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!
2021 Race Questions
What is Worry Free Registration?
Should the 2021 Myrtle Beach 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 and receive your swag via mail.
What safety precautions are taking place in 2021?
The 2021 Myrtle Beach Marathon team is working to provide you with a great race experience where you feel safe and can focus on your run. To ensure all of our runners safety this year’s race is going to look a bit different. See how this year’s race is changing here.
Will there be a Health & Wellness Expo this year?
No, we will not be hosting the Health & Wellness Expo. All participants will receive their race bib in the mail prior to race day. Once you cross the finish line you will receive all of your race swag including the participant tee, finisher tank and finisher medal.
Will the 2021 race have a Finish Line Festival?
Unfortunately, we have removed the Finish Line Festival from our race. Although we will not have our Finish Line Festival, we are working with local merchants for you to take the party elsewhere. More details to come closer to race day!
What do I get for running the in-person race?
You will be mailed your physical bib before the race to wear during the event. You will pick up your medal, shirt and tank at the finish line.
What do I get for running both the virtual and physical race?
You will be emailed your virtual bib and physically mailed your in-person bib before the in-person event to wear during the race. You will receive your medal, shirt, swag and Virtual 10k medal at the finish line.
Can I register for both the physical and virtual race?
Yes, you can register for both the virtual 10k and the physical race. If you’re looking for a warm up before your race or want an exclusive virtual race medal we’ll be taking both registrations!
If you’re already registered for the in-person race you can add the virtual race to your registration by filling out the form here.
What do I get for running the virtual race?
Your bib will be emailed to you to wear during your virtual run. You will be mailed your race shirt and 10k Virtual medal after the race.
Will there be a Family Fun Run this year?
The Family Fun Run will be a virtual race option. We will not be hosting the Family Fun Run in-person. More details on the Virtual Family Fun Run can be found here.
PRE-RACE QUESTIONS
How do I check if I'm registered?
If you have registered already you will have a confirmation email in your inbox. Search your inbox (spam & junk folders also) for “Confirmation: Registration for the 2021 Myrtle Beach Marathon” or key words “Myrtle Beach Marathon” or “2021 Registration.”
If you are unable to find your confirmation email, please email info@mbmarathon.com and tell us your first name, last name, and email address you registered with so we can resend your confirmation.
How can I change my race distance?
To change your distance, please fill out this form. We do not charge an administrative fee to change your distance. There is no charge to go down in distance, but if you choose a longer distance, you will need to pay the difference between the distances.
When does the race start?
All physical race participants will race on Saturday, March 6. The first corral start times for each distance are below:
Wheelchair & Crank chair at 6:55 AM
Marathon at 7 AM
Half Marathon at 7:10 AM
5K at 8 AM
What is your refund policy?
The Myrtle Beach 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. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, pregnancy, etc. There are no exceptions!
Is there a Relay race?
No, we are no longer offering the Relay race option. You can choose from the marathon, half marathon, 5k or Family Fun Run.
How do I defer my registration to next year's event?
All of our physical race participants can defer their registration for race credit by completing the the 2021 Deferral Form. deferral deadline is 7 days out from the event – Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:59 PM. There is no deferral option for the Virtual 10k race or the Virtual Family Fun Run.
How do I redeem my race credit? Or complete my deferral?
When next year’s race opens, you must register for the event to complete your deferral. You must use the email address you deferred with (and select a distance at the top of the page) in order for your prior year’s race credit to be recognized and applied. When registering, you should see your credit appear under the “Payment Summary” and will subtract from the price.
If you do not see your credit appear, please contact info@mbmarathon.com.
Can I transfer my registration to another person?
Sorry, we do not allow transfers from person to person.
Do you offer a student discount / military discount?
Yes! Please email us a valid military or student ID at info@mbmarathon.com and we will send you a unique code. Veterans are also eligible for the military discount.
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!
Is there a time limit?
Yes, time limits depend on the distance. Marathon – 6.5 hours (1:30pm); Half Marathon – 4 hours (11:00am); 10k – 2 hours (9:00am); 5k – 2 hours (9:30am).
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 not be a sag wagon available to pick up runners who are unable to meet this time limit.
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.
Can I run with a backpack or hydration pack?
Yes. Please remember that all runners are completely responsible for any and all of their belongings. Any belongings shed throughout the course are still the runner’s responsibility.
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.
What kind of hydration / food will be available on the course?
We always provide water at each of our aid stations. AminoVITAL Rapid Recovery Blueberry is the official on course hydration for Myrtle Beach Marathon. Along with AminoVITAL Rapid Recovery Blueberry some aid stations may also provide an energy gel or Gu.
Are pets allowed on the race 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?
Yes, pets are allowed in the post-race area. However, it is not recommended due to the large crowds, amplified sound and lively atmosphere.
Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
All runners for the Marathon and Half marathon should plan to be in the start area by 6:30am to ensure time for security check at the entrance of the start chute. All 5k runners will take a shuttle to the start which will run consistently from 7 AM to 7:30 AM. Please plan to arrive in plenty of time to park and make your way to the start area. There will be port-a-johns as you make your way from the parking lot to the start area as well as near the start line.
If you are staying in one of our host hotels there will be shuttles taking you to and from the start finish line. Our host hotels are below:
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?
No, this year we will not offer gear check. There is plenty of parking in close proximity to the start and finish for you to store your items.
How will I receive my bib before race day?
All bibs will be mailed prior to the start of the race.
I want to find my runner, is there a live tracking option available?
More information about a live tracking app will be posed closer to race day.
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 closer to race day.
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.
Why does my GPS say the course was off?
Our course is USATF certified. Courses Certified by USATF are measured by a proven method that incorporates the calibration of measuring devices against a steel tape and are verified by multiple measurements.
Race courses are measured along a well-defined path called the “SPR”—the Shortest Possible Route that a runner can possibly run. Most runners don’t actually run the SPR, so the distance recorded by their GPS device will usually be longer than the certified length of the course, even though the course was properly measured along the SPR according to USATF rules.
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.
How do I receive my award?
All awards will be mailed out to qualifying participants following the race.
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@mbmarathon.com if you realize you lost something after the race.
Yes! Please stop by the registration booth or customer service table and we will help you get registered.
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.
