FAQ
Is there a deadline for registration?
Registration will close once runner limits are met (2500 for the Half Marathon; 1500 for the Full Marathon). We will post a notice on the homepage if/when registration is approaching our runner limits.
Can I change from the full to the half?
No - race changes are not allowed. You must run the race for which you registered.
Are there refunds or transfers?
No refunds or transfers (race changes) are allowed.
Am I registered?
Half Marathon
Full Marathon
Where is the host hotel and how do I reserve a room?
Room reservations will be available soon. Our host hotel is the Embassy Suites off Harrison Avenue just South of the Airport. Reservations can be made online or call 919-459-1503. A group code for the Tobacco Road Marathon will be available by the end of April.
Are the courses certified?
Yes, by USA Track & Field (USATF). The certification numbers for the courses are:
Is the Tobacco Road Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes. We will forward race results to the Boston Athletic Association for runners who meet Boston's qualifying standards.
What time do the races Start?
- Half Marathon - 7:00 AM
- Full Marathon - 7:15 AM
Will you have pace groups for the full and half marathon?
Yes, we will have pacers from 3:30 to 5:00 hours in the marathon (in 15 minute increments) and from 1:40 to 2:30 hours in the half marathon (in 10 minute increments). The North Carolina Road Runners Club will provide our pace teams.
Is there a Time Limit?
Yes. The course will close at 2:00 PM. This gives the Full Marathon runners 6:45 to complete the race. A sag wagon will follow the last runners. At 2:00PM runners will be pulled off the course. We can not leave runners on the course after the cut-off due to traffic concerns.
Are the races Walker-Friendly?
Yes, but you must account for the time limit.
Is their an age limit to compete in the half or full marathon?
No, but your son/daughter must finish before the 2PM course closure.
Are iPods/Headphones allowed?
No. iPods are not allowed at our race this year. They were allowed in 2010 but it caused problems as runners were not hearing directions from the lead bikers and police officers. We want everyone to be safe so no iPods or headphones please.
Where will the races start and finish?
Both races will use the same starting line at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary. The finish and start lines are the same.
Will the American Tobacco Trail be muddy if it rains?
The trail is composed of compacted screenings so it drains very well. Puddling does occur with rain but nothing different than roadways. The trail is heavily covered by trees, so the water is deflected before it hits the trail. The trail will not wash out unless you have a flood or hurricane.
Can I run the race barefoot or in Vibram Five Fingers?
Yes, but please note the course is made up of a combination of compacted screenings and pavement.
Am I able to compete in a wheelchair or use a hand cycle?
We will not allow wheelchairs or hand cycles in the event for safety reasons on the trails.
Will this event be Chip Timed?
Yes. The Ultra System by RFID Race Timing Systems will be provided by FS Series. The BAP (chip) will be attached to the back of your race bib. DO NOT REMOVE from the bib, fold, or cut bib! NOTE: Championchip Chips or Chronotrack D-Tags cannot be used for the races with the Ultra System.
Where should I stay?
Please check out our Accommodation Sponsors for places to stay . Cary, NC offers an array of lodging options.
What else is there to do in Cary or Raleigh?
The Research Triangle Park Area has a variety of attractions for adults and kids alike. Offering a variety of adventure, art, dining, history, watersports and fun, there just is no time for boredom. To find out where to play, dine, shop and more, please visit www.visitraleigh.com.
Where do I pick up my race number and t-shirt (e.g. packet pick-up)?
Participants must pick up their race number, participant t-shirt and race bag in person at the EXPO on Friday, March 18 or Saturday, March 19. There is no race day packet pick-up.To pick up packets, registered participants must show a valid photo ID or their www.fsseries.com registration confirmation.
If I can't make it to the EXPO, can a friend or family member pick up my race packet?
Yes, with a signed note from you and/or a copy of your ID (license).
Will there be Transportation to both marathon/half marathon Start/FInish?
Yes. Shuttle service will be available from the NetApp parking area. We will have fifteen 55-passenger buses running non-stop from 5am-2pm between NetApp and the USA Baseball Complex.
Will there be adequate rest room facilities at the Start/Finish and along the course?
Yes, there will be port-a-potties at the Start, the Finish and about every 2-3 miles along the course.
How many water stops are there on the course?
Water will be available every 2 miles and from every mille past 20 miles for the marathon course. The half will have water every 2 miles and will follow the same finish route as full marathon, so there will be water every mile.
What type of energy drink and gels will be on course?
We will be providing Gu's Electrolyte Brew, Gu Chomps and Gu Gel Packets at key areas along the marathon course.
Is there a Post Race Party?
Yes!
Will Medals be given out to finishers?
Yes!
What about Awards?
Note: No one can receive more than 1 prize
Overall Awards will be given to the top 10 men and women in the Full Marathon and the top 5 men and women in the Half Marathon.
Age group awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group for the divisions listed below in the Marathon and Half Marathon.
- 19 and under
- 20-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60-64
- 65-69
- 70-74
- 75-79
- 80+
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