FAQs
ARRIVAL & CHECK IN
The 5K will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. Once the 5K has started, there will be no additional registrations allowed. We encourage you to follow these tips to ensure a smooth arrival and check in process:
- ARRIVE EARLY. We anticipate nearly 1000 runners, as well as hundreds of spectators, at this event. Traffic will be heavy as you approach the venue. Provide ample time for traffic, road closures, parking and arriving at the venue no later than 7:45 a.m.
- If you are participating with a team/school (and you have already registered) report directly to your team's designated area, where you will find your 5K event bib and YMCA STRIDE 5K Challenge shirt. You do not need to check in at the Registration Tent.
- If you are not affiliated with a team/school, please report to the Registration Tent to check in / register.
PARKING INFO: VERY IMPORTANT. PLEASE READ.
We highly encourage you to carpool if possible. While there is ample field parking on and near the venue to accommodate our crowd, carpooling will help to alleviate the traffic congestion heading into and out of the event.
Some parking is across the street and may take up to 10 minutes to walk to the venue from your parking spot. Please build that extra time into your morning to ensure you arrive at the venue and are checked in on time.
Field parking will be available in designated areas on the grounds of New Garden Flying Field, as well as the field across the street. Follow signs and the parking attendants will direct you. CLICK HERE to view parking map.
If you require Handicap Parking access, please have your placard visible and pull directly into the airport where you will be directed to parking that is very near the venue.
5K COURSE INFO
We hope you enjoy this unique opportunity to run ON THE RUNWAY!!! The driveway/road leading into and out of the airport will close at 8:45 am to ensure it is free of traffic when the 5K starts. The course will start & end on the runway and continue around various hangars and on the grounds of New Garden Flying Field. There will be one water stop approximately half way through the course.
CLICK HERE to view the course.
WHAT TO BRING
In addition to your enthusiasm, please be prepared with the following:
- STRIDE participants & coaches: Please wear your program shirts (purple).
- While snacks & water will be provided after you cross the finish line, we encourage you to bring some water to stay hydrated before we begin.
- Your phone - for emergencies...and capturing the memories, of course.
FINDING YOUR TEAM
All teams will be organized in the set up area, in alphabetical order. Look for the bin with your team name.
SAFETY TIPS
With nearly 1000 participants, as well as their spectators, please be considerate of the following safety tips:
- Arrive early. While the 5K starts at 9, we recommend you plan to be on site by 7:45 to allow yourself time to work through the traffic congestion and to walk from the parking areas.
- Be patient at the start line. This is not a race, but rather a celebration for our STRIDE participants.
- Ensure your 5K bib is affixed and visible. While this is not a chip-timed race, your 5K bib will include emergency contact information for each participant and is required to be worn by every participant on the course.
- Stay to the right when there is two way traffic.
- Do not stop abruptly - move all the way to the right and out of the way of runners if you need to stop for any reason.
- When passing the water station, grab your water and keep moving. If you need to stop, please move all the way to the right and out of the way of other runners.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Thank you for being a part of our 2020 spring season 5K and this incredible opportunity to RUN THE RUNWAY! Our program participants have worked hard setting goals and training for this event. As a result, they will cross the finish line with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment - and we are thrilled that you will get to share that moment with them. From the moment you arrive, until the moment you head home, we want you to feel the energy and pride emanating from each child. In addition, here are a few other things you may want to be prepared for:
- There is one water stop approximately half way through the course.
- Walkers are welcome, we just ask that you line up toward the back of the crowd in the starting corral.
- Course marshals will be located along the course for your safety.
- As you reach the finish line, please proceed to move through and off the finish line chute to make room for all event participants. Do not linger at the finish line for other runners or walkers. Please ask your spectator friends/family to stay off the finish line chute.
- All STRIDE participants will receive a medal as they cross the finish line. The boys should wear their program shirt (purple) to ensure they receive their YMCA STRIDE 5K CHALLENGE medal.
- Should you have any questions or need any assistance during the event, please speak to a volunteer (bright pink shirts) or event staff (blue shirts).
BE PREPARED
Put out your STRIDE shirt and your running shoes the night before, stay hydrated, get a good nights sleep and enjoy a light healthy breakfast and you'll be all set for a great morning.
STROLLERS & PETS
Pets are not permitted on premise or to participate in the 5k.
Strollers are permitted, but we ask that you line up toward the back at the start line.
PHOTOS
You are welcome to bring your camera and capture all the memories. In addition, we are thankful to Jack McCoy Photography who will be snapping photos at the finish line and will have them available for you to view/purchase online after the event. You can view these after the event at https://jackmccoyphotography.com/chestercounty2020
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
With over 1000 people you can expect heavy traffic exiting the airport after the 5K. If you purchased tickets for the pancake breakfast, you can enjoy your pancakes at the EAA hangar (near the water station). The names of those who pre-purchased tickets has been provided to the EAA, so you just need to check in there when you are ready for breakfast. If you did not purchase tickets for the pancake breakfast but would like to, you are welcome to stop by the EAA hangar to see if they can accommodate you.
SPECTATORS
The 5K participants will start and finish on the runway. The best area to cheer on your runner would be along the runway. Please stay off the runway if you are not a 5K participants and remain in the grass area at all times. As the participants cross the finish line please DO NOT ENTER THE FINISH LINE chute. This area is reserved for 5K participants and our VIP volunteers who will be celebrating with the girls and awarding them their medals.
WEATHER
The GOTR 5K is a rain or shine event. Please plan accordingly. We keep a close eye on the forecast as we head into the weekend of this event and make every attempt to hold the event as long as the weather is safe. If the weather is determined to be unsafe, we will notify you as soon as possible via email.
Absolutely NO SMOKING/VAPING at this event or on the airport property.
