Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What precautions are planned given the ongoing COVID pandemic?
We safely and successfully hosted a marathon, half marathon, and relay in September 2020. You can review safety precautions for that event here. We are hopeful that the situation will have improved by May 2021. Regardless, we anticipate that many of the same safety measures will still be in place. While there are no refunds, we would defer race entries to 2022 if the event were canceled.
Q: Is this race a Boston qualifier?
Yes. We are USATF certified and you will be Boston eligible if you meet the time criteria for age.
Q: Where are the aid stations?
Aid stations are located every 1.5 miles beginning at mile 2, offering water and Powerade at each aid station. GU, typically Vanilla Bean, is offered just after mile 17.
Q: Is there a time limit to complete the race?
Yes, the half marathon has a limit of 3 hours and the marathon has a limit of 6 hours (13:45/mile pace). Much of the course is open to traffic and course support will only be available during those times.
Q: Can I use headphones during the race?
Phones and portable music devices are allowed but keep safety in mind. The race course is open to traffic in many areas. Runners must remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
Q: Are rollerblades, bikes, strollers, or pets permitted on the course?
None of these are permitted on the race course for marathon, half marathon, or relay.
Q: Can I pick up my packet on race day?
Race day registration is NOT allowed but there will be a one hour window from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM to pick up your packet at Pioneer Park. This will be a very busy time. Therefore, we strongly recommend that runners pick up their packet the night before.
Q: Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes. We ask that you print your confirmation page and send that with your designee. This will ensure that you have given your permission and that all of your info is correct.
Q: Do you have a pasta dinner?
We team with two or three local restaurants to offer pasta meals at a discount to runners. Check the website and your runner emails closer to race day for more information.
Q: How old do I have to be to run your event?
The half marathon lower age limit is 12 years, the full marathon is 16 years.
Q: Is there parking near the race start?
Yes, Pioneer Park has plenty of parking. The main park entrance will be closed on race morning. You can access grass parking via the back entrance/exit via Western Avenue. Additional paved parking is available at the movie theater parking lot (219 6th Street, only three blocks from the start). If you prefer, shuttle service is available to and from the hotels on race day beginning at 5:30 AM.
Q: Can I leave my warm up clothing at the start?
You can drop off a bag with your clothing at the bandshell in Pioneer Park or leave it at the start area. Your packet pickup bag will have your race number attached, so use this for your items. We will keep your bag at the bandshell until after the race. Lost and found items can be retrieved there as well.
Q: Where are the best locations to watch the race?
There are many places to cheer along the route. That's one of the great things about a small town marathon. We do ask that you avoid driving along the race route for safety reasons. Check out the website closer to race day for a detailed list of great viewing locations.
Q: Why is there a limit on registrations, can I still get in?
Due to logistic and safety concerns, the following participant limits have been set for 2021: marathon 200 runners, half marathon 300 runners, marathon relay 50 teams. Register early, as we do not plan to open the event beyond these numbers. Historically, all races except the marathon close by mid-March. Registration for all races will close one week before race day regardless of entry numbers so that the race committee can make the necessary preparations.
Q: I won't be able to run this year, can I get a refund?
Sorry, as with most races, there are no refunds. But we will consider requests to transfer the registration to another runner. Just send an email to the director at least two weeks before race day
Q: Can I switch to a different race?
Yes, just send an email to the director at least two weeks before race day. A switch to a longer race will require the runner to pay the difference in entry fees. There is no refund for a switch to a shorter distance.
Q: How can I volunteer for the Brookings Marathon?
Just send an email to run@brookingsmarathon.com and our volunteer coordinator will be touch.
Q: How do I register my relay team?
If you registered a Marathon Relay team, use your registration site login to add information regarding your team.
Q: Where is the shirt sizing information posted and what do the shirts look like?
You can find information on our race shirts including sizing and samples on our Support & Amenities page.
Q: Is there an option for an early start?
Yes, we offer an early start for those needing more than 6 hours to complete the marathon. Please send and email to the race or contact the race director during packet pickup if you would like an early start. Early starters must be self-supported, know the route, and obey all traffic laws until officers and volunteers are on the course. You are on your own until officers and volunteers arrive on the course.
Q: Can I sign up for the marathon and just run the half marathon course?
We strongly discourage running an event other than the one for which you registered. This is confusing for our volunteers and can potentially lead to errors in the results and age group awards. Runners who choose to enter the full marathon but run the half marathon on race day may still cross the finish line and collect a medal, but they will not appear in the official results for the event.
Q: Do you have pacers?
Yes, we will have Pacers for our event. Check out the details here.
