1. Program Participation & Fundraising Requirement
Participation on the Donate Life New York State (DLNYS) NYC Marathon Charity Team requires each runner to commit to raising a minimum of $5,000 in support of Donate Life NYS.
Runners are encouraged to exceed the minimum fundraising requirement in order to further support DLNYS’s education, outreach, and donor registry initiatives.
In addition to these fundraising requirements, Runners are also responsible for paying their own registration fee to TCS NYC Marathon at the time of registration. All accepted applicants will receive a more detailed description of the registration process and requirements. The cost of participation is $255 for NYRR members and $315 for non-members, plus a 5.7% processing fee.
2. Fundraising Timeline & Final Deadline
Runners are encouraged to make consistent progress toward their fundraising goal throughout the program.
The full $5,000 fundraising minimum must be met no later than four (4) weeks prior to race day.
Donate Life NYS will monitor fundraising progress and provide guidance and support as appropriate throughout the fundraising period.
3. Fundraising Milestones (Encouraged)
Donate Life NYS may recognize and celebrate fundraising progress at various points throughout the program, including but not limited to the following milestone levels:
These milestones are intended for encouragement and recognition purposes only and do not constitute required deadlines or conditions of participation, other than the final fundraising minimum outlined above.
4. What Counts Toward the Fundraising Minimum
All funds raised on behalf of the runner count toward the $5,000 fundraising minimum, including:
5. Fundraising Platform & Tracking
Runners are required to use the official Donate Life NYS fundraising platform for the NYC Marathon Charity Team.
While runners may fundraise through other methods (e.g., personal outreach, events, employer matching programs), all fundraising activity must be tracked and credited through the official platform to ensure accurate reporting and accountability.
6. Matching Gifts
Matching gifts may be applied toward a runner’s fundraising minimum. Matching funds will be credited in accordance with Donate Life NYS’s standard processing and verification procedures.
7. Financial Responsibility for Fundraising Shortfalls
If a runner does not reach the full $5,000 fundraising minimum by four (4) weeks prior to race day, the runner agrees to be financially responsible for any remaining balance.
Donate Life NYS will notify the runner of the shortfall, and the runner must remit payment for the remaining balance directly to Donate Life NYS in a timely manner.
8. Withdrawals & Donation Refunds
If a runner withdraws from the program for any reason, all funds raised on their behalf are non-refundable and will remain with Donate Life NYS to support its mission.
Withdrawal from the program does not relieve the runner of their fundraising obligations as outlined in this policy. Registration fees are also non-refundable.
9. Withdrawal Notification
Runners who need to withdraw from the NYC Marathon Charity Team must notify Donate Life NYS in writing as soon as possible.
Details regarding runner replacement or alternate participation options are subject to the policies and availability determined by the marathon organizing body and will be addressed by DLNYS as information becomes available.
10. Use of Name, Image & Likeness
Participation in the NYC Marathon Charity Team requires runners to grant Donate Life NYS permission to use their name, photograph, and likeness for promotional, marketing, and communications purposes related to the program.
11. Ambassador Role & Code of Conduct
Runners are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on Donate Life NYS and its mission. This includes compliance with fundraising guidelines, program expectations, and applicable event rules.
Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in removal from the charity team at the discretion of Donate Life NYS.
12. Program Changes & Discretion
Donate Life NYS reserves the right to make reasonable program adjustments as necessary due to marathon partner policies, logistical considerations, safety concerns, or other circumstances beyond the organization’s control.
All decisions will be made in good faith, with the best interests of the mission and program participants in mind.
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