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FAQ Topics
| Registration | Awards & Elite Athletes | Cause to Run |
| The Course | Electrolyte and Gel | Packet Pick-Up |
| Friends, Family, & Spectators | Hotel & Travel | The Race |
| Runner Concerns | Sponsorship | Transportation & Parking |
| Volunteers | Walkers |
Registration
Is there a cap on number of runners?
Yes. The half marathon will cap at 8,000 runners.
When will registration be open? How can people register?
Registration opened June 14th, 2013. Register Here.
Is registration open to runners of all abilities?
We have a 4-hour limit on the Half Marathon. Registration is only open to those who can finish within this limit. It is important that you list a correct EFT, otherwise you could be penalized.
How do I confirm my registration?
In order to confirm your registration online, you can login to your account or email us at [email protected]
What do I do if I cannot find my registration?
Please email us . Use the subject line, “Registration.” Be sure to include your first and last name as well as your current email address.
What are the different fees?
Please refer to the chart on our registration page to view the current fees.
When do the registration fees increase?
Registration fees may increase at any given time. Please check the website often for updated registration fee information. Sign up early and save!
What do our fees include?
Runners will receive an Official Tech Race Shirt, a commemorative Medal, timing, race day hydration and fuel, and an online Finisher’s Certificate.
Do you give out my email address?
No. Your email is kept confidential. We use only secure online registration sites and will not sell your email to any other organization.
Can someone else pick up my race packet?
If someone else picks up your race packet for you, they MUST have a copy of your confirmation sheet and signed waiver.
Can I register for a friend?
You must be a designated third party representative to register for someone else. By signing the waiver on behalf of another person, you are attesting to the fact that you are a designated third party.
Can I switch my shirt size or update my runner account?
We will accept shirt change requests until October 15, 2013. You must notify us via email to switch your shirt size. After October 15, 2013, you will need to pick up your assigned t-shirt size at packet pick-up and exchange it at the finish line on Race Day. You may update some other aspects of your runner account by logging in.
What is the race refund policy if I cannot attend?
In keeping with standard event policy, The Berkeley Half Marathon® does not offer refunds or transfers of registrations. You may still attend packet pick-up and pick up your bib number and t-shirt. For more information, please see our cancellation policy.
Can I transfer my registration to another runner?
No.
Can I register on the day of the event?
If there is availability, you can register at packet pick-up. Please check back for packet pick-up dates and times. There is NO Race Day registration.
Can I download the registration form from the web site?
All registrations must be entered online, there are no paper forms.
How do I make changes to the online registration form once it has been submitted?
You can view or make edits to your personal information by logging into your personal page.
Is online registration secure?
Yes. We use the most secure online technology called Secure Socket Layers or SSL that encrypts your personal and credit card information while transferring it from your internet browser to the our servers. You will know that your information is secure when the web site address on the top of your screen starts with https:// instead of http://. You can also view the double security of the little yellow lock that will appear on your screen. To view our security certificate, right click on the page and view the properties or double click the yellow lock.
What will my registration charge show up as on my credit card statement?
Your registration charge will show up from ‘Jumping Fences Inc’ or ‘Eventbrite’.
Awards and Elite Athletes
Will elite runners attend and run?
Yes! We encourage elite athletes to compete. To apply, please contact our Elite Athlete Coordinator at elites (at) berkeleyhalf.com.
What are the awards and age group breakdown?
Please see our Awards Page for all details on divisions. Prizes will be updated as the event nears.
The Course
What is the start time? Will the marathon and half marathon start at the same time?
The Half Marathon will start at 8:00 AM.
Can you explain the Estimated Finishing Time?
The estimated finishing time is the amount of time in hours and minutes that it will take for you to finish the course. It is NOT the time of day you expect to cross the Finish Line.
What time does the course close?
The course closes based on a 4-hour Half Marathon pace time (18-minutes and 20-seconds mile pace). The course will close at 12pm, any runners who finish after 12pm will NOT be considered Official Finishers and may not be eligible for finisher’s benefits.
What time will the roads close?
Please check back for traffic advisories.
How many water stations, toilets aid stations etc. will you have?
There will be 6 Water/Toilet/Aid Stations along the course as well as the Start and Finish Lines.
Who manages the water stations?
Water stops are each managed by a volunteer group. Each volunteer captain is responsible for getting the volunteers to their station on time and making sure there is enough water and UltraLyte electrolyte set out for the runners. Each captain is equipped with the tools necessary including a training session before race day to make sure he/she understands the responsibilities associated with the water stop.
