COUNTDOWN TO
OCTOBER 19, 2013
Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon With Ivy Funds
RUN ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COURSES IN THE MIDWEST
5K HALF FULL RELAY KIDS
ABOUT THE RACE
Date:
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Start Times:
Wheelchairs: 7:00 a.m.
Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon Relay: 7:05 a.m.
5K (look for 5K mile marker signs for lining up towards the back): 7:20 a.m.
Where?
The races will start/finish at Washington Park (north of Crown Center), on the corner of Pershing Rd. and Grand Boulevard.
How far is a marathon?
26.2 miles.
Is the course(s) certified?
Yes they are USAT&F certified and sanctioned.
Is the Kansas City Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes.
What are the Certification numbers?
Marathon: MO09027BG
Half: MO09026BG
5K: MO09028BG
Are there other distances besides the marathon?
There is also a ½ marathon (13.1 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles). The ½ marathon will start at the same time as the marathon (7 a.m.) The 5K race will start 15 minutes after the Marathon and Half Marathon (7:20 a.m.), please line up towards the back where there will be signage for 5K runners.
PACKET PICKUP AND EXPO FAQs
Where and when is Packet Pickup?
Crown Center Exhibit Hall A
2323 McGee St., Kansas City, MO 64108
(connected to The Sheraton Crown Center)
Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18, times TBD
Parking is free with validation.
NOTE: There will be no race day registration or packet pickup. Your last chance to register is Friday night at the Expo. All runners must pick up their race packet at the Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday or Friday. . Someone else may pick up your packet, but they MUST have your confirmation information!
Click here to see the 2012 Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon with Ivy Funds Official Race Program.
I'm unable to pick up my packet at the Expo, can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Of course we would encourage everyone to attend the expo, but it is not required. Someone else can pick up your packet but he or she must have your bib number.
Is there just one packet for a team or packets for each individual?
There is just one packet for a team which contains the entire team's bibs and chips. One person can pick up for the entire team. Individual team members do not need to pick up individually. NOTE: If team members have not completed their registration online prior to Sunday, October 13, they will be required to complete the registration form at Packet pick-up. They are required to complete their own registration forms!
Where and when is packet pick-up and registration?
Packet pick-up and registration will take place at Crown Center Exhibit Hall A, connected to The Sheraton at Crown Center at the corner of Pershing & McGee, Kansas City , MO. 64108. The dates are Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18, times TBD.
Do you allow race-day registration and packet pick-up?
No, runners must come to packet pickup on Thursday or Friday. The last chance to register will be Friday evening at the Expo/packet pick-up. No race day registration or packet pick-up is allowed.
Can I switch events?
Yes, but remember changes are not allowed on race day. You will have to make any changes at Packet Pickup on either Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18. No refunds allowed or credit given when switching into a less expensive event.
Do you mail out packets?
No, we do not mail out packets.
Do you allow refunds?
No, we do not allow refunds.
Do you allow transfers?
No, we do not allow transfers
Will there be an EXPO?
Yes! The Health and Fitness Expo will be held during Packet Pick-Up, and will feature booths from local and national health and fitness organizations.
Will event merchandise be available?
Yes, we will be selling event merchandise at Packet Pick-Up and at the Finish Line Festival.
NOTE: Marathon and Half Marathon Finisher shirts will be for sale at Packet Pickup and Finish Line Festival.
RACE DAY FAQs
How is the race timed?
The IPICO Sports Timing hardware offers considerable performance advantages over the alternative technologies. This same technology is used in homeland defense, tracking of explosives and in vehicle identification. The dual frequency technology used by IPICO Sports offers improved performance over the traditional low-frequency timing systems. The high read-range and robust anti-collision mechanism allow successful timing locations for events with the most demanding environmental conditions and high densities of participants. All with with virtually 100% accuracy.
Can I wear headphones, push strollers, or bring my dog?
Jogging strollers (no walking) will be allowed in the 5K and half. For insurance and safety purposes, we do not allow headphones, earbuds, iPods, radios, other hearing-obstructive devices or animals on the course. Elite runners and prize winners are not allowed to wear them according to USAT&F rules. Animals are not allowed on the course unless they are assisting visually impaired participants.
Where is the best place for family and friends to cheer?
1. North of Start/Finish Line (near the intersection of Pershing and Grand) Note: runners begin by running north.
2. At the marathon relay transition points (on marathon course):
3. #1 - 3.3 miles – Kessler & Memorial Drive West (entrance to Liberty Memorial)
4. #2 – 5.8 miles – Ward Parkway & JC Nichols Parkway
5. #3 – 4.0 miles – half marathon point Westover Rd. & Summit St.
