have access to the VIP room?
Fundraisers who raise $500 or more will be able to enjoy the VIP room. This VIP zone will have food, drinks, chair massages, and other perks. Donations must be received by April 16th to qualify.
When is the pledge collection deadline? Donations can made anytime online. Offline donations can be mailed by April 16 to Jessica Oulahan, The Up Center, 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517. Offline donations made after that date should be brought to the event on April 25. You can earn great incentives based on the amount you raise. Don't forget to ask your donors if their company has a matching gift program. This can double or triple your donations without any additional work.
Who gets credit for team donations ? Team donations are equally divided amongst the team members. This amount will be added to individual fundraising amounts to come up with participant totals. This total will be used to determine prize winners. Please see the prize page for more information.
How do my donors get tax receipts? Online donors automatically receive a tax receipt immediately after donating. Offline donors who provide their address will receive a thank you letter that may be used for tax receipt purposes.
When can I pick up my prizes?
All prizes that are either unavailable at the event or are not picked up during the event will be at The Up Center's corporate office between May 10 and May 28th. The office is located at 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517. Prizes that may require pick up will likely include larger ticket items for higher level donors since these items will be ordered when all donations are received.
Youth Group Participation
How can my youth group benefit from Step Up?
Participants younger than 21 can choose to fundraise to benefit The Up Center and to make money for their youth group. Youth groups ranging from sports teams to bands can ask for donations from sponsors. The proceeds raised will be split evenly between The Up Center and the youth group.
How will the donations be handled?
The Up Center will handle all online donations. Please ensure that donors list what youth group they would like to support. Once all donations are received, a check will be sent to the youth group leader designated as the recipient. For offline donations, please send half of your proceeds to The Up Center and contribute the other half to your youth group.. Proceeds received by April 16 may be mailed to Jessica Oulahan at: The Up Center, 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517. Donations received after this date may be brought to the event.
Are youth groups eligible for fundraising prizes?
Yes, youth groups are eligible for prizes. However, only the portion of proceeds benefitting The Up Center will be counted for prize consideration. For more information, please visit our prizes page.
|