Will there be food at the finish line?
Yes, we will have a variety of food at the Finish Line available to all finishers. Food options could include: scones, cookies, peaches, bananas, chips, UltraLyte electrolyte, water, energy bars, etc.
What’s the topography like?
Visit our Course Maps for the route and elevation.
What’s the total elevation gain?
The total ascent is 180 feet, but the overall route is net downhill. It’s flat and fast!
Is the course closed to traffic?
The course is closed to traffic. While we make every effort to keep all traffic off the half marathon course there will be traffic in neighboring lanes or crossing the course. Roads will remain closed for all half marathoners with a sub 4-hour finishing time. You will be given 4-hours after the last runner has cleared the start line.
Is there a time limit?
Yes, the course is only open to those with a sub 4-hour Half Marathon time.
Where is the start and finish of the race?
The start is at Civic Center Park ,the Finish is at Golden Gate Fields.
Electrolyte and Gel
Who is your gel sponsor?
Please check back.
Will you have electrolyte at every water stop?
Yes. We will have Lemon-Ice UltraLyte electrolyte at every water stop.
Will you have gel packs at any water stops?
Yes. Please check back for specific Aid Station info.
Gel: Flavors tbd.
Packet Pick-Up
Where do I pick up my bib number, t-shirt and timing chip?
Please check back.
Can I pick up my packet on race day?
No, all participants must come to packet pick-up to pick up their packet or choose to have it shipped.
Can you mail me my packet?
Yes, please choose “mail packet” during registration. There is a $5.00 fee. Registrants who sign up within 3 weeks of the event will NOT have this option and must attend packet pick-up.
Friends, Family and Spectators
Can my friends come to the weekend events?
Yes. We would love to have your friends and family join you in your experience. Be sure they note the cheering sections on our course map to find out where they can keep you motivated!
The Race
What is the official name of the event?
The Berkeley Half Marathon.
What is the Date of the Event?
Sunday November 24, 2013.
How many runners do you expect for this year?
We expect to sell out this year with over 8,000 runners.
What’s the homepage?
www.berkeleyhalf.com
How far is a half marathon?
13.1 miles
Are there relays teams?
We will not have a relay.
Are dogs allowed?
No. We ask that there are no dogs or any pets or animals on the course.
Are skates, strollers or bikes are allowed on the course?
No. Skates, strollers or bikes are prohibited on the course.
Runner Concerns
What does the finisher’s medal look like and how big is it? Do all runners receive finisher’s medals?
All Half Marathon runners will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal. The medal design has not yet been revealed, stay tuned!
What size t-shirt should I order?
Our Half Marathon Race Shirts are technical tees, and we offer male and female cuts. All shirts fit true to size.
Can I use headphones?
We strongly encourage runner’s not to wear headphones during the race. This is not only due to runner safety on any race course, but also because we are on an urban course. It is important that runners are very aware of their surroundings and what is going on in case of emergency, and also to be aware of the traffic and your surroundings.
What do I do if I injure myself on the course?
We provide medical assistance at each of our 6 water stations and if you determine that you cannot finish the race, SAG vehicles will be available at each water location for pick-up. Medical Aid is available at each water stop. Each participant is responsible for his or her own health insurance.
Will there be training runs?
Yes, we will have training runs in the Bay Area. We recommend training with RUN365.
Is there an age limit – young or old?
We do not have an official age limit. Please consult with your physician if you have any questions, despite your age, concerning your participation in The Berkeley Half Marathon. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign your waiver.
Where can I find a course map?
On the “Course Maps” page.
If I have feedback regarding the race, whom do I contact?
Please email us with any race feedback. We appreciate all comments and would love to hear what you did and didn’t enjoy, so that we can keep making our race more enjoyable for our runners. Email us at [email protected]
Sponsorship
Who are your event Partners?
You can view all sponsor information on our Sponsors page.
How do I become a sponsor?
Email us, use the subject line: Sponsorship.
Transportation and Parking
Where do I park for the event?
Please check back for parking information.
Are there shuttle buses?
Please check back for busing information.
Volunteers
I would like to volunteer. How can I do this?
Great! Hundreds of volunteers are needed to staff aid stations, packet pick-up and offer support to the runners at the start and finish. To volunteer please visit our Volunteer Page for available shifts and time. Be sure to register as a volunteer before the slot you want is taken. All volunteers receive a cool official race volunteer t-shirt.
Walkers
Can I walk the Half Marathon course?
The Half Marathon is open to all types of athletes who can complete the course in under 4 hours or a 18:20 minute mile pace.