Runner Instructions

Welcome to the Rockville Rotary Twilight Runfest. These Runner Instructions are for runners officially entered in the race -- and for friends or family members who may be accompanying the runner. Please help make the race an enjoyable -- and safe -- experience for everyone by reading and observing the following very important information. This web page contains essentially the same information as the Runner Instructions you will receive at Packet Pickup, with possible updates and corrections.

Hot Weather Warning!

If the weather is hot or humid (as is likely), you should drink plenty of water and reduce your pace - or do not run. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious, life-threatening conditions.

If you feel dizzy, ill, or chilled, or if you stop sweating, stop running immediately and seek assistance from a race official or a local resident.

Race officials are authorized to remove runners from the race. There will be water at the start, at approximately 1.75, 3, 3.5, and 4.5 miles and at the finish.

Drink at least 1-2 cups of water before the race and drink at each water stop.

Packet Pickup, Late Registration, and Chip Pickup

You will pick up three things at Packet Pickup:

We encourage you to pick up your race packet early to avoid the last-minute rush and help assure that you get your desired t-shirt size.

You may still register for the race at packet pickup. Late registration is after 4 p.m. Saturday). So, avoid the Saturday night rush (and extra cost) by picking up your packet at Metro Run & Walk, Federal Plaza, 1776 East Jefferson St., Rockville -- and while you're there, check out their deals on running shoes and apparel.

Packet Pickup Locations

Packet Pickup and Late Registration will be held at the following locations.

Check Your Bib!

When you get your runner number bib, check to be sure that all the information on the label (name, address, age, gender) is correct. If you are on a team, be sure that all members of your team have the same team name and code. Please report any errors immediately to the Trouble Desk at Packet Pickup. Corrections cannot be made after the race has started.

Tie One On (Your Chip, that is.)

Before you go to the starting line, you need to tie your ChampionChip securely to your shoe (your choice which shoe). Be careful not to switch your chip with a friend or family member who might also be running with you.  It is very important that you run with the chip that was issued to you. The chip should be secured with the small cable tie that we will provide or by running one lace through the chip. Tie it securely, because you will need to return it once you cross the finish line. There is a $35 fee for losing or failing to return your chip.

Important! Chip Owners - If you have your own ChampionChip, you do not have to pick up one of our chips, and you may run with your own chip. However, we must have your chip number before the race begins. If you did not provide it as part of your original race entry, then you should go immediately to the Trouble Desk and register your chip number. Failure to do this will result in your not scoring and your disqualification.

Emergency Contact Number- Write it on the back of your bib!
Please be sure to write the name and race-night phone number of your emergency contact on the back of your runner number. This is VERY important in the event that you are injured or have other difficulties.

Don't Swap Numbers!

Do not give your number or chip to another runner or run with another runner's number or chip. It may cause confusion in case of an emergency - and it may result in your disqualification. You, your chip, and your runner number are all tied together; don't screw things up by wearing someone else's bib or chip.

For Everyone's Safety...

For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, pets, baby-joggers, strollers, bicycles, skates, or wearing of headphones are not permitted in the race or on the race course. This applies to both the 8K and the Fun Run. Violators will be removed from the course. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Please see the Safety Notices for other important safety information.

Runner Number Exchange

If you find that you cannot run the race and would like to transfer your registration to another runner, this will be permitted, if you following the proper procedure. Failure to do so will result in your disqualification.

Note: Although we do provide this transfer process as a courtesy to you, we would actually prefer that you encourage the other runner to register through the normal process. Remember, race proceeds benefit the Rockville Youth Recreation Fund.

Transfer Procedure: To transfer your registration, you must bring a new, completed and signed entry form from the other runner to Packet Pickup on Saturday afternoon. Transfers will not be accepted on site on Saturday evening.

Event Schedule

Noon to 4:00 pm Packet Pickup and Registration
Metro Run & Walk, Federal Plaza, 1776 East Jefferson St., Rockville
6:00 pm Packet Pickup and Late Registration
Rockville Town Center
7:00 pm Festival Begins
8:15 pm Late Registration Ends
8:30 pm Runners Move to Start
8:40 pm Wheelchair Start
8:45 pm 8K Start
8:50 pm Fun Run Start
10:15 pm Awards Ceremony
11:00 pm Festival Ends - Drive Safely!

Getting to the Race Site

Take I-270 to the Rockville (Rt. 28) exit and follow the signs.  Arrive early to avoid the rush. You can also take Metro Red Line to the Rockville Station.  Since Metro now is open until 2:00 a.m., this is a great -- and safe -- way to get to and from the race. 

Parking

Parking is available on Middle Lane and in lots at Monroe and Route 28.

