Skagit Flats FAQ

Skagit Flats Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are baby joggers, strollers, inline skates or headphones allowed in the race?
Answer: Like most marathons, we use insurance provided by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). The RRCA insurance does not allow strollers, skates or headphones in their events. In addition, since the races are run on the shoulder and edge of county roads that are not closed to traffic, it would be unsafe to allow wheeled participants on the course. The use of headphones (MP3 players, Walkmans, etc.) may reduce the awareness of traffic, so these devices are also not allowed. USA Track & Field (USATF) adopted a rule banning the use of headphones for all USATF-sanctioned events, which rule supercedes the previous USATF recommendation (not rule) that headphones not be allowed in events. When you register for the race, you are signing a waiver stating that you will follow these rules.
Question: Will the race be chip-timed?
Answer: Due to the expense of hiring a chip-timing service and the relatively small number of participants, we will continue to time and compile results the old-fashioned way, using printing stopwatches and race number pull-tags. We will have at least one backup printing stopwatch running simultaneously in case there are problems with the primary timer. The course is certified and is a Boston Qualifier. If you are worried about losing time in a Boston qualifying attempt while waiting to cross the starting line, we encourage you to move closer to the front at the start. Victoria Street is a wide road and there is plenty of room to get near the start line. Even if you line up near the back of the pack at the start it should still only take 10 - 15 seconds to reach the line.
Question: Can I help with the race even if I am not a club member?
Answer: Yes! Please contact the race director, Terry Sentinella if you want to volunteer.
Question: I can't stay for the awards ceremony. Can I have my award mailed?
Answer: Sorry, but due to the expense and time constraints, we will be unable to mail awards. Since the awards will be very nice plaques this year, we encourage you to stay for the awards ceremony if you finish in the top 3 in your age division. If you are unable to stay, you may want to have somebody who is staying pick up your award. It may also be possible to pick up awards at a later date at the Mount Vernon FootwoRx store, but please make arrangements with the race director.
Question: I don't see an elevation map on your website. Can I get an elevation map?
Answer: The course is flat and at sea level. The only slight hill on the course has been eliminated with the new routes. We do not have an elevation map available.
Question: How can I switch races?
Answer: We would be happy to help you switch races at the expo. Ask for Terry (the race director) if the people at the registration tables look confused! If you are switching from the half marathon to the full marathon, you will need to pay the difference in cost. No refunds will be issued if you switch from the full marathon to the half marathon
Question: Do you cover expenses for elite runners?
Answer: This is a fairly small local race with some of the proceeds going to fund local school cross country programs. We do not have funds available for free entries/expenses/etc.
Question: Can I have my own personal supplies delivered to the aid stations before the race?
Answer: The school cross country programs each set up their own aid stations and usually do not come to the starting area before the race. Because of the many different groups responsible for the aid stations, it would be logistically impossible to have the teams bring personal items to the aid stations. With the many other jobs that we will be taking care of before the race, we will not have anyone available to drive the entire course to drop off personal items at the aid stations. The aid stations should be well stocked with water and sports drinks. A few aid stations should also have gels, candy and small food items available. If you need a special sports drink or food for the race, there are several belts and hand held bottles on the market that are designed for this purpose.
Question: Will the roads where the course runs be closed to vehicular traffic?
Answer: The county will not allow the roads to be closed, so runners will be sharing the roads with cars. Please be aware of traffic and be especially careful at all intersections.

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