2012 Park City Full & Half Marathon
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Runner Handbook

Welcome to the Park City Marathon presented by the Newpark Town Center. Below is a summary of all the things you need to know to make your day at the races run smoothly.

You can also download the word document by clicking here

RACER BAG PICK-UP DATES & TIMES (Locations TBD):

  • Thursday, August 16 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, August 17 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday August 18 (Race Morning) from 5:00 – 6:00 a.m. *

*Please use this option only if you cannot make an earlier date, because it will be very hectic. If you show up late, you will not get your packet in time to start with the other racers.

BIBS & TIMING CHIPS: 
We are using Milliseconds Sports Timing to time the event. The race will be timed using a disposable chip attached to the back of your bib. You do not have to do anything special to activate it or to make it work for the race. Just wear the bib on your chest as you would for any other race. Please do not remove the foam padding from the chip, or crush, fold or remove the chip from the bib. There is no need to return the chip after the race is over.

Please make sure your paper bib is visible throughout the race—don’t put it on a sweater, which you’ll then abandon at an aid station.  If you don’t have a bib and chip, we will wonder if you’re a ‘bandit’, and running without paying an entry fee.  Bandits will be summarily executed and their carcasses left hanging on display in the Plaza.

START SCHEDULE / DETAILS: 

There is plenty of parking all around the Newpark Plaza – follow the volunteers’ instructions.

4:45 a.m. The Basin Fieldhouse is available for warm up and stretching

4:45 a.m.  Marathon Walking participants lineup at Start – you must have registered as a Walker

5:00 a.m.   Walking participants Official Start

6:10 a.m. Escorts will arrive at the Fieldhouse with signs, and Marathoners will make the 2-minute walk to the start line.  Half marathoners may elect to stay in the Fieldhouse for a little while longer, but please keep track of time, as there will not be a second escort.  Arrive in the start chute not later than 6:35 a.m.

6:25 a.m. National Anthem at Start

6:30 a.m. Marathon Start  – Mass Start Please situate yourself in the lineup according to your estimated time—“jumpy jackrabbits” in front, “tumescent turtles” to the rear.  Strictly voluntary! There will be a lead bike rider, who will stay on course and guide the first runners.

6:35 a.m. Half Marathoners start staging at start (NO Escort from Field House so make sure you are aware of the time!)

6:45 a.m. Half Marathon Start – 1st Wave*

6:50 a.m. Half Marathon Start – 2nd Wave*

* All Runners are timed by their chip.  Timing will be activated when you run through the start arch, so you do not need to wave about which wave you begin it.

Half Marathoners Please Note: To avoid confusion in the start, please start out of the Star areas until after the start of the marathon. Once the Marathoners have run off, please be courteous and allow the volunteers to make a few adjustments prior to coming into the start area On the first turns you will be on streets, but at mile 9/10 your course necks down to an 8’ wide trail and stays that narrow for most of the course.  Please stay on your half of the trail, especially when runners start coming the other way!

Walking Participants: Registered Walking participants will start at 5:00 a.m. To be included in this group you must register as a “Walker”.  Walking participants should head out with the knowledge that there will not be support on course initially.   It’s advisable to carry water and a headlamp, and know the first few miles of the course in the dark!  Plan on being part of the walking group leaving at 5:00 a.m.

COURSE CUT-OFF / CLOSURE: 

The course closes at 1:00 p.m.  For your safety, we have set up two “Free Ride Home” locations.  If you are not at the top of the course (mile 16, Snow Park Lodge) by 10:00 a.m; or the McPolin barn (mile 21) by Noon, you will be stopped, your bib number and chip removed, and you’ll be offered a ride to the finish in a comfy staff car.  If you choose to continue against our recommendation, you do so at your own risk.

COURSE SURFACE: 

Approximately ten of the miles of the marathon route are on quiet residential streets (scattered through the course, not in one stretch). The rest (16 miles) is either on smooth gravel or paved bike paths.

The Half Marathon course is run almost entirely on either paved or smooth gravel paths.  Please watch out for bicyclists and dog walkers.  Neither route is closed to traffic, and although we have law enforcement and course marshals, you are also responsible for your safety!  Stay to one side of the road as instructed by the officials, signage and chalk.

Look for: Blue Chalk —Marathon or Green Chalk—Half Marathon

strong>CAUTION ON COURSE:

There will be a lead bike rider for both races. This is not a big city marathon. Neither course is closed to traffic.  Obey all course marshal instructions and chalk markings regarding which side of the road to run on.  Please don’t run down the middle of the road!  In particular, be alert in the following areas:

Marathon Course Cautions:

  • Mile 4.3, turn off Highland Drive at second Aid Station. It is a short (100 yds) single-track trail to the first tunnel.
  • Mile 10, cross Hwy 248 on Rail Trail.  Utah Highway Patrol will be on duty for most runners, but if you are later in the pack, you may have to wait for a car to pass.  Course marshal will assist.
  • Mile 14 crosses Bonanza Drive at end of Rail Trail.  Busy city street, PC Police on duty here, but please be aware of traffic and possible road construction.
  • Mile 19—rough road through Old Town
  • Mile 21 tunnel near McPolin barn.  Possibly wet and slippery.

Half Marathon Course Cautions:

  • Runners will be completing an “inner loop” through Newpark before turning onto an 8’ wide paved bike path.
  • Please be respectful of the condo owners, don’t throw trash, clothes or make too much racket…they are staying home until you pass!
  • There will be an informal two-wave start.
  • Since your chip rather than the clock will time you. It doesn’t matter which wave you are in, but if you are speedy and would feel better in front, please situate yourself in the start chute according to your pace.
  • Parkites love their dogs, and frequently let them run loose in the open spaces around the trails.  We have put up signs and have instructed the course marshals to get dogs on leash, but please be aware of dogs and any other non-race traffic such as walkers, little kids on bikes and so forth on the trails.
  • At the second and sixth aid station (same location), you will be crossing Old Ranch Road.  There are course marshals to assist with the light traffic, but please be cautious after leaving the aid station and don’t just run across without looking!

