Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

  1. What type of running surfaces on the course?
  2. How much of the course is run on concrete?
  3. Can I register on the day of the race?
  4. What is the time limit for the full Marathon and the Half-Marathon?
  5. What type of liquids do you provide along the course?
  6. Is the Road Runner Akron Marathon a qualifier for the Boston Marathon?
  7. How do I dress (layers?) for the Road Runner Akron Marathon?
  8. What age is Master's?
  9. Can I double dip with awards?
  10. Can I run more than one leg of the marathon relay?
  11. How many women and men need to be on a Mixed Relay team?
  12. Is it possible to drive the marathon course?
  13. Will Pace Teams be available during this race?
  14. Will photos be taken along the course and at the finish?
  15. What do you mail out following registration?
  16. Can someone pick my packet up for me?
  17. If I sign up for the half and I later decide that I want to run the marathon, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  18. If I sign up for the relay and I later decide that I want to run the marathon, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  19. If I sign up for the relay and I later decide that I want to run the half, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  20. If I sign up for the marathon and I later decide that I want to run the half, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  21. If I sign up for the marathon and I later decide that I want to run the relay, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  22. I have read that it sometimes helps if a friend joins you to run for a few miles at the end of the marathon (i.e. miles 22-24) for moral support. What are the marathon rules about this?
  23. Can a race bib be transferred to someone else?
  24. I was injured after registering for the race. Can I get a refund or defer until next year?
  25. Can I wear headphones while racing on the Road Runner Akron Marathon course?
  26. Can I use my own Championchip "Chip?"
  27. Will you mail or email confirmation to me?
  28. What is the half marathon course like?
  29. Will the number of runners be limited in any of the events?
  30. Where should I park?
  31. Are wheelchairs, strollers or special vehicles permitted on the course?
  32. Are showers available on race day?
  33. What is GU? Who should use it and what purpose does it serve?
  34. How do I change a member of my Relay Team?
   
   
1. What type of running surfaces on the course?
  Other than the Towpath trail, which is a crushed limestone surface, the majority of the race is run on paved asphalt and concrete streets.
2. How much of the course is run on concrete?
  The first 11 miles are mostly concrete, at the 11.2 mile location we begin the 4 mile stretch on the towpath which is crushed limestone, we exit the towpath at the 15.1 and run asphalt up through Sand Run Parkway through west Akron, to the 24 mile mark and again run on mostly concrete to the entrance to Canal Park and our olympic style finish. The Half Marathon route starts and follows the existing marathon course and continues past the 11 mile turn and continues to run on concrete with the same olympic style finish at Canal Park.
3. Can I register on the day of the race?
  No, the last opportunity to register is at The University of Akron Health and Fitness Expo on Friday, September 24, 2010 at the John S. Knight Center.
4. What is the time limit for the full Marathon and the Half-Marathon?
  The full marathon course will remain open for six hours, meaning that the course will close on a continuous pace of 13:44 minutes per mile. Anyone who cannot maintain the 13:44 min/mile pace must move to the sidewalk or catch a shuttle bus as the course closes to allow regular traffic through. Runner services cannot be guaranteed for participants beyond the 13:44 min/mile pace. The Half Marathon route will remain open for four hours,18.32 continuous pace requirement and procedures as the full marathon.
5. What type of liquids do you provide along the course?
  We provide non-diluted PowerAde and water at all fluid stations along the course.
6. Is the Road Runner Akron Marathon a qualifier for the Boston Marathon?
  Yes, the course is a USAT&F certified course and your time will qualify for the Boston Marathon. Boston Marathon Qualifying Times: http://www.baa.org/BostonMarathon/Qualifying.asp
7. How do I dress (layers?) for the Road Runner Akron Marathon?
  Weather in Akron, Ohio in the Fall can vary dramatically. We suggest you bring gloves, a hat and long sleeve shirt. Early in the race, you might have to shed some clothes so don't wear anything too nice in case you want to throw them away (your competitor bib number must be pinned to the front of the clothing you wear since event officials will be inviting unregistered runners to exit the course. You could be mistakenly identified as an unregistered runner if your bib number is not visible). If you want to shed some clothes prior to the race start, you will be able to check them into the Gear Transfer Station and have it transferred to the finish line.

