FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All routes take place on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Walkers, runners and bikers participating remotely in Badger Challenge’s Global Program can complete their route between Sunday, September 22 – Sunday, October 6, 2024.

Yes, with some exceptions. We will try every effort to hold the event in full but we also want to keep all of our participants safe.

In the event of severe weather, we will first try to delay start times. If the delay makes it impossible for a route to finish in the designated time, we will have those riders drop down to the next distance.

If the weather makes it unsafe to ride, all bikers are encouraged to participate in our 5K run/walk.

We will update participants via email and social media throughout the week and event day. We will also make announcements on site if severe weather hits after participants have already arrived to the site.

Yes! We encourage our riders and donors to use Badger Challenge logos in their emails, social posts, fliers and custom gear. Please see our resources on our Fundraising Tips and Ideas page. We also include Marketing Tools for ways to improve your fundraising campaign.

Tentative 2024 Packet Pickup Schedule:

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Wisconsin Institute of Medical Research (WIMR) Lobby – 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705

10:00AM – 3:00PM

*There is no free parking available for this packet pickup.  $5 special event parking in lot 76 (2501 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

REI Madison – 7483 W Towne Way, Madison, WI 53719

4:30PM -8:00PM

*free onsite parking

Friday, September 20, 2024
Cabela’s  – 1350 Cabela Dr, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

11:00AM – 8:00PM

*Free onsite parking

Sunday, September 22, 2024
American Family Insurance Headquarters, Parking Lot 4
6:00 AM-12:00 PM

Global participant shirts and medals will be mailed to all participants by Sunday, September 22.

Absolutely! We encourage all riders to create custom jerseys, shirts or any other swag! Send us an email (hello@badgerchallenge.org) and we’d be happy to assist!

An email will be sent no later than end of day on the Monday following the Badger Challenge that will include a link to all photos. Participants will be able to search for photos by their bib or bike helmet number.

Please note: This email will come from Focal Flame Photography (not Badger Challenge) and may be in your spam or clutter folder. 

Prior to event weekend: Email hello@badgerchallenge.org and let us know what size shirt you’d like and we will make that change. Please note: after Monday, August 19 we cannot guarantee that your alternate shirt size will be available. If it isn’t available, please see instructions on exchanging your shirt day-of.

Event weekend: Shirts may not be exchanged during packet pick-up. Shirts may be exchanged at the Information Tent starting at 12:30 PM on Sunday, September 22 after all participants have checked in.

To keep all of our participants and volunteers safe, we ask that you keep your pets safe at home on event day. Only service animals are allowed on site and on course.

Yes! Non-walkers, runners and bikers can attend the post-event celebration and can access the finish line and kids’ activity area for free. If your friends and family would like to join you for lunch, wristbands can be bought at our ticket tent located right before you enter our food service and dining area.

Please note: all non-participant guests are asked to park at our run/walk satellite parking lot located at Alliant Energy (4902 N Biltmore Ln.) and take the shuttle to and from the main event site as on-site parking is needed for our bikers and their equipment.

Bikers: Ramp parking is available on-site at American Family Insurance (main event site) on Sunday, September 22 all day. Please note: roof bike racks will not fit in the ramp so please use the left lane of the driveway to pull over and take your bike off prior to entering the ramp.

Run/Walkers: Event parking is located at Alliant Energy (4902 N Biltmore Ln.) with a shuttle running to and from the main event site (American Family Insurance) from 6:45 AM-5:30 PM. The complimentary shuttle runs every 10 minutes.

We do not offer deferrals but all participants can transfer their registration to another person or change their distance.

Please see transfer instructions below.

Yes, you can transfer your registration until Monday, September 2. Please contact hello@badgerchallenge.org with your information and email address for the person you’re transferring to. They will then be sent a transfer link.

Yes, you are able to change your route at any time by logging in to your registration or contacting hello@badgerchallenge.org. Please note that the fees differ between routes/distances.

Participants are allowed to change routes/distances up until the day of. If changing routes/distance day-of, please arrive at your new route time and follow that route’s arrows.

Yes! Please email us at hello@badgerchallenge.org and let us know you’d like to switch to the Global Program. Participants may also switch from a Global Participant to joining us on-site. Please note that there may be an additional fee for in-person participation. If you are switching to the Global Program on or before September 2 you will receive your shirt and medal by Sunday, September 22.

