Saturday, January 9, 2010

Message to all Participants

We sent all email to all registered runners today. Since these emails tend to get caught up in junk mail filters, I am re-publishing the email below:

Greetings runners! With the race being just two weeks away, I wanted to provide an update on several important topics.

Packet Pickup - please check the race website at www.indoormarathon.com for packet pickup times and locations. You can pick up your packet on race-day or in advance at the locations listed on the website.

Chip Pickup - note that the races are all chip-timed and runners will have to pick up their chips at the Pettit Center before their race. Chips will not be given out at packet-pickup. There will be a table in the Pettit Center lobby just for chip pickups. For the relay, each team gets one chip. The team captain should get the chip.

Runner Arrival - please plan on getting to the Pettit Center about one hour before your race. If you show up too early (especially for those running in the first half marathon on Saturday morning), the building may not be open yet. We will try to open approximately 90 minutes before the first race on each day.

Water Bottles - each runner will receive one water bottle in your race bag. However, you may want to bring your own. There will not be any cups allowed due to spillage concerns. We will have plenty of water and Powerade at the aid tables.

Storage - for the marathon and half marathons, there will be a designated spot next to the track for each runner to store their "stuff" such as gel packs, extra clothing, food, etc. You are also welcome to keep your beverages in this area, but there will be tables where you can keep your bottles and have them refilled.

Age Group Awards - we are giving out awards to the top three runners (male and female) in 10-year age groups for the marathon and half marathon. However, we are not going to present these at the awards ceremony due to time concerns. When the results are posted, if you see that you have won an award, you can pick it up that day in the "food room", or we will mail them to you. The award ceremonies will be at noon each day and we will present awards only to the top three overall male and female finishers.

Weather - the event will go on snow or shine! If for some reason we get socked with a big snowstorm on the day of the race (remember this is Wisconsin in late January), we will still hold the races. In fact, a snowstorm would provide a perfect backdrop for an indoor running event!

Race Rules - please go to the event website at www.indoormarathon.com and click on the "race director's blog" link at the bottom to access the race rules. Remember that portable music devices are not allowed. Violators will be assessed a 500-lap penalty!

Miscellaneous - there will be a ton of action in the lobby of the Pettit Center before, during and after the races. Some of our sponsors will have tables and will be selling cool things. We will also be selling The Give Shirt, which will benefit MS Run the US; and Salute, Inc., a non-profit that supports military veterans, will also be on hand. And we just found out that massage therapists from the Lakefront Wellness Center will be ready and willing to give runners post-race massages!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors. Saucony, in particular, has really stepped up for us this year, and that is much appreciated. They have donated gloves and hats for the volunteers, and also jackets for the race staff. Runners will also notice that the race shirts are high-quality, performance shirts from Saucony.

For last-minute updates, please go to www.indoormarathon.com and click on the "race director's blog" link at the bottom of the homepage.We look forward to seeing everyone in two short weeks! Until then, happy running!Chris Ponteri, Race Director

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