Race Day Details
RACE DAY DETAILS
Below we have done our best to answer all your race day questions. If we missed any, please don't hesitate to reach out to Chistine Murray, Development Director @ cmurray@pfars.org or Courtney Newman, Race Director @ courtney-newman@comcast.net.
RACE TIME
Sunday, October 15th @ 8:30 AM, registration opens @ 7:15 AM.
RACE LOCATION
Jasna Polana, Princeton.
PARKING
Hosting a 5K in a beautiful location like TPC Jasna Polana is logistically tricky, so we appreciate your cooperation on race day.
All participants and volunteers must enter TPC Jasna Polana through the 206 entrance. This may require participants to look at a map to plan their route instead of depending on GPS. The entrance off Province Line Road will be closed at all times to ensure the safety of the runners. The 206 entrance will close at 8:20 AM with no exceptions.
Please note this is one way traffic only so the dropping off of runners and volunteers inside TPC will not be permitted. For anyone who planned to drop off, we invite you to stay and cheer for our participants! Again, the Province Line Road entrance will be closed to traffic prior to and during the race. Those travelling North bound on 206 should be mindful of oncoming traffic when they are turning into Jasna Polana. Upon entry into the property, please follow those directing traffic who will have you bear right and drive towards the Club House parking lot.
Race parking is located .7 miles from the start line. We know for many runners, this is the perfect warm up distance. For those who wish not to walk to the start of their 5K, two small buses will be available to shuttle you to the start line. Portable toilets can be found near the start line.
The parking area is enclosed by the race course. For that reason, participants should be aware that they will not be permitted to exit the area until the race is over. When the last participant crosses the finish line, you will be permitted to exit Jasna Polana via the Province Line Road gate.
Carpooling appreciated.
BIB & SHIRT PICK-UP
On Saturday, October 14th, the day before the race, all registered runners and walkers can pick up their shirts and bibs from 9 AM to 11 AM at Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, 2 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton.
Anyone who can't get there Saturday can pick up their items on race morning at Jasna Polana starting at 7:15 AM.
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION
Race day registration will be available.
BATHROOMS
Portable toilets will be available near the start of the race.
After the race, restrooms are located in the Ladies' and Men’s locker rooms. Enter the right wing of the Clubhouse and make a left. The Ladies' Locker Room is on the right, three quarters of the way down the hall. There is a set of stairs at the end of the hallway. The Men’s Locker Room is downstairs.
BAG CHECK
There is no bag check on event day as parking is close to the check-in and finish area.
WATER STOP
Water will not be provided on the course. Participants are encouraged to carry their own water in a reusable bottle to help us reduce the environmental impact of the event. There will be water at the finish.
COURSE MAP
This is a USATF Sanctioned Course & Grand Prix event. There will be a lead bike. All turns will have volunteer course marshals to direct you. See more here.
RUN / WALK FOR FREE
We've made it simple to add a fundraiser to your 5K when registering. With our easy-to-use personal fundraising pages, you can do more than run to support Princeton First Aid & Rescue squad. Any participant who raises $100 will have the opportunity to request a registration refund.
AWARDS
We have 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overall Male, Female and Nonbinary awards. We have awards three deep, in 5-year increments, from Under 9 to Over 90! The awards ceremony will be 1 hour after the start of the race near the finish line. Awards will be announced but anyone who wishes to leave early is welcome to pick up their award in advance of the ceremony.
RECORDS
As this is a brand-new course, all records are up for grabs.
TAKE THE CHALLENGE
Did you know the squad’s average response time is 6 minutes and 11 seconds? We invite you to take the 6:11 challenge. Any participant who runs our 5K at 6:11 pace or faster will receive a free entry into our 2024 event.
DOGS & STROLLERS
As a USATF sanctioned Grand Prix event, dogs and strollers are not permitted in the race.
RACE TIPS
Line up at the start according to your predicted pace per mile. Runners in the front who are not a 6:00 min/mile runner may slow the start of the race and be a tripping hazard. If you must stop during the race, please move to the side of the road to avoid accidents or tripping.
POST RACE
After the race, all participants are invited to celebrate their accomplishments in the beautiful cobblestone entry way of Jasna Polana. We promise it will be the most beautiful finish line selfie you’ve taken! Share your pictures here. Be sure to enjoy our post-race food and refreshments.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS
This event is for those who like doing your 5K on your own schedule! It's perfect for those who have plans on the day of our event, don't live locally or wish to break the 5K distance up over a number of days. Our virtual option includes our "Run for Rescue" shirt and official race bib. Direct shipping of race packet to your home is included in your $40 registration fee. If you wish to upload your 5K results, you can do so here between 10/15 and 10/31. We'd also love it you uploaded your pictures here.
