Run Across Haiti® FAQ's

 

A | Jan 24 | Day 0

Everyone arrives to Cap Haitien via the Hugo Chavez International Airport

A-B | JAN 25 | Day 1

Cap Haitien to Plaisance (34 miles)

B-C | JAN 26 | Day 2

Plaisance to Ennery (13 miles)

C-D | JAN 27 | Day 3

Ennery to Gonaives (20 miles)

D-E | JAN 28 | Day 4

Gonaives to Saint-Marc (36 miles)

E-F | JAN 29 | Day 5

Saint-Marc to Grois Morne (20 miles)

F | JAN 30 | Day 6

REST DAY at Wahoo Bay Beach Resort

F-G | JAN 31 | Day 7

Grois Morne to Port-au-Prince (27 miles)

G-H | FEB 01 | Day 8

Port-au-Prince to Jacmel (FINISH LINE!) (52 miles)

 
 
 

Travel

+ ARE THERE ANY IMMUNIZATIONS BEFORE TRAVELING TO HAITI?

Yes. You will need to get your shots and they'll probably also recommend malaria pills. To do this, you can set up an appointment at your local travel clinic, your insurance provider should be able to point you to one and most county governments have one. For example, in Pittsburgh, you can go to the Allegheny County Travel Clinic. University campuses also tend to have one. Bring your immunization records and let them know you're headed to Haiti and they'll know what to do. Please also visit your PCP.

+ HOW MUCH ARE FLIGHTS?

Flights range from $600-$800 USD depending on when you book, when you travel, and what city you are departing from. Check out expedia.com for some of the best flight options and prices. Each runner will be responsible to book their own flight and will depart from their home city.

+ WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK OUR FLIGHTS?

We will discuss flights in October/November. Please wait until you hear from WORK on when to book. You will fly into Cap-Haitien and out of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti.

RUN

+ Do you accept applications from runners outside of the US?

Yes, we do! We've had runners join us from Canada and Haiti, and we will accept qualified runners from around the world. You do not need to be an American citizen to join us on the Run, just make sure your passport and/or visa will allow you entry into Haiti. Please note—we are a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are made in USD. Make sure you and your donors are aware of exchange rates during fundraising. Any donations made outside of the US do not qualify for a tax deduction for the donor.

+ WHAT ARE SOME TRAINING TIPS FROM THE PAST RUNNERS?

  • Be marathon ready as early as possible.
  • Mix multiple long days with rest days to prepare for the back-to-back days.
  • Do more lateral training to prepare for the mountains and switchbacks.
  • You should run hills or stairs at beginning, middle, and end of every run.
  • Do stair training.
  • Do heat training
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Protect your face with sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.
  • Listen to your body!

+ WHAT IS THE RUNNING PACE?

  • Expect at least a one-hour gap between the leader and our final runner.
  • General pace is somewhere between a 8-12 minute mile run.
  • You can run at your own pace.
  • We will not run as a group the entire time.
  • There may be times you will run by yourself, but we will have cyclists and our support trucks circling the runners.
  • We will enforce cut-off times

+ WHAT TIME WILL WE START RUNNING EACH DAY?

We’ll start the run each morning prior to sunrise at 4 AM. On the final day we will start at midnight and run from Port-Au-Prince to Jacmel.

+ Will I be running by myself at times?

There's a high likelihood that you will run solo at times. This will depend on your pace and comfortability. Many runners have paired up with others based on base, ease of conversations, and other factors. However, that comes organically and we in no way influence that decision. It's important that all runners are prepared to run on their own. There will always be an checkpoint roughly every 5K with crew members who are ready and willing to pace you to the next checkpoint.

+ WHAT IF WE NEED TO WALK?

There is some walking done by all runners, listen to your body when you need to slow down and walk.

+ WILL WE RUN ON PAVEMENT?

Yes. Most of the course is pavement with some off-roads.

+ Since the course is not marked, how do we know where to go?

The course is on the main artery of Haiti and is basically on one road. You’ll see a checkpoint roughly every 5K with crew members who will share directions and expectations for the next 5K. Crew members are also stationed at turns and critical junctures to ensure no one gets lost.

+ WHAT IS THE ELEVATION?

You can check out the Elevation Map. 3 miles in vertical elevation up and down, biggest thing you fight is the heat!

+ WHAT IF I NEED A TRAINER?

We do have a couple options for an ultra-marathon trainer we can connect you with. Having a coach and a solid training plan is key!

+ WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE?

There will be an aid station about every 5K or so that will have bottled water, rehydration solutions, some snacks, and medical support available. Each runner is responsible to provide their own gear, nutrition and fuel for the Run. You’ll also be able to access your drop bag at the midway point. Each Support Crew will be assigned a certain role for the Run.

+ WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF THE SUPPORT CREW?

We will have different roles and skill sets joining us on our Support Crew. WORK will staff the crew which will include a medical team, logistics leads, translators, truck drivers, operations leads, social media/communications team, content assistant, film crew, and a bunch of cheering, smiling faces to keep us safe, organized, and prepared for our runners and team! We will continue to hire our family members to be a part of the Support Crew to provide a seasonal job.

+ Can my friend, partner, or family member join me on the Run as crew member?

There are limited spots to crew for the Run as we will continue to hire our family members and local Haitians to be a part of the Support Crew to provide a seasonal job. We recommend your loved one to join us on the Cheer Squad instead and lend their services to crew us to the finish line. More information will be shared once the runners are accepted.

+ WHAT IS THE CHEER SQUAD?

The Cheer Squad joins us from Rest Day to the Finish Line. Your family and friends can apply to join us on the run as members of the Cheer Squad. They will be additional support crew along the route and at the finish line.

+ What do we do when we are not running?

Rest, relax and recover! We also have optional programming in the afternoon if you’d like to explore the community, get to know Haiti’s history and culture, and learn a little Haitian Kreyol. We’ll eat all meals together and you may use the down time as you desire!

FUEL / LODGING

+ WILL WATER, SNACKS, AND GELS BE PROVIDED DURING THE RUN?

Water will be provided every 5K at the aid station. Some snacks and gels are provided to supplement your individual supply. Each runner is responsible to bring their own gear, nutrition and hydration supplements for the run. You should be using what you've trained with and bring it with you to Haiti.

+ WHAT TYPE OF MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED?

Depending on where we stay, some combination of the menu below will be provided. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

  • Breakfast: energy bars, bread, eggs, fruits, coffee
  • Lunch/dinner: mostly Haitian cuisine—rice and beans, plantains, salad, and a meat of some sort (usually chicken, goat, or pork). Pasta is available at some establishments. Fruits are generally served as well. Meats, pasta, rice, fruits, breads, peanut butter, potatoes, corn, and vegetables (depending on where we stay)
  • Drinks: Coffee, juice, soda, and water

+ IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?

Water in water bottles or bags on the street are also generally safe. We do not recommend drinking from any faucets, wells, or bodies of water along the way. We will provide plenty of water during the race and for all meals and rest periods. Feel free to bring a travel size filtration system if you have a sensitive stomach.

+ WHERE DO WE STAY EACH NIGHT?

Depending on the location, we will be staying at a school house or guest house/hotel. Sleeping bag, pad, and mosquito net is required for one of the nights. We will provide a recommended pack list to all runners.

FUNDRAISE

+ HOW MUCH WILL I NEED TO FUNDRAISE AS A RUN ACROSS HAITI® RUNNER?

  • The Run Across Haiti®️ is WORK’s signature fundraiser and its commitment to show that Haiti is not a place to be afraid of or to be pitied. The funds raised is critical to continuing WORK’s services for our families in Haiti.
  • For all runners, the requirement is to raise $5,000 USD to cover all meals, lodging, transportation, activities and some running supplements along with contributing to our Run Across Haiti®️ fundraising goal. This amount does not include airfare. All runners must book their own flights.

+ WHAT IS THE BEST APPROACH TO FUNDRAISING?

  • We will help you set up a Crowdrise fundraising page!
  • Share your story—tell your family, friends, co-workers, peers, neighbors, and your community your reason for running across Haiti and your goals.
  • Provide simple instructions—let your community know how they can get involved in as little steps as possible.
  • Follow up—it takes repeating information seven times for the human brain to remember and process it. Don’t be afraid to remind your community that you’re doing the run and that you need their support to reach your goals.
  • Host a happy hour—Everyone loves a good happy hour! We’ve co-hosted happy hours in cities where our runners are coming from to help spread the word. If you’re interested in hosting a happy hour in your city, our crew will come out and support you. Call a restaurant or bar, ask for special pricing on food/drinks, invite your friends and tell them to bring $20 to donate
  • Engage your employer—Many companies offer a donation match. Does your company match any contributions? What about your family or friends’ employers? It is a tax write off and a great way to reach your goal in half the time
  • Let your neighborhood mom and pop shops support you! Stop by your local coffee shop or other small businesses in your community to see if they would sponsor your run. They can write a check to Work or donate directly on the Crowdrise page and be recognized through our social media channels.

+ WHAT IF I DO NOT HIT MY GOAL?

We will charge your credit card on file for any remaining funds that are not raised.

 
 
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