RACE FORMAT AND WAVE START
5K
To reduce the amount of passing during the race, a time trial start format will be used for the 5K race. Runners will cross the start line one at a time. Runners will be spaced 2-3 seconds apart from each other. Faster runners in the front of the line. Slower runners in the back of the line.
The first runner will begin at 8:00 AM on Saturday, Feb 21, 2026.
Half Marathon & 10K
To ensure runner safety and to reduce the amount of passing during the first few miles of the race, participants have been placed into waves based on their average pace per mile as entered during online registration. Each wave will consists of 150+ runners and will start 2 minutes apart. Participants must start in their assigned waves.
Your individual run time starts when you cross under the starting arch within each wave. If your average pace is listed incorrectly, but only by 30 seconds or so, please remain in your assigned wave. If you feel strongly that you should be placed in a different wave, please request via email to racedirector@ripitevents.com.
Requesting to start in a wave with a friend or family member is NOT a valid reason to switch waves. There are over 1,000 runners in this race and we can not accommodate special requests for everyone. We thank you for your understanding. Wave start list will be posted 1 week from race day.
WAVE START LIST
To view the wave start list and your assigned wave, click HERE.
(published 2/19/26 at 9:30 AM)
