Information and Details About AthHalf
Frequently Asked Questions About the Half Marathon and 5K:
Who produces the AthHalf Half Marathon?
AthFest Educates is a nonprofit organization that awards grants to schools, local nonprofits, and local government agencies that operate music and arts education programs for young people in grades K – 12. AthFest Educates produces the AthHalf Half Marathon and the AthFest Music & Arts Festival as fundraisers, and every dollar from these events go directly to AthFest Educates so it can continue to sustain and build the high-quality music and arts programs in our community. So, when you run, remember that a young person in our community is getting to play an instrument, dance, create a sculpture, or write a poem because of your help! Thank you.
Can I register by mail?
if you would prefer a registration form mailed to you to complete and return, please email [email protected] to request one.
Will I be able to receive a refund, or transfer my race registration, if I’m unable to participate in the AthHalf?
We follow the standard marathon running industry policy for registration cancellations. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. There are no exceptions to this policy.
I am a very slow runner/walker. Am I going to be out of place?
You won’t be out of place at all. Our races are planned for participants of all abilities — including walkers. For additional information, please see the FAQ Is there a time limit for the course?
Are there any training groups?
Training groups are available. For information please visit: AthHalf Training
Will there be pace groups at the race?
Yes. Half marathon pace groups will be offered for 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, and 2:40 finish times. We will not have pace groups for the 5K.
Is there a time limit for the course?
Yes. There is a four-hour time limit for the half marathon course. All half marathon runners must be able to complete the course within four hours, which is a pace of 18 minutes per mile. There is a one-hour time limit for the 5K course. All 5K runners must be able to complete the course within one hour.
Will the course have a “sweeper?”
Yes. We will have a sweeper dedicated to maintaining the four-hour time limit at the back of the race. As long as you are running in front of the sweeper, you are on track to complete the race within the time allotted. If the sweeper passes you, (s)he will notify you that the sweeper is passing you and you should now move to the sidewalk to safely complete the race. The course will be torn down as the sweeper passes that part of the course. We will not have a sweeper for the 5K course. Please note that the sweeper’s goal is to stay behind the last runner. If the last runner is moving faster than the 18-minute mile pace, the sweeper will move faster. The sweeper will slow down as needed, but will not drop behind an 18-minute mile pace.
Can I wear headphones?
Yes, but we ask that you keep the volume down at a safe level so that you can hear other runners or instructions from event personnel.
Can I run with my stroller and/or pet?
Unfortunately, for the safety of your pet and the other runners you may not run with pets in the half marathon or in the 5K. Strollers are permitted on the 5K course. Strollers are permitted on the half marathon course. Please position yourself in starting Corrals C or D.
How long is a half marathon?
A half marathon is 13.1 miles (21.1 kilometers)
Are there bathrooms on the course?
There will be an ample amount of port-a-potties at the start/finish lines of the half marathon and scattered throughout the half marathon course. Port-o-potties will not be available on the 5K course. Restrooms for the start and finish of the 5K race can be found inside the Classic Center.
Will there be age group awards?
Yes, we will have results and awards for all top age group finishers.
When and where should I pick up my race packet?
Race packets will be available for pick-up from 12 pm – 6 pm at the Health and Fitness Expo at the Classic Center Pavilion located at 440 Foundry Street on October 22, 2022. 5K race packets must be picked up by 2:20 pm as the race starts at 2:30 pm.
Is there Race Day packet pick up?
Race day packet pickup only available if you chose this option (and paid for it) when you registered.
Can someone else pick-up my packet for me?
Yes. In order for someone other than you to pick-up your packet, they must show proof of your race confirmation, have a signed note from you authorizing him/her to pick-up your packet, and have a copy of your Driver’s License or photo ID. There are no exceptions. They must have this documentation to pick up your packet.
Does the race have a gear-check?
There will be a gear-check area for the half marathon runners where your sweat bags can be checked in and watched over by a volunteer. Please do not leave valuables in your sweat bags — we are not responsible for any lost items. Your sweat bags will be moved from the start line area to the finish line area while you are racing. You will pick up your sweat bags at the “Gear Check” tent at the finish line. There will not be a gear-check area for the 5K race.
Where should I park the day of the race?
There are several very convenient parking locations, for more information please click here.
I’m traveling from out of town for the race, where should I stay?
We have partnered with area hotels for AthHalf weekend. To view the reservation information, please click here.
How can I volunteer to help during the race?
Thank you for volunteering to support the races and runners. CLICK HERE to register to volunteer. For more information, please e-mail [email protected]
Where will the race results be posted?
Race results for the half marathon and 5K will be displayed after the completion of the race on the athhalf.com website under “Race Results” tab.
How can I stay up to date with race information?
To stay up to date with information about the AthHalf you can follow our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter pages.
If I registered to run this year and then find out I can’t run this year, can I transfer my registration to next year?
No, race registrations may not be transferred to future AthHalf races.
Is the course USATF certified?
Yes. The AthHalf Half Marathon course is an official USATF-certified course and a USATF-sanctioned event.
What amenities does the course offer?
The AthHalf course offers a wide range of amenities for runners including; aid stations, port-a-poties, live music, and a runner’s hospitality area at the finish line.
Can my family and friends meet me at the finish line?
We encourage both family and friends to meet you at the finish line of the AthHalf to help you celebrate your accomplishment. Please note that while family members and friends can join you in the runner hospitality area, they will not be permitted to have any of the food or beverages set-up for the runners.
What happens if it’s raining on the day of the race?
The AthHalf Half Marathon and 5K will be held rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather where local authorities are recommending that we cancel, delay, or modify the course, we may do so for the safety of the runners and the race volunteers. Please note that the race registration fee is nonrefundable even if the race is modified or cancelled due to weather. For any further questions, please contact the race director at: [email protected]
Who should I contact if the answer to my question isn’t listed here?
Please contact us here if you have questions.
I saw photographers on the course. Can I view and purchase my race photos?
Yes. We partner with Sports in Motion Photography. Your race photos can be viewed and purchased from their website located HERE. A portion of all photo sales is donated to AthFest Educates.
Can I get a refund if I already registered and can’t run the race?
We follow standard running industry policy for registration cancellations. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. You may not give or sell your number to another racer. The entry fee for this year’s event will not transfer to the following year’s event, no exceptions. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, or other incident. Sorry, there are NO exceptions. Refunds will not be issued if the race is delayed, modified, or cancelled due to weather and/or public safety concerns issued by local authorities.
What is the minimum age to run the half marathon and the 5K?
The minimum age to run the half marathon is 14. Legal guardians must complete the registration for runners between the ages of 14 – 17. There is no minimum age to run the 5K. We expect legal guardians of children under the age of 18 to decide if the 5K distance is appropriate for their child. Legal guardians must complete the registration for all runners under the age of 18.
I ran the AthHalf virtually, how do I submit my finish time?
Run your 13.1 miles anytime up to and including October 22, 2023. Submit your finish time to AthHalf Virtual Times by October 31, 2023. Your finisher medal and t-shirt will be mailed to you once a finish time is received.