FAQs

FAQs

Message Board

Frequently Asked Questions :

• Registration
• Packet Pick-Up
• Start & Finish Area
• Baggage Check
• Course
• Weather
• Timing System
• Boston Qualifying
• Runner Goodies

Registration 

How can I register?

You may register online via Active.com:       

 

Or you may download and mail in a 2010 registration form

 

Can I register the day of the race?

Yes, you may register for the 15K and 5K on race day beginning at 6am.

Marathon and Half-Marathon late registration is available until the expo closes at 5pm on Saturday, February 27^th.  Race Day registration is NOT available for the Marathon or Half Marathon and Race Weekend registration is NOT available for the Marathon Relay or Challenge Events.

 

How can I get a 'seeded' bib number?

To obtain a seeded race number, please send a request along with your mail-in registration form.  Be sure to include your PR times from the most recent races you've participated in.  

 

How can I check to see if I’m registered?

After you've registered, you should receive an email confirming your registration. If you wish to double-check your registration, you can do so by clicking the Check Registration link on the registration page.

 

Why haven’t I received an email confirmation?

Usually the problem is that your computer's spam filter has erased or blocked the email confirmation that was sent to you.  If you did not receive an email confirmation, you can check to see if your registered via the check registration link on our website.

 

What happens if I register and then unable to participate?

The Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend does not offer refunds or transfer of entries to another person.  If you are registered for the marathon and sustain an injury, you may request to defer you entry until the next race year. If you cannot participate, you are welcome to pick up your packet and race shirt.  We will not be mailing race packets to participants.

Can I switch my registration from one event to another?

Yes, as long as you do so before January 27th, 2010.  There is no fee for switching events, however, if you downgrade, you will not be refunded the difference in entry fees. Runners who wish to switch their registration to a longer race (half marathon to the marathon) will be charged the difference between the amount they have already paid and the current registration fee for the race to which they wish to transfer.  If you participate in a race you are NOT registered for, you will NOT be eligible for overall and age group awards.  If you need to switch your registration, please submit a request to the GDCA office via email: gdca.information@verizon.net before January 27^th, 2010.  Registration changes cannot be made over the phone.

 

Where does my registration fee go?

Your registration fee helps to pay for the necessary permits, supplies and personnel to make the Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend Event a success. The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that through the administration of the Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend has donated over 2.8 million dollars to local Tampa Bay charities.

Packet Pick-Up  

When is packet pick-up?

Packet pick-up will be held Friday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.and Saturday, Feb. 27, 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.  The expo will be held at Race Headquarters – the Tampa Convention Center’s East Hall.  If you do not pick up your packet at the EXPO, you will not be able to run in your race. Packets will NOT be mailed. 

 

How can I find out what my bib number is?

You will be notified of your assigned number when you receive your final email confirmation in January/February 2010.  You may also look up your bib number on-line from a link located on the event website. You will need to know your bib number when you come to the expo to pick-up your packet.  If you forget, an alphabetical listing of all participants and their corresponding bib number will be posted at the Expo.

 

What is included in my packet?

Your race bib, that has the ChronoTrack timing tags attached, along with final instructions and safety pins for your bib will be in your packet. It is extremely important that you read the final instructions prior to race day. We will include only pertinent information to help you be more prepared for race morning. You are responsible for knowing the information that we provide to you in the final instructions.

 

What do I need to bring with me to pick up my packet?

Every participant will receive a final confirmation e-mail if you provided a valid mailing address during registration. Bring photo ID and a printed copy of your confirmation e-mail to the EXPO to pick up your packet.

 

Can a friend pick up my packet for me?

Yes. Please have your friend bring your final email confirmation with them to pick up your packet.  They will have to sign a release indicating that they have picked up your packet.

 

When will I receive my final confirmation?

Final confirmations will be sent in late January, early February 2010. A final confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address you provided on your registration form.  Please note that e-mails are sent in bulk and may be rejected by your spam filter if you have one.

 

Why do I need my final confirmation?

We ask that you review the information printed on the card for accuracy. This is the perfect time to let us know if your address has changed or will change and if your gender and age is correct. This will ensure proper division placement for the official race results.

 

What if I don't receive my final confirmation?

If for any reason you don't receive your final confirmation you may request a replacement to be re-emailed from the Active registration page or you may print a copy of your confirmation from the check registration link on our website.

 

I am planning to arrive in Tampa on Sunday, February 28th.  Will I be able to pick up my race packet race morning?

