FAQ's
How will I receive my race packet?
Friday, May 2, 2025 time 1:00pm-6:00pm, Point 2 Running Company, Newport News, VA
Saturday, May 3, 2025, time 10:00am-4:00pm, Water Country USA
Where is the race located?
The event will be held at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Where can I park on race day?
Event parking opens to participants and families at 5:00 AM and closes at 6:30 AM. All parking is free. All participants must enter through the regular parking toll plaza. Be sure to allow plenty of time to ride the tram from the parking area to the event area within Busch Gardens.
What is the event start time?
7:30am
When should I arrive on race morning?
For the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival 5K, plan to arrive early. The parking entrance will close at 7:00am and all traffic will be blocked for the start of the TBD Food & Wine 5K.
How can I register?
You may register for the Food & Wine Festival 5K Here.
How do I defer, change, or transfer my race entry?
If you would like to defer your race entry, you can do so within your RunSignUp account. The fee is $20, and the deadline is April 18, 2025.
Will I receive a refund if I can’t attend?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for any reason whatsoever.
Can I register at packet pickup or on race day?
If the race is not sold out, you may register at packet pick-up or race day!
I was not able to attend the race, will you mail my race packet to me?
Participants must pick up their packets in person at one of the scheduled packet pick-up locations. Race packets not picked up by the participant prior to the start of the race will not be mailed once the race date has passed. Unclaimed t-shirts will be placed back into inventory and made available for runners to exchange sizes at the post race celebration, and sizes are not guaranteed.
Can someone else pick up my race packet for me?
Yes, please download the Authorization Form and follow the instructions. You do not need identification to pick up for your spouse or child with the same last name; you need only to present your own identification.
Is there race day packet pick up?
No, you must pick up your packet during one of the two days of Packet Pick-up.
Where can I find a course map?
A course map may be viewed here.
Can you describe the course?
This exciting 5K course through Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival contains many hills, turns, and different surfaces. Please wear appropriate running footwear. There are NO strollers or handcycles allowed during the 5K.
Will there be wave starts or corrals?
Yes, there will be corrals for the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival 5K. The corral that you will be placed in will be determined by the finishing time that you provided during registration. It is important to line up according to the corral that you are placed in. A chip embedded in your bib will time your run, so your time will begin only when you cross the start line.
Are strollers allowed during the race?
Due to safety and insurance requirements within Busch Gardens, NO strollers of any type will be allowed on the 5K course. Strollers are allowed in the spectator area. Pets, bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, etc., are not permitted in the race.
Are headphones allowed during the race?
The use of personal audio devices is strongly discouraged. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, Flat-Out Events encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Gardens Food & Wine Festival 5K. Busch Gardens will be playing music in the park for your enjoyment. Runner safety is a top priority for our event. Please be mindful of the other participants and respect the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.
Are the races walker friendly?
Yes! Registered walkers are welcome in the 5K. However, a brisk, athletic walk will be appropriate. The course will be cleared of participants by course marshals at 9:00am.
Are there age restrictions on the races?
There are no minimum or maximum age restrictions for the Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival 5K
Will there be food or water given at the finish line?
Bottled water, fruit, and healthy snacks will be provided to all participants after the 5K.
Is there gear check available?
Yes, there is gear check! We will provide you with a clear bag to check your gear. All runners have to use the clear bags. No other bags will be accepted due to safety reasons. We will put your belongings in a bag, write your Bib # on the bag, and keep it secured for you during the race. This is for simple items like keys and sunglasses. Please do not plan to leave high-value items with the gear check.
Will there be a water stop along the course?
Yes, there will be one water stop along the 5K course.
Where can my friends/family cheer me on? Do they have to pay admission to Busch Gardens?
The spectator area is at the Start/Finish line area. Please note that spectators will not be allowed on the course inside of Busch Gardens. There is no cost to be a spectator at the event.
Can I stay in the park after the race to enjoy the Food & Wine Festival?
Once the race concludes, all runners & spectators will be required exit back to the parking lots. Runners are welcome to return with their tickets (if purchased) or memberships once the park has been cleared. Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival will open at 10am.
What type of Busch Gardens tickets do I receive with my race registration?
If you registered for the Food & Wine Festival 5K Plus Park Admission, you will receive a one day ticket for use during the Busch Gardens season.
Can I bring my pet on race day?
Pets are NOT allowed on the race course or post-race field for the safety of race participants, spectators and the animals. However, service animals as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on course. Should you decide to run the race with a service animal, please email us at raceteam@flatoutevents.com. Runners with ADA service animals will be placed in the last corral behind individual runners for safety purposes.
