Race Information
|
When is the race? Sunday, February 26, 2017. Both the marathon and half marathon start at 8:00AM. Where does the race start and end? Piedmont Sports Complex Sports Complex Drive, Piedmont, AL Is parking available at the race start/end? Yes, there is plenty of parking at the Piedmont Sports Complex. There will be signage directing you to the parking on race morning. Participants and spectators must arrive by 7:45AM, however, as the road leading into the Sports Complex will be closed at that time. What is the time limit for the course? We strive to ensure our events are accessible to the runners of all abilities. The half marathon will have a 5 hour time limit (approximately a 22:53 min/mile pace). The marathon will have a 7 hour time limit (approximately a 16:01 min/mile pace). What is the course like? Most of the race is run on the Chief Ladiga Trail, which is a converted rail line. The Chief Ladiga Trail is a paved path exclusively for the use of pedestrians, skaters and bikers. The race will start at the Piedmont Sports Complex, go to the end of Sports Complex Drive and back to the start before crossing through a short gravel section (about .2 mile) onto the Chief Ladiga Trail. Once on the Chief Ladiga Trail, you will be running through forests before entering the small, friendly town of Piedmont, Alabama. The course will pass by downtown Piedmont and the Eubanks Visitor Center, after which runners will continue through farmlands and forests before turning around. The course is an out-and-back for the half marathon. The full marathoners run with the half marathoners, turning around about 0.25 mile further on the Chief Ladiga Trail. After the turnaround, marathoners will return to where the Chief Ladiga Trail turns back to the finish area (about 0.25 mile from the finish) and turn around to complete their second out-and-back. There will be signage along the trail clearly marking the turnaround points. Is this a closed course? The course is not closed. The course is run on the Chief Ladiga Trail, however, so outside of road crossings, the only traffic will be from recreational walkers, runners and cyclists. Volunteers will be present at major road intersections, but participants are asked to use caution at road crossings. On the trail, participants should keep to the right. Are walkers allowed? Yes, walkers are welcomed. Please ensure you can complete the race within the designated time limits, which is a 22:53 min/mile pace for the half, and a 16:01 min/mile pace for the full marathon. How will the race be timed? The race will be chip timed. |
What is the weather normally like on race day? The average high is 56 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 36 degrees Fahrenheit. In case of inclement weather, the race director reserves the right to delay, postpone or cancel the race to ensure all participants' safety. Can I have an early start? Early starts are not permitted. Late starts are not officially offered, but participants will be permitted to start up to 30 minutes after the official start. Is there a limit on the number of participants? Yes, to ensure a great race experience for all the participants, the two races are capped at 500 participants. What perks do runners receive? Preregistered participants that register by February 3rd, 2017 will receive a Ladiga Marathon & Half Marathon short sleeve gender specific wicking T-shirt at packet pick-up. Runners that register after this date are not guaranteed a T-shirt and will receive T-shirts based on availability after finishing the race. Finishers will also receive a unique finisher's medal. The finisher's medal design can be seen Here! Finishers will also receive snacks, water, sports drink and a mylar blanket upon finishing. Are there awards? Yes, awards will be given as follows: 1st Place Overall M/F 1st Place Master's M/F 1st Place Wheelchair M/F 1st - 3rd Place in the following age categories: 14-19 (half marathon), 16-19 (full marathon), 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ Are monetary prizes given out? Through our partnership with Big Peach Running Co., we are happy to be able to give $50 Big Peach Running Co. gift cards to our 1st Place Overall Male and Female winners in both the half and full marathon! When will the results be finalized? Preliminary results will be posted within 48 hours. All results will be final within a week of the event. Are there participant age limits? Yes. Participants in the half marathon must be 14 years of age or older. Participants in the full marathon must be 16 years of age or older. |
Registration
Can I register on race day?
Yes, see the Registration page for details.
When does registration close?
Please see the Registration page for details.
Can I switch events?
Yes, you can switch events by emailing the Race Director at ladigamarathon@gmail.com. To change your event on or after February 20, 2017, please request the change in person at packet pickup. If changing from the full marathon to the half, you will not receive a refund for the difference in price. If you switch from the half marathon to the full, you'll need to pay the difference in rates in effect.
