We are here to help! But first, your question may have already been answered! Check our FAQs below for answers to common topics.
Not sure how to use the FAQ page?
There are several ways you can find the answer to your question!
Use the “Enter your keyword here” search bar at the beginning of each section. Begin typing keywords (ex: defer, change distance, packet pick-up, pacer) and articles will automatically populate for you to click through.
Use the sections – Pre-Race Questions, Race Day Questions, Post-Race Questions – to find your answer. Once you find the question you are looking for, click the question to open the answer!
PRE-RACE QUESTIONS
What is Worry Free Registration?
Should the 2021 City of Oaks Marathon event be cancelled due to COVID-19, with Worry Free registration, you will have the option of receiving your money back in form of race credit or joining the virtual edition.
How can I change my race distance?
You may change your distance by filling out the change race distance form here. You will have up to 72 hours prior to the event to change your distance online. After this deadline you will need to make your changes during the expo/packet pick-up at the customer service desk.
Can I change from the Shadow Runner to a Physical Race?
Yes, you may change your distance from the Shadow Runner to the in person Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k or 5k. You will need to fill out the change race distance form here. Please note you will need to pay the difference of your registration and the current registration fee for the distance you going to.
You will have up to 72 hours prior to the event to change your distance online. After this deadline you will need to make your changes during the expo/packet pick-up at the customer service desk.
What is the Shadow Runner?
The Shadow Runner is a virtual race option for any of our participants that are unable to make it to the 2021 City of Oaks Marathon in-person race. All Shadow Runners will receive a digital race bib via email and their race swag will be mailed to them following the event.
What is your refund policy?
The City of Oaks Marathon reserves the right to reject any entry. Also, we adhere to the standard running industry policy. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is noted on our registration application and when you register for our events you must agree to this policy. You may not give or sell your number to another individual – if you do, this will result in your disqualification as well as the runner who uses your race number.
Entry Fees will only be awarded as race credit if the event were to be cancelled prior to November 1, 2020 due to COVID-19. All fees and associated costs (including optional product purchases, spectator tickets, and donations), paid in registration for this Event are not refundable for any reason under any circumstances, including but not limited to injury, a scheduling conflict, and/or event cancellation.
If you are unable to attend the race, you can defer your registration for credit towards a future Capstone race. Click here to fill out the form.
Can I transfer my registration to another person?
Sorry, we do not allow transfers from person to person. However, if you are unable to attend this year’s race, you can defer your registration for credit towards next year’s event or a future Capstone race.
Step 1: The deadline to defer is 10 days before the event – October 28, 2021 at 11:59 PM– you can defer your entry for credit by filling out this form here. Once you defer your entry, credit will be applied to your email address.Please note the amount of credit you receive is equal to the amount you paid at registration (excluding handling fees). We’ve also waived the normal deferral fee.
Step 2: Deferring your race entry does NOT automatically register you for a future event. To use your credit, you must sign up for an upcoming Capstone race using the email address associated with your credit. The credit will automatically be applied at the time of your registration. When registering, you should see your credit appear here:
Deferring your race entry does NOT automatically register you for a future event. To use your credit, you must sign up for an upcoming Capstone race using the email address associated with your credit. The credit will automatically be applied at the time of your registration.
What do I need to bring to packet pick-up?
All you will need is a photo ID.
Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes, you can have someone else pick up your packet if you are unable to make it the expo / packet pick-up. They will need a picture of your photo ID in order to claim your packet.
Can I register at the expo / packet pick-up?
Yes, the last day we will accept registrations is November 6, 2021. Please stop by the registration booth or customer service table and we will help you get registered.
How does our race swag fit?
The race swag is offered in Unisex sizing. We will have more details on the fabric and fit closer to race day.
When's the last day I can register?
The last day we will accept registrations is November 6, 2021. Please note the closer we get to the race date the higher the prices will be.
Do you offer a student discount / military discount?
Yes, we offer both a student and military discount. Please email us at info@cityofoaksmarathon.com and we’ll send you a unique code for 10% off your registration. We ask that all students email a valid student ID to receive the code.
Is the course USATF certified?
We will have more information on this soon.
Is this course a Boston qualifier?
We will have more information about this soon.
Does the City of Oaks Marathon allow elite athlete entries?
We allow full and half marathon elite entries. Please see the qualifications below:
An elite athlete may receive one comp entry if he or she meets the standards listed below:
Time standards Marathon: 2:46:00 for males and 3:18:00 for females.
Time standards Half Marathon: 1:13:00 for males and 1:25:00 for females.
There will be pacers for the marathon and half marathon. Please email info@cityofoaksmarathon.com to apply to be a pacer for the City of Oaks Marathon event on Sunday, November 7, 2021!
Marathon: Blue
Half: Red
Relay: Green
10K: Black
5K: Purple
Kids: Orange
Can I switch out a Marathon Relay Team Member?
Yes, you will need to email the name of the person who can no longer run to info@cityofoaksmarathon.com. Our team will remove them from your relay team. This will allow the new team member to register using your team name and secret code.