You're cutting it close and there will be very limited Packet Pick-Up on Race Day, Sunday, Feb. 28. Requests for Race Day Packet Pick-up must be made in writing and no later than Sunday, February 14, 2010.  To request Race Day Packet Pick-up, please send an email to gdca.information@verizon.net 

Start and Finish Area 

Where does the race start and finish?

All races begin and end in downtown Tampa, near the Tampa Convention Center. Detailed maps can be accessed from the course map section of the event website.

 

Where can I meet my family and friends after the race?

The easiest way to find your family and friends after the race is to have a plan beforehand. An easy place to meet up post-race is at the Tampa Convention Center, Franklin street entrance.

 

Where should I park?

There are many city parking lots and on-street parking close to the start and finish line. Expect to pay $5 for all-day parking with no in-and-out privileges. A map of parking garages close to the start and finish area is posted on our website.

 

What time should I get there on race day?

We suggest that runners arrive at the Tampa Convention Center at least one hour before the start of your event.  The Tampa Police Department will begin closing streets in and around downtown very early. Please keep in mind that you may have to fight traffic and may have to park a few blocks away from the Tampa Convention Center. Give yourself some extra time to make sure you get to there on time!

 

Are shuttles available?

Yes, shuttles are available on Sunday morning for Marathon Relay participants and spectators.

Relay Team Bus Drop-Off/Pick-Up Locations:

Tampa Convention Center – at Franklin Street Entrance

Bayshore Boulevard & Bay to Bay Miles 16 & 24

Bayshore Boulevard & Gandy Boulevard Miles 17.5 & 22

The bus will leave the downtown Tampa Pick-Up/Drop-Off Location (Tampa Convention Center– at Franklin Street Entrance– see #3 on Marathon Location Map) and will run continuously from 7:00am – Noon making stops at two drop-off locations every 15 minutes and returning downtown every 30 minutes. 

 

Can I wear my IPOD or MP3 player during the race?

In December, USATF has adopted a rule (144.3 (b)) which bans the use of headphones and other music devices at all USATF-sanctioned running events.  The Gasparilla Distance Classic Race weekend is a USATF sanctioned event.  Wearing a music device is highly discouraged during any event race weekend.  If you do decide to wear a music device and a complaint is made, you run the risk of being ineligible for an award if you qualify for one.

 

Are jogging strollers allowed?

Jogging strollers are NOT allowed in any of the Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Open 5K, 15K, Marathon, and Half Marathon. You may, however, participate in the Kellogg's "Special K" 5K Walk and Stroller Roll that will take place Saturday morning, Feb 27, 2010, following the start of the Open 5K event by 20 min.  More details about this event can be viewed on the event website.

Baggage Check 

Where is the baggage check located?

The baggage check is located in The Tampa Convention Center, meeting room 24 & 25 (downstairs)

 

How do I check my bag and claim it once the race is over?

You will find a baggage check tag attached to your race bib. The tag is printed with your bib number. Detach the tag and attach it to your bag, and bring your bag to the baggage check-in. After the race, return to the baggage check and show the attendant your bib in order to retrieve your bag.

 

What happens to my bag if I forget to claim it after the race?

The baggage check closes at 1:00 p.m. on race day and all bags must be picked up before that time. The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Inc. is not responsible for bags that are not picked up by 1:00 p.m.

 

How many bags can I check?

Due to space limitations, we are only able to check one bag per runner.

 

Can I leave jewelry, computers or other valuables at the baggage check?

We strongly recommend that you leave your valuables at home. The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Inc. is not responsible for lost or stolen property, including any and all property checked at the baggage check.

Course 

What are the time limits for the marathon and half marathon?

The Finish Line will remain open for 7-hours (1:00 p.m.). All athletes participating in the Marathon must be able to maintain at least a 16-minute per mile pace throughout the race, finishing the Marathon in less than 7-hours.

 

Please note that there will be time requirements at two locations of the marathon course. 

Those marathon participants not able to maintain a 16-minute per mile pace and complete the Davis Island portion of the course (first six miles) by 7:45 a.m. will be directed into the half marathon. 

Additionally, those marathon participants not able to maintain a 16-minute per mile pace and reach the half-way point (13.1 miles) by 9:30am will be moved to the sidewalk for the remainder of the marathon.

