FAQs
Yes, even the alien invaders were shocked by some of these questions.
AREA 13.1 Roswell, GA is limited and will always be limited to 2,500 runners. When it sells out we will be unable to take any more registrants!
Suppose that I’ve carefully read all of these questions and answers and I STILL can’t figure out what the heck is going on. How do I contact the race director?
Well, you can email the race director, at jason@junction311.com and ask your question. Keep in mind there are SILLY questions like -if you ask for an entry after it is sold out or I registered and now I have other plans can I add the No Questions Asked Refund after the fact and then get a refund... you may not get a response.
Where are the closest hotels/hotels within walking distance?
**Most frequent email I get is for hotel locations. Please click on the "Lodging" tab above for more information.
What color are the shirts?
The color of the shirt will be a surprise this year. All shirts will be gender-specific sizing. Shirt size only guaranteed if registered by August 10th, 2024, two (2) weeks before race day.
If I'm virtual participant, how do I submit my time and receive packet?
Any platform is acceptable. We will not require proof of time, but ask virtual participants to submit run time under results tab. Click here to submit virtual results. All virtual schwag can be picked up at our live early/race day packet pickup. If you're not comfortable with that option, our race director will mail packets post live event.
Who is handling the water stations?
Junction 311 Endurance Sports will own and take full responsibility for all water this year and beyond. Junction 311 Endurance Sports employees will be fully dedicated to the water stations along with some of our charitable partners.
Is this a hard race?
Well ... it does have only 200 feet of elevation gain and hard is all relative !! I think the better question would be " Is this race fun" and that answer could be quoted from Mr Kool-aid " OH YEAH " By far the most fun race I have ever run !!
Can I use headphones?
USATF has changed their rule to a suggestion, for the most part. Now, instead of telling you that you can’t use them, I can just recommend that you don’t use them. It’s really your call. Check the USATF web site for more info about all their rules.
How long is the Kids Dash?
The kids dash is 1 loop around the track that goes around the field (approximately 300 yards).
Can someone else pick up my race packet?
Yes, you can pick up friends, family and coworkers race packets. If you pick up before race day, don't forget the race bib when you come to the race!
Awards?
1st 2nd 3rd Place Overall Male/Female. These awards are out of this world – literally! Just ask last year’s winners. Three deep in 13 age groups for both 5K -10K Half Marathon. Overall awards based on Gun Time and Age group awards are based on Chip Time!
Can I get a refund or sell my entry to someone else?
NO REFUNDS! Refunds will not be issued for any reason unless you have purchased the "No Questions Asked Refund" option. Registrations are not refundable. If you get injured or something you can defer to next year, you need to do it before race day and it's $10. You can transfer your entry to another person. It must be done at least one week before race day.
What if weather is bad and the race is canceled : The waiver that each runner signs at sign up states-
This event follows the standard running industry policy: All entry fees are non-refundable. We reserve the right to postpone or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond our control such as a natural disaster or emergency or as required to protect the safety of participants and staff. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances. We reserve the right to change the details of the event without prior notice. I understand that my entry fee is nonrefundable and non transferable
Should I wear a headlamp?
Yes. Unless you like the dark unknown! Seriously It can get really dark and you do not want to end up face down with an Alien standing over you .. Just sayin'!
If I do not like running in the heat should I run?
Absolutely NOT! Unless you are a masochist. But seriously don't say " it's too hot to run in August!" Do you just not run all summer because it's hot? At least you get to run with water stations and support !! Your training runs in the summer don't get that ... Suck it up buttercup!
If I do not like running in the dark should I run?
Absolutely NOT! See previous question. But don't be a scaredy cat it's fun and it's mostly light for the majority of the race.. PLUS there will be a meteor shower that night.
If I do not like running with aliens because they scare me or I am too religious or I am superstitious should I run?
Absolutely! It is just a theme ... Let's have fun ?
Are Aliens Real? Will they really be Chasing me?
HMMM depends on who you ask.. It's best I not be the one to break that to you.. and see above it's just a theme nobody will be jumping out at you :)
Will you cancel this race if it is too hot?
WHAT?! NO! Again, see above - if you do not like running in the heat DO NOT sign up for this race.
