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Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon + Publix 5K

Sat March 23, 2024 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 US Directions

FAQs

GENERAL INFORMATION

DO YOU LIMIT THE NUMBER OF RUNNERS IN EACH RACE?
The Half Marathon and 5K are not capped at this time.

 

WILL YOU HAVE PACERS?
There are no pacers for the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon or Publix 5K.  Runners will be assigned to start corrals based on the expected finish times they provide.  The runners around you should be running a similar pace to you.

 

CAN I HAVE CELL PHONES, FRIENDS, STROLLERS, DOGS ON THE COURSE?
We encourage you to invite friends and family to cheer you on along the course, but they are only allowed to run with you if they are registered runners. Per USA Track & Field rules, elements that could impede the safety of runners, such as bikes, skates, skateboards and pets on the course, are not allowed. The safety of our runners is our number one priority. By signing or clicking ’I Accept’ on any registration race waiver, you are agreeing to abide by the Rules of Competition.

 

CAN I WEAR HEADPHONES?
Participants will be able to use listening devices during the running of the Half Marathon and 5K, but they do so at their own risk. Runner safety is, and will continue to be, the priority for all of our events. To ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone, we ask that you please be mindful of the other participants and race personnel.

You MUST be aware of your surroundings at all times and this includes being able to hear any verbal warnings/instructions from police/course officials or the sound of any vehicles and other participants on the course. The abuse of portable headphone devices can result in disqualification. Abuse refers to being so distracted that you become a hazard to yourself, your fellow participants, spectators, course marshals, finish line officials, medical personnel, other race officials, police personnel or vehicle traffic.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. We must constantly consider the safety of all our participants, volunteers and spectators and review this rule, as well as others in order to ensure the continued safety of our participants.

 

CAN I SWITCH RACES?
Yes, you may switch to any race.  Fees may apply for any race distance change.  Race bibs are assigned according to what race you are registered for.  If you do not officially change your registered distance, your time scoring will not be accurate.  

The Transfer Event option can be found by logging on to RunSignUp, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer Event. The Transfer Event option can be either located on the top of the page or on the left of the page. 

 

WHAT IF I LOSE SOMETHING THE DAY OF THE RACE?
Lost & Found is located near the awards area.  After the event, please contact info@tuscaloosahalf.com to see if items were turned in.  Clothing items left in the start areas and along the course are immediately donated to charity and are not kept in Lost & Found.

 

REGISTRATION

I AM INJURED, PREGNANT, HAVE A FAMILY EMERGENCY OR UNEXPECTEDLY OUT OF TOWN, CAN I GET A REFUND?
Entry fees are non-refundable and entries are non-transferable. This means once you have registered, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, and you may not give or sell your number to anyone else. Being caught doing so can result in a ban from future events.  Exceptions will be made if you are on active military duty and you get deployed. You can send us a copy of your orders, and we will refund your entry fee.

 

CAN I DEFER MY ENTRY TO NEXT YEAR?
The defer option can be found by logging on to RunSignUp, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Defer Registration. The Defer option can be either located on the top of the page, on the left of the page, or you can find the Defer option in the footer and it is only available up to 10 days prior to the event.

 

CAN I GIVE/SELL MY NUMBER TO ANOTHER RUNNER?
Entries are transferable, but must be done through our registration site, RunSignUp.  Transfers are allowed until 10 days prior to the event and do not incur any fees from us.   Completing the transfer through our system is MANDATORY.  This is for the safety of the runner as well as necessary to satisfy insurance requirements of the event. If a runner collapses or is otherwise injured during the race and is running as someone else, we would not have emergency information available for them. This could result in further injury.  Instructions on how to transfer to another runner can be found HERE.

CAN I TRANSFER MY ENTRY TO ANOTHER FRESHJUNKIE RACING EVENT?
You can transfer your race entry to another race owned by FRESHJUNKIE Racing as long as registration for the desired race is open and you are more than 10 days out from the race you are currently registered for.  A list of FRESHJUNKIE Racing events and calendar can be found here.   Completing these transfers may incur costs depending on what event(s) you are transferring to and from.   You can find instructions on how to complete a transfer to another FRESHJUNKIE Racing owned event by clicking HERE.

WHY HAVEN’T I RECEIVED AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION?

