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.
What is the time limit for the course?
The finish line will shut down at 2:00 p.m. on race day. Based on the times below runners will be directed to walk on the sidewalk with no course coverage from police, volunteers, aid stations or medical. 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.
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
The Marathon Participants MUST make it to MILE 17.5 at Mahaffie Farmstead near Ridgeview Rd.by 11:15 a.m.in order to be considered part of the official course closure and support. A support vehicle will be present at this location, to pick up runners if they choose not to continue on their own and take participants back to the start / finish at Garmin HQ. A half marathon medal will be presented to all runners that have been picked up
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. in order to be considered part of the official course closure and support. A support vehicle will be present at this location, to pick up runners if they choose not to continue on their own and take participants back to the start / finish at Garmin HQ if they choose to not continue on their own. A 10k medal will be presented to all runners that have been picked up
The cones and the aid stations will be gradually removed as the last runner passes. Olathe City Police, Traffic and Volunteers may open sections of the course to let vehicles cross when there are large gaps in the participants and is deemed safe.
Walking is Allowed with 10K and Half race, but you must meet the course time limit requirements. If above time limit requirements are not met, you may be transported back to starting line based on limits above, or you will be asked to walk on the sidewalk without any safety coverage from emergency support. There is no walking race category or award category.
What is the course like?
The race will be run in commercial development areas, residential streets and on a paved suburban running trail.
Is this a closed course?
The course is not closed. 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.
What distances are available?
Full Marathon: 26.2 miles, Half Marathon: 13.1 miles, 10k: 6.2 miles, Munchkin Marathon: 1.2 miles on race day, Senior Walk: 1.2 miles on race day. As well as the Virtual Races.
No. We have a 18 and under category and a 80 and over category for results. See Race Details Page for more info.
What amenities do I get for finishing?
Each registered participant will receive an official Garmin Olathe Marathon participant tee. Each full, half, and 10K participant will receive a Wizard of Oz Themed medal immediately after crossing the finish line. Finishers will also have access to FREE snacks, FREE beer (over 21 only), FREE water bottles, 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.
Why is there no Team Relay this year?
Due to the lack of sustainable participation numbers in this race, these options have been suspended.
REGISTRATION
Can I register on race day?
No, there will be no race-day registration. Your last opportunity to register late is the day before, in-person at the Holmes Murphy Packet Pick Up and Expo.
When does registration close?
Online registration will close the Wednesday before the race day.
Can I register by mail, phone, fax or email?
Some participants will choose to avoid the $6.00 mandatory online transaction service fee by mailing in their registration to the Race Director. NO FAX, PHONE or EMAIL registrations will be accepted. See the Registration. Mail-in registrations must be postmarked by two weeks before the race day.
Can I switch events?
Yes, you can switch events by emailing the Race Director at marathon@olathe.org within one week of race day. You may also switch events in-person at the Holmes Murphy Packet Pick Up and Expo, Thursday or Friday before the race. There will be NO event switches allowed on race day. NOTE: If switching to a shorter distance or the virtual race, you will not receive a refund for the difference in price. If you move up a distance you will pay the difference in the rates that are currently in effect.
May I get a refund?
Unfortunately, all entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. After we have received and accepted your entry, we cannot issue a refund, nor allow you to transfer your number to anyone else. If circumstances arise in which you cannot race, email the race at marathon@olathe.org director to request a deferment.
What if I need to drop out during the race?
If at any point in the run you feel you need to resign, 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?
We will be unable to give out specific numbers for bibs this year.
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.
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?
Please, see the elevation chart on the bottom of the course map. The race will be run in commercial development areas, residential streets and on a paved suburban running trail.
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?
All aid stations will be supplied with 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. Some aid station volunteers may provide un-sanctioned donated food.
Are headphones allowed?
You will find that most every road race bans the use of headphones, and this event is no exception. This is to ensure participants can be fully aware of their environment, especially since you will not be on a closed course. You will not be asked to remove your headphones, and if you absolutely insist on wearing headphones, please keep the volume at a level that allows you to hear what is going on around you.
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 can I NOT bring to finish line are or run with?
The following items are prohibited from this event and race 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?
There will be porta-potties available near the starting/finish line and at all aid stations along the course.
Will parking be available at the Expo / Packet Pick-up?
Parking is free and available.
Do you mail out packets?
No, we do not mail out participant packets.
Can someone else pick up my packet?
Please have the participants first and last name of the packet you’d like to pick up.
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 through RunSignUp. 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. 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. You will be in for a longer run than you thought.
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?
There will be porta-potties available near the starting/finish line and at all aid stations along the course.
Do you have guides available for visually impaired runners?
The best option we provide is searching for guides via this organization United in Stride. Here is a link of guides within 100 miles of our race.
PARKING
Where do I park?
Parking is available and free. Parking lot attendants will be on hand on race day to direct you where to park. See the Parking Page for all the details.
Will there be transportation to and from my hotel?
Each hotel will have its own specific check out time. Please check with your hotel for more information. 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 Pageto 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.