I am an elite runner but missed the registration because it sold out. Because I am a special person will you invite me to run in your race and give me an extra slot?
Aw Hell NO! You are still a human being right? Then register in the appropriate window of time that every other human being has to register in. Aliens don’t care if you do a sub 5-minute mile and somebody else does a 15-minute mile. They will go after either of you. And trust me they are faster than you anyway. They are extra-terrestrial life forms.
Can I take a Baby Jogger on the course? How about having someone ride beside me on a bike?
NO! Let me restate that: HELL NO! You’ll be disqualified and taken off the course if that happens. There’s not enough room to safely have that happen. The only bikes on the course are the lead bikes and monitors. The only strollers allowed are if you are there with your family supporting a loved one at the finish line. DO NOT ASK FOR AN EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE.
How about dogs?
(See the “HELL NO” part of the baby jogger discussion above. Then double it.)
Do you have TIME LIMITS? We’re avid walkers…not runners.
The half marathon will officially start at 7:00 PM. If you cannot maintain a 16 min/mile DO NOT participate in this event. This is a strict City requirement. You will be (dare I say abducted) if you are not meeting the cut off times. If not abducted you will be removed from the course in a not so friendly manner. If you complain about it we will not even listen to your complaining. This is a race, after all. Yes we love the saying, "run the race set before you"…but our race has a 4 hour time limit. DO NOT ASK FOR AN EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE EITHER!
Cutoff Times? Do you have cutoff times for either race?
YES!!! All participants will have 4 hours to complete this race. CUTTOFFS- You must reach mile 6.5 (The Park) by 9 PM if you have not we will ask you to stay in the park and party with us- You must be clear of Willeo Drive and have reached the Mile 10 mark by 10:00 pm . Runners who have not made the 10:00 PM cut will be diverted to the trail to head back to the finish.
Is whining allowed on the course?
NO! You signed up for this on purpose. Deal with it. Area 13.1 race is a HOT one. We have always advertised it as such. August is HOT but luckily it's a night race .. And just because it's hot you don't stop running during the summer do you ?
Finisher Medals, will there be any?
Yes, and they’re really cool too!
What’s the course like?
It’s long. Officially 13.1 miles. Mostly flat. The Half seriously only has 200 feet up gain ... if you don't know what that means.. Let's put it this way it runs beside a river ...YEP pretty flat
Chip timed?
Yup.
I don’t like running in the dark will it be hard to see?
Yes – it is a scary night invasion race. With Alien Intruders lurking. We will have light towers but never as much as people who don’t like the dark would want.
I was wondering about aid stations (GU, water, sports drink) as well as first aid stations (that include Vaseline) in terms of their placement along the course.
We’ll have aid/ water stations about every 1 mile along the course. GU Energy Gel at two places on the Half Marathon course. PORTAJOHNS and restroom facilities are at the midway point and MILE 10 aid station. We’ll make sure you’re well hydrated! ALSO Medic will be at the finish and have and have bike medics on course. GATORADE is the official hydration drink on course. Please note if you need water or Gatorade during the race please drink it !! Every stop will be fully equipped for you to drink as much as you need. You are not limited to how many cups of fluid you can drink please take as many as you need from each water station. It is your job to know your body and how much fluid you need to take in !! Plus Aliens typically go after the weakest so DRINK !!!
Age limits? I’m 15 and despite getting told it “wouldn’t be too smart”, I am determined to try to run a half marathon this fall. The AREA 13.1 has a sweet alien head logo and I have seen your awesomely rad shirts around town. Even in Miami where my folks were vacationing. That shirt is super sick! (I guess thank you?) My mom insisted that I have to find out if there is an age limit in this half marathon before she’ll let me sign up. I am going to prepare mileage-wise, etc., so am I allowed to run in the AREA 13.1 Half Marathon?
“Being too smart” has never been part of the criteria to be a half marathon runner. As long as your mom is cool with it, and you’re trained properly, we have no problem. Make sure you’re well prepared though–youth and enthusiasms are wonderful, but seek the counsel of more experienced runners and be smart about it. We look forward to seeing you – well as long as you escape the Invasion!
What are my options if a "live" event is postponed, cancelled or virtual?
Visit our "Race Guarantee" tab for more details.
