Great Race Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions


General Race Questions

Am I registered? (I don't remember, I didn't receive an email confirmation, etc.)
Check here to see if you are registered.

I see that the Chesebro Half Marathon is sold out. Is there a waiting list?
Yes, there is a waiting list but the chances of gaining entry at this point are slim.
Click here to read details on how to add your name to the waiting list.

If you didn't register in time, we hope you register for another one of our races (Deena Kastor 5K/Old Agoura 10K/Do the Double 15K) or join us next year.

Do you allow walkers?
Yes, you can walk any of our races. However, if your pace is slow you may find that the police will start to open streets to traffic and you will need to move to the sidewalk and observe the rules of the road. Our finish line stays active until 10:30 a.m. That's a 3:30:00 half marathon or a 1:55:00 10K. Although the finish line remains open, it does not guarantee there will be full course support.

If you are entered in the half marathon, the course time limit is 3:30 hours. That's 16:02 pace per mile. Start time is 7 a.m. After 10:30 a.m. the finish line will shut down and the course signs will be picked up. If you are slower, you are welcome to finish, but take a map with you and you are responsible for returning your timing chip in the envelope provided at Pick Up.

Entrants in the half marathon must reach the 3 mile mark at the Cheeseboro Canyon National Recreation Area entrance in one hour or less. Course support through the trails cuts off for those reaching the three mile mark at less than 20 minutes per mile pace. Please note: If you don't reach mile 3 by one hour, you are on your own.

How does the 15K work?
With staggered start times, you can run two races. The Deena Kastor 5K starts at 7:30 a.m. and the Old Agoura 10K starts at 8:35 a.m. Total distance of the two races combined is 15K. Select "5K + 10K = 15K" on the entry form. Do note though, that when you enter this, you are entering two distinct races for one set entry fee. We do not offer a continuous 15K course.

When you pick up you will receive 2 bibs and 2 timing chips (one for the 5K and one for the 10K). Do not wear both chips in the 5K; if you do, you will expire your second chip and not receive a time for the 10K. Be sure to wear the 5K bib for the 5K race and the 10K bib for the 10K race. You will receive one race shirt and one goodie bag (pending availability as goodie bags go to the first 3,500 who pick up).

Can I change races from the Deena Kastor 5K to the Old Agoura 10K or from the Old Agoura 10K to the Deena Kastor 5K?
If you want to switch from the 5K to the 10K or the 10K to the 5K, you must contact us via email by March 15 to do so at no charge or you can switch at our Pre-Race Expo/Packet Pick Up for a $10 change fee per entrant. NO RACE DAY CHANGES!

Can I change races from the Chesebro Half Marathon to the Old Agoura 10K?
If you registered for the Half Marathon and want to drop down to the 10K or 5K, you must contact us by March 28 to do so. We will switch your entry to the other race, but we cannot refund the difference in entry fee. NO RACE DAY CHANGES!

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Entry fees are non-transferable and are non-refundable.
NO EXCEPTIONS.

What if I registered and now I am unable to participate?
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING DEFERMENTS AS THE DEADLINE HAS PASSED.
This race and active.com both have a no refund policy. If you are entered in the Chesebro Half Marathon and are injured or unable to attend contact us via email from the email address you registered with and include your phone number in the email and we can work with you to defer your registration until next year. This deferment policy is only for the half marathon. The last day to defer your half marathon entry to 2009 is March 28, 2008. For all other races, you are welcome to pick up your shirt and goodie bag (as available) at our Pre-Race Packet Pick Up the Thursday or Friday before the race but be sure to let us know in advance you won't be racing so we don't assign you a bib and timing chip.

Can I register on race day?
Yes, you can register on race day for any event that is not already sold out. However, we highly recommend to register in advance or at our Pre-Race Expo on the Thursday and Friday before. Race day registration and pick up lines tend to be long. Plan ahead and arrive early. You should arrive at race day registration at Chumash Park at least 60 minutes before your race to allow for a comfortable registration and time to get to the start line and warm up.

Can I pay with a credit card or check during race week?
No. At our Pre-Race Expo on the Thursday and Friday before race day and on race day, we only accept cash payment for race registration. If you want to pay by credit card, use our online registration up until the Sunday before the race.

