FAQs
About Registration
What is the Registration Deadline?
The deadline to register electronically for the Climb is Friday, May 13, 2022 at 12:00 pm. You may register in person on the day of the Climb but you must meet the $100 fundraising total before you start.
What is the cost of registration?
The registration fee is $40. Please see the Event Details tab for additional information.
Is the registration fee tax deductible?
Registration fees are not tax deductible. See Goals & Fundraising section for information about donations made towards your goal.
Is there a minimum age to climb?
Climbers need to be at least 16 years old as of May 15, 2022 to participate (parental consent forms are required for participants age 16 or 17).
Do I have to join a team?
Joining a team is optional, but climbing with a group can be even more fun. All team members are assigned consecutive start times. Participating as a team member does not change your registration fee or fundraising goal -- but your efforts can help your team dominate the leader board. There are no minimum or maximum limits for team size.
How do I start or join a team?
When you register, use the “Start a Team” button to form a new team and the “Join a Team” button if you want to join an existing team. If you decide to start or join a team after you have completed the online registration process, please contact us for assistance.
Are there prizes?
Speed: Medals will be awarded to the top three female and male finishers in each distance. Winners will be contacted in May 2022 and medals will be mailed after the Climb.
Fundraising: Prizes will be given to the top three highest individual fundraisers and highest fundraising team! Winners will be contacted in May 2022.
How do I participate as an Elite Climber?
Please see the Register tab for more information about participating as an Elite Climber.
What can I do if I want to participate but cannot climb?
There are a lot of behind-the-scenes activities that help make the Climb a great experience – and an amazing group of volunteers helps get all of those things done. Join the team that makes it happen on the ground and register as a volunteer. To sign up, click the Register tab, then the New Participant button and select volunteer as your participation type (there is no charge). We will be in touch with you in the weeks leading up to the event with additional information.
If you want to offer your support to the climbers, friends or family, Harvard Stadium is open to the public.
About Goals & Fundraising
What is the minimum fundraising goal?
All participants must commit to raising a minimum of $100. Your non-refundable $40 registration fee does not count towards your fundraising goal. To participate on May 15, climbers are required to have met the required the $100 total fundraising goal. Checks, cash and credit card payments will be accepted on the morning of the Climb.
How do I set my personal fundraising goal?
When you are logged in, click the "Participant Center" button in the top right corner. Under the "What to do next?" section, click on Step 6 "Set a Goal". You may set your personal fundraising goal beyond the required $100. Aim high! Challenge your friends and teammates to outdo your ambitious efforts. Click here for some tips and ideas for how to exceed your goal!
Are donations made on my behalf tax deductible?
Yes. Donors will receive a gift receipt and acknowledgment email on completion of their donation. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.
Where can my contributors go to make a donation?
The fastest and easiest way is to refer your supporters to the personal fundraising page you create on the registration website. For those who prefer to write a check, checks should be made payable to Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County (please write the participant's name on the memo line) and mailed to:
The Ginormous Climb
The Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County
989 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
How can I check my fundraising progress?
You can keep track of your fundraising efforts by utilizing your fundraising page via the registration website. When a donation is made online, it is processed automatically and is added toward your fundraising total. Donations made by check will be processed and counted toward your total within 10 business days after it is received by our office.
What happens if I do not reach my required fundraising goal?
To participate on May 15, climbers are required to have met the required the $100 total fundraising goal. If your goal has not been met, you may provide credit card, check or cash on the day of the event to reach your minimum.
On the day of the Climb
How many steps are there at Harvard Stadium?
Climbers (Elite - Full and Mighty) who complete the full stadium will ascend 31 rows and descend 62 steps in all 37 sections of Harvard Stadium, a grand total of 3,441 steps! Elite - Half and Superhero Climbers who complete the half stadium will tackle 19 sections for a total of 1,674 (just about the same number of steps as the indoor climb at 200 Clarendon). Important Note: This is not your standard stair climb! The Harvard Stadium steps you ascend are actually double-steps measuring about 15" tall. So you will ascend 31 rows of 15" steps and descend 62 standard height steps.
How long will it take to do the Climb?
Depending on the distance chosen and the level of the Climber's physical fitness, it will likely take participants anywhere from 20-90 minutes to complete the Climb.
What happens if it rains on Climb day?
This event is held rain or shine. The steps at Harvard Stadium are textured concrete and safe to climb when wet. There are covered areas for Climbers and spectators to enjoy the lawn games and activities while they wait for their wave time.
When should I arrive? How will I know my start time?
The music and fun will begin when registration opens at 8:30 a.m. The speaking program is scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. and we would love to see as many of our Climbers and spectators there then. If you prefer to arrive later, please plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before your assigned start time. You will be notified by email of your start time in the week prior to the climb. Start times will be assigned beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Can I get a specific time or change my start time?
We cannot guarantee a specific start time for climbers. If you want consecutive start times for you, family and friends, you must form a team. Once bib numbers are assigned, start times cannot be changed.
What should I bring to the event?
For safety reasons, climbers are not allowed to carry water bottles or bags in the stands. Water stations are available at specific, well-marked points throughout the climb.
A free bag check area for personal items will be available near the registration area during the event. The Ginormous Climb, sponsors and affiliates cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen items, so please do not check anything of value.
Can my friends and family attend the climb?
Yes! Harvard Stadium makes for the perfect spot for friends and family of climbers to attend the event and cheer you on. They can enjoy the music, lawn games, and activities on the field and cheer you on from there! Once you're done climbing, you all can enjoy some food from the food trucks and after 1 p.m. you can head over to Notch Brewing for the Superhero After Party!
Can I bring my dog to the climb?
Dogs are not allowed in the concourse or on the field at Harvard Stadium, so please leave your pets at home.
Can a climber stop at any time?
Try to avoid stopping on the stadium steps. If you are fatigued, slow your pace and try to continue climbing to the top concourse or descend to an exit to the lower concourse. If you need to stop, please step out of the path of the other climbers. For everyone's safety, do not stop on the steps Climbers are descending.
If you do not wish to continue, you may descend to the next exit to the lower concourse. If you are unable to do that or are experiencing a medical emergency, ask a fellow participant to alert a rest stop volunteer on your behalf or flag down the medical staff if you can see them from your location.
There will be a certified Athletic Training at each finish line and EMS will be on site should you need any medical attention.
Getting to the Climb
Can I get to Harvard Stadium on public transportation?
You can take the red line T to Harvard Square station. Harvard Stadium (79 N Harvard Street, Allston) is a 12 minute walk over the Anderson Memorial Bridge from there.
Is there parking available?
Yes! There is free parking available right at Harvard Stadium (79 N Harvard Street, Allston). Follow signage to the designated parking area to ensure you are parked near the correct entry gate to the stadium.