FAQ
You've got questions - we've got answers!
Registration
Will there be race-day registration for the in-person race?
Online registration will remain open through the start of the race at 7:30pm on race night However, you must register online and pay via credit card. We will not have registration kiosks or paper forms at the race venue, and cannot accept cash/checks. If you need to register onsite, you may do so using your phone.
HOWEVER - the last few days before the race carry the highest entry fees, so we really recommend that you pre-register.
Can I transfer between the 8K, Fun-Run, and Virtual 8K?
Yes. You can transfer between events until the June 7th deadline. If you transfer to a more expensive event, you'll need to pay the difference. If you transfer to a less expensive event, we cannot provide a refund, but rest assured that your entry fee will help our charitable beneficiary, Blessings In A Backpack, to feed hungry kids.
How do I transfer between events?
From your RunSignUp account, navigate to your registration and use the Manage Registration capability to do the transfer. See: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000062922-transfer-to-another-event
You can also find the Manage Registration link in your confirmation email.
If you have problems with the transfer, send us email at info@frederickss8k.com for help.
I can't use my registration. Can I get a refund or transfer it to someone else?
Sorry - we aren't able to issue refunds or deferrals and we don't permit bib transfers between participants. Your entry fee supports our charitable beneficiary, Blessings In A Backpack. If you are concerned about your ability to participate, we encourage you to take advantage of the insurance option when you register.
How does the optional event insurance work?
If you chose to purchase event insurance when you registered, it will show up as a separate charge on your credit card. You will also receive a separate confirmation email from RegShield within 30 minutes of your transaction. The event insurance covers issues such as injury/illness, work travel conflict, layoff/termination, mechanical breakdown, etc. It does not provide a refund if you simply choose not to participate or have a personal or work conflict.
To file a claim, we recommend selecting the “File A Refund Request” at the bottom of the confirmation email. Alternatively, you can visit the web page: https://www.fanshield.com/file-a-refund-request and select the RegShield option.
For more information, see: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000133083-what-is-protecht-regshield-
Course-Scoring
Will there be water on the 8K course?
Yes! We will have three aid stations with water. See our Course Map for the locations.
Is the course certified?
The Frederick Summer Solstice 8K course has been professionally measured and certified by USATF. See: https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=l&id=MD19008NP
Will there be mile markers?
Each mile is marked with an 18"x24" yard sign. Watch for them on the side of the course.
Is the course closed?
While we have permission from the Town of Walkersville to close the roads along the course route, we cannot control local traffic from entering the course at times. Our traffic flaggers and course marshals will do their best but we advise all runners to remain vigilant.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. For the safety of our runners and volunteers, we need to have everyone off the course before dark. All runners must finish by 8:45pm, which equates to a 15 min/mile pace. We will ask anyone still on the course after 8:45pm to move to the sidewalk to get back to the race venue. Finish times will not be provided for runners finishing with a time greater than 1:15.
Is the race scored via gun time or chip (net) time?
The overall winners will be scored by gun time. All others will be given "chip" time, so there is no need to crowd the starting line.
What about real-time results? How do I know if I've won an award?
We will not be interrupting the music with an awards ceremony. After you finish, you can simply scan the QR code on your bib to get your result and see if you've qualified for an award. If so, come to the awards table near at the Activities Building (where packet pickup was held) and our volunteers will be happy to connect you with your award.
If you don't have a phone with you, we'll have results kiosks available for checking your results.
If you notice a discrepancy in your result, let us know right away so that we can work with the timer to straighten it out.
Can I run with a stroller? Or my dog?
Strollers are allowed in the One-Mile Fun Run but are not permitted in the 8K event.
Sorry - you'll have to run without Fido at the Summer Solstice 8K. We don't allow dogs on the course for either event.
What if...?
What about severe weather?
Oh boy! Summer storms are not great for outdoor events, and your safety is a priority for us.
We don't worry about rain. We do worry about lightning, high winds, and tornadoes. And excessive heat.
Unfortunately, summer storms are difficult to predict, even when they are in the forecast. Sometimes they are hyper-local and pop-up/dissipate without much warning. So it's likely that any decisions about storms may need to be made close to the race start time. If there is lightning in the vicinity, we may need to delay the start by up to 30 minutes. Runners will be asked to shelter in their vehicles, and we'll communicate as best we can.
Heat can also be a dangerous issue. If the temps are unusually high, we will encourage runners to take it easy, or even drop out if training and/or heat acclimatization is marginal. It's possible that the race might be downgraded to a Fun Run to encourage everyone to back off of the pace. It's unlikely that we'd need to cancel the race, but extremes are always a possibility.
In 2021, storms were predicted but they just slid around us in the early evening and all we had was a bit of cooling rain during the race. And a beautiful rainbow. It was kind of magical!
What if I can't finish the race or I'm not feeling well?
You can ask any volunteer (course marshal or water stop volunteer) to contact race medical support for assistance.
What if I forget my picture ID and want to use my beer ticket?
If that happens, it's not going to be a beer night for you. There are no exceptions. We don't care how old you look or what age your race registration has. We cannot risk our liquor license and we know you'll understand.
Oops - what if I accidentally drink too much at the party?
PLEASE don't drive home! We will be happy to help you get an Uber/Lyft or put you in touch with SOS Safe Ride. This local nonprofit will drive you and your car home.
What if I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on the course. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are permitted in the celebration area.
One-Mile Fun Run
Who should participate in the Fun Run/Walk?
The Fun Run/Walk is perfect for our participants who may not be interested in the 8K distance on race night. Walking or jogging a mile is very doable and you'll likely beat all of our 8K runners back to the finish line! You'll receive the same race shirt and a drink ticket, and your registration will support Blessings In A Backpack.
Is the Fun Run/Walk timed? Am I eligible for an award?
The Fun Run/Walk is non-competitive and is not timed. Hence participants are not eligible for awards. Enjoy the course at your own pace.
What about strollers in the Fun Run/Walk?
Strollers are allowed in the Fun Run/Walk, but please be careful of other participants. Infants and children in strollers under the age of 5 do not need to be registered participants.
Virtual Race
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is nearly the same as an in-person race, but instead of running along the same course at the same time, participants can complete the distance anywhere they choose and at any time Saturday or Sunday of race weekend. You can race against your treadmill, take your laps around the neighborhood, or walk your dog for the day! The possibilities are endless, and your race is up to YOU!
Why offer virtual racing this year?
Some of our participants may be out-of-town, or unavailable the evening of the race. With the virtual event, you can run at your convenience anywhere and any time race weekend.
Will I still get a race shirt?
Yes! All participants who register before the Shirt Cut-off date of May 21 will receive this year's Summer Solstice 8k race shirt via US Mail. If you register after the date, there will be limited availability of shirt sizes, so don't procrastinate!
How do I submit my time?
You will be able to optionally submit your finish time and be listed in the results if you have registered for our Virtual event.
Just go to the Results page on our website and click on "Submit Virtual Results"
Do virtual runners get a race bib? Do I have to wear it?
This year we are providing a downloadable digital bib that you can print out. It's just to add a little more fun and realism to the virtual event. While you don't have to wear it, we would LOVE to see your race-day selfie wearing your digital SS8K bib!
To access your digital bib, see: https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000102847-view-digital-bib
When will the race shirt ship?
We will begin shipping the weekend before the race and will continue through race weekend as supplies last. Remember to register by May 21 if you want to guarantee your race shirt.
