FAQs
COVID-19 forced us to postpone our original April 25 race date. At this time, hosting a large event isn’t possible. We did not want to delay a decision any longer so we have decided to forego the in-person race we had planned to reschedule for August. We are excited to announce our first-ever virtual Tuxedo Trot thanks to the support of sponsors Greensboro Pediatricians, FINS Car Wash and Kaki Zell.
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is a race that can be participated in from any location. You can run, jog, walk, roll or waddle on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill or on the track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace and time it yourself.
Why are you moving to a virtual race? Why not just reschedule or cancel altogether?
When the Greensboro Science Center closed on March 13, we did not foresee that we would be closed for 93 days and would be forced to postpone all of our spring events. Those events help us reach our community, share conservation stories and give guests a chance to take an active role in conservation. They are also opportunities for us to work with sponsors who support our mission and want to make an impact. To cancel or defer to 2021 wouldn’t allow us to do any of those things.
This year, race proceeds will be distributed between the Greensboro Science Center and SANCCOB, an organization dedicated to the conservation of African penguins in their native habitat. Your registration fee helps support animals here at the Greensboro Science Center as well as their wild counterparts!
How does a virtual race work?
Participants can complete their 5K any time from August 1 to August 31 and submit finishing times. We’re using an app called RaceJoy that will give you a chance to track/time your race while hearing all about the GSC’s charismatic penguins.
What if I was already registered for the in-person race?
We have automatically converted your registration to our virtual race platform through RunSignup. If you click “Find A Participant” on the menu bar, you can scroll down and you’ll see a search bar to enter your name. When you find your name, click “Is this you?” and then select “Claim.” You will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the claim. Once you’ve done that, you will be able to go into your profile and make any edits you need, including updating your address and adding the $4 shipping and handling fee if you want your medal mailed to you.
How do I register?
Visit our website at www.tuxedotrot.com to register by July 31. If you have trouble with your registration, please reach out to Tux at tux5k@greensboroscience.org. We will not have any in-person registration options.
Is there still a Fun Run?
While the virtual race is primarily for the 5K, we encourage our youngest runners to still participate. They will also receive a medal, digital bib and digital finisher’s certificate. Those who were already registered for the Fun Run have been added to the virtual event. Keep in mind that you can run, jog, walk, roll or waddle anywhere you choose. Here are some Fun Run worthy suggestions to infuse some penguin shenanigans into your run:
Find something that, like a penguin, cannot fly.
In honor of your 5K, see if you can find a sign on your route that features the number five.
Penguins love fish. Can you find a fish on your run? (Can be an actual fish or a sign featuring something fish-related.)
Our penguins love to paint. Share some art you encounter on your run.
Penguins have spots on their bellies that are like our fingerprints, unique to each bird. Can you spot something with spots?
This race is for the birds. Can you spot a bird on your run?
Can I register multiple people?
Yes. Penguins live in colonies. We hope you’ll bring your own colony. You can click on “Add Another Registrant” on the first page of the registration OR at the end of your registration.
Who can participate?
Anyone! Any age! Anywhere! Even if you don’t live in Greensboro, we hope you’ll join us. If you cannot pick up your medal at the Greensboro Science Center in September, you will need to pay the $4 shipping and handling fee when you register to have it mailed to you.
What route do I take?
That’s up to you! The beauty of a virtual race is that you get to choose where and when you run. You can run, jog, walk, roll or waddle on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill or on the track. Just remember that a 5K is 3.1 miles.
How do I let you know I have finished and turn in my time?
You have a few options here:
If using RaceJoy, just turn on your tracking when you start and it does the rest!
If using another app or just your watch, just head to our Results Page and click on “Submit Virtual Results” to submit your finishing time.
Don’t worry about timing yourself! Just run, jog, walk, roll or waddle for a good cause. We’re proud of everyone who completes the race and thankful for your support. When you’re done, mark your race as “completed” on the results page. No time will be recorded, but your participation will.
What about prizes?
All runners will receive a medal. It’s a pretty awesome medal this year, featuring a spinning penguin! There will not be age group awards. See the FAQ about what you receive with your registration for more information about how you can receive your medal.
What do I get with my registration?
All runners will receive a medal, digital bib and digital finisher’s certificate. Medals will be ordered in early August once registration closes. You will be notified when they have arrived so you can pick them up at the Greensboro Science Center. If you do not live locally and cannot pick up your medal at the Greensboro Science Center in September, you will need to pay the $4 shipping and handling fee when you register to have it mailed to you. The bibs are for you as a keepsake and do not include a timing chip since timing is self reported.
Runners are also given the option to utilize RaceJoy for Free Live Tracking and Progress Alerts. You will need to download the RaceJoy mobile app, carry your phone and use RaceJoy when you complete your run. See full RaceJoy instructions HERE.
We highly encourage you to utilize RaceJoy. We’ll be sharing some penguin trivia during your run and the inside scoop on our birds.
Important Dates
July 13 - Registration Opens
July 31 - Registration Closes at 11:59 PM
August 1-31 - The race! Pick your day, time and location and run your race.
September TBD - All participants will be notified when medals arrive so you can pick them up at the Greensboro Science Center. If you selected and paid for our mailing option, your medal will be shipped to you.
