FAQs - Eisenhower Marathon
April 5, 2008 - Abilene, Kansas


1. Can you send us motel information for Abilene?

2. What is the closest motel to the race start/finish?
3. Will there be first aid assistance on the course?
4. Do all finishers receive a medal and a shirt?
5. Is the course really "flat"?
6. What is the elevation at the start/finish line?
7. Is this race really a Boston Qualifier?
8. Could you describe some of the visitors' attractions in Abilene?
9. What are the dropout procedures?
10. Will I get a refund if I cannot run on March 27?
11. Will there be an early start for slow runners?
12. Will there be a cutoff time for the finish line?
13. Is there a time limit for the course?
14. Are walkers allowed to enter the marathon?
15. Are there age division awards?
16. Are headphones allowed?
17. How often are the water stations? Port-a-pots?
18. Can we register on-line?
19. Do you have runner critiques for previous Eisenhower Marathons?
20. Will you have computer chip timing?
21. Are activities available for families of runners and other spectators?

DID YOU KNOW THE RACE IS BROADCAST ON THE WORLD-WIDE WEB? TELL FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO LOG ONTO www.ksallink.com AND LISTEN TO THE EISENHOWER MARATHON IN ABILENE, KANSAS.

 

1. Can you send us motel information for Abilene?

Our mailed registration brochure has motel addresses and phone numbers and that information is also available on Abilene's website www.visitkansas-i70.com. Runners are eligible for 10% discount on motel rooms if they mention they are runners when reserving rooms.

2. What is the closest motel to the race start/finish?

All motels are about equal distance from the race start/finish line. We will have shuttle buses pickup runners for the pasta dinner Friday evening, if desired, and definitely for the race start Saturday morning. Shuttle buses will also return runners to the motels after the pasta dinner Friday and after the awards ceremony on Saturday if desired. Shuttle schedules will be posted in the motel lobbies. Call 785-787-2098 to arrange shuttle service.

3. Will there be first aid assistance on the course?

We will have nurses at the start/finish line, and throughout the course. We have three registered nurses on the course, one at Browns Memorial Park, one at the turnaround point for the marathon, and one in a "roving" emergency response vehicle (ERV) which could pickup runners who are facing minor injuries yet unable to finish the course.

There will be horseback riders with cell phones to report any runner injuries and call the ERV or EMTs as needed. Emergency medical services from Abilene's Memorial Hospital will be at the finish line, ready to go on the course if needed.

4. Do all finishers receive a medal and a shirt?

All runners receive a T-shirt in their runners' registration packets. All marathon and half marathon finishers receive a medal. All other race finishers receive an Eisenhower Marathon ribbon.

5. Is the course really "flat"?

Individuals with USA Track & Field involved in certifying the course have labeled it as flat and fast. The marathon winner for the past three years has said he would describe the course as, "gently rolling hills and very fast." There are rolling hills between the 11-mile and 15-mile areas. The difference between the highest elevation and the lowest point is only 41 meters.

6. What is the elevation at the start/finish line?

The elevation is 350 meters above sea level.

7. Is this race really a Boston Qualifier?

Yes, it is a Boston Marathon qualifying race for the next year.

Horseback riders provide security for runners who are following the historic Chisholm Trail on the course for the Eisenhower Marathon. Each rider is equipped with a cell phone and emergency medical phone numbers.

8. Could you describe some of the visitors' attractions in Abilene?

Added visitor information may be gained from Abilene's website which is www.visitkansas-i70.com

9. What are the dropout procedures?

If you know you cannot finish, notify a course volunteer (horseback rider, aid station volunteer, nurses station volunteer, National Guard soldier). Give your name and bib number for notification to the finish line and ask for a sweep vehicle to pick you up. If you know you must drop out of the race and have someone to pick you up, you must give your bib, which is your timing device to the nearest water/aid station.

10. Will I get a refund if I cannot run?

Sorry, our no-refund policy is clearly stated on the registration brochure.

11. Will there be an early start for slow runners?

No, all runners will start at 7 a.m.

12. Will there be a cutoff time for the finish line?

Someone will be at the finish line until the last runner crosses. However, there will be no course security and no water/aid stations after 6 hours. It is not recommended to continue running on this public highway after the detour has finished (1 p.m.)

13. Is there a time limit for the course?

Traffic will be detoured from the course from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. Runners will then be given the choice to finish WITH TRAFFIC on the course or be picked up. Remember this is a busy highway, with semitrucks. The shoulder is decently wide, but runners may have a gravel shoulder in some places. Slow runners might tour the course before race day to decide whether they would want to continue running after the 6-hour detour is completed.

14. Are walkers allowed to enter the marathon?

Yes, speed walkers are allowed and will be given finishers medals (or placing medals if they place among the top three) just like other marathoners.

Helpers at aid stations are encouraged to wear costumes and adopt a theme for their station. This group used the theme, "Keep Mo-o-oving On; You're Almost Halfway," as their station was located at the 12-mile mark.

15. Are there age division awards?

Yes, there are age division awards in both the marathon and the half marathon, also the 10K and
5K races. They are detailed on the registration brochure.

16. Are headphones allowed?

Headphones are allowed only during the 6-hour period that traffic is detoured. NO HEADPHONES ALLOWED ON THE COURSE AFTER 1 P.M.

17. How often are the water stations? Port-a-pots?

Water stations will be every mile. Port-a-pots will be every 3 miles.

18. Can we register on-line?

Yes, you may register at www.marathonguide.com and pay by credit card.

19. Do you have runner critiques for previous Eisenhower Marathons?

Yes, they are also on the Marathon Guide web site listed above.

We have had rave reviews with comments ranging from, "Best marathon I've done, and I've participated in 80," "Great hometown atmosphere," "One of the best," etc. The marathon evaluations ranked highly the event hospitality, organization and volunteer depth/assistance.

20. Will you have computer timing?

Yes, timing devices are in pouches attached to bibs.

21. Are activities available for families of runners and other spectators?

The Eisenhower Presidential Center and numerous tourist attractions are located near the start/finish of the race.

DID YOU KNOW THE RACE IS BROADCAST ON THE WORLD-WIDE WEB? TELL FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO LOG ONTO www.ksallink.com AND LISTEN TO THE EISENHOWER MARATHON IN ABILENE, KANSAS.

 
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