FAQ
When is the race?
Both the marathon and half marathon will start at 7:00am CST on Saturday, May 5, 2012.
Where is Kenosha?
Kenosha is located on the Wisconsin/ Illinois border, on Lake Michigan. It is roughly a one hour drive from Chicago and a 50 minute drive from Milwaukee.
What does it cost to race?
You can find prices for both races CLICK HERE. Please note that the prices go up as we get closer to race day, so sign-up early.
Can I walk the marathon or half marathon?
Yes, but please be aware that the streets will only be closed off to accommodate those running 15 minute pace or faster. If you end up going slower than that pace, you may be moved to the sidewalks. Our course time limit for the full marathon is 6.5 hours, and if you are doing the half, you'll need to be on pace for 3:20.
Where/ when do I pick up my race packet?
We have three packet pick-up locations for 2012:
Chicagoland:
Saturday, April 28- 9:00am to 2:00pm
Wisconsin Marathon Office
7842 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL
Milwaukee Area:
Sunday, April 29- 11:00am to 3:00pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel Milwaukee- Wauwatosa
10499 W. Innovation Dr, Wauwatosa, WI
Kenosha (Race Weekend):
Friday, May 4- 10:00am to 8:00pm
Best Western Harborside Inn
5125 6th Ave, Kenosha, WI
You may have a friend or family member pick-up your packet for you. They will need a copy of your ID to get your packet.
THERE IS NO PACKET PICK-UP ON RACE DAY!
Can I have a friend pick-up my race packet?
Yes! Save gas and make someone else go. Anyone can pick-up your packet. All they need is your name and a copy of your ID.
Can I qualify for the Boston Marathon by running in your race?
Yes! We are a USATF certified event, and therefore a Boston Qualifier.
(Our flat course is sure to help you reach your goal time.)
What about parking?
There is plenty of parking around downtown Kenosha on the streets and in lots.
Maps will be handed out at packet pick-up. CLICK HERE for more details on parking.
What is the course like?
Past participants have called our course one of the most beautiful they have ever seen. Most of the course runs along Lake Michigan’s lakefront, and the path will take you through downtown Kenosha, area parks and beaches, and residential areas. We cap everything off with a stunning finish along Lake Michigan.
Is the course closed?
Technically yes, we have police and course marshals all over the course to keep it car free and keep everyone safe. However, please note that our course does go through some residential neighborhoods, and try and we might, it is impossible to keep everyone from pulling out of their driveways. We alert all residents well ahead of time, but please be alert, just in case.
I’ve heard there are gravel roads on the course.
Yes, that is true. If you are running the full marathon, there are a couple of patches of road between miles 14 and 17 that are gravel. The total amount you’ll run on the gravel roads is about a mile, but not all at the same time. The gravel roads are well pounded down, not loose like a dirt road.
Where will the aid stations be located?
We will have aid stations roughly every two miles. Each station will have water, Gatorade, port-a-potties, medical staff, and the best volunteers in the Midwest! There will also be a PowerGel station near Mile 17.
There are also several trash cans near the aid stations. Please use them! We would like to keep the city clean and the residents appreciate it as well.
What is the All Cheese Corral?
This is a start area for anyone willing to don the dairy that makes Wisconsin famous. There is no time requirement or pre-registration required. If you would like to participate, all you have to do is arrive on race morning wearing some kind of cheese-themed apparel.
Will there be any course changes this year?
Nope, at this time, we plan on using the exact same route as 2011.
Will there be any on-course entertainment?
Maybe, but we have been told that it isn’t needed. There is entertainment at our post-race party… CLICK HERE for more details.
Do you have Pace Teams for the full or half?
No, we do not have pace teams for either distance. We believe that a marathon is something YOU need to accomplish and it takes away from that glory if you are just following behind someone. Plus, we have some of the most awesome runners in the world come to our race and we are sure that you will easily make a new friend or two along the way to help get you going.
Can I wear headphones while I run?
Yes, participants are allowed to wear headphones, but it is recommended that you keep the volume level low in order to hear any instructions by race officials or anything else that may be happening around you.
What is the post race party all about?
Our post-race event is open to all! Runners, spectators, family, friends, and community members are invited to stick around and enjoy plenty of food, drink, and plenty of polka music. All runners will receive a complimentary beer and brat, because, let’s face it, they deserve it.
Why do the marathon and half marathon runners get the same medal?
Good news! For 2012, we will have different medals for the full marathon runners and the half marathon runners. Well, actually we will have different RIBBONS for each race and the same medal, but the medals say “Marathon and Half Marathon” on them. The ribbons have one or the other.
The ribbons are color coordinated to match your race bib, so when you finish and get your medal, be sure you are getting the right one. The bibs/ ribbons for the marathon are orange and the bibs/ ribbons for the half marathon are cream. That should make it easier to spot a correction while you are in your post-race haze.
What if I got hurt and can’t run the race this year?
If you are unable to run, email Jonathan at jcain@mychicagoathlete.com and let him know. You will be mailed a $20 coupon for the 2013 event after race day. You can still get your teeshirt and goodie bag, but we do not offer refunds for any reason.
Are you all crazy?
Nope, we’re just cheesy!