Will registration for The Ave close early, and if so, when?
Numbers have been increasing each year, so it is recommended that you register as soon as possible to secure your spot. Be advised, however, that ours is a rural area where lodging availability is limited. You should make your plans as early as possible to insure that you have a comfortable place to stay.
Is there a cut-off time for any of the races?
Yes! The cut off time for the marathon is 6 hours, 5 hours for the half, and 3 hours for the 10K. Due to complaints from residents we are going to have to open the course to traffic earlier than the cutoff times. Please be aware that the first half of the marathon will be open to limited traffic (police escort). To ensure the safety of all participants and volunteers, we will divert those who do not reach the halfway point of the marathon by 3 hours to the half marathon finish. There they will receive a half marathon finish medal instead.
Where is the best place to watch the race?
For safety reasons, there is limited access to the course (no unauthorized vehicles of any kind, including but not limited to bicycles), so if you wish to observe the race from anywhere than the staging area, you must get there on foot. There is an open area near Weott (take the Weott exit off of Hwy 101 and follow Newton Road west), about two miles south of the start from which you could observe participants in all three races. By far the best observation point, however, is the staging area, or Dyerville Bridge itself. Every participant, whether it be marathoners, half marathoners, or those running the 10K, passes through here at least twice. If you stand on the bridge, make sure you leave enough room for runners both going and coming.
Can I run with my dog?
ABSOLUTELY NO! Dogs kept on leashes at all times are welcome at the race staging area, but for the safety on runners, not on the course.
What is your policy on headphones?
Because the course isn’t completely closed to vehicle traffic, the use of any listening device is strongly discouraged. If you choose to use such a device, you will not be eligible for any awards. The use of headphones is strongly discouraged. However, if you choose to wear headphones, please keep the volume quiet enough that you are still aware of your surroundings. The marathon course will have police escorted traffic flows and could be dangerous if you can’t hear cars coming from behind.
Please note that if you choose to use headphones, you will render yourself ineligible for any awards including age group prizes.
Can I take my little one along in a stroller, even if I’m only running or walking the 10K?
The roads will be too narrow, rough, and congested to safely carry a child in a stroller. Some folks walking or running the 10K have carried small ones in a backpack; you are welcome to do this.
Are refunds ever issued?
There are NO refunds.
Are changes between races allowed?
Yes, but if you move to a more expensive race you will need to pay the difference, but no refunds will be issued if you move to a cheaper race. You can do so when you pick up your packet.
Are transfers between individuals allowed?
These will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the race director.
Are shirts included and what type are they?
Yes, cotton T-shirts are included. Technical t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats are available to buy at the packet pickup.
What type of timing system is used?
All races will be timed with disposable timing chips. Chips are distributed as part of the number packet. Packets will not be mailed. Chip times will be recorded for everyone, but awards, both overall and age group, will be based on a gun start-chip finish time. If you think you will be eligible for one of these awards, please feel free to start at the front. Boston Marathon qualifying times will be based on chip time. The start mat will be open for less than ten minutes and will record your chip time. Timing mats are located at each of the turnaround points and start/finish.