The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust’s Sprint for Seniors Bed Race
Downtown Miami, Nov. 1, 2024
One in three people experiencing homelessness are senior citizens, so the Homeless Trust is in a race to get seniors housed. When housed, they need support accessing essentials like household items—pillows, sheets, lightbulbs, etc. Join us on Nov. 1 for our first-ever bed race fundraiser to support seniors with these needs.
Register by emailing: HomelessTrustBedRace@gmail.com
See you in downtown Miami on Friday, November 1!
Rules and Regulations for Beds
Bed Specifications
- Bed Sizes: Only Twin or Full-sized beds allowed; nothing smaller than a twin and nothing larger than a Full-sized bed—no Queen or King beds allowed.
- Bed Construction: Beds must have a sturdy frame with four legs or a stable base, able to support the weight of at least one participant, and must be secured to prevent collapse.
- Bed Decoration: Beds can be decorated to match the team’s theme but must not obstruct the bed’s functionality or safety.
- Mattress: Beds must have a mattress or equivalent padding to ensure participant comfort and safety.
- Wheels: Wheels must be a minimum of 6 inches, and only rubber wheels are allowed; no metal wheels. Here’s a reference for the kind of rubber wheels you can use—see this example!
Costume Design
Participants are encouraged to deck out their bed and wear corresponding costumes. Let’s have fun! Costumes should allow full range of motion and not obstruct vision. Judges have the right to disqualify inappropriately dressed teams.
Race Distance
- The final racecourse length will be around 100 yards, with the final distance announced before the race.
- The course is straight; beds race to the finish line, where their time is recorded.
Timing and Scoring
- Teams will be timed using electronic timing systems or manual stopwatches operated by trained officials.
- The team with the shortest completion time wins; in the case of a tie, there will be a runoff for the fastest time.
- Time-deduction penalties may apply for leaving the course area or obstructing other competitors.
General Safety and Conduct
- Beds will be inspected before the race to ensure safety standards are met. Participants must wear closed-toed footwear—no Crocs or sandals. Helmets, knee, and elbow padding are recommended.
- All pushers and riders must remain in contact with the bed and maintain control until it stops. Losing control results in disqualification.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct or interference with other teams will result in disqualification.
- A first aid station will be available; participants should be aware of its location.
Registration
Congratulations! You are among the first to register for the Homeless Trust’s inaugural “Sprint for Seniors” Bed Race in honor of Homeless Awareness Day 2024. The race will include bathrooms, water stations, snacks, awards, and more.
Registration Fees:
- Nonprofits: $300
- Individuals and Businesses: $1,000
- Bed Rider Donation: $1,000 —a Bed Rider is someone who pays to be the person riding on the bed while it’s pushed by others.
Donations are welcome!
Email homelesstrustbedrace@gmail.com to register. You will receive a call within 24 hours (or by Monday if registering on a Friday or weekend) with instructions. Donations go directly to the Homeless Trust’s Ending Homelessness Fund held by The Miami Foundation. Receipts will be sent by the Foundation.
Quick Start Guide: How to Build a Bed for “Sprint for Seniors!”
Participating in the “Sprint for Seniors” is an amazing way to help struggling seniors get back on their feet! Here’s a quick guide on how to put together a race-ready bed without breaking the bank.
Step 1: Watch for Instructions and Inspiration
Watch this video for some instructions and inspiration.
Step 2: Gather Materials
Essential Items:
- Bed Frame: A lightweight metal or wooden twin or full bed frame.
- Wheels: Four sturdy wheels, preferably swivel wheels for better turning. Wheels must be rubber and at least 6 inches in diameter. For an idea of the type of rubber wheels allowed, here’s an example!
- Plywood or Board: A sturdy piece of plywood to create a flat base for the bed.
- Nuts, Bolts, and Screws: To secure the wheels and other parts to the frame.
- Foam Padding or Mattress: For comfort and safety.
- Handles: Sturdy bars or handles for the pushers to grip.
Optional Decorative Items:
- Fabric: To cover the bed and give it a fun themed appearance.
- Paint and Decorations: Customize the bed according to your team’s theme.
- Team Banner or Flag: Add flair and identity to your bed.
Step 3: Source Your Materials
Tips for Finding Materials on a Budget:
- Thrift Stores and Garage Sales: Look for old bed frames, wheels, and other materials.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle often have free or inexpensive items.
- Local Recycling Centers: Find discarded wood, metal, or wheels.
- Community Donations: Ask friends, family, or local businesses for material donations.
- Scrap Yards: Look for usable wheels, metal parts, or wood.
Step 4: Assemble the Bed
Basic Assembly Instructions:
- Attach the Wheels: Secure four wheels to the corners of the bed frame using bolts or screws. Use plywood to create a base if the frame lacks a flat bottom.
- Reinforce the Frame: Add cross beams or additional plywood to ensure it’s strong enough to hold the rider. Attach handles at a comfortable height.
- Add Padding: Place foam padding or a mattress on the bed for comfort, securing it with straps or Velcro.
- Decorate: Be creative with fabric and paint but ensure safety and mobility.
- Safety Check: Ensure all bolts and screws are tight, the wheels are secure, and the bed is stable. Test the bed with the rider onboard.
Step 5: Test and Adjust
- Test Run: Push the bed around to ensure stability and ease of maneuverability.
- Adjust as Needed: If the bed wobbles or is difficult to steer, adjust the wheels, handles, or add additional support.
Step 6: Race Day Preparations
Final Safety Check: Inspect all parts of the bed to ensure everything is secure.
- Decorate: Add the final touches to your decorations.
- Get Your Team Ready: Match your attire to your bed’s theme and wear helmets and pads for safety.
Shortcuts and Tips:
- Ask for Help: If you’re not handy, enlist someone skilled or trade skills for help.
- Borrow Tools: Don’t buy tools you don’t need—borrow from a friend or neighbor.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to create a functional and fun bed for your race with minimal cost and effort.
Award Categories:
- Speed: Judges will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners for the fastest bed racing team.
- Costume:Judges will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners for best costume and bed décor.
- Best Pre-Event Social Media: Help us raise awareness about senior homelessness and this event by using this team-building moment to jazz up your social media feed. Simply tag @homelessmiami when you post. We’ll be watching to choose overall “best of” posts. Show us your preparation, your team, your practice, your bloopers, we want to see it all!
Good luck and we will see you November 1!!!