Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this race a Boston Qualifier?
   Yes, our marathon course is certified by the US Track and Field Association. If your finish time qualifies you for Boston, according to the requirement for your age, our certification number for your entry application is NC-09020-PH.
2. What are the distances for each event?
   Marathon - 26.2 miles
   Half Marathon - 13.1 miles
   5K Run/Walk - 3.1 miles
3. Where does the race start and finish?
   The marathon, half marathon, and 5K start at Showplace located in downtown High Point, NC.
4. How difficult are the course routes (hills, running surface, etc.)?
   This year's marathon and half-marathon are significantly flatter than last year’s course – it is rolling (this is the Piedmont, after all) with a flat start and finish. The marathon features just one steep hill, right before mile 14, but it’s short. To view the courses, click here.
5. What are the entry deadlines and fees?
   See our Registration page for details.
6. How can I register for a race?
   
   • You can go to active.com and register online.
   • Or, you can click the Register Online button up top to link to the online registration at active.com.
   • Or, you can download a copy of the Race Registration Form and send it in with a check, money order, cash, or credit card information. You can also contact the office, 336-834-9919, and request that a form be mailed or faxed to you.
7. Am I allowed to use my IPod or MP3 player during the race?
   No, for the safety of all runners, electronic music devices are not permitted on the course.
8. Is there a wheelchair and/or hand cycle division?
   Yes.
9. What are the packet pick up dates, times, and locations?
   Friday, March 19 - Noon to 10:00 p.m
   
   Showplace
   211 E Commerce Ave
   High Point, NC 27260-5203

   On race day, March 20, packet pick up opens at 6:30 a.m. at Showplace

   There will be no race day registration for marathon and half marathon participants.

   Photo ID is required for packet pick up. All participants must pick up their own race packet.

10. What are the dates and times of the Expo?
    The same as packet pickup at Showplace on Friday, March 19, noon – 10 p.m. On race day, the expo will run from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Showplace.
    
11. Who is the host hotel?
    The official hotel of the N.C. MARATHON is the Best Western High Point. It is located immediately adjacent to Showplace:
    135 South Main Street
    High Point, NC
    (336) 889-8888

12. Where can I park?
    A specific parking garage within two blocks of the start/finish line has been designated for marathon and half-marathon runners on race day. See Parking Map. Also look for runner e-mails for a map and directions to that garage. [printer friendly version of map]
13. What are the time limits to complete the marathon?
    The streets will reopen seven hours after the start of the marathon, allowing participants seven hours to complete the 26.2 miles course.
14. How many Water Stations and what type of fluid replacements are offered?
    There will be 14 water stations along the marathon course, as well as the start and finish areas. Other food and drink for replenishment will be available at the finish line. Primo water and Gatorade sports drink will be offered on the course.
15. How many Medical Tents are available?
    Five medical tents are located along the course as well as at the finish line. Guilford County's BERT Team (EMS Team on Bikes) will also be available along the course for runner safety.
16. Will portable bathrooms be on the course?
    Yes, at the start line, at all 14 water stations, and at the finish line.
17. Will timing clocks be on the course?
    Yes, a few timing clocks will be located along the course. Locations of these clocks will be available at packet pick up.
18. How many spectators are expected?
    Over 3,000 - 5,000 spectators are expected to participate at the finish line celebration.
19. Is Gear Check available?
    Yes, runners can check their gear at the start line area located at Showplace 211 E Commerce Ave
    High Point, NC.
20. Is the course certified?
    Yes, the course is certified by USA Track & Field Association, USATF certification, #NC-09020-PH.
21. What is the average race day temperature?
    The average high for High Point, North Carolina on March 20 is 62 degrees, the average low is 38 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:24 a.m.
22. Can I run the marathon course without registering?
    No. All runners without UnitedHealthcare NC MARATHON bibs will be directed off the course.
23. Are there timing chips and race numbers?
    All official entrants will be timed using a disposable ChampionChip.
24. What is the age requirement to run?
    To run the marathon, participants must be at least 16 years of age. Runners can participate in the half marathon who are age 14-18 with a parent's signed permission. Any runner under 18 must have a signed parental permission.
25. Will there be pace groups?
    Absolutely. More information will be available at packet pick up.
26. Can I get a refund or transfer my registration if I am unable to run?
    No refunds will be issued after March 2, 2010. Registrations are not transferable. If you register for the event and cannot attend, please consider your course fee a charitable donation to Foster Friends of NC, Inc.
27. What's in the marathon Goody Bag?
    All marathon, half marathon, and 5K runners/walkers will receive a Goody Bag. Contents will vary depending on your event, but they include sports accessories, a hat, and coupons from local merchants. See our Goody Bag page for more details.
28. Is there a finishers' recognition?
    All finishers will receive a medal, and a ticket to the post-race feast.
29. Is there an Awards Ceremony?
    You bet there is! Our Honorary Chairman will present winners with awards. The following are times for the award ceremonies:

    Family 5K Awards - 11:00 a.m.
    Half Marathon Awards - 11:30 a.m.
    Marathon Awards - 12 Noon

30. What type of entertainment will be at the finish line?
    The Finish Line celebration will be located inside Showplace, in the same area where runners pick up they packets. All registered participants will have access to the Food Tent, Natty Greene Beer Garden (adults only), and lots of other great things to do. During the race there will be a special children's area located inside Showplace with fun activities for the kids.
31. What are the official race T-shirts like?
    All marathon and half-marathon registrants will receive a high-quality cotton official race T-shirt. Both logos are very cool. Other official race apparel – hats and jackets – will be available for sale at the expo and packet pickup and at the post-race festivities.
32. What's in my race packet?
    Your race packet contains your bib number, safety pins, ChampionChip timing chip, and any last-minute instructions and information.
33. What can kids do?
    Children ages 1-18 are encouraged to participate in the Family 5K with their friends and family. The race begins at 9:00 a.m. There will also be a special Children's Zone located inside Showplace with fun activities for kids 1-18.
34. How do I meet up with my family after the race?
    Encourage your family to determine a location in or around the Spectator Area to meet you after the race is complete.
35. How does my family check on me if there is a medical issue?
    Family members will need to visit the "MARATHON INFO" tent at the Finish Line to locate a family member with a medical situation.
36. Where do I go for Lost & Found or to get Race Information on the day of the event?
    For questions or to check on lost & found articles, visit the "MARATHON INFO" tent at the Finish Line.
37. Are strollers allowed? And if I’m walking the 5k, can I bring my dog?
    We love babies and dogs, but for your safety and the safety of your fellow participants, we can't allow strollers or pets on the course. At several points, people walking the course will be mixing with runners finishing their last few miles of the marathon, so we all need to be courteous of each other and aware of people approaching from behind.