Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this race a Boston Qualifier?
   Yes, we are certified by the USA Track & Field Association.
2. What are the distances for each event?
   Marathon - 26.2 miles
   Half Marathon - 13.1 miles
   5K Run/Walk - 3.2 miles
3. Where does the race start and finish?
   The marathon, half marathon, and 5K start at VF World Headquarters located at 105 Corporate Center Blvd., in Greensboro, NC.
4. What are the entry deadlines and fees?
   You can register for the marathon and half marathon until Friday, May 1, 2009 at 10:00 p.m. You can register for the 5K walk/run until 8:30 a.m. on race day, Saturday, May 2, 2009.
5. How can I register for a race?
   
   • You can go to http://www.active.com and search for NC Marathon and register online.
   • Or, you can click the Register Now 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.
6. 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.
7. Is there a wheelchair and/or hand cycle division?
   No, not this year. But we will have them as we build this event.
8. What are the packet pick up dates, times, and locations?
   Thursday, April 30, through Friday, May 1, 2009
   Proximity Hotel
   704 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC 27408
   www.proximityhotel.com / 336-379-8200
   12:00 Noon - 10:00 p.m.

   There will be no race day registration for marathon and half marathon participants. Packet pick up for pre-registered runners will be available at the Start Line/Finish Line area.

   Photo ID is required for packet pick up. All participants must pick up their own race packet, including all relay team members.

9. What are the dates and times of the Expo?
   Vendor Display Times:
   #1-Thursday and Friday, April 30-May 1, 2009 at the Proximity Hotel
   12 Noon - 10:00 p.m.
   #2-Saturday, May 2nd 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at VF World Headquarters Start/Finish Line
   
   
10. Who is the host hotel?
    The Proximity Hotel in Greensboro is the host hotel for this event. Be sure to mention the UnitedHealthcare NC Marathon to receive the special room rate.
    

    Contact Info: Proximity Hotel
    704 Green Valley Road, Greensboro, NC 27408
    336-379-8200 (toll-free 1-800-379-8200)

11. Where can I park?
    Shuttle Service will be available from several local lots surrounding the Start/Finish Line area. As race day get closer, we will publish more specific information.
12. What are the time limits to complete the marathon?
    The street at the end of the marathon will reopen seven hours after the start of the marathon, allowing participants seven hours to complete the 26.2 mile course. Other portions of the course will reopen incrementally.
13. 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. LeBleu water and Gatorade sports drink will be offered on the course.
14. 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.
15. Will portable bathrooms be on the course?
    Yes, at the start line, at all 14 aid stations and at the finish line.
16. Will timing clocks be on the course?
    Yes, timing clocks will be located along the course. Locations of these clocks will be available at packet pick up.
17. Are there recommended viewing locations along the course?
    Yes, there will be designated Cheer Zones located along the 26.2 mile course. For a list of those locations, please click here. Family members and spectators are strongly encouraged to join the celebration at the Finish Line Spectator Area located at VF World Headquarters, 105 Corporate Center Blvd., Greensboro, NC.
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 in the VF World Headquarters parking lot located at 105 Corporate Center Blvd., Greensboro, NC.
20. Is the course certified?
    Yes, the course is certified by USA Track & Field Association.
21. What is the average race day temperature?
    The average high for Greensboro, North Carolina on May 2rd is 77 degrees, the average low is 55 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:24 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 the Chronotrak Timing System. The new system, which replaces the ChampionChip, will utilize a light-weight disposable timing tag. The "D-tag" will record a runner's official time, beginning when the participant crosses the start line and concluding as he or she passes the finish line.
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 April 2, 2009. Registrations are not transferable.
27. Are relay teams allowed on the marathon course?
    The UnitedHealthcare N.C. Marathon Relay offers the excitement of the marathon along with the thrill of running a relay race. You will have the opportunity to assemble a three member team of runners to complete the 26.2 mile course.
    
    Three Person Teams - The first person on the team runs 10 miles, Team member #2 runs the second leg, 13.1 miles, and the third and final member of your team will run the final leg of the race, 5K.
    
    There will be two Relay Zones:
    
    1.  Corner of Bluff Run Rd & Lake Jeanette Rd - 10 Mile Marker and aid station #5 (13.1 Team Member)
    2.  Corner of McGee St & Spring Garden St - at round about - 23 Mile Marker and aid station #12 (5K Team member)
    
    All participants are responsible for there own transportation to all Relay Zones.
    
    
28. What's in the marathon Goodie Bag?
    All marathon, half marathon, and 5K runners/walkers will receive a Goodie Bag. Contents will be posted later.
29. Is there a finishers' recognition?
    All marathon and half marathon finishers will receive a medal, ticket to the post-race feast, and coupons for 2 beers compliments of Red Oak.
30. Is there an Awards Ceremony?
    You bet there is! World Class Endurance Athlete, Charlie Engle and Mayor of Greensboro Yvonne Johnson, 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

31. What type of entertainment will be at the finish line?
    The Finish Line, "Mile 27" is located at VF World Headquarters. All registered participants will have access to the Food Tent, Red Oak Beer Garden, Massage Therapists from the Yoga Cafe, and the Medical Tent.
    
    The Fairlanes will provide musical entertainment at the Finish Line. The Fairlanes are a Greensboro, NC-based three piece band specializing in blues, rockabilly ,and funk integrated into their own unique blend of what many call "roots rock."-->
32. What are the official race T-shirts like?
    All registered participants will receive an official race T-shirt made of white dry weave fabric with the race logo in color on the front and sponsors on the back. They are so cool!
33. What's in my race packet?
    Your race packet contains your bib number, safety pins, ChronoTrak timing chip, A Strong Finish Information, and goodie bag.
34. 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.
35. Are you having a pasta party?
    Absolutely! The second annual UnitedHealthcare NC MARATHON pre-race, carb loading pasta reception is Friday, May 1st at 7:00 p.m. at the Proximity Hotel in the downstairs lobby. PLenty of amazing cuisine as well as video of the race course, celebrity athletes, and terrific music.
    
    World Class Endurance Athlete, Charlie Engel will speak about his amazing run across the Sahara. For more information on Charlie, click here.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.