Questions & Answers

You have questions, we have answers! Below is the complete list. Check back often for new questions.

How is registration for the InStep Icebreaker being handled? Registration is currently open via Active.com.

Is the field full? The Marathon and Gold Medal Challenge are full; the Half Marathon is almost full, and the Marathon Relay is filling up quickly.

What is the Gold Medal Challenge? This is for runners who are brave enough to do the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday. By registering for the Gold Medal Challenge, you are signing up for both races at the same time. Finishers of the half marathon receive a Bronze Medal; finishers of the full marathon receive a Silver Medal; and finishers of both receive a Gold Medal, thus the name.

Will the race be a Boston Marathon qualifier? We are still waiting for the folks in Boston to let us know. We will post something here as soon as we know.

I have seen differing lap amounts for the race. Just how many laps around the Pettit Center make up a full marathon? The count is 95.37 laps for a full marathon and 47.69 for the half marathon.

Will headphones be allowed? No, the running conditions will be tight at the Pettit Center and it will be important that you are able to hear runners coming up from behind. If you are caught using headphones, you will be disqualified.

Will you have runners reverse directions at some point to help reduce the possibility of a repetitive-use injury? No. Since the race will be chip-timed, it would be very difficult to do that. There are plenty of area runners who run 20+ mile runs on a weekly basis during the winter months at the Pettit and have not had injury problems.

What will the temperature be in the Pettit Center for the race? A perfect 50 to 55 degrees at the start and the finish!

What is the average temperature in Milwaukee on January 23-24? On average, the high is 26 degrees; the average low is 13 degrees. Now you see why we're having the marathon indoors!

What type of clothes should I wear for the race? Even though the temperature is comfortable at the Pettit, due to the ice surface next to the track it can get cold inside the building. Most runners at the Pettit wear a light hat and gloves, at least at the beginning of their run, and a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt. Some runners even wear sweat pants or tights. You may want to dress in layers and shed clothes as you see fit.

Will there be finisher medals? Yes....bronze medals for half marathon; silver medals for full marathon; and gold medals for those who finish both races.

Will the runners get t-shirts? Yes. Runners will receive a long-sleeve technical shirt.

What other swag will runners get? The "goody bag" a nice canvas drawstring bag filled with some really cool items from our vendors. Stay tuned for more details......

Will there be awards? We will be giving special awards out to the top three male and female finishers. We are also going to use the Olympic-style podium at the Pettit to present the awards. We will also be giving out age group awards to the top male and female finisher in the follow age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over. Special awards will be given to the male and female with the lowest combined time in the Gold Medal Challenge.

Will there be food for the runners? Yes, we will have a nice spread of food for runners after the race.

How about water, sports drinks and gel? We will have one drink stop with water and a sports drink. We will also put out gel packs about half-way through the full marathon. We are encouraging runners to bring their own drinks (bottles only) and will have tables on which runners can place their drink bottles and gel packets and other items.

Will there be music at the Pettit Center? Yes, we will be playing songs during the race. We have been asking runners to request songs during the registration process. We will try our best to get as many of these songs played as possible.

How will laps be counted? Runners will have a chip attached to their shoe or ankle, and the chip will relay lap counts to the scoring system. The public address number will periodically call out laps to go to runners so you know how many laps you have remaining.

Will there be medical assistance at the Pettit Center? Yes, we will have at least two licensed athletic trainers on site as well as EMTs.

Where will results be posted? We will post them on this site as well as the Badgerland Striders website.

What does the course map look like? Here is the course map: O

When and where is packet pick-up? Packet pick-up will be at InStep Running & Walking Centers, 403 E. Buffalo Street, Milwaukee, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20 and Thursday, January 21, and at the Pettit Center on Friday, January 22, Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24. You can pick up your packet on the morning of your race.

What if I am injured or can't run? Can I get my money back? Sorry, entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What if there is a major snowstorm the day of the marathon and the roads are barely drive-able? The race will go on!

How do I get to the Pettit Center? The Pettit Center is located off I-94 about 6 miles west of downtown Milwaukee and 3 miles west of Miller Park. It is adjacent to the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds. You get off at the 84th Street exit and enter the parking lot from 84th Street. It's a rather large building so it's hard to miss!

Is there a fee for spectators? No, it's free this year. Last year we charged $1 admission (a donation to the Pettit Center), but we have decided to make it free this year.


Feel free to post more questions on this blog or email them to contact@runinstep.com.