July 18, 2014

FAQ

GENERAL RACE INFORMATION


  • How do I pronounce Olathe?
    • 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 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 7:00 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 run along the sidewalk until you have caught up to trail emergency vehicles and bikes to join the closed course.
    • 26.2 Marathon & 13.1 Half Marathon Participant Limits- 2 cut off locations – 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. 
      • Cut off 1: Mill Creek Steamway Park Parking Lot – Northgate and Timberland Blvd. near aid-station E @ 11:15 AM
      • Cut off 2: North Moore Ave/127th St at aid-station H just past mile marker 21 @ 12:30 PM
  • 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.
  • Can I have an early start?
    • No
  • Can I have a late start?
    • No
  • Is the Garmin Olathe Marathon part of a series?
    • YES! Our half marathon is a member of the Heartland 39.3 Series – link
  • What is the average weather on race day?
  • How many people run this race?
    • In 2022 we hosted 2100+ runners.
  • What were the top times for the winners last year?
    • See our results from last year – link.
  • Is their an age limit?
    • 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 5 pm Friday April 19.
  • 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 logging into to your Run Sign-up account, or by emailing the Race Director at marathon@olathe.org.  There will be no refunds and no event changes allowed on race day, all requests must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday April 19.
  • May I get a refund?
    • All entries are non-refundable and non-transferable to a later race.
  • What if I need to drop out during the race?
    • Please try to reach an aid station and contact a volunteer. Otherwise, contact a police officer or any 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.

AWARDS


  • Are there awards?
  • Do you give out monetary prizes?
    • No
  • When will results be finalized?
    • All results will be final within one week of the event.

COURSE


  • Where can I find a Garmin Olathe Marathon course map?
  • Where can spectators view the progress along the route?
    • There is ample viewing area at the start/finish line, and additional spectator areas along the course are noted on the Spectator Areas Page.
  • Is the course certified?
    • Yes, the full and half marathon courses are USATF certified and sanctioned. The 10k is certified and the kids run is measured.
  • Is the course(s) hilly?
  • How many aid stations are on the course?
    • Click hereto view the course maps with aid stations identified.
  • What will be available at the aid stations?
    • Water and Gatorade for hydration. Some aid stations will have Gu Energy Gels available.
  • Is there food available on the course?
    • There is no sanctioned food on the course by the Garmin Olathe Marathon.
  • Are headphones allowed?
    • No
  • Can I bring my dog?
    • Animals are NOT allowed on the course unless they are assisting visually impaired participants.
  • Can I push a stroller?
    • Strollers are only allowed in the Munchkin Marathon and Family Run. Strollers of any kind are NOT allowed in the full, half and 10K races.
  • What items are prohibited from the event venues?
    • A weapon of any kind, including firearms, knives, mace, etc.
    • Any dangerous item or “dual-use” item that could be considered dangerous, including hammers, saws, sharp objects, etc.
    • Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks, toxic chemicals, and explosives.
    • Off Premises Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances of any kind.
    • Unmanned aerial devices, drones, survey balloons, photography mini-copters, and any flying device with an on/off switch.
    • Glass containers.
    • Containers of liquid larger than one liter.
  • What items can I run with?
    • Yes, Camelbaks® and any type of hydration backpack, fuel belts, and hand-held water bottles are allowed.
  • Where will I find restroom facilities?
    • Near the starting/finish line and at all aid stations along the course.

PACKET PICK-UP & EXPO


  • When and where is the packet pick-up?
  • 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?
  • Where will I find restroom facilities?
    • Near the starting/finish line and at all aid stations along the course.
  • Do you have guides available for visually impaired runners?
    • Please refer to United in Stride. Here is a link of guides within 100 miles of our race.

PARKING


  • Where do I park?
    • Free parking is available on-site. Attendants will be on hand on race day to direct you. See the Parking Page for maps and directions.
  • Will there be transportation to and from my hotel?

SPECTATORS


PACERS


MEDICAL


  • Will there be a medical tent?
    • Yes, a medical RV will be onsite to assist all participants if needed at the finish line.

HOTEL & TRAVEL


  • Where should I stay? What hotels do you recommend?
  • Are there discounts available if I’m traveling to Kansas City for the race?
    • Please visit the Hotel page on this website for Hotel Discount Information.
  • Will there be transportation to and from my hotel?
  • Will hotels allow late check out?
    • 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.

QUESTIONS?