Before the Race

Bag Check - Lost&Found

There will be a Runner Bag Check and Lost & Found across the street from  race-site packet pick-up. Look for the signs. If you find car keys or other forlorn items, please take them to Lost & Found. This is also a good place to re-connect with lost companions. Bag Check closes at 10:30. Please pick up your checked bags before then.

Toilets

PortaJohns will be placed at N. Washington and Wood Lane.

Water

Water will be located in several locations on the way to and around the Start and Finish, (see Course Map).

To the Starting Line ...

You should begin moving to the starting line by 8:30. However, before heading to the starting line, you should do the following:

Remember ... Drink plenty of water!

At the Start

Move to the starting line at 8:30. If you are going to warm up, you must be back to the start by this time.

Line up behind the seeding sign corresponding to your expected pace for the race. Lining up ahead of your expected pace is a discourtesy to other runners - it slows down the start and endangers you and other runners.

All runners will receive final instructions before the start of the 8k race.

Fun Runners

Fun Runners should line up in the designated area on Middle Lane. There will be a balloon cluster at the Fun Run gathering point.  You will be led to the starting line immediately after the start of the 8K.

On the Course

Run with caution. It will get dark during the race. Be alert for other runners, wheelchairs, and the possibility of vehicles that may have gotten onto the course. Stay in the marked lanes and follow the instructions of race officials.

Remember, it's likely to be hot and humid, so take it easy, take water at each water stop - and enjoy the race. Say "Hi" to the Rockville neighbors who are out there cheering you on.

Medical Aid

Medical aid will be available throughout the course. There will be radio operators every mile, medical aid at Water Stations 2 and 3, and emergency personnel on bicycles on the course. You should never be out of sight of a course official. (See Course Map)

If you see another runner in trouble, please give assistance or notify the nearest course official.

It is vital that you provide emergency contact information on the back of your runner number.

At the Finish

Show Your Bib

Your runner number must be visible as you approach the finish line. Wear it on the front of your shirt or shorts.

Keep Moving, Return Your Chip

When you cross the finish line, please keep moving into the recovery area. Do not stop at the finish line or on the mats. Please remove your ChampionChip so you can turn it in. Your chip will be collected as you exit the area. If you need assistance, a volunteer will help you. Water and medical assistance will be available in the recovery area and at the Med Central operation just outside the recovery area. If you are having difficulties, or if you see another runner in difficulty, go immediately to a medical spotter, who will be wearing a distinctive hat and shirt.

Water, spray, and additional aid are available once you exit the recovery area.  Refreshments and music are in the Festival Area. Please do not wait for friends or family members in the recovery area; we need you to exit the recovery area as soon as possible -- for the safety of everyone.  Do not re-enter the course or cross the finish line a second time - go to the festival area and celebrate!

Adverse Weather Plan

In the event of a thunderstorm, the start of the race may be delayed, and runners may be directed to shelter. In the event of extreme heat, the race may be cancelled or turned into an untimed "fun run". In this situation, the festival will be held, if possible, and prize money will be converted to random prizes.

Remember ... No refunds or alternate race date.

Post-Race Activities

Refreshments

Post-race refreshments are for registered runners only and are provided courtesy of our generous sponsors. Please take food only for yourself --  there are lot's of runners behind you.  For your friends and family, there will be other food vendors at the festival. Beer may not be consumed by minors.

Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony will begin about 10:15 pm. In the meantime, enjoy the refreshments, music, and random prizes. You must be present (with your race number) to win random prizes. Be sure to drop the small stub on your race bib in the box at registration to be eligible for the random drawing.

Festival Closing Time

The festival will close at 11:00 p.m. Please pick up some trash as you leave, and please drive home carefully and safely. If you are not able to drive safely and do not have a designated driver, please see a race official, and we will try to get you some assistance.

Results

Unofficial results, as available, will be posted on the large boards in front of the Red Brick Courthouse. Official results will be posted on the MCRRC web page www.mcrrc.org  on Sunday and will be mailed to each participant the month after the race. Team awards will not be presented on race night, but will be mailed with the official results.

Additional Information

Lost Persons

If you have a friend or family member who will also be running the race, please decide before the race on a meeting place. If you must request an announcement for a lost child or other person, please go to the announcing platform at the finish line or the in the festival area.

Race Proceeds

Race proceeds benefit the Rockville Rotary Youth Recreation Fund, which enables Rockville youth to participate in fee-paid recreation programs they might not otherwise be able to afford, and other Rotary-supported charities.

Questions? Just Ask.

Look for a race official or volunteer . Feel free to thank him or her for helping to make the race safe and enjoyable. 

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