FAQ
Registration:
How do I register for the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon?
- Visit www.inggeorgiamarathon.com, click on Registration on the left under Additional Resources to register online or to download a mail-in registration form.
Is there an age limit?
- Yes, participants must be at least 16 years old by March 21, 2010 to run the Marathon and 14 years old by March 21, 2010 to run the Half Marathon.
How do I confirm my registration or request an additional confirmation?
- Click here in order to confirm you are registered for the 2010 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. Click here to have an additional confirmation be sent to the email address you used when you registered.
If I can not find my registration on the registration confirmation page when I enter my information, what should I do?
- Please email info@inggeorgiamarathon.com or call (404) 892-8383 if you are unable to confirm your registration.
What is the final date when I can request a change in my registration?
- The last day to make any registration changes, except bib name changes, is March 16, 2010. Any changes after this date must be done at the ING Georgia Marathon Health and Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno. If you would like to have your name on your bib or make any changes to your name on your bib you must do so by February 21, 2010.
How do I make changes to my registration once it has been submitted?
- If you would like to make changes to your registration once it has been submitted please email info@inggeorgiamarathon.com or call (404) 892-8383.
Can I switch from the Marathon to the Half Marathon or from the Half Marathon to the Marathon?
- Yes, participants may switch from one race to the other (based on availability) before February 21, 2010 by emailing info@inggeorgiamarathon.com or after February 21, 2010 at the ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno. A $10.00 fee will be applied, along with any applicable entry fee difference (If moving from Half Marathon to the Marathon 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.
Is there a limit on the number participants in the race?
- Yes, the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon has a limit of 18,000 participants.
When will registration close?
- Online registration will close March 17, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All mail-in registrations must be recieved by Noon on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Registration will close, however, if registration reaches 18,000 participants before the online and mail-in registration deadlines.
How many participants are in the Marathon?
- Approximately 25% of participants are Marathon participants.
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. We have to plan well in advance for certain accomodations for race participants, and therefore cannot offer refunds. You may not give or sell your number to another individual. The entry fee for the 2010 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.
I registered for the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon without a discount code, but now I have a code. Can you refund me the difference?
- There are no refunds. Sometimes you are lucky and catch a sale, and sometimes not.
Can I register on the day of the event?
- There is no race day registration.
Race Information:
What is the date of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon?
- The fourth annual ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 21, 2010.
What time does the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon start?
- The Wheelchair Half Marathon begins at 6:55 a.m. The Marathon and Half Marathon begin at 7:00 a.m.
Where are the Start and Finish located?
- The start and finish are located at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
How much and how often do I need to train?
- The ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon has teamed up with Active Trainer coaches to create marathon and half 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. Click here for a link to the Active Trainer.
Can I run with a baby jogger, skateboard, bike or dog?
- No, in consideration for the safety of all participants baby joggers, skateboards, bikes and animals are prohibited on the course.
Can I run with headphones?
- Headphones are not prohibitied but are strongly discouraged. Participants who wear headphones must remain aware of race officials, traffic and other runners. Any participant who fails to follow directions from race officials is subject to being removed from the race course, for their own safety and the safety of other participants.
What is the time limit for the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon?
- All streets must be reopened to traffic by 2:00 p.m., and all participants must be able to cross the Finish Line by 2:00 p.m. to be recorded as an official finisher (with time and place). To do so, both Marathon and Half Marathon participants must maintain a pace no slower than 15:00 minutes per mile throughout the course.
- As in 2009, any Marathon participant slower than the maximum pace at the split of the Marathon and Half Marathon courses (just past Mile 7) will be directed to the Half Marathon course and will be recorded as a Half Marathon finisher (with time and place). No refunds will be given for registered Marathon participants who are directed to the Half Marathon course due to pace - no exceptions.
- New Back of the Pack Teams for both the Marathon and Half Marathon will wear a special shirt for identification and will maintain the required 15:00 minute pace. Any participants who are concerned about maintaining the maximum pace should keep pace with the applicable Back of the Pack Team. SAG Wagons and equipment trucks will follow the Back of the Pack Teams to pick up slower runners and reopen the streets.
- The Half Marathon-only course through Virginia-Highland and Midtown must reopen immediately after the 15 minute maximum pace. Any participants that fall behind the Back of the Pack Team in Virginia-Highland and Midtown will have the option to catch a ride on the SAG Wagon to the merge point at 5th St & Spring St and rejoin the course. These participants will be able to finish the race, receive their medal, food, finish tim and all runner amenities, but they will not be eligible for any age group awards.
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 are able to maintain a 15:00 minute pace. 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.