 

AID STATIONS: 

 

There are 14 aid stations, located approximately every two miles. Each will be stocked with water and Powerade. Additionally, the last four stations will have GU packets.

For the Half Marathon, the turnaround point will offer GU.

Most Marathon aid stations will offer light solid foods such as bananas, oranges, PROBAR’s, chips, candies. All aid stations have Vaseline or Neosporin, band-aids, tampons, lip balm, sunscreen, Kleenex.

PORTA-POTTIES & FLUSH TOILETS: 

At start/finish there will be porta-potty units, some near the Fieldhouse, some on the plaza. We can’t use the indoor plumbing at the Fieldhouse, it will overload the system!

Flush Toilet Locations:

  • The first aid station, in the Trailside Park building, directly behind the aid station.
  • Mile 13.6 in City Park (look for the sign)
  • Mile 20 of the Marathon / Half Marathon turnaround – Rotary Park
  • Mile 21.5 McPolin Barn

All other Aid Stations will have Porta-potties.

 

WEATHER & ALTITUDE: 

 

The keyword here on the weather is variability. Although late August seems to be better suited to good weather (no guarantees!), be prepared for an entire spectrum of weather conditions—from low 40’s to mid 80’s. If you are packing to come to Park City, bring a variety of clothes.

If you are from the flats, welcome to the beautiful mountains!  Our course is not deliberately tortuous, but hey, the mountains are part of what makes it beautiful.   The course climbs 878 feet over 15.7 miles (1-2% average), and then the return is downward trending.

  • Starting Elevation: 6,372’ Newpark Plaza
  • Marathon high point: 7,250 at Snow Park Lodge, Deer Valley Ski Resort, mile 15.75
  • Half marathon start: 6,372’, climbing to 6,700’ at turn around point (Rotary Park)

We’ve provided a great variety of terrain so you won’t be bored – six tunnels, a skier bridge in Old Town, a two-block long 16% uphill kicker at mile 18 (honorable to walk here), and a nice long downhill after that!  It’s going to be “the high point of your summer” for sure!

CLOTHING / BAG DROP / LOST & FOUND:

Runners may bring a bag with dry clothes or other belongings to the start area.  Look for the “Clothes Corral” sign.  The bags should have bib # marked on outside.  Volunteers will organize the bag area for later retrieval.   If runners want to shed clothing during the marathon race, there is a clothing drop at the first few aid stations.  Please use masking tape and a marker to tell us your bib #!  A table will be set up in the Fieldhouse with markers and tape.

Half Marathoners may also drop clothing at their Aid Stations.  Other possessions left along the course will be brought back to the Clothing Corral as each Aid Stations closes.  Any unclaimed items on race day will be left in the lost and found at the Start/Finish and if unclaimed by Friday, August 24th, will be tossed or donated to charity.  If you’ve lost something please email info@pcmarathon.comand we’ll do our best to reunite you with your belongings.

DIRECTION TO START / FINSH & PARKING: 

The Start/Finish area is at the Newpark Plaza at the Kimball Junction area of Park City.  If you are coming from Salt Lake City or the airport, head east on I-80 (signs say “Cheyenne”) and take exit #145 for Park City (approximately 20 miles from the bottom of the canyon). Turn right at the top of the exit, and take the first left on Ute Blvd.  Go about 1/3 mile and look for volunteers and signs. There is ample parking in the general vicinity of the Start/Finish.  Please follow volunteer instructions and signs.  The host lodging, Newpark Hotel, is directly upstairs from the start/finish area, and would also be a great place to watch for your special person, from the balcony/hot tub!

Finish Line Details:  The Finish Line is located on the east side of the plaza, 200 feet from the Start Line, on the paved bike path, and will be marked with an inflatable arch.   The center area, known as the “Kitchen” which includes the final chute, is reserved for runners and credentialed staff only!  Spectators may stand just outside the ‘Kitchen’.  Upon finishing, all racers will receive their custom-made glass sun catcher finisher medal and refreshments. After your libations, please make your way toward the main grassy area to be reunited with your loved ones.

MEDICAL SUPPORT: 

We will have a medical staff station at the start / finish area – look for the Red Cross Banner. If you feel unwell or overheated, spend some time in the shade at the finish line, or in one of the nearby air-conditioned shops or restaurants. If you are chilled, plan on a nice hot shower (bring your own towel)–there are shower facilities at the nearby Fieldhouse for $2.00.   There will be ice and washcloths in the ‘Kitchen’ at the finish area.

On Course:  There will be two two-man bicycle medical teams on course.  If you need medical attention and do not have visual contact with a bike crew, simply ask for help at any Aid Station.

AWARDS CEREMONIES:

Top three overall place finishers for both men / women, for both the Full and Half Marathon will receive a unique glass award made buy local glass artist Morag Totten.

We will also be presenting age group awards to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place finishers both male/female, for both the Full and Half. Age groups are as follows: 18 & under, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 & Over

  • Half Marathon Award Ceremony will take place at 9:00a.m.
  • Marathon Award Ceremony will begin at 11:00a.m.

Please be aware that we cannot give out awards early, nor ship them at a later date/time.

Ten Year Club members (those having run the Park City Marathon ten times) will be presented with an embroidered duffel bag.  Is this your 10th year running the marathon?  If so, please let us know so we can verify the records and get your duffel to you!  email info@pcmarathon.com.