Runner Information & Event Details
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Pre-Race Information
Race Packets: Ballroom: Race packets will be available at the Sanford Event Center, 1111 Event Center Drive Bemidji, MN 56601. The packets will be available at the back of the Be Active Expo by entering Gate 4 and proceeding to the Ballroom during these days/times:
All runners must show a photo ID to pick up their race packet. If you are picking up a packet for someone else, you must show a copy of their photo ID along with their consent. Gear Check for Saturday: Lake View Room #6: Gear Check will be available for endurance races on Saturday from 7 am until 3 pm. Clear gear check bags and labels will be available at packet pick-up and the half marathon start, if you need one. In the interest of the environment, gear check bags will not be provided automatically. Half marathon drop bags will be transported to Lakeview Room #6. Please write your race number on the label and place it centrally on the bag. Do not leave valuables in your bag. Make sure your bag is tightly secured. Items stored at your own risk. Course Information
Course Descriptions: The Blue Ox Full Marathon and 26K courses will all start at the Sanford Center and head around the east side of Lake Bemidji along the Paul Bunyan Trail. While the Half Marathon will start approximately 3 miles up the trail. Half Marathoners will take buses from the Sanford Center to the starting line. The buses will leave the Sanford Center at 8:30am. Buses will remain near the starting line so runners can stay warm if they choose. The Half course will continue along with the 26K course.
The Full Marathon will turn off the trail and head up towards Bass Lake. At Bass Lake, the route will turn around and head back to the trail. Once back on the trail, all the races will continue the same way, running along the east side of Lake Bemidji, through Lake Bemidji State Park, and continuing on around the west side of the Lake. The routes will continue past Cameron Park, through Diamond Point Park, past Bemidji State University, and of course past Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. ALL races will finish at the Sanford Center. The course is USATF certified. Important: Absolutely no early starters are allowed on the racecourse. Individuals in violation of this rule will be disqualified and asked to leave the course. No automobiles, bicycles, baby joggers, roller skis, inline skates, handcycles, hand-cranked wheelchairs, pets or unofficial participants are allowed on the racecourse. Starting Line: The starting line is outside the Country Inn and Suites adjacent to the Sanford Event Center for all races, except for the Half Marathon Start. The Half Marathon Start is located at Paul Bunyan Trail, 3-miles N of Sanford Event Center. Half Marathon runners must take the buses from the Sanford Event Center. Buses will depart promptly at 8:35 am. Friday, October 7th: 4:20 pm: Kids Fun Run 1/2K 4:30 pm: Kids Fun Run 1K 5 pm: 5K Run/Walk 5 pm: 10K Run/Walk Runners should give themselves plenty of time to pick up their race packets prior to their events. Runners should be at the start line at least 15 minutes prior to start. Saturday, October 8th: 9 am: Half Marathon Start at Paul Bunyan Trail, 3-miles N of Sanford Event Center. 9 am: 26k Start 8:30 am: Full Marathon Start Runners should give themselves plenty of time to pick up their race packets prior to their events. Runners should be at the start line at least 15 minutes prior to start. Half Marathon runners must take the buses from the Sanford Event Center. Buses will depart at 8:35am. Runners should line up according to their projected finishing times at the starting line. Walkers and slower runners must start in the back rows. Timing: Pickle Events will be the official timing company used by the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Events. Water/Aid Stations: Aid stations will be located along the course, as well as the Main Medical Tent at the Sanford Event Center. Water and Gatorade stations will be located on the course about every 2-3 miles. Energy Gel will be available at Mile 12 and 20 for the Full, Mile 11 for the 26K, and Mile 7 for the Half. Use discretion if accepting fluids from sources other than official water stations. Water Locations (approx. location): Marathon: Mile 1.5, 7.5, 12, 17, 20, 22, 24, 25 26K: Mile 3, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16 Half: Mile 4, 7, 9, 11, 12 Safety First!: The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon has traditionally been cool, but there is always a chance the weather could be reversed. If it is warm or humid on race day, please take special precautions to avoid over-extending your limitations. We are not responsible for race-related injuries, and runners will be responsible for any medical expense they may incur. The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon follows the American College of Sports Medicine color-coded flag system to let you know the risk level for cold or heat stress. Please familiarize yourself with these flag colors.
Race Course Courtesy: Please be considerate of your surroundings during The Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon. At the starting line and along the course be respectful of residents' property. Use the portable toilets provided at the start and along the course at the aid stations, rather than private yards or gardens. Remember: emergency vehicles have the right-of-way at all times during the race. The police and traffic control volunteers have YOUR safety in mind, and deserve to be treated respectfully by runners and spectators alike. Runners who have finished the race need to avoid interference with runners approaching the finish line. Headphone Use: At its annual meeting in December 2008, USA Track & Field (USATF) amended rule 144.3(f) effectively lifting its previously imposed ban on headphones and other similar devices on USATF-certified courses. Because of this change, participants will be able to use headphones and similar devices during the race, but they do so at their own risk. Runner safety has always been, and will continue to be, a priority for all of our events. Please be mindful of the other participants and race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone. Race Photography: Race photography will be provided by Golden-Eye Studios. Not all runners are guaranteed to be photographed. However, photographers will be strategically placed on the course to do their best to capture all runners and the event in progress. A link will be posted to the website and Facebook following the race for those interested in purchasing photos. If you do not wish to have your photograph published, please send an e-mail to info@bemidjiblueoxmarathon.com prior to the event. Post Race
Finisher Area: The 'Harmony Co-op Finisher Area' is located inside Gate #4 of the Sanford Center, just up the sidewalk from the finish line. Medals: Medals will be handed out after crossing the finish line. Information Center / Lost & Found: An information table will be available in the Ballroom during the Be Active Expo. On Friday, Lost & Found will be available at the information table On Saturday, Lost & Found will move to the Gear Check room, Lakeview Room #6. Awards Ceremony: Overall Winners will be presented with awards at the following times in the Ballroom: Friday, October 7th Award Ceremony for 5K Overall Winners @ 5:45pm Award Ceremony for 10K Overall Winners @ 6:15pm Saturday, October 8th Awards Ceremony for Half Marathon & 26K Overall Winners @ 12pm Awards Ceremony for Full Marathon Overall Winners @1pm Age Group Awards: Preliminary results will be posted throughout the day near the stage in the Ballroom. Age Group Awards will be available after the awards ceremonies for respective races. The categories for the age group awards for the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, 26K, and Marathon are as follows: Male & Female 01-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & up. Awards will NOT be mailed. Race Results: Race results will be posted on our web site on race day. Showers: Showers will be available at the Department of Campus Recreation located at 220 19th St. NE at Bemidji State University. Runners must bring their race number for access. |
Course Maps
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