April 16, 2013
Early Registrations Opens
October 1, 2013
Regular Registration Fee
January 1, 2014
Late Registration Fee
February 27-28, 2014
Health & Fitness Expo
March 1, 2014
The Marathon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the date of The Woodlands Marathon?
A: The Woodlands Marathon & St. Luke's Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2013.
Q: Where does The Woodlands Marathon take place?
A: The race takes place in The Woodlands, TX.
Q: What time does The Woodlands Marathon start?
A: START TIMES (estimated):
Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay − 7:00am
5k − 7:10 am
2k − 1:00pm
Q: Where are the Start and Finish located?
A: The Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay start lines are located on Six Pines just south of Lake Robbins Drive and finish are located on The Woodlands Waterway. The 5K start line is located on Lake Robbins Drive in front of Town Green Park and finish on The Woodlands Waterway. The 2K start line is located on Lake Robbins Drive in front of Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and finish on The Woodlands Waterway.
Q: Where can I find the course map?
A: Click here.
Q: Can I run with a baby jogger, skateboard, bike or dog?
A: No, in consideration for the safety of all participants; baby joggers, skateboards, bikes and animals are prohibited on the course.
Q: Can I run with headphones?
A: Headphones are not prohibited but are strongly discouraged. Participants who wear headphones must remain aware of race officials, traffic and other runners. Any participant who fails to follow directions from race officials is subject to being removed from the racecourse, for their own safety and the safety of other participants.
Q: What is the time limit for The Woodlands Marathon?
A: All streets must be reopened to traffic by 2:00 PM, and all participants must be able to cross the Finish Line by 1:30 PM to be recorded as an official finisher (with time and place). To do so, both Marathon and Half Marathon participants must maintain a pace no slower than 14:30 minutes per mile throughout the course. Any Marathon participant slower than the maximum pace at the split of the Marathon and Half Marathon courses (just past Mile 13) will be directed to the Half Marathon course and will be recorded as a Half Marathon finisher (with time and place but ineligible for awards).
No refunds will be given for registered Marathon participants who are directed to the Half Marathon course due to pace - no exceptions. Back of the Pack Teams for both the Marathon and Half Marathon will wear a special shirt for identification and will maintain the required 14:30 minute pace. Any participants who are concerned about maintaining the maximum pace should keep pace with the applicable Back of the Pack Team, pace team.
SAG Wagons and equipment trucks will follow the Back of the Pack Teams to move slower runners to the side of road, and reopen the streets. These participants will not be able to finish the race or receive their medal, but may participate in the post race party.
Q: Do I need a qualifying time to participate?
A: No, there is no qualifying time to participate in The Woodlands Marathon but you will need to submit a time for your corral seeding. If a time is not submitted we will seed all those runners in the last corral.
Q: Can I walk?
A: Please refer to the minimum average pace and time limits listed above for the event.
Q: Do I have to join a charity group to participate?
A: No, you do not have to join a charity group to participate in the The Woodlands Marathon. We do encourage you to participate in the Launch Charity Challenge and fundraise for some of our selected charities.Please check the website.
Q: Will there be a pace team?
A: We will have both Marathon and Half Marathon Pace Teams.
Q: What time will the roads close?
A: Road and lane closures will be updated on the website as we get closer to the race. Please check the website and look for the official Traffic Guide.
Q: How many water stations will you have?
A: There will be 9 Water Stations along the course, starting at Mile 1.5 with plenty of water and Gatorade sports drink.
Q: What do I do if I injure myself on the course?
A: There will be ambulance and bike EMS teams providing medical support along the course. Runners will have access to medical support at each Water Station. Please look for the red medical tents.
Q: Will there be food at the finish line?
A: Yes, there will be food at the finish line provided by the event producer and several other vendors.
Q: Is the course closed to traffic?
A: Yes, lanes will be closed for runners. On the second loop of the marathon from mile 13-19 runners will have the outside lane. Lanes will be coned off throughout the race for runners’ safety.
Q: Is the course USA Track and Field Certified? If so, does the Boston Marathon consider this a qualifier for their race?
A: Yes, The Woodlands Marathon course is USA Track and Field certified which makes it a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Marathon - Waiting on sanctioning number
Half marathon - Waiting on sanctioning number
5K - Waiting on sanctioning number
Registration
Q: How do I register for The Woodlands Marathon?
A: Click here to register online.
Q: What is the age limit for The Woodlands Marathon?
A: Participants must be at least 16 years old by March 2, 2013 to participate in the Marathon and 13 years old by March 2, 2013 to participate in the Half Marathon. Athletes younger than the set age limit may contact the Race Director for the opportunity to participate.
Q: How do I make changes to my registration once it has been submitted?
A: If you would like to make changes to your registration you must do so by emailing The Woodlands Marathon registration coordinator at katzp72@gmail.com
Q: May I DEFER my registration to the following year?
A: If you would like to defer your registration to the following year please do so by emailing The Woodlands Marathon registration coordinator at katzp72@gmail.com. All deferral requests must be submitted by January 31, 2013 and require a $40 fee. You will not be charge a registration the following year but extended a registration complimentary code when registration opens. Deferals may only be deferred for one year.
Q: Can I switch from the Marathon to the Half Marathon or from the Half Marathon to the Marathon?