Transfers to the Global Program are not permitted after September 2. 

The 100-mile and 100K bike routes require participants to be 18+. All other routes are open to all ages but we do require participants under the age of 18 be accompanied by an adult. Please keep in mind that all bike routes (except for the 5K) do take place on open roads and cyclists should be aware of all Wisconsin bike laws.

Badger Challenge provides a 5K bike and 5K Run/Walk route catered to participants of all ages.

While we do not require participants to fundraise a minimum amount, we do stress that Badger Challenge is a fundraising event with a mission of advancing cancer research at UW-Madison and highly encourage all participants 18 and older to strive to raise $1000 in the $1K Challenge. We provide many resources for all fundraising ambitions on our Fundraising Tips and Ideas page to help encourage all participants to share their involvement and gain support.

Your registration fee gets us to the start line, your fundraising gets us to the finish line. Every single dollar raised helps fund vital research and treatment programs that benefit our patients and their families. Most of our participants raise money in small, attainable increments and our Fundraising Toolkit can help get you started.

The $1K Challenge is only a suggested fundraising amount, it is not mandatory. Therefore, if you do not meet the $1K Challenge there will be no penalty.

• Long sleeve participant shirt
• Participant medal
• Morning refreshments before your event
• Food and beverage at all aid stations
• Mechanic support at bike rest stops
• On-site gear check
• On-site bike corral
• Meal provided at our post-event celebration
• Kids’ activity area featuring inflatables, face painting, balloon making, crafts and lawn games

Registration is non-refundable but can be transferred. Please contact hello@badgerchallenge.org if you wish to transfer your registration to another person. If you cancel, any dollars you have already raised will still go to our fundraising goal and mission.

Registration is also non-refundable in the event that Badger Challenge has to be canceled due to natural Force Majeure events.

First, register as an individual. When you come to the fourth page of registration (fundraising page) you will have the option to start a team. Pick a name and ask all of your friends, family and neighbors to join!

Everyone on your team does not have to register for the same route or discipline.

Log in to your account and under your Profile, click on “Upcoming Events” and then select on “Manage Registration” and that will take you to your Badger Challenge registration page. On the top toolbar (gray), select “Fundraiser” and you’ll be taken to your individual fundraising page. Scroll down to “Join a Team Fundraiser” and select the dropdown and find your team. Make sure to save your change and you’re all set!

You can also email us at hello@badgerchallenge.org with the name of the team you’d like to join and we can add you at any time!

On the first page of the registration page, there is an “Add Another Registrant” button after the course options. Use this as many times as you need and this will allow you to register everyone at the same time and make one payment.

Please note: The registration page requires you to select who you are registering (Myself, Friend 18+ or Minor) so be sure to click these buttons for each new registrant.

When logging in to your profile, Please click the “Forgot Password” link when you try to sign in.

Online registration is open up until the start time of each individual event on Sunday, September 22.

Please note: To guarantee your finisher shirt and medal, participants need to register by Monday, August 19.

Kids 2 and under are free to participate but will not receive a shirt and medal. Kids 3 – 12 can participate for a discounted fee of $25 for any of the 5k routes (walk, run, bike). To guarantee a shirt size for your child, please register on or before August 19.

Rest stops are located throughout the multiple bike routes to appropriately assist participants with nutrition and relief. The bike courses contain rest stops approximately every 10-15 miles and include:

• Food and Beverage (water and electrolytes)
• Bathrooms
• Medical support provided by licensed staff
• Mechanic bike support provided by trained professionals

Bike Rest Stop Mile Markers:

• 100-Mile: 8, 16, 28, 45, 59, 77, 90
• 100K: 8, 16, 28, 45, 57
• 50K: 8, 15, 21
• 25K: 8

We have five different routes with staggered start times (see below). To view course maps, please visit the Bike page.

• 100 Mile: 7:00 AM
• 100K: 7:30 AM
• 50K: 9:00 AM
• 25K: 10:00 AM
• 5K: 11:00 AM

If you are concerned about timing and would like to start your ride earlier than the route start, you are able to do so, but please note that you will not have police and course marshal support at intersections and will need to follow all rules of the road and exercise caution.

