FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


REGISTRATION

Is there a cap on number of entrants?

No. Long sleeved t-shirt guaranteed if registered by October 8th.

When will registration be open? How can women register?

Online registration opens April 1, 2010. Online registration ends October 8, 2010. You can also register for $41.50 at the Health Expo. Cash or check only accepted at the expo.

Is registration open to runners of all abilities?

The race is open to females who are in reasonable health and can walk or run the 5 mile or 3.1 mile events. No male registrations will be accepted however, we would love to have males participate by becoming volunteers or cheerleaders on the course.

How do I confirm my registration?

An email confirming your registration will be sent to you from Lin-Mark. You can also check the entrant list on the W5K web site www.womens5kclassic.org

What do I do if I cannot find my name on the entrant list?

Contact Lin-Mark at lin-mark@lin-mark.com or 856-468-0010.

Can I use the same password as last year?

No. Lin-Mark has updated their web site.

What is the registration fee?

Warm up Rate - $26.50 April 1 - July 9, 2010. Fitness Rate - $31.50 July 10 - September 13, 2010. Cardio Rate - $41.50 after September 13th. All deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. on the specified date.

When do the registration fees increase?

Registration fees will increase on set dates. Please check the web site for updated registration information. Sign up early and save!

Can I download a paper application from the web site?

Due to our efforts to "go green" all registration must be done online. If you are reading this page, we have assumed that you have internet access and can register online. Thank you for helping us protect the environment.

What do our fees include?

Race bags to the first 5000 entrants if registered by October 8th, post race food, massage, information and testing at the Health Expo.

Can someone else pick up my race packet?

Yes. Race packets are distributed according to race number so they may have to wait in line.

If I register for an event, can I later switch to another?

Yes. The last day to change events is October 8th.

What is the race refund policy if I cannot attend?

The Women's 5K Classic is a charity event; therefore all entry fees are nonrefundable.

Can I transfer my registration to another runner?

Unfortunately numbers are nontransferable and entry fees are non refundable and non transferable. For safety reasons, you may NOT give your number to someone else.

Can I register on race day?

There is NO race day registration.

My 7 year old daughter would like to walk with me. Does she need to register?

Yes. For safety reasons all participants on the race course must have a race number.

Where do I pin by race number?

Race numbers should be pinned on the front of your shirt or shorts so that the number can be read by the announcer.

How do I register a team?

On the Women's 5K home page under registration is a link to Team Captain sign up. Read and follow all directions.

Can teams register at the expo?

No. All team rosters need to be submitted to Lin-Mark by October 8th.

When and where is number, t-shirt and chip pick up?

Packets can be picked up at the Josh Early W5K Health Expo on Friday night. The expo is held at Cedar Crest College from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Packets can also be picked up on race day from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

How is the race timed?

Lin-Mark Sports will be utilizing the ChronoTrack Timing System. When you receive your race number, you will notice that a ChronoTrack Timing Tag has been pre-assigned and affixed to your race number. This tag contains a microchip which identifies you with your race number through radio frequency identification technology. Before the race, you should remove the tag from your race number and follow the directions to properly place the ChronoTrack tag onto your sneaker. ChronoTrack Tag placement instructions will be sent to you via email and can be found in your race day packet.

Do I have to return the ChronoTrack Tag?

No, the ChronoTrack tag is disposable, so you don't have to worry about returning it to race management after the race. Simply detach it from your sneaker after you have exited the water and food area.

What is available for purchase online?

You can purchase raffle tickets, calendars and tribute markers online.

Is online registration secure?

Yes. Lin-Mark Sports uses 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 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.

How will my registration charge show up as on my credit card statement?

Lin-Mark Sports will be listed as your vendor.

What happens if it is raining on race day? Is the event "rain or shine"?

The Women's 5K Classic will take place rain or shine.

What is the weather like, historically?

We have had cold and windy mornings as well as beautiful sunny days. Our event is rain or shine. As REI states, "there is no bad weather, just bad gear" so check out the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

EXPO

Where do I pick up my race number, t-shirt and timing chip?

Your race number, t-shirt and timing chip can be picked up at our Expo. Friday, October 15th, 2010, 3 PM - 7 PM

Can I pick up my packet on race day?

Yes.

Can you mail me my packet?

No, we are a charity event and do not mail packets.

How can I be a vendor at the Expo?

A sponsorship of $1000 or greater will secure a booth at the health expo. For details check our web site for sponsorship opportunities.

Can my friends and family come to the Expo and weekend events?

Yes. We would love to have your friends and family join you in your experience.

Is merchandise available at the Expo?

Yes. Our sponsors will have merchandise for sale. You can also purchase items such as W5K gear, jewelry and calendars at the W5K Store.

AWARDS

What are the awards and age group breakdown?

Please see the W5K home page under Event then click on Awards.

When is the awards ceremony and where is it held?

The awards ceremony is held approximately 30 minutes after each event at the stage.

Do I need to be present for awards?

No. You can make arrangements to pick up your award at the Aardvark Sports Shop in Bethlehem or the Finish Line in Emmaus.

Do I need to be present for raffle prizes?

No. You will be contacted by phone if you won a raffle prize.

CHARITY

Where does the money go?

We are a non-profit, all volunteer organization supporting programs which educate, support and help prevent female cancers. We welcome grant proposals from any Greater Lehigh Valley nonprofit agency whose mission also supports this philosophy. Please check the web site for information about fund distributions.

How can my organization apply for a grant?

Please check the W5K web site and click on GRANTS.

What is a Tribute Marker?

Tribute markers celebrate a survivor or honor someone who has lost the battle with a female cancer. Tribute markers can be purchased online. For more information please check the W5K web site and click on STORE.

