The proper way is “oh-lay-thuh” with the emphasis on “lay.” Olathe is a Shawnee Indian word for “beautiful.”
Is this race a Boston qualifier?
The Garmin Olathe Marathon is USATF certified and thus, a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. (See qualifying times.) The half marathon is also USATF certified, which makes finish times eligible for state, national and world records. Click here for more information on Athlete Registration for the Boston Marathon.
Is there a qualifying time?
No, all participants are welcome to register. The marathon will have a 6.5 hour time limit, after this limit has passed, timing will not be available.
What is the time limit for the course?
6.5 hours. The finish line will shut down at 1:15p.m. on race day. See each distance below to gauge your ability to meet each important cut-off point. ALL TIMES ARE BASED ON A 6:45 a.m. start.
To satisfy city permit requirements for street closures, marathon and half marathon participants must maintain a pace of 14 minutes per mile or faster. Failure to maintain the 14-minute-mile pace will result in the following:
participants no longer have access to aid stations
participants asked by law enforcement officials to move off the streets
the course will be re-opened to traffic
the finish line will no longer be serving food or beverages after 1:15 p.m.
NO LATE STARTS
Full and Half participants WILL NOT be allowed to cross the starting line for these distances after 7:15 a.m. If you are this late you MUST run along the sidewalk until you have caught up to trail emergency vehicles and bikes to join the closed course.
10K participants WILL NOT be allowed to cross the starting line after 7:30 a.m. If you are this late you MUST walk on the side run along the sidewalk until you have caught up to trail emergency vehicles and bikes to join the closed course.
26.2 Marathon Participant Limits- 2 cut off locations
Marathon Participants MUST make it to MILE 17.5 at Mahaffie Farmstead near Ridgeview Rd.by 11:15 a.m. and MILE 21 by 12:15 p.m. to remain in the race.
13.1 Half Marathon Participant Limits
The Half Marathon Participants MUST make it to MILE 6.5at Mahaffie Farmstead near Ridgeview Rd. by 11:15 a.m. to remain in the race.
A support vehicle will be present at both locations, to pick up runners who do not meet the time limits and return them to the start/finish line.
What is the course like?
A combination of commercial development areas, residential streets and paved suburban running trails.
Is this a closed course?
No, however, city officials will cone and monitor the course to assure the safest environment for all participants. All runners must keep to the right, unless otherwise posted along the route. This will allow faster runners to pass on the left.
Are walkers allowed?
We allow walkers for the half and 10K races. For the start line, all walkers must line up in the back of the pack. The timing does not start until they cross the start mat. Starting in the front of the pack may cause congestion and may be unsafe for the walker.
Although walking is allowed with the half and 10K events, you must meet the course time limit requirements. There is no walking race category or award category.
No. We have a 18 and under category and a 75 and over category for results. See Race Details Page for more info.
What amenities do I get for finishing?
A participant tee, medal, and access to FREE snacks, FREE beer (over 21 only), FREE water, and multiple complimentary services offered by our vendor partners at the Emerald City Festival post race.
Can I race with a wheelchair or handcycle?
Due to the lack of sustainable participation numbers in these divisions, these options have been suspended.
REGISTRATION
Can I register on race day?
No, online registration closes at 5pm Friday April 21st.
Can I register by mail, phone, fax or email?
No, we have moved to a full online registration process.
Can I switch events?
Yes, you can switch events by emailing the Race Director at marathon@olathe.org. There will be no refunds, no event switches allowed on race day, and additional charges may apply.
May I get a refund?
All entries are non-refundable and non-transferable to a later race. Race transfers to another participant are allowed, please email the race director at marathon@olathe.org.
What if I need to drop out during the race?
Please try to reach an aid station and contact a volunteer. Otherwise, contact police officer or emergency personnel onsite. Unless it is deemed an emergency, a shuttle will circulate and pick you up and return you to the finish area.
May I get a specific bib number for the race?
No
I didn’t add a promo code for a discount when I registered, OR I registered and then a code was promoted to the public, can I get a proactive credit or a refund?
There are no refunds for any registrations, or partial refunds or credits for non-application of a coupon code.
Will parking be available at the Expo / Packet Pick-up?
Parking is free and available.
Do you mail out packets?
No
Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes
Can I pick up my packet on race day?
Yes, runners can pick-up on race day near the Start/Finish area after 6 a.m.
RACE DAY
How is the race timed?
The full marathon, half marathon, and 10K will use disposable bib chip timing managed by KC Running Co., and provided by Run Sign Up. Chips will be attached to the back of your race bib.
What time does the race start?
6:45 a.m. for full and half, 7 a.m. for 10K.
How early should I get to the start/finish area?
It is recommended that participants arrive one half hour early to allow enough time to warm up and get to the start line.
How do I line up race morning?
Full marathon and half marathon will line up according to their estimated finish time (look for Smart Pacer time flags). 10K participants will line up BEHIND all the full marathon and half marathon. DO NOT LEAVE EARLY with the marathon group if doing the 10k.
Can I run with my Garmin GPS or other GPS devices?
The Garmin Olathe Marathon encourages the use of Garmin GPS or other running devices, we do not impose a ban on wearing or utilizing such devices. Mile markers will be at each mile along all course routes.
Do you have a gear check area?
Yes, participants can drop their gear prior to the race and retrieve it from the same location after the race. Gear check will be located near the start/finish line area.
Who takes the on-course and finisher pictures and how can I get them?
Please check with your hotel for specific check out times. The Garmin Olathe Marathon does not provide any help or payment for late check out with any hotels.
RUNNING GROUPS
Do Running Groups / Clubs get a discount for participating?
You must have at least 10 participants interested in registering in order to qualify for a group discount. Qualification does not automatically guarantee a discount. Please visit this Running Club Page to get more info.
How do we acquire a discount as a running group/club?
Those interested as a running group are asked to visit this Running Club Page to get more info about discounts.
