YES, you will encounter a water station at Mile 1, and then after the turnaround, you will encounter the same Water Station again.
Absolutely. Just give them a copy of your driver's license or other lawful identification, and they can pick up your race packet.
Yes & No. We will provide you with areas where you can park for free and areas where you can pay for parking. There is a lot of free parking available.
Yes, you will have a tag on your bib that you remove and attach to the bag you receive at packet pick-up, so we can keep everyone's belongings safe and orderly.
No, but the sooner you cross the Finish Line, the faster you can enjoy the Best Damn after-party. The city is looking to clear just the streets so they can pick up the cones and reopen the roads, but that is it.
Once you get to the other side of the bridge, you will enter the sidewalk, and the streets will reopen once the traffic cones are removed. Have fun and enjoy the event with all your friends.
YES. You will get so spoiled with bling this year.
- Free shirt
- Free Finisher Medal
- Free pictures of you that you can download and share with your family and friends on Facebook.
- At the FREAKIN' Hot 5K this year, which is a "Special Anniversary Year," the first 600 participants will receive a very nice 16 oz mug that will last 20+ years without fading.
- 10-inch x 20-inch ice towel that you get to keep as a thank you from us at Best Damn Race.
Packet Pick-up will be at Dicks Sporting Goods located at:
You can pick up your packet on July 24th, 2026, from 1:00 am to 5:00 PM, if you want to avoid the long packet pick-up lines on race day, July 25th, 2026
You will receive an email outlining everything about packet pickup prior to race day as well as everything that takes place on race day. We will provide you with a diagram of free parking space areas (when avaialbe) and a list of paid parking areas all close to the race.
Yes, there is race day registration. You just need to find the registration tent, which is very easy to find, and someone will help you sign up online. Make sure you have a credit or bank card.
Absolutely! When ya gotta go, you gotta go, and we want everyone to be ready for the race without worrying about not having time to use the restroom, so we make sure we have plenty of restrooms on site in different areas.
No, not to participate in the race. Just a lot of people, and we would not like to see anyone, including the dog, get hurt. There will be people who bring their dogs to the race to hang out and watch the runners.
The Start & Finish Line will be located at the same place as last year, and it is BIG! You can't miss it. Plenty of signs!
Yes, always. Your time does not start until you cross the Starting mat, which is located directly beneath the overhead truss.
NO. This will be a "WAVE START." We will have two (2) people located at the front of the start Line with a rope going accross and we will start people 30 seconds apart so runners can break out and not be held back because so many people are starting at the same time.
Absolutely YES! You just rip off that tag at the bottom of your bid and attach it to the bag you receive at packet pickup and we will place your bag/belongings behind the fence.
Suggestion: Try to leave your money and expensive rings or jewelry inside your vehicle or at home if possible. To date, we have NEVER had anything reported stolen or missing that was kept behind the fence but why risk it.
Yes it is because we want people to be able to break out and not be held back since the starting area is narrow and has turns.
