Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I confirm my entry?
When you complete your registration, active.com sends an email confirmation to the email address you entered in the registration form. If you did not receive this confirmation, please check your ‘spam' folders, as emails from active.com sometimes arrive in this folder.
I registered for the event and something has come up. Can I get a refund or transfer my entry?
Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. This means once you have registered, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate for any reason (including but not limited to injury, scheduling conflict, and pregnancy) and you may not give or sell your registration to anyone else. Unused entries cannot be deferred to next year's event.
Where does my registration fee go?
The proceeds go to the Maple Grove Lions Club. Visit the Charity Partner page for more information about the Maple Grove Lions.
What all do I get for my entry fee?
In addition to helping the Maple Grove Lions with their charitable efforts throughout the area, you get a T-shirt, goodie bag, beverages throughout the course, medical coverage on the course, restroom facilities, your finishing time posted, and much more!
Is there registration on race day or at packet pick-up the day before at REI?
No. Registration ends on the dates above or when the registration limits are reached, whichever comes first.
Before the race
When and where can I pick up my bib and timing tag?
Packet pick-up is at the REI store in Maple Grove on Friday, May 21 from 10am-9pm. REI is located at 11581 Fountains Drive in Maple Grove. Please allow at least 10 minutes to pick up your packet, as lines can form during busy times.
There will be very limited packet pick-up available on race day, so we strongly encourage going to REI on May 21. Plus, you are eligible for door prizes
What do I need to bring to pick up my packet?
Just show up at REI and identify yourself and the event in which you are participating.
Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes. This person should know your full name and the event in which you are participating. Please be sure to use your own runner bib and timing chip on race day.
If someone else picks up my packet at REI, am I eligible for door prizes?
Yes. The person who picks up your packet can enter your name into the drawing.
How do I know if I've won a door prize?
Door prize winners will be announced over the loudspeaker at the stadium before the race. A board will be posted with winners listed in the finish line area.
I can't make it to REI on May 21 and haven't found anyone to pick up my packet. What can I do?
Arrive at the stadium no later than 7am, and look for signs directing you to the packet pickup area. If you do not pick up your packet by 7:15am on race day, you may not be able to start the race on time and have your finishing time officially registered.
I'll be traveling from out of town. Where can I stay?
The official hotel of the Maple Grove Half Marathon and 5K is the Courtyard by Marriott in Maple Grove. They are offering a special rate of $89/night for the weekend of the event. Contact them at 763-425-5355 and mention the event for the special rate.
How do I get to the Maple Grove Senior High stadium?
Maple Grove Senior High is located at 9800 Fernbrook Lane in Maple Grove. Click here for a Google Map. The stadium is directly across Fernbrook Lane from the school. Street access to the school campus area from the north and west may be impeded for race preparation after 7 AM. Due to the number of registrants, we strongly encourage you to arrive early! Approach Maple Grove Senior High from the south, using Fernbrook Lane. Click here for detailed directions.
The Half Marathon and 5K Courses
Are the 5K and half marathon courses USATF certified?
Yes, both courses are certified.
Where will there be timing splits on the course?
There will be a 10K split on the half marathon course.
Can I use my MP3 player/iPod during the race?
Yes, listening devices are allowed on the course. We simply ask that you be aware of your surroundings and other runners, especially along the narrow trails on the course. Also keep in mind that while vehicle traffic is being monitored throughout the race, you will be sharing parts of the course with cars.
I have a watch with GPS technology. Can I use it during the race?
Yes.
What are the courses like?
The 5K course is flat and fast, beginning and ending with a lap around the high school track. The half marathon course (13.1 miles) also begins and ends with a lap around the track. The course has challenging hills, great views of lakes and the woods, and has over six miles of paved running paths. The half marathon relay shares the half marathon course. The exchange point is at the 10K mark at the southeast corner of Rice Lake.
View the course map by clicking here.
Where are the water stops along the half marathon course?
Water stops are located at miles 2.5, 4.0, 6.2, 10.0, and 12.0. Locations are indicated on the map found here.
What is offered at water stops?
We offer cups of water at all water stops, and sports drink at water stops 4.0, 6.2, 10.0, and 12.0.
Where are the restrooms along the course?
Portable restrooms are available at the stadium and at miles 2.5, 4.5, 6.0, 8.2, 9.5, and 11.9. Locations are indicated on the map. Balloons will also mark each restroom location. There are no restrooms along the 5K course.
What are the course records?