See the Weather section of the website (under Race Information/General Information) for historical race day temperatures.
8. What age is Master's?
  You must be at least 40 years of age on race day.
9. Can I double dip with awards?
  No. You can only win one award. There is no double dipping for awards either in cash or age group awards. You will be awarded the highest dollar award.
10. Can I run more than one leg of the marathon relay?
  Yes, a runner can run 2-consecutive legs; the team must be paid in full. The runner running two legs must be registered twice wear both D-Tags and then remove the 1st relay D-Tag after their 1st leg.  Make sure you pick up both packets at the Expo.A marathon runner or a half marathon runner can run the first leg as a team member and then continue as long as they pay the registration for for both the relay and marathon or half marathon and wear both chips. *Take the relay chip off after crossing the relay exchange point (we suggest to wear your relay D-Tag on your right shoe so you can easily remember relay right) and continue to run the marathon or half marathon distance.*
11. How many women and men need to be on a Mixed Relay team?
  Any combination is acceptable but must include at least one woman and one man.
12. Is it possible to drive the marathon course?
  It's not entirely drivable. You will not be able to drive the Towpath Trail portion and access to Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is limited. Otherwise, the remainder of the course can be driven.
13. Will Pace Teams be available during this race?
  Yes, a pace team will be available. Visit the Pace Team section of our website under Marathon.
14. Will photos be taken along the course and at the finish?
  Yes. There will be exciting photo points along the course that will be clearly identified as well as at the finish in the stadium. Race photos can be viewed and purchased by visiting www.runphotos.com
15. What do you mail out following registration?
  Final instructions are sent 2-weeks prior to the race via Email (if an address is provided). If we do not have an Email address, then you will be mailed the final instructions.
16. Can someone pick my packet up for me?
  We strongly encourage all runners to pick up their own race packet at the The University of Akron Health and Fitness Expo on Friday, September 24th, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is important for runners to verify their data and make any necessary changes.  However, if it is not possible for you to pick-up your own packet, you may have someone pick it up for you.  That person will be responsible for verifying personal race information (name, age, birthdate, etc.).  This is for special circumstances ONLY.  Picking up multiple packets for full teams will NOT be permitted.
17. If I sign up for the half and I later decide that I want to run the marathon, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  You can transfer from the half to the marathon. You must first register and pay for the marathon and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You will be issued a rebate check based on the lowest fee paid. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF YOUR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE. These changes can only be done prior to September 14th and must be communicated through the mail or e-mail.
18. If I sign up for the relay and I later decide that I want to run the marathon, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  You can transfer from the relay to the marathon. You must first register and pay for the marathon and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You must complete the Relay Team Change Form (downloadable form via our website) and fax it to the marathon office and notify us of your replacement for your relay portion. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF YOUR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE. These changes can only be done prior to September 14th and must be communicated through the mail or e-mail.
19. If I sign up for the relay and I later decide that I want to run the half, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  You can transfer from the relay to the half. You must first register and pay for the half and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You must complete the Relay Team Change Form (downloadable form via our website) and fax it to the marathon office and notify us of your replacement for your relay portion. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF YOUR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE. These changes can only be done prior to September 14th and must be communicated through the mail or e-mail.
20. If I sign up for the marathon and I later decide that I want to run the half, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  You can transfer from the marathon to the half. You must first register and pay for the half and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You will be issued a rebate check based on the lowest fee paid. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF YOUR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE. These changes can only be done prior to September 14th.
21. If I sign up for the marathon and I later decide that I want to run the relay, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
  You can transfer from the marathon to the relay. You must first register and pay for the relay and then contact the marathon office via email alerting us of the change. You will be issued a rebate check based on the lowest fee paid. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND OF YOUR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE. These changes can only be done prior to September 14th and must be communicated through the mail or e-mail.
22. I have read that it sometimes helps if a friend joins you to run for a few miles at the end of the marathon (i.e. miles 22-24) for moral support. What are the marathon rules about this?
  Due to liability considerations, and out of respect for the registered participants, non-registered runners are not permitted to run or walk within the boundaries of the official marathon course. Friends may stand adjacent to the edge of the defined course and cheer the participants on!

Friends must NEVER cross the finish line or enter the finish zone which begins approximately 2/10 mile before the finish.
23. Can a race bib be transferred to someone else?
  No. Bibs are not transferable. Transferred bibs will result in disqualification.
24. I was injured after registering for the race. Can I get a refund or defer until next year?
  No - there will be NO refunds or deferments. We incur fixed costs for each runner based on registration numbers. As a result, we are not able to allow any refunds .
25. Can I wear headphones while racing on the Road Runner Akron Marathon course?
 

Runners participating in the Road Runner Akron Marathon may use portable listening devices not capable of receiving communication; however, those competing in Championships for awards, medals, or prize money may not use such devices.
26. Can I use my own Championchip "Chip?"
  No.  The Road Runner Akron Marathon has moved away from the Champion Chip and will be using the D-tag system.
27. Will you mail or email confirmation to me?
  If you register online, you will receive a confirmation Email immediately from Active.com. We do advise early registration so you can promptly get the final confirmation package and instructions. Also, registration fees increase the closer it gets to race day.
28. What is the half marathon route?

