1. What are the start times for each race?
a. The Cox Sports Marathon and the Willow Tree Half Marathon start at 8AM. The Rhode Races 5K will start at 11:15 AM. The Cox Sports Marathon & the Half-Marathon will start in Kennedy Plaza on Exchange St next to Burnside Park. The Rhode Races 5K will start on Washington St next to Burnside Park. All 3 races will finish on Exchange St.

2. Where is there parking available?
a. Use downtown parking lots. Options include the Convention Center Parking lot and the Providence Place Mall parking lot are the closest lots to the starting line and are available for a fee. There is also free street parking available throughout the city on the weekends. DO NOT PARK ON RACE COURSE. CARS WILL BE TOWED.

3. Will Chips be used?
a. The new technology D-Tag system will be used for timing. This is a disposable timing tag that attaches to the runners shoe. The D-Tag system makes life easier for the runner as they no longer have to return a chip post race. For more information on this system: http://www.chronotrack.com/for-athletes/

4. Will there be an Expo?
a. Yes! Expo will be located at the Westin Providence on Friday April 30th from 1pm-5pm and Saturday May 1st from 9am – 5pm.

5. Where and When is registration? PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.
a. Registration and packet pick-up for all three races will start on Friday April 31st from 1:00-7:00 PM and Saturday May 1st from 9AM – 5PM at the Westin Providence in the Ballroom. On Sunday May 2nd packet pick-up will begin at 6AM to 7:45AM for the Cox Sports Marathon and the Half Marathon. Registration for the 5K will be from 6AM – 11:00AM.

6. Will there be medallions?
a. Yes. Medallions will be awarded to the Half Marathon and Cox Sports Marathon finishers.

7. Are there shuttles?
a. No, there are no shuttles available. Start and Finish are located in downtown Providence within walking distance to hotels and parking.

8. Is the course USATF certified?
a. Yes, all 3 courses are USATF certified.

9. Is the Cox Sports Marathon a qualifier for the Boston Marathon?
a. Yes, the Cox Sports Marathon will be a qualifier for the 2011 Boston Marathon.

10. What do I do with my belongings at the start?
a. There will be a gear bag check at the start of all 3 races. The bags will available to pick up at any time in the same location. You must have your bib number to retrieve your bag.

11. Does the course have many hills?
a. Both the Cox Sports Marathon and the Half Marathon will hug the water limiting the number of hills on the course while providing great waterfront views.

12. Will there be a pasta dinner the night before?
a. There will be a pasta dinner the night before (Sat May 2nd). It will be limited to 500 guests. The pasta dinner will be located at Chicago Pizzeria Uno at Providence Place Mall from 5pm-7pm Tickets are on a first come first serve basis. Former Olympians will be present to give motivational speeches.

13. Will there be medical stops on the course?
a. There will be medical stops along the course provided by Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistant Team and supported by Universal Ambulance. There will also be ambulances present at the finish line provided by Universal Ambulance.

14. Is there a time limit for any of the races?
a. Yes there are time limits. The Cox Sports Marathon has a 6 hour time limit and the Half Marathon has a walker friendly time limit of 3.5 hours.

15. Where are the best Hotels to stay?
a. Westin is host hotel and will be the location for registration and the expo. All of the downtown hotels have similar rates and are located within walking distance to the starting and finish line of the Cox Sports Marathon and Half Marathon and 5K. The downtown hotels are also within walking distance to the pasta dinner the night before.

16. When does registration close?
a. Online registration ends on April 27th. Mail-in registration ends on April 25th.

17. Can I push a stroller?
a. No. USATF rules/insurance does not cover strollers on the course, so they are not permitted.

18. Can I wear headphones?
a. YES

19. Are course maps available?
a. Course maps are available under “Course Info”.

20. What if I want to run a different distance than I signed up for?
a. Changes can be made up to 10 days prior to the race, April 28th. Changes from Cox Marathon to the Half Marathon no refund. Changes from the Half Marathon to Cox Marathon must pay difference plus $10. Must send request via email through the website, click on “Contact” link at www.coxrhoderaces.com. In request runner must provide their information and what race they registered for and what race they want to switch too.

21. Are there restrooms along the course?
a. Yes. There will be port-a-johns located at various locations around the course.

22. Is there packet pick up on race day?
a. Those registered for the Cox Marathon and Willow Tree Half Marathon can pick up their number the morning of the race at registration at the Westin Providence from 6 – 7:45AM.

23. What does the medal look like?
a. The medals will have the race logo on the front and a state landmark on the back.

24. Can I receive a refund if something happens and I can’t run this year?
a. Refunds won’t be granted to anyone.

25. Can I pick up someone else’s registration packet?
a. You can pick up registration packets for other runners. We will keep a list of who picked up for whom with their contact number. Team leaders should pick up all the registration packets for their entire team. You may be asked to show identification.

26. Will there be food on the course?
a. Powerbars and Gels will be available at various aid stations along the course.