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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions :

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

Registration 

How can I register?

You may register online via Active.com:       

 

Or you may download and mail in a 2013 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.

Half-Marathon and 8K Late Registration is available until the expo closes at 5pm on Saturday, February 23^rd.  Race Day registration is NOT available for the Half Marathon & 8K and Race Weekend registration is NOT available for the 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 online, you will receive an email confirmation. If you wish to double-check your registration, you can do so by clicking the Check Registration link in the "Quick Links" side bar menu (starting February 10, 2013 mail-in registrations will receive email confirmation).

 

Why haven’t I received an email confirmation?

If you provided a correct email address at the time of registration, 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?

Refunds and/or transfers of registration are not allowed in the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K or Gasparilla Half Marathon & 8K.  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?

If you are unable to run the race you registered for due to medical reasons, you may downgrade to a shorter distance. There is no charge for downgrading, however, you will not receive a refund for the difference in entry fee.

If you require a race change, you MUST contact the race office in writing via email by Friday, February 15, 2013. 

If the request and change are made prior to Sunday, January 27, 2013, the change will be made at No Charge.  From January 28 - February 15, there will be a $15 fee for making a change in registration.  There will be NO changes made over Race Weekend.

If you need to switch your registration, please submit a request to the GDCA office via email: gdca.information@verizon.net before February 15, 2013.  Registration changes cannot be made over the phone.

 

What is my Registration Fee used for?                                                                          The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association, established in 1978, is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated specifically to raising funds for youth charitable organizations and running programs in the Tampa Bay area. It’s mission is carried out through the administration of the annual Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend Events.  Monies generated from Registration Fees and Sponsorship Fees are utilized to cover the costs of producing the Race Weekend Events, but once all costs are covered, the majority of the remaining funds are contributed to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa, Girls Incorporated of Pinellas and the Friends of Tampa Recreation.  Since 1978, more than $3.5 million has been donated to these and other running related programs. 

Packet Pick-Up  

When is packet pick-up?

Packet pick-up will be held Friday, February 22, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 23, 5:30 a.m. - 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.  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.

Race Number Pick-up Authorization Form 

When will I receive my final confirmation?

Final confirmations will be sent on or before Sunday, February 17, 2013. 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 24.  Will I be able to pick up my race packet race morning?

You're cutting it close, but there will be a very limited Packet Pick-Up on Race Day, Sunday, February 24. Requests for Race Day Packet Pick-up must be made in writing and no later than Sunday, February 17, 2013.  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!

 

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

Yes, an IPOD and/or MP3 is allowed in the Gasparilla events. All we ask is that you be mindful of the thousands of runners that will be participating along with you. Hearing what's going on around you is crucial to your safety and theirs too.

 

Are jogging strollers allowed?

Jogging strollers are NOT allowed in the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Open 5K, 15K, Half Marathon or 8K. You may, however, participate in the Kellogg's "Special K" 5K Stroller Roll that was created specifically for families with children 4 Years of age and under.  The 5K Stroller Roll will Start at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2013, and following the 5K Wave Starts (#1 and #2).  More details about this event can be viewed on the event website.

Baggage Check 

Where is Gear Check located?

The Gear Check Room is located in Meeting Room #24 of the Tampa Convention Center.  Meeting Room #24 is located downstairs and adjacent to the escalators.

 

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

You will find a Gear 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 Gear Check Room 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 Gear Check Room will close at Noon on Saturday morning and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.  The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Inc. will not be responsible for bags that are not picked up prior to Gear Check Room closing.

 

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 Half Marathon?

The Finish Line will remain open for 4-hours (10:00 a.m.). All athletes participating in the Half Marathon must be able to maintain at least a 16-minute per mile pace throughout the race, finishing the Half Marathon in less than 4-hours.

 

Why is there a time limit?

In order to comply with the Publix 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 Half Marathon day?

No predictions here! Just averages from previous Tampa Gasparilla Half 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 34 years.

ChronoTrack B-Tag Timing & Tracking System 

What is B-Tag Timing and how is it different from gun time?

Tag time is recorded by RFID technology that is affixed to the back of each runner's assigned Race Number. 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 Race Number?

First, to participate on Race Day, you MUST wear your assigned Race Number.  If you lose or forget your assigned Race Number on Race Morning, please go directly to the Questions Desk that will be located in the rear of the 8 On Your Side Health & Fitness Expo.  Once your registration is confirmed, you will be issued another Race Number.

 

What if the tag gets wet?
The tag is completely weatherproof and will work regardless of rain, heat, storms, humidity or other inclement conditions.

 

How accurate is ChronoTrack timing?

ChronoTrack B-Tag Timing time is the most accurate form of 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.

 

Scoring

 

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

According to USATF rules, gun time is used to determine prize money and Overall Award winners. Net Time will be used to determine all age-group winners and other award recipients.

Runner Goodies 

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

Registered Runners will receive an event shirt (15K/5K, Half Marathon or 8K), a Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Reusable Shopping Bag and on course refreshments. Those that cross the Finish Line will receive a Finisher's Medal, post race refreshments and a personalized eFinisher's Certificate.  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.