03/08/2024
Ah, yes. That beautiful feeling before race morning. Isn't it great?!
Event day is officially upon us tomorrow am! We know we've sent the below a few times, as we like to make sure everyone is on the same page for event day. Overcommunication in our experience is better than the opposite. If you've already read these below notes, you're all set and ready to go! If you haven't yet, well, here is the big know-how's and to-do's to prepare you for a streamlined race morning.
The weather for event day looks partly cloudy, slightly windy and right now is settling at a beautiful 55-ish degrees. Plan your run/walk attire accordingly as we approach tomorrow morning.
EVENT DAY PACKET PICKUP - If Purchased in Advance
ONLY AVAILABLE IF you received a 'Wonka Golden Ticket' via email today from us after purchasing a $5 race day packet pickup option during your registration(s). Reminder to print and show that at the pickup tent on race day and you're all set. We'll be ready for you, just arrive early to prepare for any lines. Likely will open this tent at around 7am. If you need to add this, go to your runsignup.com profile, click the event, and in the footer you can add it via 'add-ons'
EVENT LOCATION:
Addicks Park and Ride
14230 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079
Best exit to take off I-10 is ELDRIDGE and get on the feeder road headed west to enter the Addicks Park and Ride. The entrance is off the feeder road.
EVENT START TIMES SATURDAY, MARCH 9TH
(APPROXIMATE WITHIN A FEW SHORT MINUTES, LISTEN TO PA ANNOUNCER FOR EXACT START)
KIDS DASH - 8AM
10K - 8:15AM
5K - 8:20AM
If you're walking the event in either the 5K -OR- 10K event, we ask you please start at the back of the 5K run @ 8:20am so all of the runners in both events can start ahead of you.
The BIG stuff: NO DOGS allowed. Stroller families, please start at the back of the pack at 8:20am & stay on the far right of your lane. Make sure the kiddos are buckled into their stroller nice and tight before taking off! Make sure to be very observant of your surroundings to keep everyone safe passing around you on the course. Stating the obvious, we know, but we have a lot of folks so we like to be thorough (and safe)!
1. Official run course and parking map can be found on our website by CLICKING HERE. You can easily enter & exit the METRO Addicks Park and Ride (14230 Katy Fwy, Houston, 77079) right off the I-10 feeder road, which has ample parking on event day. Coming in from the east or west, the 'Eldridge Parkway' exit is a good one to take and drive down to the park and ride entrance. DO NOT TRY AND ENTER THE PARK AND RIDE FROM PARK ROW DRIVE which is north of the lot. That entrance will be closed since our staging area is right there. Take your time on event morning, don't rush, and you'll be in great shape in case you take a wrong turn on the way there! Folks love the ease of parking in years past, and we're sure you will too.
This year will feature some limited construction on the westbound lanes of Park Row Drive (Fun Stuff!). Remember while on the course to stay to the right of any cones to allow for oncoming runners in the lane next to yours. Follow the directional signage all across the course where presented, and we kindly ask that walkers/strollers line up behind the runners at the start line before beginning.
For all participants, follow the directional signage near the finish line as you approach toward the end, 5K participants proceed straight to the finish line. There will be instructional signage and arrows all along the way as to where to go.
10K Participants: Remember this is a double loop course, meaning if you haven't completed two laps of the 5K course, it isn't your time to finish yet! FOLLOW THE SIGNS!
Kids Dash Participants: Yes, you may run with your young ones with or without a bib you just won't receive a race packet or medal. It's simply one big loop in our parking lot that kiddos can sprint or walk.
2. There will be no event day gear check. Please securely store your belongings in your vehicle or leave at home. Remember this is a park and ride that is open to the public, so PLEASE leave valuables out of sight within your vehicles. **Event is not responsible for any lost/stolen items from vehicles**
3. After you have completed your 5K/10K, the fun continues! As you finish the event, enjoy your two complimentary kolaches fresh from Kolache Factory, along with other snacks and refreshments including Katz Coffee! You can also enjoy other refreshments, including complimentary Saint Arnold beer (for those 21+, and don't throw out your bib with the beer tear off after the event, as you'll need to wear this to receive a beverage)!
4. Spring Action Photos will be on site to provide high quality photos of your participation in the event. Your photos will be posted soon after the event and you can search for your photos by your last name or your bib number at www.springactionphotos.com. Watch for discounts that will be offered.
Tips for better race photos:
· Wear your bib on the front of your shirt.
· Pin all 4 corners of your bib.
· Pull your cap/hat away from your face.
· If running with a friend/family, run shoulder to shoulder while your photos are shot.
· Smile
5. Race results will be available immediately via the 'Results' tab on our website.
If you're eligible for a 1st-2nd-3rd place Kolache Factory gift card by age bracket, please stay for the ceremony that'll take place approximately 60-90 minutes after event start. We will not be mailing awards if you don't stick around to receive yours.
6. Please keep "Rules of the Road" in mind when running. If walking during the event, stay to the right of the street at all times and pass on the left when possible. Please be courteous of other participants. For competitive participants, please remember this is a 'friendly' competition. Safety first!
Due to insurance restrictions, animals, skates or other vehicular apparatus are not allowed by participants on the race course.
Headphones are not recommended during the race, but not prohibited. Please stay aware and in-tune with your surroundings for the safety of others around you.
7. Restrooms will be located in the staging area and we have one water stop on the course at just short of the 1.5/4.5 mile mark (4.5 is for 10K participants on 2nd lap). If you'd like to carry your own water for the event, absolutely welcome to fill up with our water monsters on site.
8. If anyone needs medical attention during the event, we will have an EMS service provided right near the start/finish line. If you're on the course and see a fellow runner in need, find the closest volunteer/officer or dial 911. You will notice officers all along the course and in the start/finish area.
9. Have you 'liked' us on Facebook yet? If not, CLICK HERE so you can receive up to the minute updates leading up to event day. Also, use the hashtag and for all of your event photos! We'll be reposting a few during/after the event concludes.
10. Special thanks to all of our Corporate Sponsors including, of course, our title sponsor Kolache Factory. We appreciate your support of this local event and couldn’t do it without you! Saint Arnold, Sun & Ski Sports...thank you!
Thanks for reading and we’ll see you tomorrow, bright and early!
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