Do you give out finisher medals?
Registered runners of the Chesebro Half Marathon and the Kids Mile wearing the proper race bib on their front are awarded a finisher's medal after successfully completing the race and crossing the finish line. There are NO finisher medals for the 5K, 10K and Family Fun Run events.

Do you offer prizes or age group medals?
Yes. To view the details, click here. Prizes and medals are awarded based on chip time (provided you started with the group at the start of the race and not late). If you are capable of winning a prize or medal, we suggest you line up near the front of the start. If you are not in the hunt for the prizes, please don't line up at the front of the start.

Can I use my own timing chip?
If you own a personal timing chip and want to use it, you should enter your chip number on the online registration form or you must register it at Race Pick Up on Thursday or Friday prior to the race.

Do you allow running strollers?
Yes, however, with these points of caution. You will need to line up at the back of the pack at the start and please be careful and cautious not to interfere with the path of other runners.

Can I bring my dog?
There are thousands of people at this event. Please leave your dog at home.


Getting Ready Questions

What do I need bring with me to Pick Up?
In order to pick up your goods at our Pre-Race Expo/Pick Up on Thursday and Friday before the race, you MUST present your government issued photo ID in order to claim your goods. In order to expedite the process, you should bring your registration confirmation and your race bib number. You can find your 4-digit race bib number here. We have 8 booths at our Pre-Race Mini Expo (we'll have more than 50 on race day), so you may want to bring some money if you want to go shopping.

Can someone else pick up my race packet and goodie bag?
At our Pre-Race Expo/Pick Up on Thursday and Friday before the race, someone else may pick up for you but they MUST bring a photocopy of your government issued photo ID and registration confirmation in order to do so and will be asked to sign for and be accountable for your goods. You must pick up for yourself on race day.

Where do I pick up?
On Thursday and Friday before the race from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. at:
Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center
27040 Malibu Hills Road
Calabasas, CA 91301

On race day starting at 6 a.m.
At the southeast corner of:
Chumash Park
Argos St. at Parkheath Dr.
Agoura Hills 91301

You must bring and show your government issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) to pick up your goods.

How do I make sure I get a goodie bag?
Goodie bags are provided to the first 3,500 racers (all races except Family Fun Run) who pick up. They are not guaranteed to all entrants.

How do I make sure I get a race shirt?
We generally have enough shirts for all registrants, however, we may run out of certain sizes. Be sure to pick up early to get what your ordered.

Can you mail my goodie bag, shirt, chip and bib to me?
No. You must pick up on April 3 or 4 from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center or at Chumash Park on April 5 from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. If you don't pick up by 15 minutes before the start of your race, your goods will be marked unclaimed.

Where is the race?
If you didn't pick up on April 3 or 4, you must go to Chumash Park to pick up before you can proceed to the start line. The half marathon, 5K and 10K start on Carell Ave. The Kids Mile and Family Fun Run races gather at Chumash Park. Read below for details.

Inevitably and unfortunately, every year, someone makes the mistake of going to the Pre-Race Expo and Pick Up location on race morning. So, although it seems obvious, we'll state it here, DO NOT GO TO the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center on race morning. You will be in the wrong place wondering where everyone is.

What time does the race start?
Saturday, April 5, 2008
7:00 a.m. -- Chesebro Half Marathon
7:30 a.m. -- Deena Kastor 5K
8:35 a.m. -- Old Agoura 10K
10:00 a.m. -- Kids 1 Mile (6-12 year olds only)
10:15 a.m. -- Family Fun Run (all ages)

Where do I park?
There is absolutely NO PARKING around Chumash Park and surrounding streets. There is NO PARKING anywhere near the start. If you park in a no parking zone, your vehicle will be towed and your trip home will take a lot longer than you planned. Plan ahead, read the list of recommended parking and be prepared to find another lot if your first or second choice is full.

If you've never attended The Great Race, parking can be easy or it can be challenging and trying if you are not prepared. Most parking lots are at least a 10 minute jog/walk away from the registration/pick up area. The start line for the Chesebro Half Marathon, Deena Kastor 5K and Old Agoura 10K are at least a 10 minute jog/walk UPHILL from registration/pick up area (it's nearly a half mile away). Plan ahead!

