FAQ
We all have questions...
Where do the proceeds go? The proceeds from this event will support Community and Home Supports (CHS) and their work with the Detroit area homeless community to provide housing and assistance for unhoused families and individuals. During registration you'll have the opportunity to donate directly to CHS. CHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. A portion of proceeds will be shared with a few nonprofit partner agencies who are providing volunteers for race day who will help us make your race great.
Where do I park? There is plenty of free lot and street parking around the Eastern Market area and the North entrance to the Dequindre Cut.
What can you tell me about the course? The Dequindre cut is a greenway 25 feet below street level that runs from Eastern Market to the Detroit Riverfront. It occupies a former Grand Trunk Western Railroad corridor that once served Detroit’s industrial riverfront and warehouses. It has been redeveloped into a paved, 20‑foot‑wide trail with separate lanes for pedestrians and bicycles. By rules of the Dequindre Cut, it will remain open to the public during the walk/run, however, course marshals will alert pedestrians and bicyclists of approaching runners.
What are the rules for the Dequindre Cut? The published "Rules & Guidelines" are here but applicable ones have been embedded in the race information already. Should you choose to hang out with family and friends after the race, you may want to review them.
Where is packet pick up? Packet pickup will be held on race day morning only. Race day packet pick up begins at 7:30 AM near the start line/Dequindre Cut Freight Yard. There will not be an advance packet pickup prior to race day. Please be sure to arrive with enough time to pick up your packet, get your bib on and make your way to the start line prior to the race start time.
Can I pick up my family or friend’s packet at packet pick up? Yes. Just tell us their last name during packet pickup, we'll confirm their information with you.
What are the T-shirt sizes? Your entry fee includes a T-shirt if you've registered by 6/27. We are offering youth sizes S-L, adult sizes S-XXL. Shirts are not guaranteed after 6/27. Register early to be guaranteed a T-shirt!
Do I receive a finishers medal? YES! The first 250 participants are guaranteed a finishers medal for the 5k.
Is there an award ceremony? Awards will be available starting around one hour after the race start at the CHS tent. We will not have a ceremony, you'll be able to check your results using QR codes posted near the finish line and then come to the table to accept your award. The CHS team will help you out.
Can I invite friends and family to cheer me on? Yes! We encourage you to bring your best cheering squad. They may stand along the sides of the course or bring a folding chair. Note that Dequindre Cut rules do not allow stakes to be put into the ground for tents or any other reason.
Do I need to register my kids? What are the age requirements? For the 5k run/walk we kindly ask that you register kids ages 5 and up. If your child under age 5 would like a t-shirt and will be enjoying post-race snacks after the race then we ask that you kindly sign them up as well.
Are strollers allowed? Yes, especially for children under 5 who do not need to be registered. Participants with strollers are asked to collect at the back of the start corral so they can enjoy the run/walk at their pace without interfering with other runners.
What about bikes, scooters, roller skates, skateboards? While we love all of these activities, we are limiting this event to running and walking only and Dequindre Cut rules do not allow "E-scooters, e-bikes, & other electric personal transporters over 7mph" either. The bikes you may see on the course are course marshals and race volunteers.
Are dogs allowed? No. For the safety of the participants and the dogs, no dogs allowed in the race. In addition our insurance policy does not cover dogs. As noted in the course information, the Dequindre Cut has to remain open to the public during the race so spectators may have dogs as long as they follow the rules for the Dequindre Cut found here
Bag drop-off: We will not have a bag drop-off or storage because of the proximity of free parking to the start/finish line.
Can I wear headphones? We all know there's nothing like jammin' to your beat while you run. We just ask that you can still hear and are aware of your surroundings (which is also good for saving your eardrums).
Are there restrooms? Yes, the public restrooms for the park will be open as well as at Eastern Market and there will be multiple porta-pottys along the course.
Is there a water stop on the course? Yes, there will be a water table available at miles 1 and 2.
This is my first 5k run/walk, what should I expect? Congrats, we're excited to have you! Plan on arriving on race day morning about 1 hour prior to the start to park, get your shirt and bib number, and get warmed up. Wear the bib (your race number) on the outermost layer on your torso, we provide safety pins to pin it to your shirt. Pin in all four corners so the number does not flap when you're running/walking. Prior to the race the announcer will call everyone up to the start line. The speedy racers will line up at the front, everyone else lines up behind them. If you are running with a stroller we ask that you line up at the back. The race will start and off you go! There are plenty of other participants and course support to guide you along the way. Post-race snacks will be available after the finish. We will text you your results, and also have a QR code for you to scan to pull up your results. Lastly and most importantly HAVE FUN! You will love the energy from the race!
How should I dress? Remember that summer temps can heat up quickly and humidity may be high. Lightweight breathable fabrics are best. Avoid 100% cotton as it absorbs moisture and will get heavy and uncomfortable/chafe. Dress for the weather and remember we need to see your bib # at all times and especially when you cross the finish line.
What if there is bad weather on the day of the event? The event will be held rain or shine, however if there are storms the morning of the event or forecasted during the event we will monitor and communicate any delays to participants via email. In the event of lightning, the event will be delayed a half hour until from the last lighting strike until we are 30 minutes without a lightning strike. Participants will be asked to remain in their vehicles during this time. We will evaluate on race day if the race needs to be delayed or cancelled due to weather. If we have to cancel the race will switch to virtual. Which means you run on your own at your own pace on a day that works for you. You'll receive your t-shirt, finishers medal and custom race bib.
Are there refunds? This event will be held rain or shine, there are no refunds for this event. As you can imagine there is a lot of planning that goes into an event and costs associated with the event. T-shirts, awards, refreshments, etc. all have to be ordered ahead of time. If the race is cancelled for any reason, including weather, we will be unable to offer refunds, or if your plans change and you already signed up we are unable to offer refunds. If we have to cancel the race will switch to virtual. Which means you run on your own at your own pace on a day that works for you. You'll receive your t-shirt, finishers medal and custom race bib.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else if I am unable to attend? Transfers are allowed as a gift (i.e. you do not receive a refund) but must be accepted by the recipient by one day prior to race day. For instructions, click here.
How can I learn more or get involved with helping Detroit area unhoused families and individuals? Please visit the CHS tent near the start/finish line on the day of the event. If you're really excited and can't wait, please check out options and information at chsinc.org
If you still have questions our Race Director and CHS Board Chair, Marcel Santiz, is more than happy to help. Send him an email at info@hustleforhomesrace.com
