FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question and can't find the answer here or anywhere on the website please don't hesitate to contact the Race Director.

My GPS said the marathon was long - isn't 26.2 miles enough?
This is a trail race, and trail races are rarely exact on distance.  In the spirit of the outdoors who would argue about a tenth of a mile here or there and worry about exactly how long the race is?  I've run his course many times with a Garmin 405 and averaging all of the data reveals an overall course distance of 26.305 miles.  That extra tenth is just for good measure!

Why don't you give t-shirts to all participants?
As mentioned throughout the website, the major point of this event is to put on an environmentally friendly race.  In order to give all participants t-shirts I would have to order extras to compensate for late registrants.  Having extra shirts made is wasteful and unnecessary.  Make sure to register before the cutoff and you'll definitely get a shirt!

Can you have the park entrance fee waived for registrants?
In order to avoid inconveniencing park personnel I decided against doing this (they would have to get a list of registrants and take the time to double-check the name of every person who drives in and says they're part of the race).  Instead, I lowered registration fees after the first year.  You'll still have to pay at the gate, but the race will have cost less, so it's a wash.  Also, enforcing the pay-on-the-day-of fee will hopefully encourage carpooling from folks who have that opportunity.

Can you add a few mile markers to the race?
I understand some runners prefer mile markers, but many don't (we all play a different psychological game, don't we!).  I'll look into making signs to place at the aid stations with cumulative mileage per loop.  Hopefully that will suffice . . . if we do it...

Is there any way to avoid the wooden zig-zag ramp?
The zig-zag ramp is a unique part of the race!  Also, with the route how it is, the only way around it would involve running behind the amphitheatre and coming through/around the parking lot on each lap.  The last thing I want to do is add pavement to the race.  Some may not enjoy the zig-zag ramp, but everyone who is not cheating will have to do it, so there is no reason to look at it as a disadvantage.

Can I walk the race?
Walk the 14K - absolutely yes!  Walk the marathon . . . well, I wouldn't encourage it.  But, if you're confident you can walk the distance in 7 hours or less then you're welcome to sign up.  That's about a 16-minute-per-mile pace though, on trails.  Please review the "race info" page prior to registering and make sure you're okay with both the overall cutoff time as well as the cutoff time for beginning your third loop.

I'm not sure I can make the cutoff time - can I start early?
No.  All participants will need to begin at, or after the official race start (no adjustments will be made for late starters).  I apologize, but if you're not confident you can finish in 7 hours or less this may not be the event for you.

Can I bring multiple pairs of old athletic shoes to turn in?
Yes, and we would love to accept as many as you can bring!  But, please understand that the $5 refund is only valid once per participant per year.


IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS NOT ADDRESSED ABOVE, PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO HonestAbeTrailRun@gmail.com