Rochester 1/2 Marathon | 5K | Kids 1/2 Mile
2022 PARTICIPANT GUIDE 

Everything you need to know for your race all in one place! 
Please be sure to read all information thoroughly so you are most prepared for race day.

Please be sure to read all notices as we are in a time where things are very fluid and info may adjust
Rochester 1/2 Marathon, 5K & Kids 1/2 Mile
Sunday, September 25, 2022

5K & Half Marathon Details
Start: Maplewood Park, Rochester, NY
Finish: Frontier Field, Rochester, NY
Half Marathon Start Time: 7:30AM
5K Start Time: 7:40AM


Kids 1/2 Mile Details
Start: Corner of Browns Race & Furnace St in High Falls, Rochester, NY
Finish: Frontier Field, Rochester, NY
Start Time: 10:30AM
We will have Kids Race escorts to guide children to their start line

Registration Closes Saturday, Sept 24th at 3:45PM
Packet Pickup/Expo
Please go to Packet Pickup!
Do not wait until race day to get your packet!
Others may get your packet for you

Friday, September 23rd: 12-6PM
Saturday, September 24th: 10-4PM
Fleet Feet @ The Armory
(155 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14620)

The expo features dozens of socially distant exhibitors offering merchandise and the latest in running footwear, apparel, nutrition, and technology. Vendors include Karhu, Diadora, Brooks, Saucony, Superfeet, PUMA, ASICS, Altra, Nathan plus Patagonia Shop in Shop and .... URMC Research Team will be in attendance on studies recruiting healthy adults to study iron metabolism, and the genetics of iron metabolism

Virtual Participants can certainly get their packets at the Expo, this way they can still enjoy the expo festivities. Any virtual packet not picked up will be mailed to the US address in the registration the week after the live event.

There is race day packet pickup, which is NOT ADVISED, located inside the main gates of Frontier Field by the finish line from 5:30AM to 7AM.
Note: Packet Pickup is NOT at the start line nor is there day of registration
Special Group Shakeout Workouts & Vendor Fun
ALL WELCOME
Open to Everyone!
Happy Hour Shake Out Run/Walk with Saucony
Friday, September 23rd - 5:30PM
Join us for a relaxing Friday Evening workout before your big race! The Shake-Out will be followed by Happy Hour courtesy of Saucony!
Open to Everyone!
Breakfast Shake Out Run/Walk
with asics
Saturday, September 24th - 9:00AM
Join us for a relaxing Saturday AM 3ish Mile workout before your big race! The Shake-Out will be followed by Breakfast Treats courtesy of asics! Then, head into the EXPO at 10am and shop with your favorite vendors and pickup your race day packet!

Saturday morning, Sept 24th from 10-11:30AM

Ugly Duck Coffee will be on site providing coffee for each try on of Diadora Footwear
Virtual Participants
Virtual Participants will receive emails leading up to the event on how to submit their results. Please read that note carefully. There is an end time to submit results.

Indeed, feel free to come to the expo to get your packet and experience the excitement of the coming race day.
Post Race Services
Many thanks to the American Dairy Association, the sponsor of our Post Race Party Celebrations for race day and TOPS Friendly Markets for the Post Race Food Tent.

Sinzibukwud will be playing live in the Athlete Village, where you can visit the Recovery Tents to help work out any muscle kinks from your race provided by Lattimore Physical Therapy, Stretch Labs & North East Chiropractic College

American Dairy Association will have Chocolate Milk in the finish line for the perfect protein filled muscle recovery liquid goodness.

HOPWTR will be available to Sample at the Food Tent for Spectators & Participants

TopSeedz, a delicious gluten free and vegan treat, will be available in the TOPS Friendly Markets Food Tent

Participant Photographs
We have partnered with FlashFrame for the event! Photos will be available for purchase on their website. The link to view photos will be available couple of days after the event.

