FAQ's

When?

October 20, 2012

 
Start Times:
Wheelchairs: 7:00 a.m.
Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon Relay: 7:05 a.m. 

5K (look for 5K mile marker signs for lining up towards the back): 7:15 a.m.

 

Where?
The races will start/finish Crown Center, on the corner of Pershing Rd. and Grand Boulevard

 

Where and when is Packet Pickup?
NOTE: There will be no race day registration or packet pickup. All runners must pick up their race packet at the Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday or Friday. Your last chance to register is Friday night at the Expo. Someone else may pick up your packet, but they MUST have your confirmation information!

 

Crown Center Exhibit Hall A
2323 McGee St., Kansas City, MO 64108
(connected to The Sheridan Crown Center)
Thursday, Oct. 18.  Times are TBD
Friday, Oct. 19.  Times are TBD
Parking is free with validation.

 

I'm unable to pick up my packet at the Expo, can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Of course we would encourage everyone to attend the expo, but it is not required. Someone else can pick up your packet but he or she must have your bib number.

 

Is there just one packet for a team or packets for each individual?
There will be a packet for EACH runner, but the captain's packet will have THE ONE ankle chip. And as a reminder ONE person - either the captain or a designated teammate should pick up ALL the packets at one time.

 

Pre-Race FAQs

Is there a host hotel?
Our host hotel is the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, 2345 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO. 64108, (816) 421-1234 .

 

Are there discounts available if I'm travelling to Kansas City?
Click here to receive discounts on your hotel stay while in Kansas City.

 

Where and when is packet pick-up and registration?
Packet pick-up and registration will take place at Crown Center Exhibit Hall A, connected to the Hyatt Regency Crown Center at the corner of Pershing & McGee, Kansas City , MO. 64108.

 

Hours:
Thursday, Oct. 18, TBD
Friday, Oct. 19, TBD

 

Do you allow race-day registration and packet pick-up?
No, runners must come to packet pickup on Thursday or Friday. The last chance to register will be Friday evening at the Expo/packet pick-up. No race day registration or packet pick-up is allowed.

 

Can I switch events?
Yes, but remember changes are not allowed on race day. You will have to make any changes at Packet Pickup on either Thursday, Oct. 18th or Friday, Oct. 19th.  No refunds allowed or credit given when switching into a less expensive event.

 

Do you mail out packets?
No, we do not mail out packets.

 

Do you allow refunds?

No, we do not allow refunds.

 

Do you allow transfers?

No, we do not allow transfers

 

Will there be an EXPO?
Yes! The Expo will be held during Packet Pick-Up, and will feature booths from local and national health and fitness organizations.

 

 

 

Is the Kansas City Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes.

 

What are the Certification numbers?
Marathon: MO09027BG
Half: MO09026BG
5K: MO09028BG

 

Race Day FAQs

How far is a marathon?
26.2 miles.

 

Is the course(s) certified?
Yes they are USAT&F certified and sanctioned.

 

How is the race timed?
The IPICO Sports Timing hardware offers considerable performance advantages over the alternative technologies. This same technology is used in homeland defense, tracking of explosives and in vehicle identification. The dual frequency technology used by IPICO Sports offers improved performance over the traditional low-frequency timing systems. The high read-range and robust anti-collision mechanism allow successful timing locations for events with the most demanding environmental conditions and high densities of participants. All with with virtually 100% accuracy.

 

Can I wear headphones, push strollers, or bring my dog?
Jogging strollers (no walking) will be allowed in the 5K and half. For insurance and safety purposes, we do not recommend headphones, earbuds, iPods, radios, other hearing-obstructive devices or animals on the course. Elite runners and prize winners are not allowed to wear them according to USAT&F rules.  Animals are not allowed on the course unless they are assisting visually impaired participants. 

 

Where can I park for the event?
The closest parking available is at Crown Center which is a shopping destination. This is just south of the starting line and a short walk to the finish.

 

More Parking Info

 

Where is the best place for family and friends to cheer?

