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.

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. Due to restrictions on our permits, we impose course limits. Those times are a 3:30:00 Chesebro Half marathon or a 3:15:00 Pacific Half Marathon. Although the finish line remains open, it does not guarantee there will be full course support.

If you are entered in the Chesebro 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 course signs will be picked up. If you are slower, you are welcome to finish, but take a map with you.

Entrants in the Chesebro Half Marathon must reach the 3 mile mark at the Cheeseboro Canyon National Recreation Area entrance in 48 minutes or less. Course support through the trails cuts off for those reaching the three mile mark at less than 16 minutes per mile pace. Please note: If you don't reach mile 3 by 48 minutes, you are on your own.

If you are entered in the Pacific Half Marathon, the course time limit is 3:15. That's 14:53 pace per mile. Start time is 7:30 a.m. After 10:45 a.m. the course signs will be picked up. If you are slower, you are welcome to finish, but take a map with you.

How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees are per person. Check our
race information page to find the current entry fees for your specific race. Family Fun Run entry fees are also per person, not per family. Every participant must be registered.

Can I change races from the Chesebro Half Marathon or the Pacific Half Marathon to the Old Agoura 10K or Deena Kastor 5K?
If you registered for a Half Marathon and want to drop down to the 10K or 5K, you must contact us by Friday, March 12, 2010 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 change races from the Chesebro Half Marathon to the Pacific Half Marathon or from the Pacific Half Marathon to the Chesebro Half Marathon?
If you registered for a Half Marathon and want to switch to the other, you must contact us and make the request via email from the email address that you registered with by Friday, March 5, 2010 to do so. We will switch your entry to the other race if there is availability (if the other race is not sold out). NO EXPO OR RACE DAY CHANGES!

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 10K to the 5K, you must contact us via email by Friday, March 12, 2010 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. We cannot refund the difference in entry fees. NO RACE DAY CHANGES!

If you want to switch from the 5K to the 10K, you must contact us via email by Friday, March 12, 2010 to do so. There is an upgrade fee calculated by the present entry fee of the 10K less the price of what you paid to enter the 5K. You can switch at our Pre-Race Expo/Packet Pick Up for a $10 change fee per entrant plus the upgrade fee. NO RACE DAY CHANGES!

Why can't I change races after March 12?
After March 12, the race bibs and race timing tags are set. They are assigned and personalized for your registration.

Your next/last chance to change races is March 25 and 26 at our Pre-Race Expo. If you'd like to downgrade your race, you can switch at our Pre-Race Expo/Packet Pick Up (on March 25 or March 26) for a $10 change fee per entrant. If you'd like to upgrade your race, you can switch at our Pre-Race Expo/Packet Pick Up for a $10 change fee per entrant plus the upgrade fee. After March 5, there are no changes allowed between half marathons. THERE ARE NO RACE DAY CHANGES FOR ANY RACE!

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?
This race and active.com both have a no refund policy.

If you are registered for the Chesebro Half Marathon or the Pacific 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 to defer your registration until next year. We will send you a form to fill out and the deferment fee is $10. This deferment policy is only for the half marathons. The last day to defer your half marathon entry to 2011 is March 12, 2010. For all other races, you are welcome to pick up your shirt and goodie bag (as available) at our Pre-Race Expo 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 device.

Can I register on race day?
There is no race day registration for the Chesebro Half Marathon or the Pacific Half Marathon.

You can register on race day for any other event that is not already sold out. However, we highly recommend to register in advance now or at our Pre-Race Expo on the Thursday and Friday before. Race day registration and pick up lines tend to be long. If you wait until race day to register you risk that your event will be sold out. We don't want you to travel to the race to learn the race is full. 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?
In honor of the 25th anniversary of The Great Race, in 2010, registered runners of all races wearing the proper race bib on their front are awarded a finisher's medal after successfully completing the race, crossing the finish line and picking up their medal at the medal distribution location as supplies last.

(This is a change for 2010 only. All other years, registered runners of the Chesebro Half Marathon, Pacific 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).

Do you offer prizes or age group awards?
Yes. To view the details, click here. Prizes and age group awards are awarded based on D-tag (computerized) 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 age group award, 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?
No, this event uses ChronoTrack timing that features disposable timing D-tags. Chip timing is not compatibile with the ChronoTrack system. ChronoTrack timing has the advantage of computerized timing without the hassle of removing your chip after you cross the finish line.

Do you call out split times at each mile?
We've come to the realization that runners who are interested in their split times wear a watch and record their own times. With the popularity of races scored by personal (chip or D-tag) times, calling out mile splits by gun time is only helpful to the lead runners. So, if you want to know your split times, wear your running watch. All of the miles of the 5K, 10K and Pacific Half Marathon are clearly marked, as are miles on the road portion of the Chesebro Half Marathon.

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.