Note: If you did not receive your confirmation make sure to check the spam folder in your email client.  You will always be able to resend the registration confirmation for any registrations associated with your Profile (including any sub-accounts of yours) by following these steps:

1. Sign in to RunSignUp
2. Go to your Profile
3. See your events under Upcoming Events
4. Click Resend Confirmation next to the registration that you would like to resend the confirmation email
5. Check the email listed in your Profile for your registration confirmation

 

HOW CAN I SEE IF I’M REGISTERED?

Registration confirmation is available online. You may confirm a registration by using the Find A Participant menu option on this page.

 

WHERE DOES MY REGISTRATION FEE GO?
Your registration fee helps to pay for the necessary permits, venue rentals, equipment, vehicles, infrastructure, staffing, insurance, police, awards, SWAG, supplies, bibs, medals, shirts, and chip timing to produce all race-related events.  Portions of every registration fee are directed to charity partners throughout the year.

 

PACKET PICKUP

CLICK HERE for Packet Pickup Information.

 

GEAR CHECK

IS THERE A PLACE TO DROP BAGS AT THE START LINE?
Yes.  We will have a “morning clothes” drop point near the Packet Pickup area race morning.  Please make sure your gear is secured in a bag and marked CLEARLY with your bib number.  

 

PARKING

WHERE SHOULD I PARK ON RACE DAY?
Parking is available on the streets and in public parking garages. Normal parking rules and fees will apply and be aware of NO PARKING SIGNS for Race Day that will be posted.   

 

START & FINISH

WHERE DOES THE RACE START AND FINISH?
The Half Marathon and 5K will start near Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa. Detailed maps are posted online and emailed to all registered runners prior to the event.

 

WILL THERE BE CORRALS?
Runners will be assigned to Corrals according to their expected finish times.  These will be printed on the back of your race bib.  Please report to your assigned starting corral to help maintain a safer course and a better runner experience.  All corrals have the same race start time with no set time gaps or delays between the corrals.  Please pay attention to race announcements, on-site signage and instructions. 

 

WHERE CAN I MEET MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AFTER THE RACE?
The easiest way to find your family and friends after the race is to have a plan beforehand.  Government Plaza has plenty of open space and area to meet up and enjoy the day!

 

COURSE AND RULES OF THE ROAD

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR THE RACES?
City permits limit the race time available to participants. The courses will be closed at a 16:00 minute/mile pace. No race services including medical, aid stations or traffic control are available beyond this pace.
In order to ensure safety, a Sweep Vehicle follows the race route to pick-up participants who are unable to maintain this pace on a consistent basis. Participants are required to board the Sweep Van when so instructed by Race Officials. Course Marshals are instructed to retrieve bibs of all participants who refuse to board the van when instructed to do so.

 

WHY IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?
In order to comply with city permits, streets crossing the route must be reopened to vehicular traffic on a set schedule.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PACE IS SLOWER THAN THE ALLOTTED TIME?
If you are caught by the Sweep Vehicle traveling at the 18:00 minute/mile pace, you MUST board the Sweep Van accompanying this vehicle for transport to the finish area. For your safety, the Tuscaloosa Police Department does not allow runners to continue in the streets once the course has been re-opened to traffic. Keep in mind that race services, including water stations and medical aid, will be discontinued once the Sweep Vehicle comes through. 

 

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE COURSE?
For the safety of our runners the following is not allowed: going backward, runners not wearing a race number, animals, bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, hand-crank chairs, wheeled vehicles and push-rim wheelchairs.
Receiving outside assistance of any kind is not allowed. Outside assistance consists of, but is not limited to: receiving fluids, gels, food or any personal items from someone not serving in an official race capacity; receiving pacing assistance from any person that is not a registered participant of the race.
Abusive behavior or language directed toward any other participant, volunteer, police officer, or staff member is also not allowed.
Any of these rules infractions can result in a time penalty or race disqualification. The discretion and final ruling resides with the Race Director.

 

IS THERE ENERGY GEL AVAILABLE ON THE COURSE?
No energy gels are provided for either distance race.  Water and Gatorade are provided at water stations.  Water stations are spaced approximately every 1.25 - 1.5 miles apart along the course.  

 

WHAT SPORTS BEVERAGE WILL BE ON THE COURSE?
Water and Gatorade are provided at water stations on the Half Marathon and 5K courses.

 


 

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