Frequently Asked Questions

Can I finish a 5K?

If you're in decent health, the answer is YES! You are welcome to walk or jog or run or even roll in a wheelchair or stroller. 
One of the reasons that the event is a 5K (3.1 miles)  is so that we can have the broadest participant base possible. That makes the event more fun and raises more money for our mission. Nonetheless, you should check with your physician before undertaking any exercise if you have concerns.

ECAN has reached out to the folks who started the popular Couch to 5K program and they've allowed us to share their plans with you.  So, if you want to join our group, we will be with you every step of the way as you prepare for this 5K.  We have a special Facebook group to provide constant support and encouragement, along with all the tips and strategies to make sure you're ready on the big day!

Can I walk the course?

Yes! Approximately 50% of our participants are walkers and walking is a great way to participate with a whole group of friends and with younger participants.

We ask that every participant make a sincere effort to raise $200.  Most participants easily raise more - and we know you can too!

But if you don't, we won't ask you to make up the difference!

We provide you with the tools to make fundraising easy (your own web page, sample e-mails, social media integration, fundraising tips, etc). 

Don't worry; we've got your back!

If you do raise the minimum or more, we provide you with cool prizes:

Everyone who raises the $200 minimum will receive a useful, clear heavy-duty drawstring bag that meets all the requirements for entering NFL games 

Those who raise $500 will get a great baseball cap with the Steps to Save Lives logo, plus the drawstring bag.   

When you raise $1,000 or more, you will receive a long-sleeved moisture-wicking half-zip shirt in Esophageal Cancer's Awareness Color of Periwinkle Blue!  You'll also receive the bag and the cap and the undying gratitude of all of us involved in the fight against Esophageal Cancer!

We will post more prizes in the days to come.

We want to make sure that everyone who supports our life-saving mission knows how very much they mean to us!

Are any awards given at the event?

Yes. In addition to medals for all who finish the 5K, there are awards for the top three overall male and female finishers as well as for the top three male and female finishers in each age group.  Our charity's top fundraiser will be recognized, too! 

100%. The Generosity Series that hosts the event does not charge the organization any processing fees or commissions (as in any online credit card transaction, our credit card company charges a small processing fee). So raise as much as you can because you can be sure that every penny is going to your charity.

The event is permitted, licensed and coordinated with municipal enforcement officials. The Generosity Series planning team takes guidance from law enforcement and/or private security consultants. As a precaution, there is always at least one ambulance and/or dedicated medical professionals on-site at the event.