We safely and successfully hosted a marathon, half marathon, and relay in September 2020. You can review safety precautions for that event here. We are hopeful that the situation will have improved by May 2021. Regardless, we anticipate that many of the same safety measures will still be in place. While there are no refunds, we would defer race entries to 2022 if the event were canceled.
Q: Is this race a Boston qualifier?
Yes. We are USATF certified and you will be Boston eligible if you meet the time criteria for age.
Q: Where are the aid stations?
Aid stations are located every 1.5 miles beginning at mile 2, offering water and Powerade at each aid station. GU, typically Vanilla Bean, is offered just after mile 17.
Q: Is there a time limit to complete the race?
Yes, the half marathon has a limit of 3 hours and the marathon has a limit of 6 hours (13:45/mile pace). Much of the course is open to traffic and course support will only be available during those times.
Q: Can I use headphones during the race?
Phones and portable music devices are allowed but keep safety in mind. The race course is open to traffic in many areas. Runners must remain aware of their surroundings at all times.
Q: Are rollerblades, bikes, strollers, or pets permitted on the course?
None of these are permitted on the race course for marathon, half marathon, or relay.
Q: Can I pick up my packet on race day?
Race day registration is NOT allowed but there will be a one hour window from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM to pick up your packet at Pioneer Park. This will be a very busy time. Therefore, we strongly recommend that runners pick up their packet the night before.
Q: Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes. We ask that you print your confirmation page and send that with your designee. This will ensure that you have given your permission and that all of your info is correct.
Q: Do you have a pasta dinner?
We team with two or three local restaurants to offer pasta meals at a discount to runners. Check the website and your runner emails closer to race day for more information.
Q: How old do I have to be to run your event?
The half marathon lower age limit is 12 years, the full marathon is 16 years.
Q: Is there parking near the race start?
Yes, Pioneer Park has plenty of parking. The main park entrance will be closed on race morning. You can access grass parking via the back entrance/exit via Western Avenue. Additional paved parking is available at the movie theater parking lot (219 6th Street, only three blocks from the start). If you prefer, shuttle service is available to and from the hotels on race day beginning at 5:30 AM.
Q: Can I leave my warm up clothing at the start?
You can drop off a bag with your clothing at the bandshell in Pioneer Park or leave it at the start area. Your packet pickup bag will have your race number attached, so use this for your items. We will keep your bag at the bandshell until after the race. Lost and found items can be retrieved there as well.
Q: Where are the best locations to watch the race?
There are many places to cheer along the route. That's one of the great things about a small town marathon. We do ask that you avoid driving along the race route for safety reasons. Check out the website closer to race day for a detailed list of great viewing locations.
Q: Why is there a limit on registrations, can I still get in?
Due to logistic and safety concerns, the following participant limits have been set for 2021: marathon 200 runners, half marathon 300 runners, marathon relay 50 teams. Register early, as we do not plan to open the event beyond these numbers. Historically, all races except the marathon close by mid-March. Registration for all races will close one week before race day regardless of entry numbers so that the race committee can make the necessary preparations.
Q: I won't be able to run this year, can I get a refund?
Sorry, as with most races, there are no refunds. But we will consider requests to transfer the registration to another runner. Just send an email to the director at least two weeks before race day
Q: Can I switch to a different race?
Yes, just send an email to the director at least two weeks before race day. A switch to a longer race will require the runner to pay the difference in entry fees. There is no refund for a switch to a shorter distance.
Q: How can I volunteer for the Brookings Marathon?
Just send an email to run@brookingsmarathon.com and our volunteer coordinator will be touch.
Q: How do I register my relay team?
If you registered a Marathon Relay team, use your registration site login to add information regarding your team.
Q: Where is the shirt sizing information posted and what do the shirts look like?
You can find information on our race shirts including sizing and samples on our Support & Amenities page.
Q: Is there an option for an early start?
Yes, we offer an early start for those needing more than 6 hours to complete the marathon. Please send and email to the race or contact the race director during packet pickup if you would like an early start. Early starters must be self-supported, know the route, and obey all traffic laws until officers and volunteers are on the course. You are on your own until officers and volunteers arrive on the course.
Q: Can I sign up for the marathon and just run the half marathon course?
We strongly discourage running an event other than the one for which you registered. This is confusing for our volunteers and can potentially lead to errors in the results and age group awards. Runners who choose to enter the full marathon but run the half marathon on race day may still cross the finish line and collect a medal, but they will not appear in the official results for the event.
Q: Do you have pacers?
Yes, we will have Pacers for our event. Check out the details here.