I can no longer participate in the event. Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, all race entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Are promotional discounts available?
Promotional discounts will be given to Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic participants. The use of the promo code is subject to verification by the Race Director of membership status. Please check those websites for the promo code.
Yes, see the Registration page for details.
When does registration close?
Please see the Registration page for details.
Can I switch events?
Yes, you can switch events by emailing the Race Director at ladigamarathon@gmail.com. To change your event on or after February 20, 2017, please request the change in person at packet pickup. If changing from the full marathon to the half, you will not receive a refund for the difference in price. If you switch from the half marathon to the full, you'll need to pay the difference in rates in effect.
I can no longer participate in the event. Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, all race entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Are promotional discounts available?
Promotional discounts will be given to Marathon Maniac and Half Fanatic participants. The use of the promo code is subject to verification by the Race Director of membership status. Please check those websites for the promo code.
Course
Where can I find the course maps?
See the Race Course page.
Where can spectators cheer for their runner?
There are limited access points along the Chief Ladiga Trail. Below are the suggested cheer points:
Is the course certified?
Yes! Both the half and full marathon are USATF sanctioned and certified.
Marathon Certification: AL17003JE
Half Marathon Certification: AL17002JE
Is the marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes!
Are the courses hilly?
As each person has a different perception of a "hilly" course, we invite you to refer to the Race Course page for an elevation profile.
Where will aid stations be located?
Aid stations will be available at the Start/Finish as well as throughout the course every 2-3 miles. There will be three aid stations along the course, which half marathoners will pass twice and marathoners will pass 4 times. Each aid station will have Gatorade and water. One aid station will have GU Energy gel.
Are headphones allowed?
Headphones are allowed. However, the volume must be kept at a level that allows you to understand instructions from volunteers, other participants and course officials.
Can I bring my dog?
No, pets are not permitted on the race course.
Can I push a stroller?
No, strollers are not permitted.
Where will restrooms be located?
Portable toilets will be at the Start/Finish area and at every aid station (every 2-3 miles).
See the Race Course page.
Where can spectators cheer for their runner?
There are limited access points along the Chief Ladiga Trail. Below are the suggested cheer points:
- Start/Finish Line - There will parking at the start/finish line for participants as well as spectators. Spectators are welcome to cheer for runners at the start/finish or to walk out to the Chief Ladiga Trail from the parking area (about a .25 mile walk) to cheer. We do ask that spectators cheer on the Chief Ladiga Trail only upon runners returning, however, as the trail is somewhat narrow. Note that marathon runners will not return to the parking area before starting their second out-and-back.
- Town of Piedmont - Spectators can also cheer from the town of Piedmont. There is ample parking available in Piedmont. The course will cross a number of intersections where spectators could easily walk over to cheer for runners, including South Main Street, South Center Avenue and South Church Street. Spectators are encouraged to look at the course map and drive the route prior to the race to determine where they would like to encourage the runners.
Is the course certified?
Yes! Both the half and full marathon are USATF sanctioned and certified.
Marathon Certification: AL17003JE
Half Marathon Certification: AL17002JE
Is the marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes!
Are the courses hilly?
As each person has a different perception of a "hilly" course, we invite you to refer to the Race Course page for an elevation profile.
Where will aid stations be located?
Aid stations will be available at the Start/Finish as well as throughout the course every 2-3 miles. There will be three aid stations along the course, which half marathoners will pass twice and marathoners will pass 4 times. Each aid station will have Gatorade and water. One aid station will have GU Energy gel.
Are headphones allowed?
Headphones are allowed. However, the volume must be kept at a level that allows you to understand instructions from volunteers, other participants and course officials.
Can I bring my dog?
No, pets are not permitted on the race course.
Can I push a stroller?
No, strollers are not permitted.
Where will restrooms be located?
Portable toilets will be at the Start/Finish area and at every aid station (every 2-3 miles).
Questions?
Still have questions?
Please email the race director at ladigamarathon@gmail.com.
Please email the race director at ladigamarathon@gmail.com.