At Noon (6 hours), those remaining on the course will be moved to the Bayshore Boulevard sidewalk.  Aid Stations, Clocks, Mile Markers, and the Finish Line will also be moved to the sidewalk.

Please note that the Finish Line (including the ChronoTrack Timing System) will remain open until the last marathon participant crosses the Finish Line.  The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association board members will be waiting at the Finish Line with Finisher's Medals.

Why is there a time limit?

In order to comply with the Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend's agreement with the City of Tampa, streets comprising the route must be reopened to vehicular traffic on a set schedule.

Weather 

What is the weather typically like on marathon day?

No predictions here! Just averages from previous Tampa Gasparilla Marathons: 

Average low temperature: 51F

Average high temperature: 71F

Mean average temperature: 61.5F

What happens if it rains?

The race will go on regardless of precipitation. The race will only be cancelled if weather conditions present imminent danger to participants. The Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend has never been cancelled in any of its 32 years.

What is tag time and how is it different from gun time?

Tag time is recorded by RFID technology that is attached to a runner's shoe. Your ChronoTrack device records the time at which you cross the start line, the finish line and several split times in between. Tag time is often shorter than gun time because tag time begins when a runner crosses the start line while gun time starts when the gun is fired; many runners don't cross the start line until several minutes after their official gun time has begun.

 

Why use ChronoTrack timing?

Tag time is a more accurate measure than gun time of how long it takes a runner to complete the race. Gun time is only 100% accurate for the first row of runners, who cross the start line when the gun sounds. Runners who are farther back are "on the clock" before they even cross the start line, making their gun time longer than the time it actually took them to complete the course.

 

What happens if I lose my ChronoTrack timing tag?

If you lose your ChronoTrack tag, you will not have an official time and will not be recorded as an official finisher of your race. This means that you will not be able to use your race time to qualify for other races, such as the Boston Marathon.

 

What if the tag gets wet?
The tag is completely weatherproof and will work regardless of rain, heat, storms, humidity or other inclement conditions. To see a video of the tag working in water please click here.

 

How accurate is ChronoTrack timing?

Tag time is the most accurate form of marathon timing available because it measures the exact time between a runner crossing the start line and the finish line. Tag time also records several important splits, providing an accurate record of a runner's pace.

 

Will the ChronoTrack tag interfere with my running?

In a word: no. The tag is simply a flat laminated piece of paper that is about 1" x 6" and will be looped through the laces of the shoe. If attached properly you won't even know that it's there. To see a video instructions on how to properly attach the tag onto your shoe please click here

 

I own a ChampionChip. Can I use it instead of the timing tag?

No, personal ChampionChips may not be used. All runners must use the timing tag provided with their packet. The timing mats along the course will not pick up the signal from any ChampionChip device.

Scoring

 

Is ChronoTrack tag time or gun time used to determine prizes?

According to USATF rules, gun time is used to determine prize money winners and time bonus recipients. ChronoTrack tag time will be used to determine all age-group winners and other award recipients.

Can I use my Tampa's Gasparilla Marathon time to qualify for the Boston Marathon?

Yes, you can. The Boston Marathon accepts qualifying times from the Tampa Gasparilla Marathon. Qualifying times for the 2010 Boston Marathon vary by age group and a complete breakdown of qualifying times can be found on the BAA website. The Tampa's Gasparilla Marathon will send a complete list of finishers to the BAA about a week after the race.

 

How do I submit my time to the Boston Marathon?

When registering for the Boston Marathon, enter your finishing time, finishing place, the race name and location and the date of the race in the section entitled "Qualification Information." Be sure to indicate if the time you enter is gun time or chip time.

 

Will the Boston Marathon check to confirm my time?

Yes. The Boston Marathon automatically receives a list of all official finishers of the Tampa Gasparilla Marathon and their chip and gun times. The time that you put on your Boston Marathon registration will be checked against the official time that they have on file. 

Runner Goodies 

Besides the chance to run in one of the nation's premiere marathons, what do I get for my registration fee?

Runners in all will receive a participation shirt, goodie bag, finisher’s medal, on-course and post race refreshments. Runners are also invited to attend the two-day 8 On Your Side Health and Fitness Expo on the Friday and Saturday before the event at the Tampa Convention Center.  Many vendors give out free samples and branded items.

           

                                       

 

 

Can I have an extra t-shirt for my husband/wife/son/daughter/friend/cousin/etc.

Sorry, we can only provide one t-shirt per registered participant.