 
The Half Marathon will start at 7:00am on Broadway (the same time and location as the marathon). The Half Marathon course runs the established marathon route up to the 11.3 mile mark, located at the intersection of North Street and the Towpath, here the new Half Marathon will turn left heading southbound on the Towpath.  Runners will be notified of the Half Marathon turn off via signage and speakers. Runners will move up to and over the walk bridge spanning the Inner-belt, and arrive at the 12 mile location on Ash and Quaker.  The course turns left or north going about 200 feet then turns right (east) in front of the Akron City Centre Hotel (formerly the Radisson). Here runners will go just shy of 300 feet before entering a arching turn (under the walkway) to the left onto Dart Street where they proceed north .02 of a mile and turn right to join the marathon route at the 24.5 mile location. Half Marathoners will run to the same Olympic style finish in Canal Park stadium as the marathon runners. See the Half Marathon course map for further details.

29. Will the number of runners be limited in any of the events?
 
In an effort to provide the same world-class experience for all of our runners, all of our events will be capped. The full marathon cap will be set at a maximum of 2,250 participants; the Half Marathon at 4,000; the Novo Nordisk Team Relay at 6,000 and the Kids Fun Run at 2,000.
30. Where should I park?
  FREE parking is available in all Dowtown Akron parking garages and surface lots on race day. Please visit our Travel & Accomodations section of our website under directions for details.
31. Are wheelchairs, strollers or special vehicles permitted on the course?
  The Road Runner Akron Marathon offers Handcycle Division and the Racing Chair Division for the marathon only .  No everyday (manual or electric) chairs are allowed to race on the course. Wheelchair participants may register through the normal registration process. For more information, visit our Wheelchair section of our website.  The following items are not permitted on the course:  skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, baby joggers, or any other types of vehicles (other than official Marathon vehicles). These regulations are for the participant's safety and the safety of the other participants in the race.
32. Are showers available on race day?
  Yes, shower facilities will be available for free at the Downtown YMCA located at One Canal Square Plaza. To use the Y’s facilities, you will show your bib at the front desk. There will be directions in with your Final Instructions but from the finish line head west on W Buchtel Ave , turn right on Water St. and continue to W State.
33. What is GU? Who should use it and what purpose does it serve?
  GU is a carbohydrate energy gel. Energy gels have become widely popular for endurance athletes. They benefit athletes the most if they are engaging in an exercise regimen that will last longer than an hour at a moderate to high intensity. At lower intensities fat is burned for energy. At higher intensities carbohydrates and fat are both burned. At these higher intensities fat is not efficiently used for energy, therefore, with long bouts of exercise the carbohydrate losses need to be replaced. One way to do this is through the use of carbohydrate gels. The optimal way to use these gels is using one to two gels prior to intense exercise (if you are going to be exercising for more than one hour). Continue to use the gels at the rate of one packet approximately every 45 minutes. Your body absorbs these gels most efficiently when they are accompanied by proper fluid intake. For those athletes exercising less than 60 minutes – there is no benefit of using these carbohydrate gels. Make sure you have tried the gels during your training to know how your body will respond to their use. You should know which carbohydrate gel your specific race is using so you can use the same gels during your training.
34. How do I change a member of my Relay Team?
  It is imperative that the registration data associated with your race number does, in fact belong to you, the participant. While it may seem harmless to run under an unauthorized number, it does convey serious consequences to the organizers and participant field alike. Correct information allows medical staff to correctly identify participants in need of treatment and ensures accuracy of race results and awards. If you wish to change your team relay registration, you may do so with the following restrictions. You must download and complete a relay change form (available on our website). The form must then be submitted, following the instructions on the form. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING RELAY CHANGE FORMS (SOME CHARGES APPLY).
  • Changes requested prior to September 13, 2010 will be processed at the marathon office and will not incur an administrative fee.
  • Changes will not be processed between September 13, 2010 and September 23, 2010.
  • Change forms will; however, be accepted and processed at the Health & Fitness Expo, held on September 24, 2010. RELAY TEAM MEMBER CHANGES PROCESSED AT THE EXPO WILL INCUR A $10 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE PER PARTICIPANT. Corrections of personal data can be made free of charge. *Please download change form and completed prior to the expo, in order to expedite the process.

If your question is not answered here, please e-mail us at info@akronmarathon.org