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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

July 4, 2024

Todos Santos Park, Concord, CA

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Can I register on the day of the race?

Unless the race has sold out (if it does it will be announced on this website), race day registration will be available. Race day registration is an additional $5 from the final online registration price.

How long is a 5K and the Kids Run?

5 kilometers = 3.1 miles

Kids Fun Run = approximately 1/4 mile

I am a very slow runner. Am I going to be out of place?

You won't be out of place at all. Our races are planned for participants of all abilities -- including walkers/hikers.

Can I push a stroller?

Yes, strollers are fine.  If you plan to finish in the top 10, you would want to start near the front, but otherwise, to keep things safe for everyone, strollers should start at the back.

Can I wear headphones?

Yes, but we ask that you keep the volume down at a safe level so that you can hear other runners or instructions from event personnel. We also ask that you remove them, or, at the very least, remove one ear bud when you are coming to water stations. The important thing is paying attention for everyone's safety and maintaining basic race etiquette with other runners.

Do you offer a group discount? Frequent runner discount? Family discount? Coupon? Special break for running more than one race?

We do not.

There are many different ways for pricing race entry fees. Although it can sometimes make runners feel like they are getting a special deal, we do not use the method of offering a price higher than necessary to support the race, then offering discounts to only those who are lucky enough to find a coupon. We believe that such a policy unfairly penalizes those who (for whatever reason) do not find out about and utilize the coupon or discount.

Our prices are arranged so that every runner automatically gets the group discount, because they are in fact part of the large group running that race. Almost all of our races are composed of several hundred runners (sometimes well over a thousand) and it is because of these numbers that we can offer a high quality experience while still charging an entry fee well below what you might expect or find at comparable events elsewhere.

We do offer a discount to those who sign up early, since early sign-ups allow us to plan better and lower the overall costs of the race. Similarly, we include an additional charge for those who sign up late, since the accommodation of race entries in the last two weeks before a race increases the per-runner cost.

The other exception for discounts is for those who volunteer at one race and then participate at a later one. Those volunteers receive a discounted (and sometimes free) race entry.

Will there be age group awards?

Yes, we will have results and awards for age group finishers in 5 year divisions (see the shirts and award page). If you do not receive your age group medal on race day, you can request it here.

When/where do I pick up my bib/race packet?

You can find bib pick-up information here.

Is there a time limit?

In order to be sure the road is cleared for the parade that follows, there is a 1 hour, 15 minute time limit.  This is 24-minute-mile pace and  has always been enough time for walkers.  If a participant is unable to keep that pace, they will eventually be directed off of the street and onto to the sidewalk to finish the course.

Will there be somewhere to leave my warm-up clothes?

We recommend leaving your items secured in your vehicle (parking is close and plentiful).  Those needing a place to leave things like sweat pants or a jacket can do so at the "sweat check" area. Bags will be watched over by a volunteer, but we do not guarantee the safety or protection of any valuables, so please do not leave those at sweat check.

Can my dog run with me during the race?

Unfortunately, as much as we love dogs and running with our own, not everyone is comfortable being around dogs (even if leashed) and for reasons of safety (for those with two legs and four) we ask runners not to bring their dogs on the race course.

Will the race be cancelled if it rains?

It is very unlikely for there to be rain in July, but the race will go on rain or shine.  Courses may be modified to account for weather conditions.

What happens if the event must be cancelled?

Do you issue refunds?

No. Putting on a race can be a very expensive (and financially risky) endeavor. To a much smaller extent, that risk gets shared by all who enter since injuries, emergencies and plain old "life happening" can potentially ruin plans for participation.

Because the majority of the funds collected have been spent long before the race occurs, we do not issue cash refunds. We will, however, credit you with 50% or 75% of your entry toward a future race if you let us know in advance (at least 2 weeks for 75% credit, at least 72 hours for 50%).

Still have questions?

Contact us here and we will do our best to get you an answer as quickly as possible.

START YOUR 4TH OF JULY IN STYLE!

STARS & STRIPES SPONSORS

GU Energy

Thank you to our race sponsors, through their contributions, our sponsors help keep entry costs down and expose our runners their outstanding products and services. Learn more about becoming a sponsor.

When I first started running, I was so embarrassed, I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers.
Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic Marathon Winner

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