FAQ
ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
2009 Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
- How do I register for the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
Visit www.inggeorgiamarathon.com, click on registration, and download a mail-in registration form.
- Is there an age limit?
Yes, participants must be at least 14 years old to run the half marathon and 18 years old to run the full marathon.
- How do I confirm my registration?
All participants will receive confirmation be email upon registering. If you are registered for the 2009 ING Georgia Marathon or Half Marathon and would like to either confirm your entry or to have an email confirmation re-sent to your email address, use the link provided blow. You must type your name or email address exactly as it was originally entered.
- Is there a limit on the number participants in the race?
Yes, the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon has a limit of 15,000 runners.
- When will registration end?
Registration will end March 18, 2009 or when registration reaches 15,000.
- How many people are running the marathon (half and full)?
Approximately 1/3 of participants are full marathon runners.
- Can I switch from the Full ING Georgia Marathon to the Half, or switch from the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon?
Yes, runners may switch from one race to the other (based on availability) at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. A $10.00 fee will be applied, along with any applicable entry fee difference (If moving from half to full there is a $20 additional charge). There will be no refund of the fee difference for switching from the marathon to the half marathon, no exceptions.
- If I can not find my registration on the confirmation list, what should I do?
If you are having trouble with online registration, please feel free to contact us at info@inggeorgiamarathon.com or 678.620.3317
Do you give out my email address?
We do not sell email addresses.
- What is the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon refund policy?
We adhere to the standard marathon running industry policy. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. You may not give or sell your number to another individual. The entry fee for the 2009 event WILL NOT transfer to the following year's event, no exceptions. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, etc. Sorry, there are NO exceptions.
- Can I transfer my fees?
No, all entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, sorry no exceptions. Once entry has been received, no refunds will be given. The entry fee for the 2009 race will not transfer to the 2010 race. All entries are confirmed by email. No Race Day Registration!
- Can I register on the day of the event?
There is NO race day registration.
- Can I download registration form on the website?
Yes, just visit www.inggeorgiamarathon.com and click on registration.
- How do I make changes to the online registration form once it has been submitted?
If you would like to make changes to your registration form once it has been submitted please contact info@inggeorgiamarathon.com
- What is the final date when I can request a change in my online registration data?
The last day to make any online changes or bib changes is February 28, 2009. Any changes after this date must be done at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo.
Awards and Elite Athletes
- Will elite runners attend and run?
Yes, there will be elite runners participating in the race. The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
- Will there be a pace team?
Yes, the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon is proud to have a unique group of enthusiastic runners leading pace groups for the following finishing times: 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 7:00. Pace groups are designed to help participants reach the finish line while maintaining pace, staying safe and most importantly, having FUN!
- What are the awards, prize money?
Over $30,000 will be awarded to runners of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.
- Do all runners receive a medal for participating?
ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon finishers will cross the finish line in downtown Atlanta. Each finisher receives a commemorative medal and heatsheet blanket at the finish line. Following the race, there will be live entertainment and an awards ceremony, honoring the marathons top competitors. All participants and spectators are invited to enjoy the race after-party that will run well into the evening hours.
Run For Something Better
- What is the Run For Something Better?
- Run For Something Better is a program that is committed to providing support to middle schools to keep youth on track by encouraging personal development, goal setting, group participation, and guidance is achieving healthy living.
- How does the program work?
Physical education teachers from participating Atlanta Public Schools will incorporate running in their middle school curriculum for four class periods a week. The running regimen begins with one mile run per week and will increase to 2.5 miles. By running four times a week, students will complete the required mileage (12 miles) over nine weeks. Students who complete weekly goals will be issued a race number. On March 29, 2009 the final 1.1 miles will take place at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. Physical education teachers will follow the simple guidelines in order to document each student’s participation.
- What happens on the day of the marathon?
On Sunday March 29, 2009 at 9 a.m. students and teachers will gather at the starting area, the intersection of Means and Marietta Street. Students will be escorted to their starting line at 10:00 a.m., while friends and family cheer them on as they complete the final mile.
- Will my child receive a medal?
Yes, a unique finishers medal will be designed specially for the ING Run For Something Better Program. All finishers will receive a medal, t-shirt, race number, food, drinks and more.
Publix 5K Run/Walk
- When will the 5K take place?
Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
- Where will the 5K take place?
The 5K will take place at a location TBD.
- How old do you have to be to participate in the 5K?
There is no age restriction.
- What is the course?
The official race course will be available online once it has been certified.
- How do I register for the 5K?
Advance registration is available online at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon website, www.inggeorgiamarathon.com
Registration onsite at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the Georgia Dome on Friday, March 27th
Same-day registration will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. at TBD.
- How much is registration for the 5K?
The entry fee for advance registration is $20; the same day registration fee is $25.
- Are there a limited number of participants?
The 5K is limited to 3,000 participants.
- What do I get if I complete the 5K?
Every registered participant will receive an official race t-shirt and participation medal. 5K participants who also complete either the Full Marathon or Half Marathon will receive a special charm for their marathon/half marathon medal.
Publix Kids Fun Run
- When will the Publix Kids Fun Run take place?
Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 10:15 a.m.
- Where will the Publix Kids Fun Run take place?
The Trot will take place at a location TBD.
- How old do you have to be to participate in the Publix Kids Fun Run?
Participants must be 10 years old or younger.
- What is the course structure?
The official race course will be posted once the new location is determined. Children ages four and under will complete one loop; children ages five and six will run two loops; children ages seven and eight will run three loops and children nine and ten will run four loops. Every registered child will receive an official race t-shirt and participation medal. Morning activities will include arts and crafts and surprise visits from local mascots.
- How do I register my child for the Publix Kids Fun Run?
Advance registration is available online at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon website, www.inggeorgiamarathon.com
Registration onsite at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Fitness Expo at the Georgia Dome on Friday, March 27th
Same-day registration will be available beginning at 7:30 am and ending at 10:00 am.
- How much is registration for the Publix Kids Fun Run?
The entry fee for advance registration is $15; the same day registration fee is $20 per child.
- Are there a limited number of participants?
The Kids Fun Run is limited to 1,000 participants.
The Expo and Packet Pick-Up
- Where do I pick up my packet?
Marathon and Half Marathon participants MUST pick up their race packets on either Friday, March 27th from 11:00 am- 7:00pm (please note the new times!) or on Saturday, March 28th from 9:00am - 6:00pm at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Health and Fitness Expo. The Expo will be held at the Georgia Dome. Be prepared to show email confirmation and proper ID. Race packet will include race bib number, ChampionChip and Mizuno technical running shirt. There is no Race Day Packet Pick-up.
- What are the Expo Dates and Hours?
NEW TIMES: Friday, March 27th 11am to 7pm or Saturday, March 28th 9am to 6pm
- What do I need to pick up my packet?
You must show a picture ID to pick up your race packet. THERE IS NO RACE DAY PACKET PICK UP.
- Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes, runners may have someone else pick up their packet. You must have copy of the runners email confirmation and bib number in addition to a copy of a photo I.D.
- Where should I park for packet pick-up?
We encourage all participants to ride MARTA; if you are driving there is parking near and around the Georgia Dome.
- What if I want to advertise at the Expo?
If you are interested in placing an item in our race goodie bad, please contact Lora Drapeau, phone
Friends, Family, and Spectators
- Can my friends come to the weekend events?
Yes, we welcome friends and family to take part in the weekend race events.
- Where can my friends and family cheer me on?
There will be 6 cheering zones and a course full of spectators cheering through every mile. Check with your neighborhood association to see if there will be a cheering zone in a neighborhood near you. Finishers of the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon can reunite with friends and family at the Family Pavilion. The Pavilion will be situated in the finish area.
Hotel, Travel, and Transportation
- Who is the host hotel, what is the price and where is it located?
The 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon host hotel is the Omni Hotel at the CNN Center. The Omni hotel is located a few blocks from that start and finish area of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. The hotel is easily accessible be MARTA at Phillips Arena/CNN Center Station from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- 100 CNN Center
- Atlanta, GA 30303
- Hotel
- For Reservation
A complete list of hotels located in Atlanta by the race start and finish can be found on the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo website under the travel/hotel link.
- What is the best way to get downtown?
For ease, MARTA, Atlanta's rapid transit system, is the preferred method of transportation to the starting line area. MARTA Breeze One-Way Fare Cards can be purchased at the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. For more information on MARTA, visit www.itsmarta.com.