All routes except for the 5K bike are on open roads.

Please note that police and course marshal support is provided on course at some intersections to increase the safety of all participants. However, this does not mean the intersection is closed to traffic. Riders will need to obey all traffic laws at intersections with or without police or course marshal support.

Standard rules of the road:

• Use proper cycling terms such as “On your left” when communicating with your fellow riders and announce upcoming hazards.
• Use proper hand signals when turning.
• Ride as far to the right as possible and pass on the left.
• Ride no more than two riders wide and single file when traffic is present.
• Be aware of intersections and all cross-traffic.
• Move off the road if you need to stop or get off your bike for any reason.
• Ensure the road is clear when entering back on to the road after stopping.

Helmets must be worn by all participants.

Our event site closes by 6:00 PM. All riders who plan to take advantage of the post-event celebrations should plan accordingly.

Please note that all 100-Mile bikers must reach the 100-Mile/100K split at Deerfield Rd and South Jargo road by 12:00 PM. Any 100-Mile bikers not making the 12:00 PM cut-off will be routed to the 100K route. Cut-off is located between miles 46 and 47.

We provide on-course support in the form of Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles. If you need assistance on-course at any time and do not see one of our vehicles, please call 608-316-5755. This number is for our on-site dispatcher who will radio our staff to provide support.

Our SAG vans will roam each course and have supplies to assist in fixing your bike. Each rest stop will also have a mechanic who can assist you. Please note that the support and gear volunteers may fix your bike on-course or they may transport you and your bike to a rest stop in order to provide assistance to other riders to ensure everyone gets up and running as soon as possible.

We allow bikes of all types including recumbent bikes and handcycles in addition to bikes with bicycle trailers and child bike seats. E-bikes are also allowed.

Please be aware that our courses are on roads with regular vehicle traffic so we do ask that you are comfortable riding with your type of bike and any attachments. Please ensure that your bike is in working order. We do have on-site and on-course mechanics but they are only able to fix minor issues.

Unfortunately, we do not rent bikes day-of but please visit one of the area’s local bikes shops and inquire about bike rental.

Yes! Trailers are allowed as long as you are comfortable riding with one on open roads that will have vehicle traffic. We also ask that you start to the back of your route group to keep everyone safe.

We ask that bikers do not wear headphones for safety purposes. All participants (except 5k) participant on open roads and streets with cars traveling at speeds up to 55 mph and all participants need to be aware of their surroundings.

If you cannot finish for any reason, there will be on-course transport vehicles that will return you and your bike back to the Badger Challenge site. If a SAG van picks you up, they may transport you to the nearest rest stop or back to site. Riders are more than welcome to have a personal contact pick them up.

If you have an emergency or see an emergency on-course, please call 911.

Support and gear vehicles are on all courses and can provide non-emergency services. There will also be licensed medical personnel at each rest stop.

If you are involved in an emergency situation and need to be taken to the hospital, the medical staff will relay your information to our on-site dispatcher in order to communicate with your emergency contact and your bike will be brought back to the Badger Challenge site.

Aid stations are located approximately every mile. Support and services at each aid station include:

• Food and Beverage (water and electrolytes)
• Bathrooms

To view course maps, please visit the Run/Walk page

Half Marathon: 8:00 AM

5K Run: 12:00 PM

5K Walk: 12:30 PM

Half Marathon: Roads and streets will be open to cross-traffic but a running lane will be blocked off. All major intersections will be supported by police.

5K Run/Walk: Yes! The 5K run/walk course takes place on a completely closed road within the American Family Grounds.

If you cannot finish for any reason, please call 608-316-5755 or let a volunteer at the nearest aid station know. A transport vehicle will take you back to the finish at American Family Headquarters.

If you have an emergency or see an emergency on-course, please call 911.

For non-emergency medical needs, call 608.316.5755 or go the the nearest rest stop.

If you are involved in an emergency situation and need to be taken to the hospital, the medical staff will relay your information to our on-site dispatcher in order to communicate with your emergency contact.

All Half Marathon runners and walkers should finish by 11:30 AM which is a 16-minute per mile pace.

Strollers are allowed on our 5k run and walk. We also ask that participants with a stroller start near the back to keep everyone safe.

