Frequently Asked Questions about the Forest City Road Races

If you can’t find the answer to your question, please contact us at forestcityroadraces@mail.com

What are the registration gifts?
This year’s gifts will be a 30th Anniversary moisture wicking technical shirt, for those who registar on or before February 28, 2012. After the deadline, you will have an opportunity to order a 30th Anniversary moisture wicking technical shirt for only $20. Registration gifts for the McDonald’s Kids Run for Kids Fun Run 1K will be a loaded bag of goodies compliments of McDonald’s.

Do participants in all events receive a shirt?
No, see above.

Which races receive medals?
Finishers in the Half-Marathon, 10k, and 5K races will receive a medal. Finishers in the 1K Fun Run will receive a ribbon.

Can I change my event?
Prior to April 15 please send an email to forestcityroadraces@mail.com and let us know your name and registration number, the event you are currently registered for and the event you would like to change to. If you are changing to an event with a lesser entry fee, there will be NO REFUND of the difference. If you are changing to an event with a larger entry fee, you will be charged the difference, plus an additional processing fee.

Do I get my money back if I can’t run?
There are no refunds and entries are non transferable. Entry fees will be considered a donation to TVCC, and a tax receipt may be issued. Please contact jackie.prince@tvcc.on.ca if you are unable to run.

Where do I pick up my race kit?
At the Registration Tent in Victoria Park, downtown London, on Saturday April 28, 2012, between 10 am and 5 pm.  Visit the Runner’s Expo while picking up your race kit.

Can I get a friend to pick up my race kit for me?
Yes. Please bring a signed note and or the confirmation number of the registration from the person you are picking up for.

What is the latest date I can register?
Mailed in entries must be RECEIVED at the Thames Valley Children’s Centre Community Relations office by April 27 at NOON. Online registration closes for all races on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 6 pm. No entries will be accepted Friday, April 27, 2012. Late entries will be offered onsite at Victoria Park on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Registration Tent from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm for ALL races. No registrations for the Half Marathon, 10k or 5k will be accepted on race day. The ONLY registration available on race day will be for the 1k Fun Run.

May I register on race day?
The ONLY registrations accepted on race day will be for the McDonald’s Kids Run for Kids Fun Run 1K, and these must be completed no later than 11:00 am in Victoria Park at the registration tent.

May I pick up my race kit/chip on race day?
Yes, but you must pick them up no later than 30 minutes before your race start time. We discourage this practice, and urge runners to pick up race kits/chips at the Registration Tent on Saturday April 28 to avoid possible delays on race morning.

Is there baggage service at the start/finish?
Yes, for all races except the McDonald’s Kids Run for Kids Fun Run 1K. Baggage check-in/recovery will be at the Band Shell in Victoria Park.

Where do I park at the start/finish?
Parking is available in several surface lots around downtown, as well as in multi-level garages downtown. In addition, there is on-street parking on certain streets not affected by the race (no parking on the streets bordering Victoria Park: Central, Wellington, Dufferin, Clarence). Fees vary by parking vendor.

What are the popular spectator spots?
The start/finish in Victoria Park is the most popular, but other sites include Gibbons Park, along Wharncliffe Road, and in the neighborhoods north of Victoria Park.

Are there gels on course?
No gels are provided, as most runners who use them have their preferred brand and flavour.

Are there port-o-potties on course?
Yes, every 5K approximately.

Where is the start line for all races?
All races start at Victoria Park in downtown London. The Half Marathon starts on Central Avenue, the 10k starts on Clarence Street, the 5k starts on Wellington Street and the 1K Fun Runs starts on Dufferin Avenue.

Where do I take my pledge dollars raised?
Donations collected for Thames Valley Children’s Centre can be taken to the Registration Tent and Expo on Saturday, or the start/finish line on Sunday. TVCC will have staff present to accept your pledges. You can also forward your pledge money directly to Thames Valley Children’s Centre.

When are awards and prizing given out?
Where? Awards for the half-marathon, 10k, and 5k will be given out in Victoria Park shortly after the conclusion of the various races. Look for times to be announced on the website soon. No awards or prizes will be given for the 1K Fun Run, but all finishers will receive a ribbon.

Are Walkers allowed in the events?
Yes, we allow walkers in all our events, but we do not provide prizes for walkers. Please note that there is a 3 hour finish time for the half marathon. If you are walking that event and cannot finish in three hours you may be asked to move onto the sidewalk to finish, and you may not get an official chip time.

Do walkers get a timed result?
Yes. All participants (excluding the 1K) get a timed result. The Half-Marathon is timed with a chip time start/finish, while the 10k and 5k have a gun-time start time.

Can I push a baby stroller/jogger while I run/walk?
Yes, BUT…please be considerate of other runners by starting at the rear of the pack, and by NOT walking/running two or more abreast.

Can I wear headphones/earplugs?
We STRONGLY encourage you NOT to wear headphones or earplugs while running in our race. You will be sharing the road and paths with many other runners, as well as cars in some areas, and you should be able to hear what is going on around you. In addition, there are some parts of the course where you may need to hear instructions from marshals, which will be impeded by your headphones/earplugs. For your safety and the safety of others, we encourage you to not wear such devices.

Will I receive my prize/award after the event?
Yes, all prizing must be picked up on the day of the event. There is no prizing in the Walking events.

How do I wear my timing chip?
We will be using disposable chips that attach to your shoe this year. Please note that the chips ARE recyclable, so please recycle your chip after your race at the Eco Stations in the park.

What is difference between Chip Time and Gun Time?
Gun Time: The time from the sound of the starters signal to the time when the runner crosses the finish line. Also known as the Official Time. All award categories are prized by Gun Time. Real Time, Chip Time: The time from when the runner crosses the starting mats at the start line, to the time elapsed when the runner crosses the finishing mats. Prizing is not based on Chip Time.

Is Race parking available?
Parking is available on several city streets in the area, as well as in private pay lots. The parking lot at the corner of Queens and Clarence will be open for participants on Saturday for registration, from 10am to 5pm, for a reduced rate of $2. The same lot is also open on Sunday for runners beginning at 7am, for the same reduced rate of $2. The parking lot beside Centennial Hall on Wellington street will also be open on Sunday for the standard rate of $5.