Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: Are walkers allowed in marathon / half marathon?
A: Yes/No - kind of. Both the full marathon and half marathon races are designed for runners not walkers. The 5K Friday night is a Run/Walk race. The full-marathon cut-off will not be 6 hours (about a 13.5 minute per mile pace). Racers that fall behind the race cut-off pace will be offered transportation to the Sanford Center or may surrender their race bib and continue without further race support at their OWN risk. If participants expect to walk more than half the time, we strongly encourage you to complete in the 26K or half marathon instead of the full, as race support will be available for a longer period of time. All that being said, the marathon and half courses are 100% on either paved trails or paved roads that are used to regular foot and bike traffic. ALL trails that the course runs WILL remain open to general public during the race. We will have signage warning other users of race in progress and do not expect any interference. The point- ANYONE can walk the entire course without race support and if race participants fall behind cut-off pace, surrender their race bib, and release race organizers from further liability, they would be able to complete the course on their own. Unlike many other road races, we do not race on any closed roads that reopen after cut-off prohibiting walkers from finishing; the course is fully available and accessible to runners and bikers. Q: Transfers and/or Refunds?
A: The transfer of race numbers from one person to the other or from one race to another is NOT allowed. Also, giving or selling your race number to another person is against race policy. Violation of these rules will jeopardize your participation in future Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon events. Entry fees are non-refundable. The only exception that will be made to our "no refund policy" is for those who are on active military duty and are deployed for service (a copy of deployment orders is required).. Q: Cancellation Policy?
A: The Race Director reserves the right to cancel or modify the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon races in consideration of extremely adverse weather conditions, or other health or safety factors, that pose an imminent threat to competitors or volunteers. In the unlikely event of cancellation, entrants who have picked up their race number will be mailed a coupon for partial credit towards next year's entry fee. Q: Do you have Pacers?
A: Yes, In 2014 we are adding pacers to our Full Marathon. MN Pacers are joining us in October. The pacers will be running 3:25, 3:35, 3:45, 4hr, 4:15, 4:30, and 5hr. Q: Are strollers allowed in Marathon, 26K, or Half Marathon?
A: No, strollers are NOT allowed in full marathon, 26K, or half marathon races. This is a liability issue primarily for the health of child in the stroller. October in Northern Minnesota is unpredictable and there are many weather factors that raise concerns with having a child exposed to weather for 2 1/2 - 6 hours. Again, like noted above, the trails will remain open to general public use and there may be strollers on the course, however, our participants are prohibited from having strollers on the course while racing. Q: Are family members/friends able to run with you if they are not registered for the race?
A: No, the USATF rule states: Pacers are prohibited. Friends or family who are not participating as registered participants in the race may not run (or bike) with you – either to help set a pace or to keep you company for a portion of the course. This rule includes children running with parents. The only exception to this USATF Rule of Competition is for pace setters provided by the race that are available for use by ANY runner. Q: Can I give my race bib to someone else?
A: You may not give your race number to another person for use in the race or use the race number of another registered runner. Just think about how your family would feel if someone running with your number is hospitalized and they are called OR if you are hurt and running with another runner’s number and notification of YOUR family is delayed. Q: Can I place my race bib anywhere?
A: Your race number must be worn on the front of your body and must be visible in its entirety. It cannot be folded or tucked into your clothing. Q: Can I start early?
A: No. All participants must start the race at the designated start time. You may NOT start early. It is impossible to over-emphasize the danger presented by running on the narrow country roads (open to traffic) in the first half of the course. You also can not delay your start to enhance your competitive position. Q: Are headphones allowed to be used by racers?
A: Yes, headphones are allowed by racers on course. We ask runners to use the utmost caution on trails and roadsides when using headphones and remain aware of your surroundings. We will have signs warning all trail traffic and road traffic of the race in progress and there will be law enforcement and volunteers adding additional support and security in busier areas. All road running will be on the left paved shoulder running toward oncoming traffic. |
The following questions are answered on this page:
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