A: Yes, participants may switch from one race to the other by February 15, 2013 (based on availability). Participants may do this by contacting katzp72@gmail.com. A $30.00 service fee will be applied, along with any applicable entry fee difference (see the table below for fees related to switching races). There will be no refund of the fee difference for switching from the Marathon to the Half Marathon and the participant will be charged a $30 service fee; no exceptions.
| Switch Races | |
| Marathon to Half Marathon | $30 |
| Half Marathon to 5k | $30 |
| 5k Run to 2k Fun Run | $30 |
| Relay 4 person - 2 person | $30 |
| 5k Run | $30 |
| Half Marathon to Marathon | $55 |
| 5k Run to Half Marathon | $60 |
| 2k Fun Run to 5k Run | $30 |
Q: Is there a limit on the number of participants in the race?
A: Yes, The Woodlands Marathon Management has a limit of 8,500 participants. Currently organizers reserve the right to reduce these numbers.
Q: When will registration close?
A: Online registration is set to close February 14, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST. Registration will close if registration reaches 8,500 participants before the online deadlines. If capacity is not reached by February 14th, we will continue to accept registrations online AND at the Health & Fitness Expo.
Q: How many participants are in the Marathon & Half Marathon?
A: Approximately 22% of participants are Marathon participants.
Q: Do you give out my email address?
A: No, we do not sell email addresses. You will only be notified about details pertaining to The Woodlands Marathon.
Q: What is The Woodlands Marathon refund policy?
A: We adhere to the standard marathon running industry policy. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. We have to plan well in advance for certain accommodations for race participants, and therefore cannot offer refunds. You may not give or sell your number to another individual. The entry fee for the 2013 event may be deferred to the following year's event. The deadline to request deferral is 1/31/2013, after that there will be no deferrals given. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, etc. Sorry, there are NO exceptions.
Q: I registered for The Woodlands Marathon without a discount code, but now I have a code. Can you refund me the difference?
A:Yes, we will only refund participants that win a free entry and or have a sponsored complimentary entry that currently registered for the event.
Q: Can I register on the day of the event?
A: There is no race day registration.
Results, Photos and Awards
Q: Where can I find race results after the race?
A: Results of The Woodlands Marathon can be found at the Results Tent on race day. Results will also be posted online at www.thewoodlandsmarathon.com after the race. Athlete tracking is available HERE
Q: Do all participants receive a medal?
A: Yes, all participants finishing either the Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, Corporate Relay or 2k Fun Run/Walk will receive a unique finisher’s medal.
Q: Will there be age group awards?
A: Age group awards will be awarded 3 deep in The Woodlands Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k. Corporate Relay awards will be awarded 10 deep in two categories: two person team and four person team. Award winners must be present or may pick up their award at a designated location. Awards will not be mailed after the event.
Q: If I sign up for a Charity Spot and get a Special Edition Shirt, when will I receive it?
A: Participants that register for a charity spot will be able to pick these up at the Health and Fitness Expo. A Charity Spot is not the same thing as the Launch Charity Challenge.
Q: Is there prize money?
A: Yes, a total of $26,200 will be awarded in prize money. More information on the Prize Schedule will be posted on the website.
Q: If I have feedback concerning the race, whom should I contact?
A: If you have any feedback about the race please email The Woodlands Marathon Management at admin@thewoodlandsmarathon.com.
Pace Team FAQ
Q: Where do the Pacers come from?
A:All of our Pacers were chosen because of their years of competing in several marathons throughout the country. Our Pacers are dynamic and personable, and know from past experience exactly what it takes to help you have a great marathon experience.
Q: What pace group should I be in?
A:The best way to select the proper pace group is to consult Race Prediction charts such as those at www.runnersworld.com. There you can base your desired finish time on a previous shorter race you've completed this season. It's very important not to start out too fast in the marathon and to select the proper pace based on your actual previous performance.
Q: What does it cost to run with the Pace Team?
A:The Pace Team is free to registered runners and doesn't cost you anything!
Q: How will the Pacers be running the race?
A:Every pace leader will be holding a steady pace throughout the marathon. These "even splits" are the best way to achieve your peak performance in the race.
Q: Will the Pacers start out on pace exactly? How do they do that!?
A:The Pace Leaders are very experienced and know their pace well. Sometimes at the start it's crowded and may take a couple of miles to settle into a steady pace. Most importantly, they won't take you out too fast and burn up all your energy early on.
Q: Where will my Pace Leader be on race morning?
A:About 30 minutes before the start we'll be assembling in the starting area. Each Pacer will be holding up their pace sign so when you see it go and join up with the group. About 15 minutes before the start the Pacer will give you some last minute instructions about running with the group. They will talk about the course, what to do if you need a break, and how to make it through the water stops. Each Pace Leader will be wearing a bright Pace Team shirt. Now is the time to ask any last minute questions you may have.
Q: What will the Pace Leader do at the water stations?
A:The Pacer will most likely slow down or walk through the water stops, but this will be up to each Pace Leader, so ask them either at the Expo or on race morning prior to the start. .
Q: Will there be Pace Leaders for me if I've trained using the Galloway method?
A:You can use the Pace Leader as a guide even if you're using the run-walk method. You will be meeting up with the Pace Leader regularly throughout the marathon, running ahead and then walking behind.
Q: If I join a Pace group do I have to stay with them for the whole marathon?
A:No you don't. However, if you feel great at the start of the race that's normal and you should stay with the group through the halfway point. Then you can consult with the group leader on an appropriate strategy for the second half of the race. If you're not having a great day then slow down, take some walking breaks and work your way to the finish line. If you're trying to hit a PR the best advice we can give you is to stick next to your pace leader for the whole race.
Q: Will each group have the same Pace Leader for the entire marathon?
A:Not necessarily. Since the Marathon is a 2 loop course, it is possible that the Pace Leaders could change at the end of the first loop. However, this will not be the norm and any new Pace Leader will likewise be wearing the readily identifiable Pace Leader shirt. For the half marathon the Pace Leader will be the same for the entire half marathon.