How can I raise more money for the Women's 5K Classic?

You may collect pledges. An official pledge form can be downloaded from the W5K home page by clicking on PLEDGE.

Where do I turn PLEDGE money in?

PLEDGE money can be turned in at the Expo at registration or on race day at the registration tent.

COURSE

What is the start time?

The festivities start at 9 a.m. Parade of Champions at 9:15 a.m. 5 Mile Run at 9:40 a.m. 5K Run at 9:45 a.m. 5K Competitive Walk at 9:50 a.m. Walk in the Park at 9:55 a.m.

What is the reason for staging corrals?

Corral placement is assigned according to event. This helps women to line up according to pace before reaching the start line. Thank you for your cooperation.

What is the terrain of the course?

The five mile race has approximately 5% macadam & 95% gravel trail. The 5K courses are approximately 70% macadam & 30% gravel trail.

Will there be water stops on the course?

Yes. There is one water stop on each race course.

Will mile splits be provided on the course?

Yes. Each mile will be marked and splits provided.

Where is a good place for my friends and family to cheer me on?

The area between the finish line and the Lehigh Valley Road Runners Clubhouse are probably the best places for spectating.

Will there be food at the finish line?

Yes, we will have a variety of food at the finish line available to all finishers. In the past years the food has been: soup, energy bars, bagels and water.

What time will the roads be closed?

The roads will be closed at 8 a.m.

What's the topography like?

All courses have some rolling hills but as we like to say, if it does not kill you, it will make you stronger! The 5 mile run has its first hill at about 1200 meters, the hill is about 75 meters with a 50 meter downhill afterwards. The middle miles of the 5 mile course are relatively flat. The last mile is gently rolling. The 5K run has its first hill at about 1000 meters, the hill is about 300 meters with an 800 meter downhill afterwards. The last mile of the 5K run is relatively flat. The 5K Competitive Walk and Walk in the Park has its first hill at about 1000 meters with an 800 meter downhill afterwards. At the 2 mile mark there is a 75 meter hill with a 50 meter down hill. The last mile is relatively flat.

Is the course closed to traffic?

Yes.

Is there a time limit to complete?

No.

RACE

What is the official name of the event?

Women's 5K Classic

How many runners do you expect this year?

We expect 5600 women this year.

Is there a team competition?

Yes. On the Women's 5K home page under Event, click on Team Competition for all details.

Are dogs allowed?

No. We ask that there are no dogs or any pets or animals on the course.

Are skates, strollers or bikes allowed on the course?

No. We ask that there are no skates, strollers or bikes on the course. It will be too crowded and we want all participants to have a positive and safe experience. We do have assigned lead bikers for the 5 Mile Run, 5K Run and 5K Competitive Walk. Thank you for being mindful of the other participants and respect of the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.

RUNNER CONCERNS

What size t-shirt should I order?

The long sleeved t-shirts are 100% cotton with a female fit.

What if the t-shirt I ordered does not fit? Can I exchange it?

No. There will be a t-shirt swap area at the Expo and on race day after the event.

What time should I arrive on race morning?

Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. Parking is limited so please car pool.

Will there be a baggage check tent?

A baggage check is provided at the packet pick up tent.

Can I use headphones?

The use of personal music devises is strongly discouraged at this race. This is due to participant safety on the race course. It is important that participants are very aware of their surroundings and what is going on in case of emergency. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, the Women's 5K Classic encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Women's 5K Classic. We believe your race experience and those around you will be greatly enhanced by leaving the headphones at home or in the car. Running or walking headphone-free allows opportunities to develop camaraderie with your lady runners and to enjoy everything the race has to offer. Thank you for being mindful of the other participants and respect of the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.

What do I do if I injure myself on the course?

We provide medical assistance on the course and at the finish line. If you determine that you cannot finish the race, a SAG cart will transport you to the finish. For injuries needing immediate attention, look for either Allentown EMS personnel on bikes / ATV or alert Amateur Radio (HAM) volunteers with orange vests stationed along the course to call EMS for help. There is also an ambulance stationed close to the finish line. Each participant is responsible for her own health insurance.

Will there be training runs?

Yes. We offer several beginner running and walking workshops for women. A First Strides workshop is held from August to October in Allentown. All who complete this workshop will be able to finish the Women's 5K Classic. Please check the FIRST STRIDES web site for more information www.firststrides.com.

Where can I find results?

Check on the W5K home page and click on results. Results will be posted on the web site by 6 p.m.

Where can I find a course map?

Check on the W5K home page under Event and click on course map.

If I have feedback regarding the race, whom do I contact?

Please email us with any race feedback through the home page under Contact. 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 women.

Help! I don't see my question on this page!

Please contact us through the home page under Contact.

SPONSORSHIP

How do I become a sponsor?

Please check our web site for sponsorship opportunities.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Where do I park for the event?

Parking will be limited so please carpool. All vehicles must access the Little Lehigh Parkway via Vultee Street (located off of Lehigh Street in Allentown). Our parking volunteers will direct you to your parking space. An email will be sent the beginning of October with specified parking and exiting information.

VOLUNTEERS

I would like to volunteer. How can I do this?

To volunteer please check on the W5K home page under Volunteer. All volunteers receive an official race volunteer t-shirt.

Can groups volunteer?

Yes. We encourage large groups (boy scouts, girl scouts, school teams, college teams) to volunteer. Our goal is to be a true community event.

PLAN FOR THE 2010 EVENT

What is the date for the 2010 Women's 5K Classic?

Saturday, October 16, 2010.

When will registration begin for the 2010 Women's 5K Classic?

online registration begins April 1, 2010. Past participants will receive an email notifying them when registration is open.



 
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