TBCR - FAQ's
If you want to know more about The Big Canada Run, you are in the right place.
We have prepared a comprehensive FAQ section for you to find all the answers to your questions.
However, if you can’t find what you are looking for, we are more than happy to help; just shoot us an email at race@thebigcanadarun.ca
To register, go here: https://register.thebigcanadarun.ca/
Questions About Registration
Q. How do I register/join a team for The Big Canada Run?
To register please go to The Big Canada Run Registration Page for a simple and secure registration process:
https://register.thebigcanadarun.ca/
A team can be as little as 1 runner or as big as your imagination.
You will register as an individual. During the registration process, you can select which team you want to be added to or create your own.
Q. What/When/Where is The Big Canada Run?
TBCR is a team virtual challenge across Canada. You can choose 8,000km, 10,000km or both.
Your team has from July 1st, 2022 (Canada Day) to June 30th, 2023 to complete the chosen challenge.
Teams and participants can run from anywhere in the world.
Q. How many km per day is this craziness?
For a team of 10 runners, it’s just 2.2km per day to finish in 1 year. The more you run, the more team members, the faster you can finish.
Go to: https://register.thebigcanadarun.ca/ and get your team ready.
Q. How do I find out more about the Charities you are helping?
Click here to learn more about the supported charities and fundraisers.
Q. How does The Big Canada Run Work?
Team up with your friends and family to run across Canada virtually on a pre-determined course.
The Big Canada Run is a virtual team challenge across Canada with two different routes:
- Leg #1: The classic east to west route follows the Trans-Canada Highway. From St. John’s, NL to Victoria, BC, covering 8,000km.
- Leg #2: The west to east route starts in Victoria, BC, goes up to Whitehorse, Yukon, and finishes on the coast of NL, covering 10,000km.
- For those teams who want a bigger challenge, the Maple Challenge includes Leg #1 and Leg#2, exploring 26 iconic Canadian cities.
Track your run on one of the many GPS tracking systems, upload your run, and watch your team move up the leaderboard. You can also opt to post your runs manually on the app or website.
Q. How much does The Big Canada Run cost?
- Early Bird pricing is $70 CAD (until July 1), including free SWAG shipping to Canada and the USA.*
- From July 2 to July 15 $99 CAD*
- From July 16 to July 31 $149 CAD*
Registration will close July 31 at 11:59 PM PT., or until the event is full. Whatever happens first!
*PACIFIC TIME
Q. Do I get a finisher’s medal?
Yes of course! We will ship your beautiful medal in the fall.
Q. What do I get when I register? Do we get any SWAG?
YES! All runners that register will receive:
- Limited Edition Finisher’s medal
- Multi-Functional Neck Gaiter
- Unique Cell Phone Sticker
- Official Virtual Race BIB
- Access to a participant-only Facebook Community
- Virtual badges to celebrate and share your accomplishments
- Pre-mapped courses across the country
- Mobile App to register your km and follow the journey. Sync Fitbit, Garmin, Strava, Apple Health, or RunKeeper to upload your km automatically.
- Virtual travel experience through fun facts and photos of things you would see along the route.
Q. Are there shipping charges?
No – shipping is included within Canada and the USA.
For international shipping, there is a $15 CAD nominal surcharge.
Q. Can I participate Internationally?
Absolutely! Of all the runners, about 15% live outside of Canada.
We just ask for a nominal $15 CAD for additional shipping charges if outside Canada or USA.
Q. Can I register after July 1st?
Yes, but… price increases after July 1st and registration will close July 31 at 11:59PM PT., or until the event is full. Whatever happens first!
- Early Bird pricing is $70 CAD (until July 1), including free SWAG shipping to Canada and the USA.*
- From July 2 to July 15 $99 CAD*
- From July 16 to July 31 $149 CAD*
*PACIFIC TIME
Q. Can I change my zip & address?
We will ask you for a shipping address during registration. Please be careful. If you change your address please let us know ASAP.
Q. How do I download my bib number to share on social media?
After registration, you should receive an email with your BIB number and printable. Please contact us at race@thebigcanadarun.ca for support.
Q. Are there refunds or transfers?
Registration for The Big Canada Run is non-refundable, non-deferrable and non-transferrable. Discounts are not retroactive.
Questions About Teams
Q. When does my team have to complete the challenge?
All teams must finish by June 30th, 2023.
For a team of 10 runners, it’s just 2.2km per day to finish in 1 year. The more you run, the more team members, the faster you can finish.
Q. What happens if my teammates are not putting in the work and do not finish the race? Will I get my SWAG?
YES! you will receive your swag and medal.
Q. Do I have to be fast?
No! The goal is to team up with your friends and run this incredible journey together! Just run, have fun, and finish the race.
Q. How far do teams run/walk?
Teams will travel the full course of the leg they choose.
- Leg #1 = 8,000km.
- Leg #2 = 10,000km.
- Maple Challenge Leg#1 and Leg #2 = 18,000km.
Q. How big can a team be?
Minimum 1, max is your imagination. Every team of over 100 runners will receive a commemorative plaque.
Q. Do teams receive a discount?
Yes! If your team is ten runners or larger, contact us. We can hook you up with a 10% discount.
It is important to ask for the discount code before registering the team as discounts are not retroactive.
Please write to race@thebigcanadarun.ca before registering your team in order to provide you with the discount code previous to registration.
Q. What if I don’t have a team?
Solo runners can join the provincial teams or charity teams and add their distance to the team’s goal.
If you plan on running the full distance (8000, 10000 or 18000 km) by yourself you can register as a team of 1.
Questions About Tracking
Q. How do I track and report my run?
You can track all your kilometres (miles) directly into our website or our mobile iOS and Android apps.
You can enter an activity into the app either by manually entering its distance or by syncing your activities from your favorite fitness tracker or smartwatch.
Q. How do I download the tracking app?
We will send you all the information after registration.
The app is free and easy to use, you will need to sign in and sync your sports watch or activity tracker to automatically upload your kms or you can post your activities manually as well.
A full step-by-step tutorial will be emailed to you.
Q. Can I run on a treadmill? What about Trail miles?
Yes, you may run either outdoors or on a treadmill. Yes, for Trail miles.
Q. Does walking count?
Yes! Running, walking, hiking, skipping, galloping, trotting – anything completed on foot can count!
Q. Do I need a GPS watch/tracker or Strava? Will I need to show my watch or device for proof of running?
You can use one if you wish, but it is not essential.
If you use a GPS watch or fitness app, your kilometers can be added automatically, if not you can enter your activities manually.
Q. Do I have to run a specific distance each day, or can I break it up and run more over the weekends?
You can run or walk as much or as little as you want on a given day. Just add distance to move along the course.
Q. If I register after the race starts on July 1st, 2022, can I include my kms since July 1st, 2022?
YES. If you register after July 1st you can log all your kms from July 1st, 2022 and up until June 30th, 2023, remember this challenge is within the Honor System.
Q. How will I report my kilometers?
Refer to the “Tracking” section for full details.
Q. I don’t have time to log km on a regular basis. Is there an option to not have to do this?
Yes! Since it’s the Honor System, if you decide that you don’t want to enter your km regularly, and you don’t care about watching yourself vs. others on the leaderboard, you can log weekly, monthly, or you can keep up with your own km, and when you finish, send an email to us, and we’ll send your medal to you.
Remember that you can sync your sports watch or fitness app to add them automatically.