RACE DAY QUESTIONS
Where can I view a map of the course / see the course elevation?
All course maps can be found on our course webpage –click here!
Any runners remaining on the course after the time limit will no longer be considered race participants and will be required to follow pedestrian laws. Official times and post-race amenities cannot be guaranteed for runners who finish after the time limit. Please note, there will note be a sag wagon available to pick up runners who are unable to meet this time limit.
Are strollers allowed on the course?
Yes, strollers are permitted in the half marathon, 10k, 5k and Kids’ Mile events. Participants with strollers will need to start in the back for each event.
Can I wear headphones?
It is unsafe to wear headphones while running. Event organizers will not restrict headphone use and leave it up to the athlete on his/ her ability to follow direction while wearing headphone devices. If you do choose to wear headphones please keep the volume level down so you are able to hear and follow the direction of course volunteers.
Are pets allowed on course?
Pets are NOT allowed on the race course for the safety of race participants, spectators and the animals.
However, service animals as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on course. Should you decide to run the race with a service animal, please email your information to email. Runners with ADA service animals will be placed in the last corral behind individual runners for safety purposes.
Are pets allowed in the post race area?
No, pets are NOT permitted in the post-race area.
What kind of hydration / food will be available on the course?
We always provide water at each of our aid stations. There is also sports drink and some aid stations may also provide an energy gel or Gu. A more detailed overview of course hydration / food will be available closer to race day.
Where should I park on race morning?
We will have a more details on parking closer to race day.
What roads will be closed on race day?
Please visit ourtraffic webpage for more information and road closures and traffic delays.
What is your weather policy?
Races are held, rain or shine, unless we determine that conditions are too dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend or race day by Race Officials and local law enforcement officials. If the race is cancelled due to inclement weather there will be neither refunds nor transfers. This position is consistent with USA Track & Field recommendations and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of running. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, Capstone Event Group reserves the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race.
Will a gear check be offered?
Yes, all participants will receive a gear check tag on their bib number as well as a bag to use for gear check at packet pick-up. Runners may check their bag at the gear check area located beside Subway (2020 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC) at Hillsborough St. and Maiden Lane. You will need to attach your numbered tag (pulled from the bottom of your race bib) to your bag. The race is not responsible or liable for items placed in your bags and left at the bag check.
Is there race day packet pick-up?
There will be NO race day packet pick-up! If you cannot make it to the expo, a friend or family member may pick up your packet for you with a copy of your photo ID.
I want to find my runner, is there a live tracking option available?
Our live tracking app will be released closer to race day on social media, emails and within our Participant Guide.
Where are the best places to see the runners pass by, so I can cheer my runner on?
We always recommend spectating at the start and finish lines! If you are looking for other places to cheer on your runner, please see the Participant Guide when it is released.
Are there port-a-johns (restrooms)?
Yes, there will be port-a-johns at each aid station along the course. Plenty of porta-johns will also be located throughout runners village in these locations below.
Start Line Restrooms will be available. Exact locations will be announced closer to race day.
Post-Race Restrooms: Start/line finish areas restrooms will be available. There will also be restrooms available in the beer garden lot for post-race party use only.
My results were wrong, how do I get them corrected?
If there is anything wrong with your result, such as a missing time, incorrect age, gender, etc., please complete the Results Correction form below (when available) so we can correct it! Don’t worry, we have an official, accurate time for every runner. If your results are not displaying properly, we will get it fixed and updated as quickly as possible.
How do I get my photos / where do I get my photos after the race?
All runners will receive an email from our photography partner 2-3 days after the race with a link to view / purchase their photos. You can also find the link to our photos on this webpage.
How are awards determined?
Overall awards will be given to male and female overall winners based on gun time. Age group awards will be given to male and female overall winners based on chip time. Winners must be present to receive their prize; awards will not be mailed out.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to stay for the award ceremony and believe you won an overall award please see the Customer Service Tent race day to ensure you receive the medal. Overall Award or Age Group medals will NOT be mailed out after the event.
What are the age groups for age group awards?
Please see the following for age group award breakdown:
Awards will be given to the top THREE finisher for the marathon and half marathon; while 10k and 5k awards will be only TOP finishers in each age group.
There are no awards for the Marathon Relay or Kid’s Mile. Winners must be present to receive their prize; awards will not be mailed out.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to stay for the award ceremony and believe you won an overall award please see the Customer Service Tent race day to ensure you receive the medal. Overall Award or Age Group medals will NOT be mailed out after the event.
I wasn't / couldn't be present for the awards ceremony, can you mail me my award?
Sorry, we cannot mail awards.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to stay for the award ceremony and believe you won an overall award please see the Customer Service Tent race day to ensure you receive the medal. Overall and Age Group awards will NOT be mailed out after the event.
Is there a lost & found?
We encourage anyone who finds something on the course or in Runners’ Village to bring lost items to the Customer Service Tent. If you lose something during the race, please check with the Customer Service Tent for the item. You can also email info@cityofoaksmarathon.com if you realize you lost something after the race.
