Frequently Asked Questions
Event & General Information | Fundraising
General Information
DO I HAVE TO BE GAY TO RUN IN THE BIG GAY 10K?
Of course not...and there will not be a test! The event is meant to be fun for anyone and everyone so all are welcome.
WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE BIG GAY 10K?
The registration fee for Runners is $35.
WHAT IS THE ROUTE OF THE BIG GAY 10K?
The route begins and ends at the Great Meadow at Upper Fort Mason in San Francisco and runs along the San Francisco Bay. It will be an out and back course towards the Golden Gate Bridge and then back to the finish at Upper Fort Mason.
Click here for a map.
WHAT TIME DOES THE BIG GAY 10K START?
Announcements will begin at 8:45am and the 10K will start at 9:00am sharp.
WHERE IS THE STARTING LINE FOR THE BIG GAY 10K?
The start/finish line is in a grassy area called the Great Meadow at Upper Fort Mason. It is located near the intersection of Laguna St. & Bay St.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Carpool, Carpool, Carpool! Limited parking is available at the Fort Mason Parking Lot for a fee on Saturday. We recommend arriving early to find a spot or take public transportation!
CAN I WALK THE BIG GAY 10K?
You may walk, run, skip or prance all the way to the finish line.
WHEN CAN I PICK-UP MY BIB NUMBER AND INCENTIVES?
Packet Pick-up will take place on:
Thursday, August 11th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Sports Basement (1590 Bryant St.)
Friday, August 12th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Intercontinental Hotel (888 Howard St.) Fremont Room
Saturday, August 13th from 8:00am - 8:45am at the start of the race
CAN I HAVE SOMEONE PICK-UP MY BIB NUMER AND INCENTIVES FOR ME?
Yes. They will just need to sign for you and hopefully give your incentives to you.
WHO IS PRODUCING THE BIG GAY 10K AND WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
The event is produced by >1 (Greater Than One) which is the endurance program of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The money raised by the event will help the San Francisco AIDS Foundation prevent new HIV infections.
DO I HAVE TO FUNDRAISE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIG GAY 1OK?
No! Fundraising is completely optional for all participants. All participants have their own fundraising page created once they register that provides them with the tools they need if they do decide to fundraise. See the fundraising FAQ section below for additional information.
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ALL THE RUNNING GEAR I NEED?
If you do not currently have running shoes or proper running attire, we encourage you to visit one of our >1 Partners that can help you select the right shoes for your needs. Visit the >1 Partners section of our website for detailed information and discounts.
HOW LONG IS A 10K?
A 10K is 6.2 miles.
WILL THE EVENT BE TIMED?
Yes, the event this year will be timed using a disposable timing system.
WILL THERE BE AWARDS GIVEN?
Yes. Overall male and female winners will receive awards along with the top 3 males and females in each age division:
18-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
ARE THERE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
Yes! We are always looking for volunteers to help out with various >1 events. You can sign up to volunteer online.
CAN I BRING MY DOG TO RUN IN THE BIG GAY 10K?
For the safety of all the runners and of your dog, we cannot allow dogs to participate in the event.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE BIG GAY TEAM FOR QUESTIONS?
For questions, contact 415-487-3053 or eventinfo@sfaf.org.
Fundraising
DO I HAVE TO FUNDRAISE?
No. Fundraising is optional for all participants in The Big Gay 10K. A personal fundraising page is automatically created for each member upon registration. Of course, we encourage all runners to create a fundraising goal.
WHAT WILL THE FUNDS RAISED BE USED FOR?
The funds will be used to support the programs and services of San Francisco AIDS Foundation and our mission to prevent new infections and promote health among people living with HIV. You can learn more about San Francisco AIDS Foundation by visiting our website at http://www.sfaf.org/.
HOW WILL I RAISE FUNDS IN ORDER TO REACH MY GOAL?
Your >1 Participant Center will have a number of tools for you to use in your fundraising efforts. You'll have access to email templates that you can customize with your personal message and send to potential donors. You will also be able to create a personalized participant homepage that will allow you to track your donations online. Your assigned Participant Representative will also provide you with assistance in the area of fundraising and share ideas and tips on how to reach your goal.
ARE THERE FUNDRAISING INCENTIVES ?
Yes! Runners who decide to fundraise will earn the following incentives:
HOW DO I BUILD A HOMEPAGE TO HELP ME FUNDRAISE?
Go to your Participant Center and follow the easy instructions. You can upload a picture, send emails and create a personal message. Your friends and family can also donate to your account through your homepage.
HOW DO I CHANGE MY PERSONAL FUNDRAISING GOAL?
Once you login to the Participant Center, go to the "modify your personal fundraising goal" button. Enter your new goal and submit the change by selecting the "update fundraising goal" button.
