Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Registration FAQs
• Fundraising FAQs  
• Team FAQs
• About My Participant Center

Registration FAQs

How do I register for the event in which I want to participate?
Please visit the website of the respective marathon/half-marathon/5k run/etc. in which you are participating. Run MS is a separate entity of each of these races. Please register with your respective run AND with Run MS. While there is no registration fee to participate in Run MS, participants are responsible for paying the fees for the event they are participating.

Who can I contact the National MS Society about the Run MS?
Please contact the Chapter at 757-490-9627 option 4 or info@fightms.com.

Fundraising FAQs

Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
No minimum fundraising goal is required. We encourage you to set an attainable goal

 Where do I send my donations?
National MS Society
Hampton Roads Chapter
760 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 201
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Who do I make checks payable to?
Please make checks payable to the National MS Society. Remember to include the participant’s name in the memo section of each check.

How long does it take for checks to show up on my fundraising page?
It depends how many checks the Chapter receives and how close it is to the event. Checks that are mailed prior to the event can take two to four weeks to show up on your account. To avoid the wait, you can always encourage your donors to sponsor you online. Online donations are safe and easy.

What is My Participant Center?
Every Run MS participant receives an online fundraising account that is accessed through the “My Participant Center” tab and logging in with your username and password. Online fundraising accounts enable participants to create personal web pages, provide e-mail tools to solicit donations and have reports to track your fundraising.

What if my company wants to match my donation?
Contact your HR department to learn about your company’s matching gift policies and procedures. Check to see if your company participates by visiting our Matching Gift Corporations List. Follow the procedure outlined by your company's matching gift program; printed materials may be mailed to:

National MS Society
Hampton Roads Chapter
Attn: Matching Gifts
760 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 201
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Are donations tax deductible and how do I get a receipt?

YES. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your cleared check or credit card transaction serves as your receipt. Donations of $25 or more will automatically receive an acknowledgement from the National MS Society by the end of the calendar year in which the donation is made.

Team FAQs

How do I form a Team?
At the time of registration, go to the section that is titled "Enter Your Team Details" and enter the team's name, company (if relevant) and the team's fundraising goal, to start your team.

How do I join/register on a Team?
At the time of registration, select the link “I would like to join an existing team”.

How many team members can I have?
Teams consist of a minimum of 4 people. There is no maximum number of team members.

What if I have already registered as an Individual and want to be on a Team?
We’re glad to have more team members! If you have already registered, just contact us at fnfo@fightms.com or 757-490-9627 with your full name and the team name you would like to join.

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 participant 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.

If you can’t find the answer to your question after reviewing the above information, please feel free to contact info@fightms.com or 757-490-9627 option 4.