FAQ

Below are some of our more frequently asked questions, if you don't see your question below, drop us a line at musclewalk@mdausa.org, and we'll do our best to get you your answer.

Registering

Is there a step-by-step guide to registering?  
Download a step-by-step guide to registering here.

I want to register as a member of a team, but I didn't see my team listed.
Your team captain may not have registered yet. Contact your team captain to see if he or she has registered, or if the team name has changed.

Can I register a family member?
Yes. When you reach the "Registration Details" of the registration process you will see the "Save & Add Another Participant" button at the bottom    of  the page. If you choose to do so, you should enter that person's contact information, including a unique email address if they have one. You can register up to 10 people.

Why did I get an email saying I am registered?
Someone from your team registered you for the walk. See the question below for information on logging into your Muscle Walk Dashboard.

Someone registered me. How do I log into my Dashboard?
If someone registered you and provided your email address, you will get an email indicating that you've been registered for Muscle Walk and providing a link for you to verify your account. Once you've changed your password you can log into your Dashboard and start fundraising.

Who do I contact if I need help with the website?
Please contact the local staff member listed on the front page of the event website.

Can I register for more than one walk?
You can register for multiple events using the same email address and password. No need to login before you start registering for your second event, as you can log in to your account during the registration process. If you want to switch between your different fundraising pages for each event, you will see a toggle in the 'Dashboard' section, located in the top black bar once you are logged in.

I do not see a walk listed in my hometown. How can I bring Muscle Walk to my community?
New walk sites are added every year thanks to the interest and support of local volunteers. If you are interested in hosting a Muscle Walk event in your community, contact musclewalk@mdausa.org.

Day of the Event

Please note that MDA Muscle Walk events vary slightly. Check your local event's page for specific details and exact start times.

How long is the Muscle Walk?
Most Muscle Walk events are 3K to 5K in distance.

What happens if it rains on walk day? 
Muscle Walk events are rain or shine, so you may need to bring an umbrella or a poncho. In the event of severe weather, MDA staff may cancel or postpone an event. This information will be communicated through an event email.

Are the routes accessible to people who use wheelchairs or scooters? 
Yes. All our routes are accessible for participants in wheelchairs or scooters, as well as families with strollers or wagons.

Does it cost anything to participate in the walk?
Registration for the event is free. We encourage everyone to fundraise, and each walker who raises $100 will get a participant T-shirt. You may also qualify for other great prizes as you continue to fundraise.

How can I get a participant T-shirt?
During your online registration, you will indicate what size t-shirt you would like. Each registered walker who raises a minimum of $100 online will receive a t-shirt. Offline donations (checks, cash, etc…) will be added to your online total 3-5 business days after receipt by your local MDA team.  The t-shirts will be distributed by your local MDA team.

When will I receive my t-shirt?

  • DAY OF EVENT: Each registered walker who raises a minimum of $100 online four weeks before the Muscle Walk will receive their t-shirt on the day of the event. 
  • AFTER THE EVENT: Each registered walker who reaches $100 online after the four-week cutoff will receive a shirt approximately 4-6 weeks after the event. Donations must be received no later than 7 days after the event to be eligible for the t-shirt.

What if a friend wants to come along at the last minute and isn't registered?
No problem. They can register the morning of the event as a team member or individual walker at the event check-in/registration tent.

Can I bring my dog?
Some sites have restrictions on dogs. Please reach out to your local event contact.

Participant Dashboard

A customizable Participant Dashboard is available to each registered participant.

How do I log into my Dashboard?
Click on the "Login" link at the top of the screen. Spaces to enter your email and password will pop up.If you still need assistance, contact the staff member listed on the front page of the event website or email musclewalk@mdausa.org.

Is my username and password the same as last year?
No, we are using a new website and you will need to make a new login and password using your email address.

What do I do if I forgot my password?
You can reset your password at any time. Click on the "Forgot Password?" link and you will receive an email with your information.

What can I do in my Dashboard?

  • Make a self-donation. Those who do tend to raise twice as much as those who do not.
  • Send emails to family, friends, co-workers or anyone else you would like to ask to donate to your fundraising efforts for MDA Muscle Walk. We've even provided sample emails you can use.
  • Update your personal page with your #WhyIWalk story and a photo.
  • Upload your personal address book.
  • Monitor your fundraising progress and send thank you emails to those who have donated to your fundraising efforts.

Fundraising & Donations

Is there a fundraising minimum?
Registration for the event is free. We encourage everyone to fundraise, and each walker who individually raises $100 will get a participant T-shirt. You may also qualify for other great prizes as you continue to fundraise.

How do I raise money?
Once you register, you'll receive a link to your personal Dashboard, where you can create a customized Web page and send donation requests via email or share your page on social media. MDA staff are ready and willing to help you brainstorm fundraising ideas and events.

Where does the money I raise go?
The dollars we raise together enable MDA to fund research breakthroughs across diseases, care for kids and adults from day one, and empower families with services and support. Visit mda.org to learn more.

Does the money I raise help people in my community?
Yes. The funds raised through local events, including Muscle Walk, help individuals with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases in your community and in hometowns across America. These funds help accelerate research breakthrough, provide state-of-the art care and support and send local kids to the best week of their year at MDA Summer Camp.

How do I donate to someone online?
To make an online donation, follow these steps: 1) Click the "Donate To This Event" button in the center of the page under the banner 2) Search for the walker/team you want to support; 3) Select donate next to the walker/team you’d like to support

To whom do I make checks payable? 
Make checks payable to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

How do I turn in money/checks/donations?
It is preferred that you send in the offline donation form and your donations to your local MDA office when you receive them so MDA can post your donations to your personal page within five days of receipt. You may also bring the form and donations with you to the event.

I have donations, but I am unable to participate in the event. 
You can still turn in donations and be eligible for all the incentives as if you were there the day of Muscle Walk. Simply mail your donations to your local Muscular Dystrophy Association office.

What if my company wants to match my donations? 
Contact your company's human resources department to find out if your company has a matching gifts program, or search mda.org/matchmygift. Encourage your donors to do the same.

I am unable to attend but would like to fundraise. How do I do this? 
You can still register and fundraise online or make a general donation.

What is the Circle of Strength? 
MDA's Circle of Strength is an exclusive group of participants who go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts. To join the Circle of Strength in 2019, raise $500 or more. As a registered Muscle Walk participant, you will qualify for each of the Circle of Strength items at the $500 and $1,000 fundraising levels, as well as one of prizes based on your fundraising total. View these incentives here. You'll also be recognized during your local walk.

Thank You to Our National Partners

 

Muscle Walk National Partners