Q: WHAT DATE AND TIME IS THE EVENT TAKING PLACE?

The RAE Earth Activity Relay Challenge is not tied to a certain point in time like a bike ride or a timed running event. EarthARC runs from March 4, 2019 (World Wildlife Day) through December 31, 2019.  A participant can enjoy the outdoor activity they select at anytime and anywhere they choose.

Q: WHERE IS THE EVENT TAKING PLACE?

The RAE Earth Activity Relay Challenge takes place at whatever location a participant chooses to perform their favorite outdoor activity.  Whether you choose to do the activity by yourself as a lone wolf or in a pack with friends, coworkers or loved ones (including your pet), you select the time and place.  Therefore, you can hike, walk, run, paddle or swim at whatever destination suits your desire and needs.

Q: WHY DOES THE EVENT LIST A RANDOM (BUT COOL) PLACE AS THE PHYSICAL LOCATION AND ADDRESS?

The Active.com platform that we are using to register participants requires a specific existing physical address to set up an event – even a “virtual” outdoor activity challenge like EarthARC.  We decided to use iconic environmentally significant locations as our event anchors.  Hopefully you find the symbolism inspiring and educational as much as we did!

Q: WHAT IF I DON’T SEE MY FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY AS AN OPTION?

Please send us your ideas and we will try to add it as an option!

Q: WHAT IS A “SHOWER TIMER” AND WHY WOULD I NEED ONE?

We cannot comment on anyone’s own hygiene decisions; however, we did team up with the AM Conservation Group to create a 5-minute shower timer that allows one to time their shower to save time, money and water (and the cost of heating your shower water which truly reduces your carbon footprint).  The shower timer harnesses extremely old school technology by utilizing a sand dial encased in plastic and secured and removable via a suction cup.

Q: WHAT IS A “FULE”?

A frequently used lame excuse aka “FULE” are typical reasons given by those who feel that they are too busy to help preserve their planet and their own habitat.  We at RAE have organized physical 5K races for decades and have heard virtually every excuse in the books on why a friend, coworker, family member, pet or loved one could not register for the event.  We therefore invented the virtual EarthARC to thwart any such excuse since one can select their own time, location and activity to complete.  Even one who does not want to leave their own couch can register as a Sloth and still participate and help preserve their natural world!

Q: HOW TO TAG FRIENDS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND COWORKERS AND AVOID THE FULE!

We have many options to spread the word!

1) Facebook through stories/pictures on our Facebook page!

2) Instagram - post a picture with the hashtag  #EarthARC

3) Twitter – Tweet your support for mother nature using @RaceAgainstXtinction or using #EarthARC

4) Snapchat!

If don’t see your number one reason to be outdoors or have an idea for a new category or any other suggestions, please contact us at [email protected]

Q:  WHAT IF MY FAVORITE CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION IS MISSING FROM THE REGISTRATION QUESTION DROPDOWN?

There is limited availability within the dropdown menu, but we are always willing to help you support any nonprofit conservation organization.  Just select “Other” from the dropdown question during the event registration process and you will be asked to write in your favorite nonprofit organization.  It’s that easy. However, our legal team told us that we have to tell you that we reserve the right to verify that the organization you write in is truly a nonprofit on the up-and-up that we can donate your net registration proceeds towards. 

Q: CAN A CELEBRITY PARTICIPATE WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING HARASSED BY THE PAPARAZZI?

After years of organizing typical timed 5K events, we were inundated with requests from various celebrities (who we promised we would not identify) who wanted to participate but feared that their presence would divert attention from our underlying cause to preserve as much of the planet’s biodiversity to help all species including humans survive the race against extinction.  The celebrities were also often seeking to avoid mobs and paparazzi taking countless pictures of them and their loved ones (including their pets and young children).  One of the reasons we designed EarthARC was so that celebrities could also participate in our events.  Their presence is welcome and if they so choose to post a picture or message of their participation on their favorite social media using the #EarthARC so be it.  Who are we to judge or beg?

Q: CAN I DO THE EARTH ACTIVITY RELAY CHALLENGE MORE THAN ONCE?

Yes, you can!  In fact, if you register three times or more you will be listed on our All-Species Wall of Fame.  If your multiple registration includes at least one land-based activity and one water-based activity you will be listed on our Amphibian All-Star Wall of Fame.

Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER FOR EARTHARC?

The registration fee is $25 and there is a small processing fee that active.com charges that you are responsible for.  RAE does its best to maximize how much of your registration fee goes to the conservation organization that you choose.  Since we have no employees or paid staff and no physical office other than the coffee shops that serve as our “headquarters” from time to time we challenge any event to beat us in how much of an event registration fee goes to a charity!