Men's half marathon: Nate McCann 1:17:09 (2008)
Women's half marathon: Jen Riewe 1:29:53 (2009)
Men's 5K: Eric Kalmes 17:50 (2008)
Women's 5K: Kate Wold 21:53 (2008)
Half marathon relay: Ash Street Duo, Eileen Kayfes and Mike Pederson 1:41:20 (2009)
Where are the best places for spectators?
Spectators can watch the start and finish at the stadium, or anywhere along the course in Maple Grove. Concessions will be available for purchase at the stadium.
Will there be photographers on the course?
Yes, Pro Pix Imaging will be at the stadium and on the course. Photos will be available for purchase at the stadium after the race, and at their website afterward.
Race Day - May 22, 2010
Where do I park?
Park in the Maple Grove Senior High parking lot on the east side of Fernbrook Avenue in Maple Grove. Volunteers will direct you where to park. Cross the street at the crosswalk to get to the stadium.
When should I arrive?
We recommend getting to the stadium by 7am on race day. This will give you time to park, visit the sponsor booths, stretch, warm up, and drop off your sweat bag. The half marathon and relay start promptly at 7:30am, and the 5K starts at 7:45am.
Is there a sweat bag drop/what do I do with my stuff during the race?
We will have a sweat bag drop at the stadium. Pick up a bag at the concession stand. We will write your bib number on the bag and store it during the race. Display your bib number to pick up your bag. Please note that we are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items in your sweat bag .
Can I start early? Or late?
No. Participants for the half marathon and the 5K must start at the designated times. If you arrive to the starting line late, your finishing time will not be posted or official.
Can I walk the half marathon?
The half marathon course closes at 11am on race day. You must be able to maintain a pace of 16 minutes per mile for the full 13.1 miles. The course will no longer be monitored and water stops will close at this pace. If you are unable to maintain this pace and/or wish to drop out of the race, find the nearest volunteer and transportation back to the stadium will be arranged.
Can I walk the 5K?
Yes! Note that the 5K course closes at 8:45am, so you have one hour to complete the event.
Can I walk my portion of the half marathon relay?
Yes, as long as an overall pace of 16 minutes per mile can be maintained.
Can I bring a stroller, pet, bike, in-line skates, skateboard, etc. on the course?
No, these items are not allowed.
Will my time be posted?
Yes, times will be posted online on the afternoon of the race.
What happens after the race?
Timing chips are removed by volunteers at the finish line. Check the board to see if you have won a door prize. Water, food, and finisher t-shirts are available on the football field. Sponsors will be hosting booths for you to visit. The awards ceremonies will be held near the flagpole on the field.
What awards will be given?
Medals will be given to the top three finishers in each age group.
I won an award but did not attend the awards ceremony. How can I get my medal?
We encourage all participants to attend the awards ceremony. If you finish the event during or after the ceremony and you have qualified for an award, or if you need to leave before the awards ceremony, please notify a volunteer to receive your medal.
If you need a medal sent to you after the event, notify us via email and we will send you the medal via mail. Shipping charges apply.
Where is the lost and found?
Check the concession stand at the stadium for lost items. We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged goods at the stadium or on the course.
What if there is severe weather?
The race will go on, rain or shine! However, the race directors reserve the right to cancel the race in the event of lightning, tornado, or other severe weather. In this case, a 50% credit for the 2011 event will be issued to all registrants.
When do I get my t-shirt?
T-shirts are distributed to all finishers as they complete their event.
I'm not running/walking the race, but I would like to volunteer for or sponsor the event. How can I contact the race directors? What are the deadlines?
Contact us at
pwisnew1@gmail.com. The deadline for sponsorships is March 1, 2010. The deadline for volunteers is May 1, 2010.
Schedule
Day Before the Race: Friday, May 21
10 AM to 9 PM Packet pickup at REI, Fountains at Arbor Lakes shopping area in Maple Grove. Remember, to be eligible for door prizes, you must pick up your packet at REI!
Race Day: Saturday, May 22
6:15 AM Parking open. Please park in the large lot on the east side of Fernbrook Lane, south of the high school building. Volunteers and police will be there to assist you.
6:30 AM Race day packet pickup open. Note that race day registration will not be available!
7:15 AM Packet pickup closes.
7:30 AM: Half marathon and half marathon relay start on the stadium track
7:45 AM: 5K starts on the stadium track
8:20 AM: 5K Awards Ceremony begins
8:45 AM 5K course closes
9:45 AM Half marathon awards ceremony begins
11 AM Half marathon course closes