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 with the Mizuno Pace Team. The Marathon will have three pace groups for the following finish times: 3:40, 4:45 and 5:00. The Half Marathon will have nine pace groups for the following finish times: 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30 and 2:45. Pace groups are designed to help participants reach the finish line while maintaining pace, staying safe and most importantly, having FUN!
What time will the roads be closed?
- Road and lane closures will be posted, check the website daily.
How many water stations will you have?
- There will be 19 Hydration Stations along the course, starting at Mile 2 with plenty of water and many with Gatorade.
What do I do if I injure myself on the course?
- There will be ambulance and bike EMS teams providing medical support along the course and access to medial support at each Hydration Station.
Will there be food at the finish line?
- Yes, there will be food at the finish line provided by Publix.
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.
Where can I find race results after the race?
- Results of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon can be found at the Results Tent on race day located near the Awards stage in the Finish Area and online at www.inggeorgiamarathon.com by clicking on Results.
Where do I find photos after the race?
- Photos will be available at www.asiorders.com shortly after the race. To see photos from the 2009 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon click here. Click here to see a slide show from the 2009 race.
Where can I find the course map?
- Click here to see a course map and street list. The course map can be found under the Course tab under the Marathon and Half Marathon tabs at the top of the ING Georgia Marathon home page.
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
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.
What are the awards, prize money?
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Over $11,500 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.
ING Run For Something Better®:
What is ING Run For Something Better®?
- ING Run For Something Better® helps kids become fit through free, school-based running fitness programs. The mission of ING Run For Something Better® is to prevent obesity in children by making fitness opportunites available in schools.
How does the program work?
- Physical education teachers from participating Atlanta Public Middle Schools, Fulton County Middle Schools and Gwinnett County Middle Schools will incorporate running programs in their curriculum during the nine weeks before the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon. Middle school students from each participating school will complete 12 miles over nine weeks. On the day of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, students will run the last 1.1 miles on the Marathon course, completing a Half Marathon.
How can I learn more about ING Run For Something Better®?
- To learn more about ING Run For Something Better® visit www.orangelaces.com.
Publix Run Wild 5K & Kids Fun Run:
When and where is the Publix Run Wild 5K & Kids Fun Run?
- The Publix Run Wild 5K & Kids Fun Run is the day before the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Grant Park. The 5K will start at 8:00 a.m. and the Kids Fun Run will start at 9:00 a.m.
How old do you have to be to participate in the Publix Run Wild 5K & Kids Fun Run?
- There is no age restriction for 5K participants. Participants in the Kids Fun Run must be 10 years old or younger on the day of the race.
What is the registration fee for the Publix Run Wild 5K & Kids Fun Run?
- Registration for the 5K is $20 through December 31, 2009, $25 through March 19, 2010 and $30 on race day, March 20, 2010. Registration for the Kids Fun Run is $15 through December 31, 2009, $20 through March 19, 2010 and $25 on race day, March 20, 2010. Online registration will remain open until March 17, 2010. You may register for either race Friday, March 19, 2010 at the ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno.
How do I register for the Publix Run Wild 5K & Kids Fun Run?
- Click here to register online for the 5K. In order to register your child online for the Kids Fun Run, please click here. Registration will also be available on Friday, March 19, 2010 at the ING Georgia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno or beginning at 7:00 a.m. on race morning, Saturday, March 20, 2010.
What are the participant perks for the Publix Run Wild 5K & Kids Fun Run?
- All 5K participants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag. All participants in the Kids Fun Run will recieve a t-shirt and medal.
ING Georgia Marathon Health and Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno:
Where do I pick up my packet?
- All participants must pick up their race packets at the ING Georgia Marathon Health and Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno. The Expo will be held at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. Your packet will include bib number, D-Tag timing chip and Mizuno technical running shirt.
When is the ING Georgia Marathon Health and Fitness Expo Inspired by Mizuno?
- The Expo is held Friday, March 19, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
What do I need to pick up my packet?
- You must have a photo I.D. 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 know the runner's bib number and have copy of their 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 for a $10.00 fee.
What if I want to advertise at the Expo?
- If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Expo and/or placing an item in the goodie bag, please contact Jim Furuya at jfuruya@usroadsports.com.
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 ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon host hotel?
- 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 by MARTA at Phillips Arena/CNN Center Station from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The address for the Omni Hotel is 100 CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303. For reservations please call (800) 524-0500. Click here for a complete list of hotels in Atlanta located near the start and finish line.
What is the best way to get downtown?
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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 Inspired by Mizuno. 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.
Sponsors:
Who are the sponsors of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon?
- Major sponsors of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon include:
- ING
- Publix
- Mizuno
- Emory Rehabilitation
- Ryder
- Spirit Airlines
- Gatorade
- Nutrilite
How do I become a sponsor?
- If you would like to be a sponsor of the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon please contact Steve Obert at sobert@usroadsports.com.
