- How would you describe the course?
The course is all on trails ? either single track or bridle trails.
The single track portion totals approximately 6 miles and is early in the race. The single track section is full of roots and rocks and can be difficult footing. We cannot have more single track in the race because most of the single track is too remote to rapidly get an injured person to safety.
The bridle trails are wide and covered with a pea-gravel type of rock. The surface is very nice for running.
The course is very hilly.
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- Is this a Boston Qualifier race?
No, the course is not certified. The course was accurately measured for last year's marathon, but due to trail maintenance over the course of the year, one of the single track miles may be a few yards long.
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- Are iPODS, headphones, etc permitted during the race?
No, iPODS are not allowed for safety and liability reasons. Anyone using such devices will automatically be disqualified, asked to leave the race, and will not receive finishers? awards or door prizes.
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- Are there mile markers on the course?
Yes, every mile
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- Where are Aid Stations located and what nutrition will be provided at each station?
Aid stations range from 2 to 3.5 miles away from each other. The very approximate locations are 2.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.2, 10, 13.1, 14.8, 16.6, 19.7, 21.5, 24.1. Volunteers will have water and Gatorade at each aid station. Some food will be provided at the Trenton Road aid station which is just after mile 10 and between miles 19 and 20. Food will include GUs, gummy bears and other snacks.
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- What if I get injured and need first aid on the course?
EMS will be at the lodge at Camp Lapihio. We will also have first aid supplies at aid stations and with some of the bikers. There will be personnel at aid stations with phones to call for emergency assistance, if needed. If you get injured, please contact a volunteer for help. Remember that since the race is on trails, it may take some time to get the help to you.
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- What are the refund and/or transfer policies? What about if I am injured?
If you know before January 20th, 2008 that you will be unable to run the race, you can e-mail umsteadmarathon@earthlink.net from the e-mail address you used for your active.com registration and we will refund you half your entry fee ($26). If you know at any time before race day (even after January 20th) that you will not be racing, please also let us know by emailing umsteadmarathon@earthlink.net so we know not to look for you on race day.
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- Is there a waiting list since the race is full? Why is the maximum number so low?
There is no waiting list for the race. However, if we have people drop out before January 20th, 2008, we will re-open registration at 8:00am January 27th, 2008 to fill those slots. The maximum number of runners allowed is low because of the nature of the race. The race is totally contained within Umstead State Park (including parking) and the Park Superintendent has limited us to 200 participants.
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- What are the race cutoff times?
The total time cutoff for the race is 6 hours. Intermediate cutoff times will also be enforced.
- Trenton Aid Station at 10.25 miles: cut-off = 11:45 am
- Trenton Aid Station at 19.5 miles: cut-off = 1:50 pm
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- What if I can't finish the race and need to drop out during the middle?
PLEASE TELL A VOLUNTEER. We need to keep track of who has started the race, who has finished and who has dropped out so we know when all racers are off the course. It's difficult to get lost on this course but it could happen. Please tell a volunteer that you need to drop out and ask for the best path back to the start. Keep in mind that the best way back is most likely going to be to follow the marathon signs. There are not many short-cuts and there is no transportation available within the park, so please try to be trained enough to complete this challenging marathon.
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- When and where can spectators show up to see the start and/or finish? Are spectators allowed on the course?
Spectators are allowed to ride with you to your assigned parking lot, but if they take the vehicle out of the lot, then upon their return to get you, they must park at Camp Crabtree, meaning you will have to walk up to a mile (or more) to get to your car after the race.
If your spectators come at a later time, they are park at Camp Crabtree and walk up to a mile (or more) to get to the finish line. They must be able to walk that mile (or more) again (up hill) to get back to their car.
Spectators may park at any of the Umstead paved parking lots and run, walk, or ride in the park to see the marathon. (Remember there are no bikes allowed on the hiking trails they are only allowed on the wide, smooth surfaced, bike and bridle trails.)
Spectators may drive to the Graylyn entrance (off Ebenezer Church Rd) to see the runners around miles 6.5 and 14.8.
Spectators may drive to the Trenton entrance (intersects with Reedy Creek Rd) to see the runners around miles 10 and 19.7.
Remember that if your spectator plans to see you at the Graylyn or Trenton aid stations and at the finish, they must park at Camp Crabtree which is near the finish and then plan for a 1+ mile walk to the finish line.
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- What food will be offered post race and can my family eat too??
The food offered after the race will be burritos and chips, supplied by Moe's Southwest Grill. Non-runners can eat for $5.
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- Is there a pre race dinner and/or runner expo the night before?
No
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- Is beer served after the race and/or can I bring my own?
No, and no. Umstead State Park does not allow alcohol on the premises.
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- What do I get for finishing the race? What if I place or win?
Each finisher receives a custom pint glass. Medals are not provided. The top 15 finishers (both male and female) will receive a custom, handmade wooden plaque.
Some of our sponsors have also graciously provided some fantastic door prizes. These will be handed out randomly as runners are finishing.
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- Where are the nearest hotel accommodations?
The Umstead marathon committee has not worked out any special deals with any hotels in the area. The best suggestion would be to contact hotels near RDU airport or Crabtree Valley Mall.
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- Where can I drop my pre-post race clothes?
There will be a place to drop clothes at the Race Headquarters lodge. Please be aware that this lodge is not locked, so the use of the facility is at your own risk.
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- When and where is Packet Pick-up?
Packet Pick-up will be held at the following two locations and times:
- Friday March 7th, 4pm to 7pm at Great Outdoor Provision Company (Cameron Village shopping center off of Oberlin Avenue in Raleigh)
- Saturday March 8th, 7:00am to 8:30am at Camp Lapihio in the lodge. (The race starts and finishes just outside of this lodge.
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- Where is Race Check-in on the day of race?
Check in at the lodge at Camp Lapihio. Please check in even if you picked up your packet Friday night. We need to account for every runner who starts the race.
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- How do I get to the race site?
Access the start/finish area from the Umstead State Park entrance off of Hwy. 70.
From I-40, turn northeast on I-540 and take the US 70 exit towards Raleigh. You do not have to travel very far on 70 to get to the park which will be on your right. Turn right onto Umstead Parkway (into Umstead Park). Pass the Visitor Center on your right. Turn left onto Maintenance Rd. Turn right onto Group Camp Road (this is a dirt road). Group Camp road is fairly long and will eventually ascend to a T. You will see Parking Volunteers at this T. Turn left at the T and depending on your parking assignment, either head left again into Camp Crabtree or continue straight into Camp Lapihio, which is where most of the runner parking lots are. You will be assigned a parking lot a few weeks prior to the race. Please remember this lot name so that the Parking Volunteers can direct you to it quickly and/or so that you can follow the signs to it.
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- When should I arrive on race morning?
DO NOT show up any earlier than 7:00. We need time to get our parking volunteers in place before you show up. Please DO try to be parked by 8am at the latest.
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- Is there a lost and found?
Yes, in the Race Headquarters (Camp Lapihio Lodge).
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- What is the typical weather on March 10 in Raleigh?
Typical: 50s. Possible: 30s to 80s.
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- Can I buy an extra race shirt?
Yes, please see one of the Registration volunteers at the Race Headquarters, or send an email to UmsteadMarathon@earthlink.net after the race.
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- Who do I contact if I still have questions?
Bob Nelson at umsteadmarathon@earthlink.net
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