Can I listen to my iPod when I race?
Runners need to be responsible when they run. Running with music can be motivating, however, running with headphones can be dangerous. Most roads on the race courses are partially closed but not completely closed to vehicle traffic. Racers must absolutely be alert and completely aware of their surroundings and need to be able to easily hear vehicle traffic, emergency vehicles as well as instructions on the course from the police, traffic control or race course officials as well as be able to hear other runners. Additionally, our race courses are very unique and scenic, we suggest you take it all in with all of your senses – sight, smell and sound. If you choose to wear headphones, it's up to you to find the safe volume level that helps you without putting yourself or others in danger. While USA Track and Field has lifted the ban on headphones in non-championship races, we say give your iPod a rest for one day and take in all the great experiences of this race.


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 posted on our web site closer to the event. We have many booths at our Pre-Race Expo (and 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?
The two days before the race
On Thursday from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. and
on Friday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. at:
Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center
27040 Malibu Hills Road
Calabasas, CA 91301

There is NO race day pick up for the Pacific Half Marathon

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 5,000 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 shirt, timing tag and bib to me?
Only if you are in the Pacific Half Marathon and you choose the VIP packet service option for an additional fee. All other races must pick up.

Where is the race?
We ask you which race?

The Pacific Half Marathon starts at Paramount Ranch and ends at Chumash Park. Those in the Pacific Half Marthon should park at Paramount Ranch. There will be a post-race shuttle to take you back from the finish to Paramount Ranch. There is NO pre-race shuttle.

For the Chesebro Half Marathon, Old Agoura 10K, Deena Kastor 5K, Kids Mile or Family Fun Run: If you didn't pick up on March 25 or 26, you must go to Chumash Park to pick up before you can proceed to the start line. The Chesebro Half Marathon, Old Agoura 10K and Deena Kastor 5K 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, March 27, 2010
7:00 a.m. -- Chesebro Half Marathon
7:30 a.m. -- Pacific Half Marthon starts at Paramount Ranch
7:30 a.m. -- Old Agoura 10K
9:00 a.m. -- Deena Kastor 5K
10:15 a.m. -- Kids 1 Mile (6-12 year olds only)
10:30 a.m. -- Family Fun Run (all ages)

Where do I park for the Pacific Half Marathon?
Park at Paramount Ranch.There is plenty of parking there, however, the road leading into Parmount Ranch is a narrow two lane road. Thousands of you heading to the same place at the same time equals early morning traffic. Plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time!

When I park at Paramount Ranch for the Pacific Half Marathon, how do I get back to my vehicle?
The City of Agoura Hills is providing free shuttle service from the finish area near Chumash Park (pick up the bus at the southwest corner of Kanan Rd. and Thousand Oaks Blvd. near the banks in the parking lot of the shopping center anchored by Vons) back to Paramount Ranch after the race. There is no pre-race shuttle from the finish to the start.

Where do I park for the Chesebro Half Marathon, the 10K, the 5K, the Kids Mile, the Fun Run?
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 comprehensive 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 timing tag 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?
Only for the Pacific Half Marathon due to the point-to-point nature of the course. Runners will check their bag near the start of the Pacific Half Marathon at Paramount Ranch and be able to pick it up at Chumash Park after they finish.

Where are the toilets?
Portable toilets are stationed at Chumash Park (behind the stage), 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 of any race. Carell Ave. and Thousand Oaks Blvd. is on the way to the start, and your last chance stop.

For the Pacific Half Marathon, portable toilets are located in the parking lot of Paramount Ranch on the way to the start.

Where is the start?
For the Pacific Half Marathon, the start is in Western Town at Paramount Ranch (a very long way from Chumash Park so don't go there).

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. We're 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 D-tag?
Timing tags must be attached to your shoe. Remove the "D" tag from your race bib. Untie shoe laces and loosen top criss cross on laces. Insert "D" tag adhesive strip through top criss cross laces towards the tongue of shoe. DO NOT loop the "D" tag through your tied laces. Remove adhesive label strip from "D" tag. Adhere tab to adhesive strip to create the "D" shape. The side labeled "THIS SIDE UP" should form the arch on the "D". Tie shoes and run!

In order to be timed, you must wear your tag on your shoe and cross the finish line. In order to have your own personal net time (computerized tag time) calculated you must cross the mats at the start line (for half marathons, 5K and 10K) and the finish line. Timing tags are disposable, eliminating the need to be removed and returned after you cross the finish line.

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 award. Where do I pick it up?
Due to the numerous races, we award many, many age group awards, 424 to be exact. There is no award ceremony because it would take us until Tuesday to give out all the awards. We will mail your award to you as long as you provided a valid mailing address with your registration. Please allow at least 2-4 weeks to receive it.

I won an age group prize. Where do I pick it up?
Due to the numerous races, we award many, many age group prizes. There is no award ceremony because it would take us until Tuesday to give out all of the prizes. We will ship your prize to you as long as you provided a valid mailing address with your registration. Please allow at least 2-4 weeks to receive it.

I was a top finisher and won an awesome audio or video equipment prize. Where do I pick it up?
Winners will be provided with instructions on how to pick up their prize.

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

When is the 2011 race?
The 26th Annual Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills is scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2011.