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Maine Marathon

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are early starts permitted?

There will be one early start for marathon walkers only at 6 a.m. There are no early starts for runners. Any runner who starts early will not receive an official time, nor will they be eligible for any awards, medals or certificates of completion (early walkers do get an official time, medal, etc.).

Are shower and/or locker rooms facilities available?

Locker rooms and showers are located in the basement of the Sullivan Gymnasium on the USM Campus (site of registration). There is no charge for the use of these facilities. Neither the university nor the Maine Track Club is liable for losses or theft incurred by participants. Locker rooms are for day use only.

Where can I park?

On race day, parking is allowed in the USM parking garage or any of the university parking lots, in the lots along Marginal Way, in the two small lots on Back Cove and on nearby streets. We strongly recommend that you park in the parking garage or one of the university parking lots off Bedford St., which is the first left-hand turn off Forest Ave. from I-295 Exit 6B. There will be signs for these lots. There is ample parking for all participants in the university lots. Parking is not allowed in the Hannaford Shopping Center parking lot adjacent to the start/finish area.

Where can relay teams park along the course?

Parking instructions for relay transition points are included with the race packets. Please make every attempt to park in these designated locations and avoid parking along the roadway, especially along Route 88 in Falmouth, where runners will be traveling in both directions.

Are there port-a-potties on the course?

Yes, there are port-a-potties at the start/finish line, at Mile 2 on the left, at Mile 5 on the left and at Mile 12 on the right. Runners are also welcome to use the bathroom facilities at Skillin's (Mile 6, on right) and the Falmouth Foreside fire station (Mile 7.5, on right). Runners will also pass these same locations on their way back to the finish line.

Can I switch from the marathon to the half marathon, or vice versa?

Yes, registered runners may switch events at any time before the race. There is no partial refund for those who switch from the marathon to the half marathon, and those who switch from the half marathon to the marathon will be asked to pay an additional $15 to account for the difference between the two entry fees. If you wish to switch events, please e-mail race co-director Bob Aube or notify the registration coordinator at packet pickup. Anyone who switches events on their own without notifying the proper race officials may be omitted from the official results.

What will the weather be like on race day?

The temperature typically ranges from the mid-40s at the start to the upper 50s or lower 60s by the finish. Forecasts and information about average climatic conditions can be found at the National Weather Service Web site.

Are walkers allowed in the race?

Yes, walkers are allowed in both the half marathon and the marathon. Course support ends at 2 p.m., however, so an early start at 6 a.m. is available to marathon walkers who don't expect to finish in under six hours. Runners are not allowed to start early. Anyone wishing to take advantage of the early start should pick up their packets and inform race officials on Saturday, as race-day registration does not open until 5:30 a.m. All walkers, even those who start early, will receive an official finishing time. However, there is no separate awards category for walkers.

Are wheelchairs allowed?

Yes, wheelchairs are allowed in both the half marathon and the marathon. We also welcome individuals with other physical limitations. We ask that you contact Ron Pelton so that we may accommodate your needs in an appropriate fashion.

Are baby strollers allowed?

For safety and insurance reasons, baby strollers are not allowed.

Where are the water stops, and is a sports drink available?

Water and Gatorade will be available at each aid station. The stations are situated approximately every two miles. Each of the aid stations will be in contact with medical personnel so that runners may receive medical assistance if needed.

When will the awards ceremony take place?

The awards ceremony for each race will began as soon as we have accurately confirmed the results, in the finish line area, weather permitting. If necessary, the ceremony will be moved to the place of registration check-in -- Sullivan Gymnasium. Runners who have won an award but are not able to stay for the awards ceremony can ask to receive their award before the ceremony. Please check in at the podium at the finish line.

Are massages available?

Prerace and postrace massages will be available at the start/finish line, weather permitting. If necessary, the massage tables will be moved to the place of registration pick-up -- Sullivan Gymnasium.

Where do I go for postrace food and beverages?

Postrace food and beverages will be available at the finish line for runners only. We ask that you not get food for family and friends so that runners who may finish after you also have the opportunity to replenish themselves.

What if I need medical attention?

Medical personnel will be at the finish line and will be roaming the course on bicycles. In addition, each fluid replacement station is in contact with the medical team so that runners can receive medical attention if necessary.

What about the relay race?

Marathon relay teams can be comprised of two, three or four runners. There is a limit of 50 relay teams. The relay consists of four legs of varying lengths, from 5.2 to 8.8 miles. The exchange points are located at Skillin's (Mile 6), the corner of Route 88 and Gilman Rd. (on the way back, at Mile 14.8) and at Pine Grove School (Mile 21). Instructions for the relay, including a list of places to park at each exchange point, are included with your race packets. Please park in designated parking areas and not on the side of the road.

Can I leave clothing at the starting line?

There will be a baggage trailer near the starting line where you can leave clothing. Clothing left in the gymnasium will also be brought to the trailer after the race begins. Articles of clothing that are left unclaimed after the race will be donated to a local homeless shelter. The Maine Track Club is not liable for any losses or theft that runners may incur.

Are any roads closed for the race?

The following roads will be closed to traffic on race day:

• Portland: Baxter Boulevard closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Falmouth: Route 88 from Route 1 intersection to Depot Road closed from 8-9:30 a.m.; also Depot Rd. closed from 8-9:30 a.m., and Johnson Rd./Route 88 intersection closed from 8 to noon
• Yarmouth: Gilman Road from Route 88 to Prince's Point Road closed from 9 a.m. to noon.