Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
FAQs, ETIQUETTE, TIPS AND RULES OF THE ROAD
What is the Kilwins Ice Cream Run? The Kilwins Ice Cream Run is a timed 5K race or 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk around the St. Johns Center in Jacksonville, Florida. The event was created in partnership with Kilwins in 2012 to raise funds and create awareness for Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Jacksonville and Orlando. Clarke teaches children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk. Clarke is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the proceeds from this event benefit the school. To learn more about Clarke, visit us online at clarkeschools.org.
Is the Kilwins Ice Cream Run a run or walk? Both. We encourage walkers and runners of all abilities to participate in the 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. However, we will ask walkers to allow serious runners to the front of the start line.
Is the Kilwins Ice Cream Run a timed event? Yes, our 5K is timed. During your 5K registration, you can sign up to be timed or decline. Chip timing will be provided by Ultimate Racing Inc. Your results will be recorded, available on the internet, and you will be eligible for awards.
What is gun start timing? A timing chip is attached to your race bib so please wear on the front of your shirt. Upon the race officially starting, the chip registers and starts to keep time. Then, as you cross the finish line, the chip registers that you’ve finished the race. It may take a few minutes to reach the start line so a timing chip allows us to capture the actual amount of time it takes you to go from the start line to the finish line. All registered race participants MUST wear their race bib number on the front of their shirt the day of the race.
How do I get an event medal? Our highly desired souvenir medal is for all 5K participants (timed or not timed) who cross the finish line.
Is the 5K or walk registration fee tax-deductible? No. However, any amounts donated above registration fees paid are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
If I fundraise, are those donations tax-deductibe? If you sign-up for an individual or team fundraising page, those donations by your friends and family are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Can I dress up? Absolutely! We encourage ice cream themed costumes, props, team names and enthusiasm.
What type of event shirt will I receive? The 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk t-shirt for adults and youth will be a unisex Port & Company® performance t-shirt. This polyester tee performs with Dry Zone® moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool, dry and comfortable. Youth-sized shirts are available for registrations on or before our shirt guarantee deadline of February 14, 2018.
I accidentally registered as an individual and meant to join a team. What can I do? No worries! If you would like to be added to a team, simply send an email to tmorris@clarkeschools.org with your name and the name of the team you would like to join. Team changes must be made by February 23, 2018.
Can I pick up my shirt and runner packet in advance? Due to the overwhelming positive feedback we received regarding our packet pick-up system last year, packet pick-up will be available on Friday, March 2, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville. Please see the race website for more information under the tab "Advance Packet Pick-Up."
Can I wear headphones? Runner safety is a top priority for our event and we discourage the use of personal music devices. Please be mindful of the other participants and respect the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone. Running headphone-free allows opportunities to develop camaraderie with your fellow runners and to enjoy everything the race has to offer.
Can I bring my dog? For the safety of our event guests and being mindful that not everyone likes dogs, dogs and other pets are strongly discouraged at the Kilwins Ice Cream Run. If you do bring your dog, please do so only if he or she is well-behaved around other dogs and people. Dogs are to remain with their owner and on a leash at all times (no retractable leashes—may be hazardous in a crowd). Dogs should be at least 6 months old and up-to-date on vaccinations. Bring a bag(s) to pick-up after your dog.
Can I use a stroller? Yes, however all participants using strollers, baby joggers or similar devices will need to start at the back of the race.
Can my children participate in the Kilwins Ice Cream Run? Yes, they sure can! We encourage all ages to participate. If you are participating with small children, we ask that you start at the back of the race. If you are participating with a stroller and/or children, we ask that you keep your children with you at all times. This will allow your family members and our other participants a safer race experience.
NOTE: All persons (including children; except 2 and under in a stroller) who participate in the 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will need to be a registered participant. A registered participant is an individual who has paid the registration fee and a waiver has been signed on their behalf. A registered participant will receive an event bib to wear on their shirt to identify them as a participant. The only exception would be an infant or toddler (2 years or younger) that remains in a stroller for the duration of the 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk.
If you are participating with a stroller and/or children, we ask that you keep your children with you at all times. This will allow your family members, and our other participants, a safer race experience.
How do I get all-you-can-eat ice cream? Kilwins ice cream is complimentary for all registered runners and walkers wearing a race bib/number. After crossing the finish line into our event area, there will be several Kilwins ice cream stations set up to serve ice cream starting at 8:00 am. All other non-registered guests can pay a $5 donation (or more) per person for an ice cream celebration wristband. One cup of ice cream at a time per person, please.
What happens if it rains on race day? The Kilwins Ice Cream Run will occur rain or shine, warm or cold. We reserve the right to cancel in extreme circumstances. In that event, there will be no refunds; rather, your entry fee will be used as a donation.
What time should I arrive? Arrive early! If you will be registering day of the event or picking up your packet, we recommend arriving no later than 7:00 am. There is ample parking, but road closures around the St. Johns Town Center will begin around 7:20 am. If you arrive after 7:20 am, you may be re-directed to parking areas not as convenient to the event area or start/finish line.
Runner and Walker Etiquette Tips: In order to create a safe and friendly race environment, please be mindful of the following “Road Rules”…
Arrive early.
Don't over or under estimate your pace - this can cause lots of unnecessary maneuvering at the start.
Pay attention to instructions from race officials, police and volunteers.
Don't create a barricade to participants behind you by running or walking too many abreast.
Walkers stay to the right when possible, unless passing.
Pass on the left when possible and give a verbal warning with a friendly "Passing on the left."
Listen to your surroundings; don't drown them out with headphones.
Don't cut off other runners/walkers, be aware of people behind you and keep moving.
Keep moving through the finish line. Others will be coming in right behind you, keep going until it's safe to come to a stop.
Still have a question or need help? Please contact the Event Coordinator:
Tina L. Morris
Development Associate
Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech
(904) 479-6699
tmorris@clarkeschools.org