Pre-race

Q: Do I need to come to packet pickup?

A: Yes, you have to check in and get your race number.  It is best to get there early to get your race shirt and other souvenirs as early as possible to avoid the crush of race day stress and to ensure that you get a souvenir that fits best.

Q: Do I need to read the pre-race emails with directions about race day? 

A: Yes.  Many events will send out important details on race weekend items, including updates on changes to the schedule, parking, the route and more.  Familiarize yourself with these items so that everything goes smoothly for you.  If you don't get emails, be sure to read through the event website, checking links to the schedule, the route, parking, and other race-day operations.

Q: Does every runner always get the exact size shirt that they mark in their registration?

A: Generally, no, not every runner gets the exact size that they mark in their registration.  Some races use the pre-race registration numbers as estimates, while some races require that you take the size you marked.  Some races do not make exchanges, while some events allow exchanges of unworn clothing only after the race.  Check the pre-race email and the race website to understand the rules of that particular event. 

Q: Am I guaranteed a medal at every race?

A: No, not every race includes souvenir medals. The running industry has several models: One model is to provide a finisher's medal to the top X number of finishers (possibly leaving out the slowest finishers).  One model is to give a finisher's medal only to those who finish within a certain finishing time.  Another model is to give a souvenir medal before the race either to every registrant or with a certain limit. A new industry model is to use the a la carte method, where you purchase a souvenir as a stand-alone add-on item.

 

Race Day

Q: On race day, where do I put the race bib number?

A: Use safety pins to pin the number to the front of the shirt.  Make sure it is visible.  The electronic timing system will work better if you do not crumple up the number. 

Q: How much time should I allow on race day from arrival to the start of the race?

A: Many veterans give themselves an hour or so to park, get to the packet pickup, get their items, use the bathroom, and prepare for the race.

Q: If I want to run a different distance, can I just start with that race?  (For example, in a recent race there was a 10k and a 5k, and I wanted to change to the 10k.  Can I just do that and change my race at the last minute?)

A: No.  Nobody will force you to complete a race distance that you don't want to do, but for a range of reasons, you need to check the rules for changing distances.  The race timing system only works when the correct input is received -- if your bib number says 5k and you run the 10k, then everyone's resuts will be skewed.  In some instances, the race directors might think that you are still on the course because your tag does not show that you finished the race for which you registered.  In some races, there is a significant fee difference.  Always check the rules of the event, either in their race webpage or in the pre-race emails.  In many local races, it is also useful to check with the timer to ensure that it is OK to change at the last minute. 

Q: Where do I go to the bathroom before the race?

A: Most races will have portojohns lined up near the start/finish area.  Many runners like to make sure that they allow time go to the bathroom at home, so perhaps ensure that you give yourself enough time to have a smoothly-functioning body before getting to the race.

Q: How do I line up for the portojohns?

A: It is generally best to create a single line in front of every 3 or 4 portojohns, so that the line can move more swiftly every time a stall opens up. It is best to stand close to the doors, rather than farther away -- even a 10 second gap in walking to the stall adds up with hundreds of runners in line.  Not every race will have hand-washing stations, so perhaps be prepared to rinse your hands with your own water bottle after visiting the toilets.  Some veterans also pack extra toilet paper in case the public privees run out.

Q: Where do I go at the start of the race?  How do I line up at the starting line?

A: It is generally best to find a spot in the crowd that approximates your pace.  The faster runners generally line up at the very front, while walkers and those strolling the race often line up towards the back.  In many events, those  planning on running about 5-minutes per mile line up at the front and those planning to take 20 minutes per mile line up at or near the back.  Therefore ,you can line up accordingly in the middle, based on your estimated pace.

Course, Timing, and Results

Q: What does "Stay inside the cones" mean?

A: Many races are on courses that are partially closed to traffic.  The phrase "stay inside the cones" is meant to convey that you want to stay away from the flowing vehicle traffic -- sometimes this is facing the flow of traffic, but not always.  So you want to use the cones or other barricading as a guide to stay away from the dangerous traffic.

Q: What if I am pushing a stroller?

A: For those events that are stroller-friendly, please provide extra space for those near you.  You can still line up by estimated pace, but remember that the stroller can be unwieldy, so be mindful of your neighbors.  Always use the wrist wrap when running with a stroller.

Q: Is it a good idea to wear headphones while running in the race?

A: No, it is not a good idea to wear headphones that block out your hearing.  Single-ear may be OK, but if you cannot hear other people or race personnel or emergency personnel, then you may be creating a hazard.  Some races have rules about aid and prize money, so check the pre-race rules if you think you will win an award.

Q:  Do I need to know where the course goes or can I just follow people in front of me?

A: It is always best to understand the race route.  In case there is nobody immediately in front of you, you can still safely follow the correct route -- and in case someone else makes a mistake, you will know the correct, safe route to follow.

Q: Why does my watch say that I ran longer (or shorter) than the advertised race distance?

A: Courses that are certified as measured correctly must use a precise series of measurements, often following the number of rotations of a wheel, cutting all appropriate tangents.  Not only do runners not cover the same exact measured tangents on a race course, but watches are more accurate than ever, but the satelite measuring is not predicated on the same method as the certification method. 

Q: Why is my watch time different from the official time?  

A: The finishing time is when the runner's race bib technology crosses the finish line technology -- when the two tech items "read" each other the finish time and overall time is recorded.  In terms of the starting time, many races actually provide two official start times: one time begins when the entire race is actually begun, when the first participants at the front of the line is told to begin to run (this is often called something like "gun time" in recognition of the old-fashioned starter's pistol).  The other time is often called "chip time" and it begins time is when the individual runner's race bib technology (sometimes called a "timing chip") crosses the starting line technology.  

Q: Why do I not appear in the results?

A: There are a number of possible reasons: 1) The technology might fail and not "read" correctly.  Sometimes this happens when the race number has been bent, made wet, or otherwise broken -- or when the mats are broken for some reason.  2) You might be in a different event than registration indicates -- for instance, you may have signed up for the 10k event but crossed the start and finish line as part of the 5k event.  3) You might have forgotten to wear your bib, or your bib may have inadvertently been assigned to a different person, or you may have marked "anonymous" in the registration information, or your name may have been misspelled by volunteers.

 

Post-Race

Q:  I missed the race, will you refund my registration or defer me to next year? 

A. In recent years we have been asked on race day and even after the race if refunds could be given or if deferrals can be provided, or if we can mail all the race goodies.  Please note that as much as we understand the challenges we all face with scheduling and unexpected life occurrences, we cannot provide refunds or personal mailings of race items.  It is not financially feasible for us to do this and continue to provide the event.

Q. I paid for the shirt and medal and you are required to mail it to me. When can I expect to receive my mailing?  (This is an actual email we received.)

A. The standard race entry fee provides entry into the event, but does not include mailings of race materials such as shirt, medal, post-race snacks, post-race drinks, or other event weekend items.  Some races around the country will provide pos-race mailings for a fee, but most Tucson-area events do not offer this additional fee-based service.