1. North of Start/Finish Line (near the intersection of Pershing and Grand) Note: runners begin by running north.

2. At the marathon relay transition points (on marathon course):

3. #1 - 3.3 miles – Kessler & Memorial Drive West (entrance to Liberty Memorial)

4. #2 – 5.8 miles – Ward Parkway & JC Nichols Parkway

5. #3 – 4.0 miles – half marathon point Westover Rd. & Summit St.

6. #4– 6.9 miles – Mile 20 Volker Blvd. east of Oak St.

 

Is there a time limit on the event?
There is a 6 hour time limit that the course is closed and the aid stations are available. However, the police may open sections of the course to let vehicles cross when there are large gaps in the participants. Participants must maintain at least a 14 minute per mile pace to make the course deadline. Participants in the marathon that do not maintain the 14 minute pace per mile will be asked to turn onto the ½ marathon course at the course split.

 

What is the average weather on race day?
Day: Oct. 20, 2012
Sunrise: 7:28 AM
Sunset: 6:40 PM
Avg. High: 70°F
Avg. Low: 50°F
Mean: 60°F
Record High: 90°F
Record Low: 36°F
Source: Weather.com

Is the course(s) hilly?
Kansas City is not a flat town so runners will encounter some hills along the route.  As a result, participates will get a great view of KC which is why we rank as one of the most scenic races in the country. Thousands have completed this great course and so can you! Train for hills once a week and the feeling at the finish line will be that much sweeter! Click Here to see the elevation chart.

 

Will there be a medical tent or other emergency plans in place?

Yes, Click Here to view our medical and emergency plan

 

What is the distance between aid stations?
The aid stations are approximately every 1- 2 miles.

 

Is there a sports drink at the aid stations?
Yes, we have water and Gatorade.

 

Are there other distances besides the marathon?
There is also a ½ marathon (13.1 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles). The ½ marathon will start at the same time as the marathon (7 a.m.) The 5K race will start 15 minutes after the Marathon and half marathon (7:15 a.m.), please line up towards the back where there will be signage for 5K runners.

 

Are walkers allowed?
YES! We do not have a separate category for walkers, but many people do walk the half and the 5K. Walkers must be aware of the 6 hour time limit. A minimum pace of 14 minutes per mile must be maintained to make the course.

 

How many runners do you expect?
2500 in the marathon, 6500 in the ½ marathon, 750 in the Relay and 2500 in the 5K.

 

Do you have a Gear Check area?
Yes. It will be available on the eastern side of the intersection of Pershing & Grand. Participants can drop off their gear prior to the race and retrieve it from the same location after the race.

 

Are there awards?
Yes, we give out awards. We will provide awards by age groups for the three events. Marathon & Half Marathon finishers will receive a commemorative medal.

 

Will event merchandise be available?
Yes, we will be selling event merchandise online and at the Packet Pick-Up. Items will include hats, visors, windshirts, pins, water bottles, and various t-shirts.

 

Will there be a post race awards celebration?
Yes, including multiple bands playing, food and beverages, tents to find some shade, awards, and more.

 

Is there child care?

No, we do not offer child care.

 

Are there landmarks along the race course(s)?
Yes, the marathon will encompass more of the landmarks than the shorter distance races. The course goes by Sprint Center, KC Power & Light District, Union Station, Crown Center shops, the historic Westport area, and the Country Club Plaza. The course also goes down Brookside Boulevard, passes the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, and the UMKC campus. The course also goes into the historic Hyde Park area and passes the famous 18 th & Vine Jazz district. See the event photos page for pictures of these places, and more.

 

I am running the last leg of the marathon relay for my team. I just wanted to make sure that I understood that after 7:30 am there will NOT be a bus going to the 4th transition spot. I am just wondering because due to possible cooler temperatures, I was hoping to be dropped off about 10 min. before my team mate running the 4th leg would reach the transition spot so that I was not standing in the cold for 3 + hours. Please let me know my options!
Good question. You are correct that ALL the buses leave at the same time. THERE ARE NO LATE DEPARTING BUSES! However, you will not be standing in the cold for 3 hours. Because of the logistics in moving runners across the city and not wanting to hinder the runners already racing it is imperative to transport runners before the race and before the police shut down the course.

