FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

If you cannot find the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact us [Contact]

Runners are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to attend the expo to pick up race packets on FRIDAY OR SATURDAY. Because of the number of runners expected on Sunday May 12 2013, we strongly advise all participants to plan ahead and pickup their race packets on Friday or Saturday at the Health and Wellness Expo.


1. What are the start times for each race?
a. The Cox Sports Marathon will start at 7:30 A.M. the UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon starts at 8:00 A.M. on Sunday May 12, 2013. The 5k will start at 9:00 A.M. and the Kids Marathon at 9:05 A.M. on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The Cox Sports Marathon & the UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon will start in Kennedy Plaza on Exchange St next to Burnside Park. The 5k will start at 9:00 in the morning of Saturday May 11, 2013. The Kids Run will start at 9:05, just after the start of the 5k.

2. Where is there parking available?
a. Use downtown parking lots for the marathon, half marathon and expo. 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.

There is parking available for the The 5K and Kids Marathon at Roger Williams Park.

3. Will Chips be used?
a. The new technology B-Tag system will be used for timing. This is a disposable timing tag that attaches to the runners shoe. The B-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: [B-Tag instructions]

4. Will there be an Expo?
a. Yes! The expo will be located at the Omni Hotel Ball Room on Friday May 10th from 1pm-7pm and Saturday May 11th from 11am – 5pm.

5. Where and When is registration? PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.
a. Registration and packet pick-up for all three races will start on Friday May 10th from 1:00-7:00 PM and Saturday May 11th from 11AM – 5PM at the Omni Hotel. On Sunday May 12th packet pick-up will begin at 6:00 AM to 7:45 AM for the Cox Sports Marathon and the Half Marathon.

Onsite Registration for the 5k will be available starting an hour and half prior to the star to the 5k at Roger Williams Park on Saturday May 11. 5k runners can also pick up their bibs at the expo at the Omni Hotel on Friday May 10.

6. Will there be medallions?
a. Yes. Medallions will be race specific and awarded to the UnitedHealthcare 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 2014 Boston Marathon.

10. What do I do with my belongings at the start?
a. There will be a gear bag check for the Cox Sports Marathon and UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon on race day. Gear bag check will be located in the Bank of America Skating Rink near the start/finish. The bags will be available to pick up at any time in the same location. You must have your bib number to retrieve your bags.

11. Does the course have many hills?
a. The Cox Sports Marathon hugs the water and utilizes the East Bay Bike Path, creating a flat course with the only "hill" at mile 6. The UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon goes up and down Blackstone Blvd, providing some changes in elevation.

12. Will there be a pasta dinner the night before?
a. There will not be a Pasta Dinner in 2013 however a number of race sponsored deals are available at some great local restaurants.

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.

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 UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon has a walker friendly time limit of 3.5 hours.

15. Where are the best Hotels to stay?
a. Westin Providence is the host hotel. 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 UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon and The 5K. To see a full list of special race weekend rates [Travel]

16. When does registration close?
a. Online registration ends on May 7th. Mail-in registration ends on April 30th.

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 [Maps].

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 30th. There is no refund for changes from the Cox Marathon to the half marathon. The cost to change from the half marathon to the Cox Sports Marathon is the difference plus $10.00. Please contact us at help@rhoderaces.com to process your request. In the request runner must provide their information and what race they registered for and what race they wish to switch to.

21. Are there restrooms along the course?
a. Yes. There will be port-a-johns located at all water stops on course.

22. Is there packet pick up on race day?
a. Those registered for the Cox Marathon and UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon can pick up their number the morning of the race at registration on the ground floor of the Omni Hotel Ballroom from 6:00 – 7:45AM.

HOWEVER, it is STRONGLY recommended that all race participants pick up their bibs and packet prior to race day as there is no guarantee that runners will be able to start on time if they wait to pickup on race day.

23. What does the medal look like?
a. Currently being designed.

24. Can I receive a refund if something happens and I can’t run this year?
a. Deferals are accepted to the next year's race for a $20.00 processing fee. Contact us at help@rhoderaces.com if you wish to defer your entry. For more information, please review the Terms and Conditions.

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. GU and bananas will be available at various aid stations along the course.