Do I need to go to Chumash Park prior to my race?
If you are running the Chesebro Half Marathon, Deena Kastor 5K or Old Agoura 10K and have already picked up your chip and bib on Thursday or Friday, you do not have to go the Chumash Park. You can proceed directly to the start.

If you need to pick up your chip and bib on Saturday, go directly to Chumash Park to pick up. From Chumash Park to the start of the half marathon, 5K and 10K, it's nearly a half mile away uphill. Allow plenty of time.

If you are entered in the Kids Mile or Family Fun Run, you must go to the designated area in Chumash Park prior to your event.

Is there a bag check?
We do not provide bag check services.

Where are the toilets?
Portable toilets are stationed at Chumash Park, on Thousand Oaks Blvd. at Argos, and at the intersection of Carell Ave. and Thousand Oaks Blvd. There are NO portable toilets at the start. Carell Ave. and Thousand Oaks Blvd. is on the way to the start, and your last chance stop.

Where is the start?
For the Chesebro Half Marathon, Deena Kastor 5K and Old Agoura 10K the start is in front of 5777 Carell Avenue. Look for the giant blue arch. This is a residential street. It is early. Please be mindful of the kind neighbors. The start is nearly a half mile away (uphill) from registration and pick up at Chumash Park

Carell Avenue is the street at the eastern dead end of Thousand Oaks Blvd. near the ball fields of Agoura High School. The start is at the top of the hill. Allow plenty of time to walk up the hill. I'm sure you don't want to be sprinting uphill to catch the start of the race. Allow plenty of time! You must cross the start mats in order to be timed. The pay off is a downhill start!

How much time?
Going straight from Chumash Park (with no potty stops) depart 25 minutes prior to your race. This allows for a 10 minute walk and 15 minutes of warm-up time and waiting time to hear important race instructions.
Going straight to the start (bypassing pick up or registration) from most parking lots depart 35 minutes prior to your race. This allows for a 20 minute walk and 15 minutes of warm-up time and waiting time to hear important race instructions.

You've trained hard for this race, do yourself a favor and allow plenty of time to get around prior to the start of your race. Remember, there are thousands of people milling around. Getting around generally takes longer than you expect.

For the Kids Mile and Family Fun Run, gather at the designated spot (look for the signs) on the east end of Chumash Park near Argos St. (in the park and not on the street) at least 15 minutes prior to your starting time. When it's time to start the race, a race official will lead you to the start line on Argos St. However, Argos St. is a live race course, you must remain on the grass in the park prior to the start of the race until you are escorted to the start.

Where is the finish?
All races share the same finish in beautiful Chumash Park. Look for the large red arch. All races finish on the grass. For spectators, the last tenth of a mile is highly visible from many locations in the park.

Where do I affix the timing chip?
Timing chips must be attached to your shoe. Loop the fastener given to you with the chip through your shoe lace and tightened. Do not loop your shoe lace through the chip. In order to be timed, you must wear your chip on your shoe and cross the finish line. In order to have your own personal net time (chip time) calculated you must cross the mats at the start line (for half marathon, 5K and 10K) and the finish line. Timing chips are loaned to you and must be removed and returned after you cross the finish line. Race volunteers will cut off and collect your chip. If you chip is not returned, you will be charged $30.

Where do I wear my race bib (race number)?
Your race bib must be visible and fastened to the FRONT of your body. Do not pin your bib to your back. Your race bib identifies you to many parties including race officials, timing officials, police, traffic control and the photographers.

Is there a race photographer?
Fotojack.com is the official race photographer of The Great Race. Check fotojack.com after the race for instructions on finding photos. You must be wearing your race bib on your front in order to be identified and searchable on fotojack.com.


Post Race Questions

Where are results?
You can find the results here.

While you may have run your race, refueled with our tasty food and drinks, drove home, showered and sat down at the computer, we are still out cleaning up and breaking down the event. Please be patient. Results will be posted by the Sunday after the race.

AOL users tend to have problems viewing the results after they are posted. We suggest clearing the cache on your browser.

I won an age group medal but I didn't pick it up at the race?
We will mail your medal to you as long as you provided a valid mailing address with your registration.

I still have my timing chip, what do I do?
Please return the chip by following the instruction on the envelope it was provided in.

Where do I find photos of me?
Check fotojack.com after the race for instructions on finding photos.