Frequently Asked Questions

January 20, 2024

Coyote Hills Regional Park

Day

Hour

Minute

Second

How long is a 5K, 10K, half marathon?

5 kilometers = 3.1 miles

10 kilometers = 6.2 miles

Half Marathon = 13.1 miles (21.1 kilometers)

Note that for trail races, due to an inability to lengthen and shorten trails, what can be called a 5K, 10K or half marathon can sometimes be a little bit more or (once in a rare while) a little bit less in distance.

The distances of these races have been measured at 3.5, 6.3 and 13.17 miles.

What are the start times for each race?

Start times will be: 9:00 a.m. for the half marathon, 9:15 a.m. for the 10K and 9:30 a.m. for the 5K. The half marathon "Hiker Division" start (for those walking and planning to take more than 3.5 hours) will be at 8:00 a.m.

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 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 aid stations, in a large crowd or on more technical or difficult sections of the course. The important thing is paying attention to everyone's safety and maintaining basic race etiquette with other runners.

Can I register on the day of the race?

Unless the race has been announced here as sold out, race day registration will be available at the park, starting at 7:30 am.

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.

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

Yes, there will be a sweat-check area and these will be checked in and watched over by a volunteer. Bags for storing your sweats will be available if you do not bring your own. Please do not leave valuables in your sweat bags -- we cannot be responsible for these items.

Is there a time limit?

The half marathon has a time limit of 4 hours. Runners must finish their first loop and reach Aid 3 (mile 6.54) by 10:45 am as well as reach the Apay split (mile 9.6) by 11:30 am.

Walkers/Hikers needing more time will have the option of starting an hour early but must be able to follow the course using only a map since course marshals may not be on the course yet. Those starting early will also be ineligible for age-group or overall awards, but will still receive their medal, shirt and receive an official finish time.

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.

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.

When/where do I pick up my race bib and shirt?

Please see bib pick-up info here.

Can my dog run with me during the race?

Unfortunately, no. 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 along for the race. Also, while dogs are allowed in some parts of the park, the race courses pass through sensitive areas in which dogs are prohibited at all times.

Will the race be cancelled if it rains?

No. Unless there is an Act of God that makes the event unsafe or impossible to take place the race will be held, rain or shine. Courses may be modified to account for weather conditions.

What happens if the event must be cancelled?

Click here to see our event cancellation policy.

Do you issue refunds?

No. Putting on a race can be a very expensive (and financially risky) endeavor. To a small 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 or offer roll-overs or deferrals. 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%).

CAN I ASK YOU ANOTHER QUESTION?

Please use the contact form here for any questions not answered on the website.

Enjoy the rolling hills and bay views!

RACE SPONSORS

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.