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13.1 FAQ

 

REGISTRATION

Are the shirts gender specific?

Yes, you can designate unisex or women's cut when registering. 

Is there a minimum age limit to participate?

Runners must be at least 12 years old on race day and must register with a parent or guardian's permission and waiver.  They must be able to maintain the minimum pace and finishing guidelines listed above.  Sorry, no exceptions.

I can't make the race now. Can I get a refund?

No, each registrant is required to acknowledge before submitting their registration that we do not offer refunds. Packets which are not picked up by the time the race starts will have the shirts forfeited to racers who registered after the shirt deadline.  They cannot be picked up later or mailed out.

I'm injured.  Can I defer my registration until the following year?

We understand sometimes things happen after registering early for a race.  However, we do need to place some limitations on deferrals.  Friends who registered to run the race with you would not be eligible for the deferral. If there are other emergencies, we may address on a case-by-case basis when documentation is submitted.  We cannot defer registration due to weather/travel conditions.

I registered after the shirt deadline.  Can I still get a shirt?

Following the awards ceremony, remaining shirts will be available for trade first, and then for those with late registration.  You must show your bib.  In-person registration is not eligible for a shirt, so please register online!

Can I register at the Expo?

No. Registration closes online 4/2/25. There will be no expo or race day registration. 

PACKET PICKUP AND EXPO

When is packet pick up?
You can pick up your packet, bib and shirt from 4pm – 8pm on the Friday before the race or from 6:30am – 7:15am race day, at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 701 E Adams Street, Springfield, Illinois, 62701

Is there a race Expo?
The Expo is from 4pm – 8pm on the Friday before the race at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 701 E Adams Street, Springfield, Illinois, 62701. Many vendors and sponsors will be on hand with giveaways and information.

Can I pick up my packet on race day?
Race day pickup is from 6:30am – 7:15am, but we encourage runners to make an effort to attend the Expo on Friday.

Can I have someone pick up my packet for me?

Yes.

Where do I park?

There is ample Expo and race day parking at the parking ramps next to the hotels along 7th Street and at metered spots downtown (meters are free after 5pm Friday and all day Saturday).

RACE DAY!

Is there a time limit?
Yes. You must finish by 11am (3 hours 30 min) and participants should average a pace of at least 16 min/mile. Those who fall behind the 16 min pace will need to move to the sidewalks and obey all rules that apply to pedestrians.

Can I walk the course?
Yes, but you will need to move at a 16 min pace, or you are asked to move to the sidewalks as the course reopens to traffic if you cannot maintain that pace. You might consider carrying your own water or having someone support you on the course in case water stops later in the race have been cleared. 

Is there childcare? YES! You can register your kiddos 5 years and up to hang out at the Kidzeum, which is located right on the after party block! Childcare is from 6:30am-11:00am. Click here to register. 

Are strollers permitted?
Strollers are permitted, however, we ask that you start near the back as it is a tripping hazard with the congestion at the start.

Are dogs permitted?

Sorry, no dogs allowed due to insurance requirements.  

Can I wear headphones?
Since this is an open course and the roads will have vehicular traffic, headphones are not a good idea. While we will have volunteer course marshals and law enforcement helping with traffic control, they can’t keep you safe if you’re not paying attention to your surroundings. Please use common sense and be safe.

Is there a gear check?
No. Because of ample parking near the start/finish and the close proximity of hotels, it’s very easy to leave items locked in a car or in your room.

What kind of timing system is being used?
The race is chipped time. The chip is attached to your bib number.

Can our friends/family can sign up for runner tracking?

Yes, through the race registration site, but the runner has to be carrying their phone and allow location services during the race.

When does the race start?
7:30am at 6th and Washington.

Are there pacers? 

Yes! We have pacers ranging from 1:30-3:30 finish times. 

Are there race corrals at the starting line?

No, this is a self-seeding start.  Please find the pacer group closest to your anticipated finish time at the starting line (look for their signs) and place yourself accordingly.

Where are the water stops? Will they have sports drinks and/or gels?
We will be serving Gatorade at water stops #2, #4, #5 and #6 and will have GU available at the water stop #3 near mile 6.  See map for details.'

Where are the porta-potties?

There is a large bank of porta-potties (20) at the start/finish area; during mile 1 just past Lincoln's Home at 8th & Cook (2); at mile 6 in Washington Park (3), around 7.75 miles by water stop #4 at Lincoln & Calhoun (3); and around mile 10.5 after entering Lincoln Park (2).   

Is there First Aid on the course?
Yes. For serious medical conditions, 911 should be called. We will also have two ambulances on standby along the course.

POST RACE!

Does everyone get a finisher's medal?

Yes, all finishers will get a medal at the finish line.  

Is there a post-race party?

Yes! On the Adams Family block! There will be food, beverages and free locally brewed beer for finishers, and music. Those 21 and older wanting to have a post-race beer will need a bib beer ticket. No ticket, no beer, no exceptions!  

How do I get my award?
You can pick up your award at the awards tent at the finish line. NOTE: You must pick up your award on race morning. We will NOT mail awards. 

How are awards distributed?
Overall (1st only) for male and female, Masters (1st only) for male and female, and age groups (1-3) for male and female starting with 14 and under, 15-19, etc. up to 80 and over.

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