Timing Details
Your timing chip is on the back of your bib. By following just a few simple directions you can help make the timing of the race go smoothly:It is very important that the bib is worn on the front torso of each participant. Not on your shorts, or arm, or back or under a jacket. It MUST, MUST, MUST be visible on the front of your torso. Please be sure to not have it covered by a jacket, hydration belt or vest not even your hand if you start or stop your watch.

Both "net time" (the time from crossing the start line to crossing the finish line) and "gun time" (from the time the gun goes off to crossing the finish line) will be provided in the official results. All awards and placing are determined by the official "gun time". "Net time" is provided for the runner's convenience and is not used for placing.

If you lose, forget or misplace your bib on race day or if we have to switch your bib to a different race, there is a $5.00 replacement fee. No chip, no time. So be sure to pin it to your shirt the night prior to the race.

Please note there is no awards ceremony, but awards will be available at Fleet Feet @ The Armory starting at 11AM on Sunday, Sept 25th. We will not be mailing awards as they are glass. For Buffalo award winners, send an email to [email protected] by Tuesday, Sept 27th and we will transfer your award to Fleet Feet Buffalo. You must pick up your awards by October 8th, after that date they get recycled.
Your Participant Shirt & Medal
Sizes and shirts were guaranteed through August 15th. Half Marathoners and 5Kers receive a Short Sleeve Technical Top. Kids Race shirts were pre-bought by participants by Sept 12th. 5K & Half Shirts are still available if you know anyone interested in registering.

Half Marathoners and 5Kers will also receive complimentary PowerBar product and a race specific decal in their goody bag. Half Marathoners also receive a neck gaiter.

All finishers will receive a unique finisher's medallion as they cross the finish line. You can also download a commemorative digital finishers certificate from Run Sign Up.
Half & 5K Race Day Specifics
Start Line
The Starting Line is located on Maplewood Drive in Maplewood Park, by the tennis courts. For directions to the Starting Line. Please see Parking & Shuttles below, for where we suggest that you park race day morning.  No cars will be permitted to drive to the Start Line to drop off participants.
 
Finish Line
The Finish Line is located at Frontier Field,
1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester, NY 14608. 
For directions to the Finish Line and information on parking at the Finish, click here.

Directions/Parking/Shuttle Buses
We advise that participants park at Frontier Field (where the finish line is), where there is plenty of free parking. There is complimentary bus shuttles for 5K/Half participants only. You must show your bib to get on the bus. The busses run from 5:30AM to 7AM sharp.

Please Do Not Wait to Get on the Bus. If you waited until after 6:30AM, you may be at risk for not getting on the bus. Please arrive early for the shuttles.


You can be dropped off at the Maplewood Rose Garden and walk towards the start line via the pathway or be dropped off north of the Maplewood Tennis Court Area by old Kodak lots and walk south to the start line.
No cars will be permitted to drive to the Start Line to drop off participants. 
5K & Half Lining Up at Start Line
At the Start Line it is highly advised and recommended to line up according to the pace you plan on running. Faster athletes towards the front. We will line up the half marathoners by 7:15 am. The half marathon race will start promptly at 7:30am. We will do the National Anthem at 7:25am.

After the half marathon begins and exits the start area, we will then line up the 5Kers to begin at 7:40AM.

