FAQs

Is the Tobacco Road a Boston qualifier?

 Yes. The course is USATF certified, thus making the marathon eligible for use as a Boston Marathon qualifier.

 

Is the course hilly?

No.  A couple rolling hills at start/finish but the Tobacco Trail is all flat or gentle inclines/declines.  The course used to be an old railroad track and trains don't like steep hills (neither do most runners) so this means fast course times!

 

Will portajohns be available on the course?

Yes.  There will be 7 aid-stations on the course (most of them are run by 2 times as this is an out-and-back course) and multiple portajohns will be at every aid station, as well as near the start/finish line.

 

Is there a time limit?

Yes. The time limit for all races is 7 hours. The roads around the race course will re-open at 2pm, sharp.  Any runners on the course after 2pm will be pickedup by one of the SAG wagons and brought to the post-race party.

 

How many participants are expected?

There is a limit of 1500 marathon and 2500 half marathon participants.  Last year the half filled in January and the full filled in February, so register early.

 

May I wear my headphones?

Yes, as long as they don't interfere with your ability to follow instructions from race staff, police and race volunteers, interfere with your ability to compete safely, or interfere with other participants. Race staff reserves the right to disqualify you from the race and remove you from the race course.  If you are going to wear headphones, we recommend that you only wear one ear-bud so you can hear what is going on around you.  Failure to comply with volunteer, lead biker, and police instructions can result in disqualification. 

 

Are pace groups available?

Yes. The North Carolina Roadrunner's Club Pace Team will be providing the pacers for full marathon finish times between 3:30 and 5:00 in 15-minute increments and half marathon finish times of 1:30-2:30 in 10-minute increments. Stop by the Pace Team booth at the Bay Six expo to sign up and meet your pacers.

 

Is there a relay option?

There is no relay option

 

Can I have someone else pick up my race packet for me?

Yes. If you need someone else to pick up your race packet at the Tobacco Road Expo, they must have a photocopy of your driver's license or another photo ID.

 

Can I switch races?

Yes. Changing races will be allowed as long as the race to which you are switching is not full.  There are no additional fees for changing from the marathon to half marathon (but refunds are not given), but changing from the half marathon to the marathon will require a $20 additional fee to be paid.  Once the half is at capacity, no additional changes to the half will be allowed and when the full is at capacity, no switches will be allowed. Per USATF rules, if you decide to change races unofficially on race day you will be disqualified.

 

I have registered for this year's race, but am unable to compete. Can I get a refund or transfer my registration to someone else?

You may request a 50% refund until January 31, after which there will be no deferrals or refunds.  There are no deferrals or transfers of registration at our race.

 

Where should I park on race day?

Parking information is available on website.  Click Parking & Transportation on the left navigation.

 

Will bag check be available?

Yes. There will be a bag check area available in the main parking area.  Please bring a small bag for your items.

 

How do I get my award?

We will have very special awards this year.  The top award winners will be announced from the stage, the age-group winners will be posted at the stage and you can pick up your award as results are finalized.  If you cannot stay, please arrange for someone to pick it up for you as we cannot mail these awards.