FAQ's
How will I receive my race packet?
Packet Pickup will take place at the following dates and locations:
Thursday, December 5 | 11AM-7PM
Point 2 Running Company
741 Eden Way North, #310, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Friday, December 6 | 11AM- 7PM
Point 2 Running Company
12080 Jefferson Ave., #910, Newport News, VA 23606
Saturday, December 7| 11AM-5PM
Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg
1500 Commonwealth Ave, Williamsburg, VA
THERE IS NO RICHMOND PACKET PICKUP THIS YEAR
Please plan accordingly
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 6 a.m. and closes at 8 a.m. All parking is free. All participants must enter through the employee entrance, on Route 60, adjacent to the brewery. Be sure to allow plenty of time to walk from the parking area to the Start/Finish line. The Busch Gardens trams will NOT be running.
What is the event start time?
7:30 a.m. Warm-up fun begins
8:00 a.m. Dasher 1/2 Mile
8:30 a.m. Christmas Town Dash 8K
10:00 a.m. Awards Ceremony
When should I arrive on race morning?
For the Dasher 1/2 Mile: Plan to arrive no later than 7:15a.m. Fun Run start time: 8 a.m.
For the Christmas Town Dash 8K: Plan to arrive early. Parking entrance will close at 8 a.m. and all traffic will be blocked. Christmas Town Dash 8K start time: 8:30 a.m.
How can I register?
You may register for the Christmas Town Dash 8k or the Dasher ½ Mile here.
How do I defer, change, or transfer my race entry?
You may defer or change your registration through your Run Signup account. The fee to defer the 8K is $20 and the deadline is November 23, 2024. Transferring of bibs is not permitted.
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 three 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 Christmas Town contains many hills, turns, and different surfaces. Please wear appropriate running footwear. There are NO strollers or handcycles allowed during the 8K. Strollers are allowed during the Dasher ½ Mile.
Will there be wave starts or corrals?
Yes, there will be corrals for the Christmas Town Dash 8k. 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 8K 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 Christmas Town Dash 8K. Busch Gardens will be playing Christmas 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 8K. However, a brisk, athletic walk will be appropriate. The course will be cleared of participants by course marshals at 10:30 a.m.
Are there age restrictions on the races?
There are no minimum or maximum age restrictions on either event.
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 8K. Dasher ½ Mile participants receive bottled water and healthy snacks.
What will the weather be like in Williamsburg in December?
COLD! The average high for December in Williamsburg is 52.6*F and the average low is 31.4*F. Please check the weather the night before the race and dress appropriately!
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 3 water stop along the 8K 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 run with my child during the Dasher ½ Mile?
Parents my choose to run with their child if he or she needs help staying on course or is under 4 years old. Otherwise, we encourage you to stay at the start/finish line area to get great pictures!
Can I run both the dasher ½ Mile and 8k?
Certainly! The fun run will be completed a few minutes before the 8k start.
Can I stay in the park after the race to enjoy Christmas Town?
Once the race concludes, the park and parking areas must be cleared before Christmas Town can open for the day 2pm.
What type of Busch Gardens tickets do I receive with my race registration?
Each 8K runner will receive a FREE 2024 Christmas Town ticket and a discounted Busch Gardens, Williamsburg Spring 2025 ticket. The Christmas Town ticket may only be redeemed at the gate, it may not be used to purchase a ticket in advance.
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.
