Can I get a refund?

No, sorry. The 3RRR President has ruled that no refunds can be issued for any reason, period. However, it is permitted to request a transfer to another person, or defer one's entry to a future year. There is currently no cost to have this done. If you would like to switch events, you will not be refunded for any difference in price if it is lower; if you are switching to a higher priced event, you must pay the difference before you are officially transferred. Please note that the Race Director reserves the right to limit or reject these requests, or amend this policy at any time.

 

Can I PLEASE get a refund? I'm injured.

Again, sorry, but this is standard practice in athletics events. Ask 100 directors this and you will almost certainly be told no 100 times.

This is what race insurance is for!! It only adds a few dollars to your registration, which will cover most causes that would genuinely prevent you from participating. Everyone is clearly shown this option in the checkout window, so don't say you weren't aware of this option. Otherwise, please do not sign up until you are absolutely sure you will participate.

 

Where/When can I pick up my number/shirt/goodies?

We will have packet pickup at Fleet Feet Tri-Cities as usual (620 George Washington Way, Richland), on Friday 10/23 and Saturday 10/24, hours TBD. In 2026, we hope to turn this into a mini-expo with some of our sponsors. Fleet Feet also has a selection of shoes, apparell, gear, nutrition, etc. for last-minute needs you may have.

Note: Packet pickup is EXTREMELY busy at opening time. Consider arriving later in the window for a shorter wait time. If you live locally, please come to packet pickup if you are able to.

 

What's the deadline to register?

Entry fees increase at 11:59PM Pacific on December 31, April 30, and October 8.

To guarantee a shirt in your size, you must register by October 8.

Online registration will close after October 21. After that, you must come to Fleet Feet to register in-person. It is strongly preferred that you fill the form online, but we will have some paper registrations on hand. All major cards, Vemno, and cash are accepted.

The final opportunity to register is on race morning beginning at 6AM, and ending 30 minutes before the race starts - that's 7:30 for the Marathon and 8:30 for the Half Marathon.

 

Can I start early?

Only Marathoners can take an early start at 7AM. All Half Marathoners must start in the mass wave at 9AM. Only those who expect to take over 5.5 hours in the Marathon should start early. The aid stations will not open until just before the first runners in the main 8AM start arrive. This means early starters should have support by mile 8. We can load you up with extra nutrition before we send you on your way. Early starters are not eligible for podium awards.

 

Is the course the same this year?

No, we are returning to the 2005 course, with a couple minor reroutes. An interactive course map can be found at the link below.

The general route is: Richland Riverfront Hotel -> Columbia Point Marina -> I-182 Bridge North path -> Court Street -> Pasco River Trail (Half Marathon Turnaround) -> Blue Bridge -> Columbia Park out-and-back -> Cable Bridge East path -> Pasco River Trail -> back to Start.

Marathon Course: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3183090

Half Marathon Course: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3286914

 

Will the course be USATF Certified?

Yes, and it should be finalized in Summer 2026. An announcement will be made immediately once it is. You can then use your time to apply for Boston, Chicago, the Olympic Trials, etc. Course certificates are good for 10 years.

 

What will you have at the aid stations?

Every aid station will have water and Gatorade mix in pre-filled cups, ~6oz each. There will also be an assortment of bananas, fruit snacks, granola bars, Clif bars, nut snacks, and mini-pretzels to supplement your carb and sodium needs. Gels will be placed at select stations, brand and flavors TBD. The best food is found at the finish line; there will be more of all these items along with some special surprises! We welcome all suggestions and feedback in this area especially.

Aid stations are approximately every 2 miles. Marathoners will pass by 8 aid stations a total of 13 times, Half Marathoners will pass by 3 aid stations a total of 6 times, and each Relay runner will pass by 3-4 aid stations.

 

Do you need volunteers?

It should go without saying, but the answer is always YES!!! Sign up under the volunteer button on the homepage, or send a message to tricitiesmarathonrelay@gmail.com

Volunteer groups may be eligible for a small donation to their organization. This will be arranged individually.

Individual volunteers may be eligible for a discount code to a future event, calculated on hours served.

 

What are your rules on headphones?

The Tri-Cities Marathon has no official position on music devices. They are not encouraged, but they are not prohibited either, with some exceptions.

Any participant at TCM who uses any music device does so at their own risk. Furthermore, they are responsible for being aware of their surroundings and following all traffic laws where applicable, as well as instructions from marshals/officials. While 70% of the course is on paths, and a cold Sunday morning means minimal traffic for the other 30% on shoulders, nothing will be fully closed for the race. Share the roads/trails! A participant who is asked by a race official to refrain from headphone use shall do so.

The other exception is for faster runners who wish to compete for prizes. In accordance with USATF rules, no competitor who uses any audio or communication device can win any awards.

 

When will TCM be held in future years?

It is always the last Sunday in October. The 2027 date will be October 24.