Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course certified by USATF?
Absolutely! The course certification number is IL-10094-JW. A copy of the certification is available on the web site under the Event Information tab.
Is this a Boston Qualifying race?
Again, absolutely! We provide our results directly to the Boston Marathon after they become official.
I got injured or decided to run another marathon. Can I get my money back, transfer my entry to someone else, or transfer it to next year?
No, you cannot - please don't ask. Entries are not transferable or refundable and cannot be deferred until another year.
Can I walk?
You can walk or run so long as you maintain a pace to finish in 6.0 hours.
Can I start early?
Absolutely not, this is due to safety considerations - the beginning of the course is on country roads without streetlights. It is dark until just before the race starts. If you start early, you will be disqualified.
Can I listen to an iPod, radio, run with headphones, etc...?
Yes. USATF, the national governing body of the sport, has amended its ban on headphones, iPods and similar devices. Runners can wear them, but are cautioned to consider the safety issues they present and assume all risk.
What brand of sports drink will be on the course?
Gatorade Endurance formula.
Will gel packs be available on the course?
Gel will be available at the water stations approximately Mile posts 11, 14 and 19.5. Please deposit packs that you carry in the next trashcan - otherwise one of our volunteers has to pick it up. We will provide Hammer brand gel on the course.
Where do I wear the chip for the Marathon?
The chip is integrated into the race number bib. You are required to wear the race number bib at all times during the race.
Can I carry the chip in my hand?
No, if you do, you will not be scored.
I only plan to run part of the race - just for training or fun. Should I wear my chip?
If you don't plan to finish, please do not wear your chip – it really can mess up race scoring – believe us! It would be easier for you if you inform the people at registration of this fact and return the chip before you leave the packet pick-up area. If you aren't sure, wear the chip but DO NOT cross the finish line or accept a medal unless you have run the entire marathon course!
PRE-RACE: Will you provide transportation from the finish to the start line?
Yes. Transportation for runners only to the Belvidere Family YMCA start line will leave at 6:00 a.m. from Leland Park in Roscoe.
POST-RACE: Will you provide transportation from the finish back to the start?
Yes. Transportation for runners only to the Belvidere Family YMCA will depart from the finish area at Leland Park in Roscoe at 1:00 p.m.
How do my sweats get to the finish area?
Put them into the drop bag provided for this purpose - with your race number on it. Close the bag securely and place it in the YMCA truck near the start line. You must have your race bib to claim your drop bag. If you do not pick your drop bag, it will be donated to charity.
What happens to the clothes I dropped on the course?
Due to the number of items and their condition (sweaty, dirty ...) we will discard clothing left on the course. Sometimes clothing left on the course is brought to the finish by volunteers or spectators. You can check at the runner bag pick-up prior to 1:30 to see if someone picked them up.
Where are the water stations and toilets on the course?
Aid stations providing water and sports drink will be located near Mile posts 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12.5, 14, 16, 18, 19.5, 21, 23.5 and 25. Toilets will be available near Mile posts 1, 6, 11, 14, 19.5 and 23.5.
Can my friends run or bike with me?
Absolutely not. Non-registered runners are not permitted to run with you - that is called pacing and is not permitted by USATF rules. Bicycles are not allowed on the course for obvious safety reasons. They will be removed from the course and you are subject to disqualification.
Can I push a stroller?
See the answer above related to bicycles. Strollers create an unsafe condition for you, the child, and other runners and also are prohibited by our insurance carrier. If you push one you will be disqualified from the race. If your use of a stroller causes damage or injury to another party you would also be personally liable as you are participating in violation of the race rules.
How about dogs?
See the answers above.
Will the Long Prairie Trail and Stone Bridge Trail be closed during the Marathon?
Yes. For safety reasons, both trails will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on race day.
Can my friends give me water or food on the course?
Yes - but only directly adjacent to designated water stops. YOU are subject to disqualification if they impede other runners. They must be very careful about where they park and have them make sure that they do not impede other runners in their effort to help you. You may not receive fluids or nutrition outside of the designated aid stations.
Will food be available after the marathon?
Yes, plenty of post-race food such as bananas, bagels, cookies, etc., and water will be available for runners at the finish line area.
What are the age divisions for the marathon?
The USATF standard is 5-year age groups. The age groups are 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74 and 75 and over.
What are the criteria for awards?
Each marathon participant completing the course will receive a medal. The top female overall finisher and top male overall finisher will receive recognition awards and are not eligible for age category awards. The first and second place finisher in each age category will receive a recognition award.
When and where will the results be posted?
Results will be posted on this web site and http://www.active.com as soon as possible.
Where does the money collected for the race go?
It goes primarily to pay the costs of the run – quality technical shirts, tents, buses, tables, water, porta-potties and shirts for volunteers. Funds remaining support the activities of the Belvidere Family YMCA and Stateline Family YMCA’s Strong Kids Program.
Who do I contact for additional information?
Marianne Eshleman is the Race Director and can be contacted at
MEshleman@StatelineFamilyYMCA.org or 815-623-5858.