 

Yes, the buses will be leaving promptly at 7:00, but the buses will travel to and be parked at your transition area. You will be able to stay warm and dry until it is time for you to run. We are also providing port-a-potties and an aid station so you should be fine. Wear warm clothes over your running gear and bring a plastic/travel bag. Just before you run strip down to your running gear, then give the bag to your teammate who will return it to the start/finish area when he/she is bused back. Also place warm clothes in ANOTHER plastic/travel bag and give this to your NEXT runner so when you finish your leg he/she can give you a bag of warm/dry clothes for your return to the finish area. Hope this helps explain how relays work. You certainly can bring some food and an iPod for your entertainment. Have fun!

 

For those that are running the 4th and 5th legs of team relays.. Will all bus transportation leave by 7:30 am or will these individuals be able to wait until later in the morning to be transported by the buses to the 3rd and 4th exchange points?
Yes, all relay buses leave at the same time. The buses will be staying at the exchange areas and runners can wait there - where it is warm and dry. (Hope we don't need the 'dry'). The reason is that it is difficult to move buses around the course.

 

I am running on a relay team. I have done the Brew to Brew relay a couple of times, but have always transitioned in a private vehicle. I have a few questions about the W&R relay:

1) If we take the shuttles to our various exchange points, will we have a place to leave personal items? Our team wants to stay in contact, but doesn't really want to run with cell phones. Will there be a secure place to leave our gym bags, cell phones, etc while we are running?

2) When we are not running our leg, will we just be waiting at the finish line?? Will we be with our teammates? I'm trying to figure out what I'll be doing when I'm not running (my leg is #3).

We do not provide any bag drop services other than what most races provide at the start of a race. But here is an easy solution that can be done by using your teammates. And who can you trust with your cell phones, etc. more so than your friends. You will be transferring personal items during the race at exchange points with your teammates.

 

Here is what we'd suggest. Every runner should prepare a bag and give it the the runner who is running the NEXT leg. For example you said you are running the third leg, you will give a bag (plastic or athletic or anything in between like the bag you receive at packet pick up) to the runner who is running the fourth leg. He/she will carry this out on the bus to where you conclude your race. When you finish running, your NEXT runner will remove the timing chip from your ankle and place it on his/her ankle AND give you YOUR bag. Included in that bag can be anything you want - food, another bag to place your wet clothes (you could change in the port-a-pottie if you really need to), warm dry clothes, hats, gloves, camera or cell phone. Some people might even pack an iPod. Your call.

 

So now you have everything you need. But what about the runner who is now running the fourth leg? He/she should also give you HIS/HER bag which contains everything he or she wore while waiting for you to finish your leg. That repeats for everyone.

 

And lastly, while after you finish your leg you can change clothes, cheer on other runners, walk back to the bus (should be warm there) and a wait for the bus to return to the start/finish area.

 

After finishing you will be bused to the same location where you boarded the buses. Your teammate's buses will return at different times so we'd suggest you pre-determine a meeting place in the finishing area. Then based on when the fourth runner completed his/her leg you should be able to estimate when the final runner is likely to finish. We'd encourage you to greet that runner about 2 to 3 blocks out from the finish line so you could run in and across the finish line together. Remember to smile - all 5 of you.

 

I had a question about the entire team finishing the race and I am not quite clear on the directions given online. Is there a particular point that we can pick up the race with our team member?
We would encourage your teammates to meet about 2 to 3 blocks before the finish line and run in together. If you want to run together a little longer be our guest. Remember to smile as you cross the finish line.

 

Kansas City FAQs

Why is Kansas City called the "City of Fountains?
Click here to find out!

 

What other things are there to do in Kansas City during that weekend?
Click here to find a schedule of events in Kansas City. The marathon weekend will offer additional events for visitors. Information coming soon.

 

You can learn about other events on the Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon web site's home page or by contacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Kansas City. The phone number is 816-221-5242, the website is www.visitkc.com.