FAQs
Q: How does the Great American 5000 work?
Teams of up to 12 or 24 people will join together to virtually run 5,000k across the country on a pre-determined course from San Francisco to New York. Track your run on one of the many GPS tracking systems, log your distance and watch your team’s dot move across the map. A leaderboard will also track your progress against other teams.
Q: How much does the event cost and what do I receive?
The cost is $50/person until the event begins on June 15. Once the event has begun, from June 15 – June 30 it will cost $55/person. The fee includes:
- Shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Virtual finisher’s badge
- Pre-mapped 5,000k course across the country
- Leaderboard and online map updates
- Virtual travel experience through fun facts and photos of things you would see along the route
Q: How do I register/join a team?
You will register as an individual. You should assign one Team Captain to set-up your team and share the name for others to join. You will also be able to search for a team during registration and choose to join a team then. For more information, visit our Team Captain Info page.
Q: What are the referral rewards?
Earn referral rewards when you use your custom registration link! Refer 7, receive an event sticker and water bottle. Refer 15, receive an event sticker, water bottle, and Goodr sunglasses.
Q: What are the team sizes and divisions?
A team consists of up to 12 or up to 24 people. You do not have to have the maximum number in each division to be part of the challenge. For example, if you are a team of 8, then you would compete in the 12-person Ultra team category and a team of 16 would compete in the 24-person team category.
Q: When does the event start?
The challenge officially kicks-off on June 15, so you can start anytime on that day. Registration will remain open and you can continue to add people to your team through June 30. Your team can start later than June 15, but keep in mind your team’s time starts on June 15. The winner of each division is the first team that reaches the finish.
Q: When does my team have to complete the challenge?
All teams must be finished by Saturday, September 14.
Q: When do I receive my items?
We will begin shipping items in mid-to-late August.
Q: Can I participate on multiple teams?
No, you must only compete on one team during the Great American 5000 challenge.
Q: Can I run at the same time as another team member?
Yes, you can run at the same time as another team member.
Q: What happens if one our team members gets injured (either now or along the way)?
You can add or replace an injured team member. All participating members must be registered participants so be sure to have the new team member register. If it is past the registration deadline of June 30, or if your team is full and you are unable to add the new team member, e-mail [email protected] and we can assist you with this.
Q: How do I track and report my run?
You should track your run using any GPS-enabled tracking systems (e.g., Strava, Map My Run, Garmin, Wahoo, Apple Watch, FitBit, etc.). From there you will self-report the time and distance of your run based on your GPS tracking, which will update the leaderboard and move your team’s dot across the course map. Entries without GPS will be permitted but are not encouraged for the sake of running validation. Details about inputting daily activity results can be found here.
Q: What if I don’t run with GPS?
While this is allowed, it is highly encouraged that you use a GPS device or app to track your runs. If you are in the running to be in the top 10 in your division, you should be prepared to validate your mileage.
Q: Will I be required to validate my runs?
If you are in the running to be in the top 10 in your division, you should be prepared to validate your mileage.
Q: Can I run on a treadmill?
Yes, you may run either outdoors or on a treadmill.
Q: Does walking count?
Yes! Running, walking, hiking, skipping, galloping, trotting – anything completed on foot can count!
Q: Where does the course go?
The course begins on the Pacific coast in San Francisco and ends on the Atlantic coast in New York City. Click here for the full course.
Q: How long will it take for my team to collectively cross the country?
Here are some estimates:
- 8 min/mile pace for 24 hours is 180 miles per day and will take 17 days and 7 hours.
- 12 min/mile pace for 24 hours is 120 miles per day and will take 26 days
- 20 min/mile pace for 24 hours is 72 miles per day and will take 43 days and 7 hours
- 30 min/mile pace for 24 hours is 48 miles per day and will take 65 days
- If your team starts on June 18 and finishes on the last day (September 14), you can complete the event by running as few as 36.6 team miles per day
Partners
