Virtual Tri for a Cure 2021 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
With safety our top priority, we have transitioned the Tri for a Cure to again be a virtual event. We do hope that, unlike in 2020, we will be able to add in-person components this summer, too. More details to come when we learn what those events will look like. Below is an attempt to answer some questions you may have.
If you have other questions, please feel free to email [email protected].
The Tri for a Cure is an annual all-women triathlon put on by and benefiting Maine Cancer Foundation. The event is typically held in July at SMCC and is the largest sprint triathlon in Maine. Founded in 2008 by Julie Marchese and Abby Bliss, the event is the largest one-day fundraiser in the state and supports Maine Cancer Foundation’s mission of reducing the impact of cancer statewide.
In 2021, due to the on-going risks associated with COVID-19 and associated event restrictions, the Tri for a Cure 2020 has transitioned to a virtual event, and participants will swim, bike, and run on their own while still fundraising to support their community in the fight against cancer. The challenges faced by cancer patients continue and are amplified by COVID-19, making this fundraiser all the more important.
If you are already registered for the 2021 Tri for a Cure you are automatically a virtual participant. Your fundraising page is still active and you will have the opportunity to complete the triathlon or duathlon on your own while supporting the group effort that is Tri for a Cure. The only thing you will need to do is sign a virtual participant waiver – coming soon! We also hope to add in-person activities to the summer. Stay tuned!
No, registrations cannot be transferred to 2022. But, if you raised $500 or more in 2020 you will be given access to early registration for Tri for a Cure 2022. We hope you will still "TRI" with us in 2021, but we will also save a spot for you in 2022 if you'd like to join us in person.
All donations that have been made to the 2021 Tri for a Cure will remain in this year’s event. Maine Cancer Foundation funds support granting statewide and cancer patients need our help perhaps now more than ever. Cancer is not practicing social distancing and we need your help to continue the fight here in Maine.
Yes! Invite your girlfriends, family, friends, previous volunteers near and far – invite those who have always been reluctant to TRI (this is your year)! All women are welcome to register as a virtual participant. The registration fee is $50 and allows you to set up a page and start fundraising. You will receive further information on how to participate virtually.
They can register at www.triforacure.org
The registration fee is $50 and serves as a donation to Maine Cancer Foundation. Fundraising is encouraged and we have incentive prizes to reward you. You can participate as an individual (triathlon, duathlon, or single event) or as a team of two or three!
Yes, but things are different this year. The fundraising minimum has been reduced, for a second year, to $250. If you reach this threshold you will receive your official Tri for a Cure 2021 shirt and medal. If you do not reach the minimum, your card will not be charged, but you will not receive these items. The fundraising deadline is July 23. We are currently planning to distribute these items at a celebratory event, pending event/gathering restrictions at that time (see question 24 below).
No, your fundraising fee does not count towards your minimum.
No. For 2020 and 2021 only, you will not be charged the balance of the $250 minimum. You must reach that level to receive your race shirt and medal but there is no financial obligation this year.
This year there is no penalty for not reaching the fundraising minimum. So, if you stay in the event but can’t hit $250 you will not be charged. However, if you would like to be removed from the mailing list and your page taken down, please email [email protected].
No. While we encourage everyone to work towards a personal goal, this year’s virtual Tri for a Cure offers flexibility! You can swim, bike, and run, do a duathlon (run, bike, run), relay, or come up with a different plan to run, bike, or swim if that works for you! We know training might be impacted this year, so we encourage you to come up with a goal that works for you. Read more about logistics of the virtual event here.
Yes! Tri for a Cure 2021 may look a little different, but as long as you reach the $250 fundraising minimum, this year counts!
You absolutely can! And we’ve adjusted the levels this year in light of the economic impacts of COVID-19. We are so grateful for every dollar raised and want to reward you for your efforts. You can see the new 2021 incentive levels here. You have until July 23 to earn incentive prizes.
No. In fact, we ask that you NOT complete the traditional Tri for a Cure course. In the interest of safety on the SMCC campus and in surrounding communities, please do not plan to swim, bike, or run on campus. You should plan to complete the legs of the triathlon in your own neighborhood, on your treadmill, etc. We do not encourage meeting up with groups of athletes to complete the event. Please adhere to all state and local regulations when planning your activities.
The virtual Tri for a Cure 2021 will take place from July 1 – July 18.
No, no need to send in your bike inspection form, but for safety, we encourage you to get your bike tuned up by a professional before going for any rides. Many bike shops are doing drop off services. We recommend calling CycleMania at 207-774-2933.
We will be hosting clinics virtually. And may add in some in-person clinics as well. Clinic content will cover how to complete your triathlon on your own safely and tips for how to make the experience fun.
We can’t wait to see photos and hear about everyone’s virtual Tri for a Cure. If you have not already joined the Tri for a Cure 2021 Facebook Group, please do so. This is a great place to upload photos from your activities and share why you Tri! We have also created a Strava Club where you can upload your routes and cheer on your fellow participants! More information will be coming on how to share your results with fellow participants and others.
No, this year we will not be tracking or collecting finishing times and we will not have prizes for top finishers. Instead we hope that everyone will use the Tri for a Cure 2021 to set personal goals and focus your energy in this uncertain time.
All donations benefit Maine Cancer Foundation, whose mission is to reduce the impact of cancer statewide. MCF funds grants focused on fostering prevention, increasing early detection and screening, and improving patient outcomes. MCF is a nimble organization and invests funds where Mainers need it most. Please visit our website to learn more (www.mainecancer.org).
Many companies offer matching gift opportunities. Does your business have a matching gift program? It never hurts to ask them!
Checks can be mailed to Maine Cancer Foundation (170 US Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105). If you receive a cash donation, you have a few options. You can deposit that money and write a check or make a credit card donation, or email [email protected] to set up a time to drop it at MCF.
We are tentatively planning to host an in person celebration event and Expo this summer if social distancing guidelines allow. We will communicate details as we get closer. If you are unable to attend, we will also offer alternative ways to receive your items.