Run Wild FAQ

What is a virtual race?
A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anytime and anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill. Participants receive awesome swag for themselves while raising money for Audubon. Other prizes can be earned by participating in a contest.

How many miles is a 5K?
Five kilometers is equivalent to 3.1 miles.

How does a virtual race work?
Simply register on the Audubon website (www.asri.org/runwild), complete the distance anytime and anywhere you desire between May 25 through June 1, 2024, and then upload your "final results". We will mail you a finisher’s medal at the end of the race period.

When is the race period for Run Wild?
Anytime between May 25 through June 1, 2024.

Can anyone participate?
Yes! Young or old, fast or slow – we encourage participants of all ages and ability levels.

Do I have to complete the entire distance all at once?
Most participants complete their virtual race all at once, but we understand that not everyone is able to complete our 5K distance in one outing. Run Wild is less about strict rules than it is about providing motivation to get outside while raising money to support Audubon wildlife refuges!

Can I run on a wildlife refuge?
You are certainly welcome to walk! We do not allow running on Audubon Wildlife Refuges as to not disturb the trails and wildlife. Check out this page for details on the five Audubon Wildlife Refuges that will have 5K markers during the week of Run Wild!

Do I have to walk on an Audubon refuge to compete?
Run Wild can be completed anytime and anywhere you want between the run/walk period. We encourage you to discover a wildlife refuge you have never visited before, or one of the refuges we have marked with the 5K distance. But if time, weather or life gets in the way, you can walk/run wherever you choose. You can even complete on your 5K on a treadmill, though that wouldn’t be as much fun.

Which Audubon Wildlife Refuges will have 5K start/finish lines the week of Run Wild?

Learn more, by clicking here.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter
Fort Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield

How can I track the distance?
There are plenty of apps for your mobile phone which you can utilize such as MapMyRun or Runkeeper!

How do I Register?
Click here to access the online registration page, then complete the form and make your donation.

How do I register multiple people?
Click the "Tickets" button on the registration page, then choose the registration quantity. Click the "Check Out" button and enter the information for each participant.

How do I get my race day packet (t-shirt and bib number)?
This year, we will be shipping all race day packets for those registered by May 20, 2024. If you register after this date, you will need to pick your packet up at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield, RI to ensure you receive it in time! Contact Jen at JCleland@asri.org to arrange pickup.

Where do I upload my results?
To upload your results, visit https://asri.org/runwild/submit-your-results.html. Here you will also be able to upload race photo(s) if you’d like to qualify for our photo-based contests and/or to be shared with our followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Do I have to upload my results in order to receive my medal?
No. We mail medals to the people who didn’t submit results at the end of the race period. That said, we encourage all participants to submit the results of each of their races, along with a photo we can share with our followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Do I get my medal even I am unable to complete the 5K?
We guarantee that medals will be available to all those who register for Run Wild. Once the race period passes we will send out the medals. We would encourage you to participate of course, but don’t worry about “end dates” or anything like that. As long as you are registered you will receive a medal.

What if I can’t complete my run during the race period?
Life happens. We get it. At the end of the race period, we ship medals to everyone who registered. Note that only those who participate during the race period will be eligible for contests.

Is my registration fee tax-deductible?
A portion of your registration fee is not tax-deductible because you will receive “tangible goods” for your donation. We will send a receipt after the race period with the amount of your tax deduction.

What if I want to raise more money for Audubon?
That's great! Click here to create a fundraising page where you can collect donations from your family and friends to help save birds and wildlife. We will be offering prizes to the top individual and team fundraisers.

How do I enter the Run Wild contests?
For eligibility to win a fundraising contest, you must start a peer-to-peer fundraiser. For eligibility to win a photo-based contest, you must submit your photos to our Race Results form.

Does a social media post enter me into the Run Wild contests?
We LOVE when people spread the word - especially when it supports birds and wildlife! But to be considered eligible for Run Wild photo-based contests, you must submit your photos on our Final Results form.