For those staying at other downtown hotels, the start & finish area is either within walking distance or a short ride on MARTA. If interested in more information on downtown Atlanta hotels, click here.
For runners and spectators who prefer to travel by car to the start area, paid parking is available around Centennial Olympic Park and neighboring parking decks and lots throughout the downtown area. Please visit the Race Day Transportation and Parking page for more detailed information, click here.
The Race
- When is the marathon?
March 29, 2009
- How much and How often do I need to train?
ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon has teamed up with Active Trainer coaches to create half and full marathon training programs that are a balance of aerobic, anaerobic and cross-training workouts. These training programs are built to get people of all levels across the finish line. From the first timer to the seasoned veteran, you will find the right training program for you. Good luck with your training and we will see you at the finish line!
Link to Active Training:
http://training.active.com/ActiveTrainer/listing.do?listing=702
You must make a commitment to incorporate the training necessary to complete 26.2 or 13.1 miles into your lifestyle. Which seems to be very busy for most of us these days… 26.2 miles and 13.1 miles is a long way and can make for a long day! A distance that most people can not achieve and a distance that must be respected. Training with a group makes the miles go by faster and makes the time most enjoyable. You will establish lifelong friendships as well as receive the support and tools that are vital in training properly and injury free, which is a most important goal.
- What time does the Full and Half marathon start?
The half and full marathon will start at 7:04 a.m., the wheelchair division will start at 6:55 a.m.
- Where is the Staring and finish
The start and finish location at Centennial Olympic Park.
- How many miles are the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon?
The ING Georgia Marathon is 26.2 Miles, the ING Georgia Half Marathon is 13.1 miles.
- Can I run with ipods, mp3 player, stroller, dogs, headphones, or cell phones?
NO, in consideration for safety of all participants, there will be NO coaches, headphones, skateboards, baby joggers, bikes, animals, or in-line skates allowed on the course.
- How old is the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon?
This year (2009) is the third annual ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.
- How long is the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon open for?
The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon will be open for 7 hours.
- Will I be able to finish the race on the sidewalk?
After 7 hours runners may complete the race on the sidewalk. There will be sag wagons to keep track of runners continue past the maximum amount of time.
- Is there a qualifying time?
No, there is no qualifying time to participate in the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.
- Can I walk?
Yes, participants may walk as long as they finish within 7 hours of the start of the race. Walkers must start behind the runners at the starting line.
- Do I have to join a charity group to participate?
NO, you do not have to join a charity group to participate in the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon.
- What time will the roads/lanes be closed?
Road and lane closures will be posted, check the website daily.
- How many water stations will you have?
There will be 24 Hydration Stations along the course, starting at Mile 2 with plenty of water and Gatorade.
- Will there be food at the finish line?
Yes, there will be food at the finish line provided by Publix.
- Are the full marathon and half marathon located on the same course?
Yes, the half and full marathon will be on the same course.
- Is the course closed to traffic?
Not all of the roads will be closed for runners. There will be times during the race that runners will be running with and against traffic. Lanes will be coned off through out the race for runners’ safety.
- Is the course USA Track and Field Certified? If so, does the Boston Marathon consider this a qualifier for their race?
Yes, the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon course is USA Track and Field Certified. The race is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Race Concerns
- What do I do if I injure myself on the course?
There will be medical support along the course located at each hydration station. There will be a hydration station located on every mile of the course.
- Where can I find race results?
Results of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon can be found at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com, click on Race Info then race day results and tracking.
- Where can I find the course map?
The course map can be conveniently found on the ING Georgia Marathon home page. Visit www.inggeorgiamarathon.com and scroll down.
- If I have feedback concerning the race, whom should I contact?
If you have any feedback about the race please email us at info@inggeorgiamarathon.com
2009 Sponsors
- Title Sponsor of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
ING U.S. Financial Services
- Major Sponsors of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon
- ING
- Mizuno
- Saturn
- Publix
- Big Peach Running Co.
- Emory Healthcare
*Additional sponsors can be found on the ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon website at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com
- How do I become a sponsor?
If you would like to be a sponsor of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon please send an email to sponsorship@inggeorgiamarathon.com
If you are interested in placing an item in our race goodie bag, please contact
Lora Drapeau
678.620.3317
email or click here