Please be sure to line up for the correct event otherwise you will be in for a rude awakening and potentially very disappointed. Your bib denotes what event you are in and everyone around you should have the same color bib for that event.
5K & Half Drop Bag Service
Drop bags will be delivered from the start line to the finish line courtesy of Altra and Fleet Feet. By following just a few simply directions you can help make the delivery of drop bags go smoothly.
  • You must use the supplied bag as your drop bag. Bags will be in your race packet you pick up at the race expo on Friday or Saturday or race morning at Frontier Field (again, not advised to wait). We can not accept other bags or items not in bags for delivery.
  • At the start, you will bring your drop bag to the designated area.
  • All items that you wish to have delivered from the start to the finish must fit inside the drop bag.
  • No valuables or keys in bags.
  • We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Be sure to write your bib number on the white space on the front of the bag.
  • Once the drop bag has been given to race staff, it can not be retrieved again until the Finish Line
  • The Drop bags will be delivered back to Frontier Field immediately after the start of the race. The Drop Bag truck will be located in the parking lot next to the stage. Show your bib number and you'll be given your bag.
  • You will not be able to claim your bag if you don't have your bib!
  • All bags must be claimed by 11:00 am on event day. We are not responsible for any bags not picked up.
  • Those in the 5K & Half that use this service we will have your bags ready for pickup by 8:30AM. The Fleet Feet/Altra Team needs time to drive back to the finish and sort the bags.
Course Specifics & Time Cutoff
The Course  
A course maps for the half and 5K can be found on our website here. Half Marathon course is USATF certified course taking in incredible scenery of the riverway and waterfalls, plus Lake Ontario. The 5K will start by heading north. Approximately 1/3 mile from the start athletes will curve onto the river path to head south. There will be a road marshal at the "turn around" plus cones.
 
Half Marathon Course Time Limits 
You must maintain a 16 min/mile in order to finish within the 11AM time cutoff. Here is a pace chart link below to help determine where you are at by pace. Volunteers and on course support support will cease at the following time cuts based on the 16 minute mile. At this time road re-openings will occur as well. The finish line will close promptly at 11AM. There is a 3.5 hour course limit for the half marathon.
The finish line will close at 11am for ALL events. 


Race Etiquette    
Please remember to be considerate of your fellow participants, especially while on the river path, which is narrow. During this portion, other runners may want to pass, so be sure to move to the side if someone behind you says, "on your left" or "coming through". It's proper race etiquette to let that person through. Headphones are discouraged since they distract you from being able to listen for instructions being called out by Road Marshals or Bike Patrol and from hearing when other runners are trying to get by. Please be sure to pay attention to what is going on around you during the race.

Water Stops
All water stops will have water and porta-potties. There will be 5 water stops each with water and electrolyte drink.
  • Water Stop 1 - at 2ish Miles outside Riverside Cemetery sponsored by Holley T&F Team
  • Water Stop 2 - at 4.5ish Miles at end of Genesee River Path before you turn up Petten sponsored by Black Girls Do Bike
  • Water Stop 3 - at 6.5 ish miles on Thomas Ave & Fair View Rd sponsored by Junior League of Rochester
  • Water Stop 4 - at 9ish miles at Cooperative Extension Building on St Paul sponsored by Pride Plumbing
  • Water Stop 5 - 11.5ish miles at Brewer Street by RGE hosted by Harley Allendale Columbia XC Team
Kids 1/2 Mile Specifics
Kids 1/2 Mile Race time is at 10:30 am on Sunday, September 25th at the corner of Furnace & Browns Race by High Falls/Pont de Rennes Bridge.
 
This is a point to point race, Walking to the start line will be required. It's less than a 1/2 mile from finish. Give yourself 15-20 minutes to get to the start line. You'll be able to cheer on 1/2 Marathon athletes as you walk to the start. . The kids will finish under the big arch where everyone else finishes. The Kids 1/2 Mile will get their own specific finishers medal. Kids Must register to participate.

We will be offering Kids Race Escorts that will be holding a sign that says "Kids Race Escort" and walk them to the Kids Start at the following times and details:
  • 10AM, 10:03AM, 10:06AM, 10:09AM, 10:12AM, 10:15AM, 10:18AM, 10:20AM
  • It is HIGHLY ADVISED to NOT WAIT until after 10:15AM to get to the kids start, so please meet with an escort between 10-10:15AM to guarantee getting to the start line. We start promptly at 10:30AM.
  • Kids must have their race bib visible on the front of their body
  • The escorts will be meeting/starting from the Morrie Silver Statue in front of Frontier Field. Look for their sign and the escorts leave exactly on time.
  • Parents - we advise not running with the kids during the race as we have other athletes still finishing the half marathon. You can certainly walk with them to the start line. For safety, we need to make sure all athletes have right of way on the course over any non participants. We will have Kids Escorts running within the course along side them helping them along the way. Plus this way you can run along the side and see them past the finish chute when they exit.

