ABOUT THE RACE FOR RESEARCH: A VIRTUAL RACE TO SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION FOR SMFM CAMPAIGN
THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSOR
 
 
The Foundation for SMFM’s Race for Research (formerly known as the 5K Race) is going virtual again in 2022. Get moving starting January 1 and log 36 "miles" for the Foundation for SMFM with your favorite fitness activity!
 
Together We Are M-F-M: Motivation, Fitness, Miles. The maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) community is close knit AND competitive, and our virtual race will give you a chance to support the mission of the Foundation while staying connected with your MFM colleagues whether you plan to attend #SMFM22 in person or virtually.
 
#RaceForResearch participants are not limited to walking, running, or biking/cycling. Maybe you golf, swim, dance, hike, row, or even meditate. No matter what your favorite wellness activity is, you can register for the race and continue to do the things that you normally do to stay active while supporting the Foundation.
 
Who can participate?
The #RaceForResearch is open to everyone – so invite your office staff, family, and friends to participate! Register individually, pay it forward and give a free registration to a Fellow, or create a team with your practice or your division/department (refer to the FAQs below for information on how to create a team). Each team can set their own fundraising and fitness goals while contributing to the overall campaign goal.
 
How does my participation help support the Foundation?
Foundation for SMFM programs help to launch, expand, and change the careers of MFMs. In 2020, we awarded over $360,000 in funding to MFMs and those aspiring to enter the field. Your support of the Foundation is vital to the continued success of our programs and our operations.
 
Program Highlight
Garite Mini-Sabbatical Grants. Dr. Thomas Garite was instrumental in the creation of the mini-sabbatical program in 2008 during his time as Chair of the Board of Directors. Practicing MFMs and MFM fellows, including international members of SMFM, receive funding for a research project or clinical experience with a mentor at another institution for up to eight weeks.
 
 
 
How do I get started?
• Register today! Starting January 1, you will have 36 days to reach the goal of 36 "miles" and every "mile" you log will help us reach our overall goal of 22,000 "miles" and $70,000 by February 12, 2022. UPDATE: the virtual race has been extended through 11:59pm EST on Saturday, February 12!
 
• When registering you will be prompted to select an Activity Type. You may select any of the options (e.g., walk, run, bike, other) as your participation is not limited to these activities. You can rotate your activities throughout the campaign (see Activity Conversion Chart below) and you will be able to enter all of your "miles" into the app or platform either by manually entering the distance or by syncing your activities from your fitness tracker or smartwatch.
 
• Watch your email in December for pre-race reminders and bib information.
 
• Sync your Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Google Fit, Misfit, or Strava by January 1. No wearable? No problem. Download the free Charity Footprints app on iOS or Android to track your progress.
 
• Connect with your social network. Post that you’ve registered for the #RaceForResearch. After the race has started, share your progress on social media and/or the race platform’s scrapbook page by posting pictures and short videos of you – wearing your race t-shirt and bib – to spread the word and invite folks to support your progress by donating. Tag @FNDNforSMFM and @MySMFM and add the #RaceForResearch hashtag to your posts to start a social media movement!
 
• Keep an eye on this site to stay up to date on our fitness and fundraising progress. Watch the leaderboard to see how you compare with your colleagues and friends.
 
• Reach the 36-mile goal by February 12 and receive a prize. Prizes will also be awarded to the individual and team fitness and fundraising winners! UPDATE: the virtual race has been extended through 11:59pm EST on Saturday, February 12!
 
How do I track my progress and convert activities into miles?
You can participate in the #RaceforResearch by doing pretty much anything that gets your heart rate up! Refer to the How It Works and FAQs sections below for more information on tracking your distance and setting up your device. Use the map below to see how you, your team and everyone else is collectively moving toward our goals. For activities that cannot be measured in steps or miles, please refer to the Activity to Steps Conversion Chart below. If you don't see your favorite activity, simply use it as a guide (we trust you to use your judgement).
 
Activity to Steps Conversion Chart
(click to download a pdf of the conversion chart)
 
 
If you have questions about the race that are unrelated to the Charity Footprints platform please contact the Foundation for SMFM.
 
We thank you in advance for supporting the Foundation for SMFM and its mission: Advancing care in pregnancy through research and education.
 
Individual Leaderboard
Team Leaderboard
 
FITNESS GOAL
COMPLETED: 21,387 miles
TARGET: 22,000 miles
FUNDRAISING GOAL
RAISED: $ 63,219
TARGET: $ 70,000
You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong. ~ Sue Fitzmaurice
Come join us and leave your footprints around the world!
HOW IT WORKS
Register for the campaign and set your fitness & fundraising targets.
Click here to set-up your devices (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Health Connect By Android, Misfit, Strava), or download our iOS or Android apps.
Share your story and raise funds & awareness.
Track workouts anywhere & anytime and complete goal.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
FOUNDATION FOR SMFM
Empower and support the SMFM members and their colleagues by creating mentored opportunities, developing innovative initiatives, and promoting evidence-based programs.

Read more about the organization >>

HOW YOUR PARTICIPATION HELPS
The Foundation for SMFM launches, expands and continues the careers of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists. In 2020, we awarded over $360,000 in funding to MFMs and those aspiring to enter the field. Your support of the Foundation is vital to the continued success of our programs and our operations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?

Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.

Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.

What is the campaign registration fee?

Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.

The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.

How can I create my fundraising page?

Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.

How will I track my distance?

You can track your workouts by setting up your devices (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch, Health Connect By Android, Misfit, Strava), or download the Charity Footprints' iOS or Android app and track your workouts toward this campaign. ?>

If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.

How do I join a team on this campaign?

While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.

I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?

All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.

Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?

The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.

That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.

Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.

Who can I contact if I need help?

You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.

How do I change or switch my team?

If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.