Yes, walkers and runners are allowed to wear headphones but please be aware that our half marathon route takes place on shared roads where cars may be traveling 25+ mph.

Kids 2 and under are free to participate but will not receive a shirt and medal. Kids 3 – 12 can participate for a discounted fee of $25 for any of the 5k routes (walk, run, bike). To guarantee a shirt size for your child, please register on or before August 19.

Make your check out to: University of Wisconsin Foundation

Mail your check to:

Badger Challenge
1111 Highland Ave.
WIMR 3157
Madison, WI 53705

Along with your check, please include:

• First and Last Name of participant or team fundraiser you’re making the donation to
• Your email address if you would like an email confirmation

Yes! The University of Wisconsin Foundation will send a letter after Badger Challenge stating your donation for tax purposes.

Yes both via email and mail. For any transaction made through our online system, you will receive an email immediately following your transaction. This email will come from GiveSignUp so check your spam or clutter if you do not see this email.

The University of Wisconsin Foundation will send letters to all donors after Badger Challenge to the address provided at the time of donation.

Yes, on our website, on the upper right-hand corner, hit Donate. When you scroll down you have the option to search for an individual or team. Select your chosen individual or team and you can then donate.

If donating via check, please put the participant’s name or the team name in the memo.

100% of all participant raised funds are used by researchers at the University of Wisconsin to advance cancer research and to serve cancer patients and their families in Wisconsin and beyond.

We ensure that every single dollar of participant raised funds goes to fund research, NOT operational or administrative costs as these costs are covered by your registration fee and our generous sponsors. Dollars raised are used immediately by our researchers and you can learn more about how they’re using these funds for innovative research on our Scholars page.

We encourage teams to raise money however they would like! Each participant has their own fundraising page that can accept donations. If an individual is part of a team and has their account linked to that team page, any funds collected on their individual page are also added to the team total. Individuals who wish to receive the fundraising incentive must fundraise using their individual link.

Please note: If a donation is made directly to the team page that donation will not be credited to any individual participant.

Company matching is a fantastic way to make your fundraising dollars go further! Below is the information most companies need to match and we are happy to provide any documentation of your fundraising and/or registration. If you need any other information for company matching, please contact hello@badgerchallenge.org.

EIN: 39-0743975

Account Reference: 12580049

General fundraising close: October 16

Participants who achieve one of the fundraising milestones will be invited to a recognition night in late October to receive their fundraising incentive.

You will receive an automatic confirmation email after signing up. You will receive an email at least two weeks prior to the event with the details of your shift.

Yes, but we ask that any changes or cancellations be made by August 15 to our Volunteer Coordinator. After August 15, we cannot guarantee changes.

We will provide you with a short sleeve t-shirt to wear for the day, but please wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are appropriate for the day’s weather.

On Sunday, we have a gear check and changing tent that is available to all our volunteers.

We will provide food for our volunteers as a thank you. If you have specific food allergies or will be out on the course, please feel free to pack snacks and water. Course volunteers are more than welcome to grab a snack or food at the main site prior to or after your shift.

14+ without parental or guardian supervision. Anyone under 14 can volunteer with adult supervision.

Please note: Certain volunteer tasks require specific age minimums even with adult supervision for legal and safety purposes.

We ask that volunteers sign-up by September 1 so we can best plan for each area to ensure a successful event. After September 1, please email our Volunteer Coordinator directly.

If your group wants to sign up for different tasks and areas, please feel free to send them directly to the online registration page. If your group would like to stay together and volunteer for the same task, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.

• Long sleeve participant shirt
• Participant medal
• Dedication bib

Of course! Please email us at hello@badgerchallenge.org and let us know what in-person route you’d like to switch to.

Please note that in-person routes may have a higher registration fee and you’ll be charged the difference when the switch is made.

No you do not need to upload your time/and or distance. But we would love for you to share a picture on social media of you completing your global event and tagging @badgerchallenge so we can celebrate with you.

Registration closes on September 2 for our Global Program. All participants will receive their shirt and medal prior to Sunday, September 22.

Feel free to complete your route whenever it works best for you! If completing your route before Sunday, September 22, note that you may not have your shirt and medal.