For Kids Race Packet Pickup, you can get your items at the same time as everyone else at the Expo
  • Friday, Sept 23rd from 12PM-6PM at Fleet Feet @ The Armory
  • Saturday, Sept 24th from 10AM-4PM at Fleet Feet @ The Armory
  • Race Morning, September 25th from 5:30AM - 7AM at the race site inside Frontier Field. It is HIGHLY ADVISED to go to Expo on Friday or Saturday as packet pickup does close at 7AM on Sunday.

Race Day Parking is the same as above but can be found here


Traffic Advisory - Road Closures
There will be some road closures & delays the morning of the race. The race begins at 7:30 am in Maplewood Park on Maplewood Drive (by the tennis courts). The course closes at 11:00 am. But please keep in mind that roads will be re-open as the final runner passes each checkpoint. We appreciate the efforts of the Rochester & Irondequoit Police Departments, who along with volunteer road marshals will do their very best to lessen the impact to the community while keeping the runners and walkers out of harm’s way.

Click Here to see the list of road closures for September 25th
Volunteers!
Be Sure to Thank ALL VOLUNTEERS! They are dedicating their time to ensure you have a successful event

Many Thank You's to these Groups for Being out on course acting as Road/Bus Marshals and Water Stop Personnel
 
Rochester Speed Skating Team | Holley XC Team | Black Girls Do Bike - ROC Chapter | Junior League of ROC | Pride Plumbing | Harley-Allendale Columbia XC Team | Rescue Pit, Inc. | Puppy Mill Rescue Team | Saint Ambrose Academy | Winona Woods Neighborhood | Volunteers of America Upstate NY |
Cancer Support Community ROC 
Final Reminders
  • Shuttle Bus Goers - Please give yourself enough time to get on a shuttle to make it to the Starting Line on time. DO NOT wait until 7:00 am to get on the last shuttle. We can not guarantee that you will make it to the Starting Line on time.
  • Remember on race day to wear your Bib Number with the chip attached, it is the only way your time will be accounted for!
  • When finishing we caution from stopping your watch with your hand over your chest as the timing chip can't read through the human body. Doing this can block the chip and we'd hate to have this happen to you.
  • Please work with the traffic control entities throughout the race. We want to provide you a safe course.
  • If at any time you feel you cannot complete the rest of your event, please move to the side, locate a water stop, road marshal or bike patrol and notify them of same. They will take appropriate action.
  • If a runner is in need of medical attention, please notify the closest traffic control officer, road marshal, bike patrol or water stop and let them make the 911 call. All 911 calls will be made from the Frontier Field Command Post.
  • If inclement weather occurs, please listen to course closure information from the traffic control officers, road marshals, bike patrol or water tables. They will provide further instructions.
  • After you cross the finish and receive your medal head to the participant post-race area, hang out, take in some music and revel in your success.
  • Please be aware that dogs are not allowed in Frontier Field.
  • Please thank all volunteers along the course and at Frontier Field. They have given up their own day to make sure you have a safe and memorable marathon experience.
  • NO LITTERING!!!!
  • Smile!! We are racing on Rochester streets spreading Joy!!

Thank you so very much for choosing this event & for joining us!
Other Guidelines
By registering for this event you are acknowledging that the date, time, location, and distance of the race may be changed, switched to virtual, or canceled at any time as deemed necessary by the Race Directors due to circumstances beyond their control. In the event that any of these scenarios happens or any other circumstances related to the organizers or participant, there will be no refunds, transfers, or deferrals allowed unless otherwise stated.
The Amazing Sponsors
Thank you so much to our incredible sponsors for their continued support!
155 Culver Road | Rochester, NY 14620 | 585.732.1090