- FAQs & Answers
*** GENERAL QUESTIONS ***
Where is the race? Where should I stay? Where do I park?
https://runsignup.com/Race/DalmatianRunFest/Page/Race-Location
When is packet pickup?
3p-5p each night and before the race each morning. More details here.
What time does my race start?
7:15a: Ultra & Marathon 8:00a: 10K, Half & 3Q 9:00a: 5K More details here.
Is there water on the course? Do I have to bring my own food?
There are 3 water-only stops and 2 aid stations with food. Get full details here.
Where can I watch the runners?
Find spectator information here!
Can I start early?
We do not allow early starts. USATF rules make it too confusing for the runners, volunteers and results.
Can I start late?
Yes, as long as you can finish your race before the course closes. (We understand that Life and Traffic happens.) Your gun time will start at your race's official start time, but your chip time will reflect your actual time.
What's the weather like?
The average High temperature for this weekend is 62*, and the average Low temperature is 40*, but the weather in February in Texas can be unpredictable: hot, cold, sunny, overcast, still, windy, and sometimes all of those within 24 hours. We recommend that you pack for all possibilities, and look for weather updates in the final pre-race email.
** CANCELLATIONS / REFUNDS / DEFERRALS / ETC **
Will you cancel the race if it rains? What about if it snows? Under what circumstances might the race be cancelled?
The race could be cancelled due to a severe weather event that causes dangerous conditions, or at the request of local authorities. (For those that are unfamiliar with the course, there is limited vehicular access, so removing an injured runner from the course can be time- and resource intensive. When it's snowy or icy, those emergency resources might already be committed elsewhere.) For example, we postponed the 2021 race because of the Texas Snowpocalypse.
What are your COVID-19 precautions?
In order to be USATF-Sanctioned, we have to create an extensive safety plan for their review. The biggest precautions we're taking are the staggered start times and individually packaged items.
Can I get a refund if I won't be racing for some reason?
We don't offer full or partial refunds
Can I defer my race? Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
We allow deferrals for the Half, Full and Ultras, but not for the 5K or 10K. All distances can transfer your bib for $10, as long as you do it by the t-shirt deadline. Please see our Standard policies here.
** EVENT SPECIFIC INFORMATION **
What can I win?
We give out awards to the top runners in each event, and we also give out Big Dog awards to the best times for all 3 days!
Can I run with a stroller? Can I use trekking poles?
Yes and Yes.
Can I run with my dog?
Ironically, no. Our USATF insurance won't cover events with dogs. :(
What are the course records?
https://runsignup.com/Race/DalmatianRunFest/Page/Course-Records
I'm doing the Virtual. What else do I need to know?
This page tells you the rules and how to submit your results!
Do you have divisions for Adaptive athletes?
Yes. https://runsignup.com/Race/DalmatianRunFest/Page/Adaptive-Athletes
What is the DoubleDog Dare?
Run two Halves in the same day! Click here to find out how!
** MISCELLANEOUS **
Does this race benefit a charity?
Yes! The Dalmatian Run Fest benefits the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (aka TCAP.) Click on their icon anywhere on this site to learn more about them.
The race on Monday is named after Mia. Who is that?
Mia was our rescued Black Lab. She enjoyed her walks on the original Dalmatian Run Fest course, so we decided to name one of the races after her. Mia attended the race in '18-21, but passed away in January '22.
What is the connection to Dalmatians?
We could say something about Dalmatians being natural long-distance athletes, and we could even link to supporting articles (https://www.thepuppymag.com/are-dalmatians-good-running-dogs), but nah, that's not it. If you run the Ultra Marathon each day, you'll run 101 miles over the weekend! Like the number of Dalmatians in that movie we'd be sued if we mentioned ... We call that package the 'Dizzy Dalmatian 101' and give a cool buckle to finishers.
