FAQ
Questions Answered Here (Scroll for Q&A.)
Can I race before the scheduled start?
Can I start late?
Can I race a given distance for a different virtual race and use it here, too, or race your in-person and use it for a virtual?
What's the Facebook group for all of the points stuff?
So, what is this about points and Earned Extras?
When will bibs be ready?
What advice to you have for fixed time/ultra distance races?
What about spectators?
What about pacers?
Do I have to do the whole thing?
Are there prizes?
What about parking?
What's the path like?
What if I sign up in person and don't show?
Q. Can I race before the scheduled start?
A. No. If you start before the start, that's called a warm-up. ;)
Q. Can I start late?
A. Yes! However, you will have to wait until the RD or a volunteer can check you in.
Q. What's the Facebook group for all of the points stuff?
A. We transitioned to https://www.facebook.com/groups/obatronfitnessconversationspace from our first series. This way, people won't have to join a new group every time we have a new race or series.
Q. So what is this about points and Earned Extras?
A. We used to award points for participation in activities prior to the race and have tiers where you got automatic goodies at each level. When we started having in-person races, we realized it didn't work as effectively or efficiently as we needed it to, so now you earn raffle tickets for participating and then choose what items you hope to win during the race.
Q. When will bibs be ready?
A. Printed bibs are provided on race day at packet pick-up.
Q. What advice to you have for fixed time/ultra distance races?
A. A lot! But we'll try to keep this relatively brief.
- Relax and have fun.
- Bring extra clothes in case you're super sweaty and dirty, get wet from weather, have a wardrobe malfunction, and/or need something to change into when you're done.
- Be prepared to walk and rest. Twelve hours is a long time, if you choose to go that long.
- Blisters and chafing hurt! Bring your favorite prevention items.
- If you take medicines, be sure to have them safely accessible for if you need them.
- Make friends! Even if it's only in your head (hey, not everyone is comfortable starting conversations with random people), sharing the same 2-ish miles for hours on end will make folks seem familiar at some point for most of us. Even giving a nod, wave, thumbs-up, or tired smile all lift our spirits and the recipients'.
- Get sleep! Seriously, take a nap during the day before you head to the start, if at all possible.
- Alter your eating schedule in the 24 hours before the race to line up with what you normally do for a long race or workout that would start at a more customary time. (Don't eat anything unfamiliar, though. That can wreck your GI tract's process.)
- Don't bring so many extra things that you are worn out by the time you set up or that you'll regret having to haul back to your vehicle when you're done. Most people only need a chair, change of clothes/shoes, any medicines they normally take, and any special foods/drinks the race doesn't show they'll have. (But leave the alcohol or other recreational consumables at home; we're not interested in dealing with any of that!) And a tarp in case it rains. Some folks bring tents. Most barely use theirs.
Q: What about spectators?
A: We love them! But they need to be mindful of other racers. No smoking, drinking, or other imbibing at the race. If they're going to hang out for quite a while, we'd welcome them to be volunteers, too! Then they get goodies for supporting you and chances at raffle items to boot.
Q: What about pacers?
A: We don't allow pacers. If you need someone to accompany you so you can reach your goal, that person needs to register for the race. That said, someone joining you for a lap or two throughout the race is reasonable.
Q. Do I have to do the whole thing?
A. No! It starts at 5 p.m. and that's the best time to start so you don't have to wait for the race director to check you in after the race has begun. However, you can come later and leave anytime. You can even come and go. However, raffles may be held for each hour a racer is present when it starts (so 5 p.m., 6 p.m., etc.) or randomly as the RD can get it done. Also, there is a special prize for those true night owls (See Prizes). Racers need to let the RD know when they are calling it quits if they aren't hanging in for the very end.
Q: Are there prizes?
A: Yes! We have an overall prize for first through third places, irrespective of gender. We also have mileage tokens as you hit various milestones. If you bring a personal aid station - whether it's as simple as a cooler or as complex as a 10x10 tent decked out with panels and tables - you can decorate it for our Decorating Contest. Finally, you can earn raffle tickets for showing up, bringing donations for our local food shelf, and participating in our Earned Extras posts at our Facebook group, Obatron Fitness Conversation Space. Oh! And there's a True Night Owl goodie. To earn that, you have to be getting your miles underway for at least a portion of each hour of the race. Simply still being there is not enough. (Ex. Someone can start a lap at 12:45 a.m. and finish it at 1:25 a.m. and rest until going out again at 2 a.m., and that would get them the 12 a.m. to 1 am., the 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., and 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. hours.)
Q. What about parking?
A. Parking is along the west side of Island Cottage Road, facing the proper way (south, the same direction as if you were driving). There will be a section for loading/unloading near the start where drivers are asked not to park. To get to the unloading zone, Google Maps gives these coordinates: 43.270446, -77.660644. You can use the link from Bill Grey's on Latta to what Google is naming 390 Trail (not actually correct, but that's how they've labeled it) and change the Bill Grey's to your address. Do not block the crosswalk. See map image at Courses page.
Q. What's the path like?
A. The 2.06-mile path is paved and includes two bridges. We do not cross any roads! We use the stretch between Island Cottage Road and Dewey Avenue, making a U-turn after passing the posts in the middle of the path at each end. There are no streetlights in the area and no pedestrian lights along the path. When you get to the Dewey Ave. end, there is some light in the distance from the road and plaza. The entire path is along a wilderness preserve, other woods, and field. There are two brief stretches that are along Lake Ontario State Parkway where the surrounding areas are more open. Due to the number of deciduous trees, there is an excellent chance there will be leaves, twigs, nuts, and possibly even a few smaller branches on the path. Be mindful of such things. The path is open to the public, but we do not expect much traffic during the race. See aerial image at Courses page.
Q. What if I sign up and don't show?
A. It's like buying a ticket to a concert and not showing up: you miss out on whatever you would have experienced, including shirts that are race gifts - not purchases - and medallions that are finishers' tokens. Any shirts, swag, etc. not picked up by the end of the race may be offered to those looking to exchange sizes or who missed the shirt cutoff. For that reason, we strongly recommend buying the insurance. Another option is to transfer your registration to someone else. We do not charge for that!