6. #4– 6.9 miles – Mile 20 Volker Blvd. east of Oak St.
Is there a time limit on the event?
There is a 6 hour time limit that the course is closed and the aid stations are available. However, the police may open sections of the course to let vehicles cross when there are large gaps in the participants. Participants must maintain at least a 14 minute per mile pace to make the course deadline. Participants in the marathon that do not maintain the 14 minute pace per mile will be asked to turn onto the ½ marathon course at the course split.
Is the course(s) hilly?
Kansas City is not a flat town so runners will encounter some hills along the route. As a result, participates will get a great view of KC which is why we rank as one of the most scenic races in the country. Thousands have completed this great course and so can you! Train for hills once a week and the feeling at the finish line will be that much sweeter! Click Here to see the elevation chart.
Click here for the 2013 Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon course.
Click here for the 2013 Waddell & Reed Kansas City Half Marathon course.
Click here for the 2013 Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon 5K course.
Are walkers allowed?
YES! We do not have a separate category for walkers, but many people do walk the half and the 5K. Walkers must be aware of the 6 hour time limit. A minimum pace of 14 minutes per mile must be maintained to make the course.
How many runners do you expect?
2000 in the marathon, 6700 in the ½ marathon, 800 in the Relay and 2500 in the 5K.
Do you have a Gear Check area?
Yes. It will be available on the median grass on Pershing St. in between Main St. & Grand Blvd. Participants can drop off their gear prior to the race and retrieve it from the same location after the race.
RELAY TEAM FAQs
Click here for the 2013 Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon Team Relay map.
I am running the last leg of the marathon relay for my team. What time do I need to load the bus? I don't want to stand around in the cold. Please let me know my options!
Good question. All buses depart at 6:30 AM. THERE ARE NO LATE DEPARTING BUSES! However, you will not be standing in the cold for 3 hours. Because of the logistics in moving runners across the city and not wanting to hinder the runners already racing it is imperative to transport runners before the race and before the police shut down the course.
Yes, the buses will be leaving promptly at 6:30 AM, but the buses will travel to and be parked at your transition area. You will be able to stay warm and dry until it is time for you to run. We are also providing port-a-potties and an aid station so you should be fine. Wear warm clothes over your running gear and bring a plastic/travel bag. Just before you run strip down to your running gear, then give the bag to your teammate who will return it to the start/finish area when he/she is bused back. Also place warm clothes in ANOTHER plastic/travel bag and give this to your NEXT runner so when you finish your leg he/she can give you a bag of warm/dry clothes for your return to the finish area. Hope this helps explain how relays work. You certainly can bring some food and an iPod for your entertainment. Have fun!
For those that are running the 4th and 5th legs of team relays: Will all bus transportation leave by 6:30 AM or will these individuals be able to wait until later in the morning to be transported by the buses to the 3rd and 4th exchange points?
Yes, all relay buses leave at the same time. The buses will be staying at the exchange areas and runners can wait there - where it is warm and dry. (Hope we don't need the 'dry'). The reason is that it is difficult to move buses around the course.
I am running on a relay team. I have a few questions about the W&R relay:
1) If we take the shuttles to our various exchange points, will we have a place to leave personal items? Our team wants to stay in contact, but doesn't really want to run with cell phones. Will there be a secure place to leave our gym bags, cell phones, etc while we are running?
2) When we are not running our leg, will we just be waiting at the finish line?? Will we be with our teammates? I'm trying to figure out what I'll be doing when I'm not running (my leg is #3).
We do not provide any bag drop services other than what most races provide at the start of a race. But here is an easy solution that can be done by using your teammates. And who can you trust with your cell phones, etc. more so than your friends. You will be transferring personal items during the race at exchange points with your teammates.
Here is what we'd suggest. Every runner should prepare a bag and give it the the runner who is running the NEXT leg. For example you said you are running the third leg, you will give a bag (plastic or athletic or anything in between like the bag you receive at packet pick up) to the runner who is running the fourth leg. He/she will carry this out on the bus to where you conclude your race. When you finish running, your NEXT runner will remove the timing chip from your ankle and place it on his/her ankle AND give you YOUR bag. Included in that bag can be anything you want - food, another bag to place your wet clothes (you could change in the port-a-pottie if you really need to), warm dry clothes, hats, gloves, camera or cell phone. Some people might even pack an iPod. Your call.
So now you have everything you need. But what about the runner who is now running the fourth leg? He/she should also give you HIS/HER bag which contains everything he or she wore while waiting for you to finish your leg. That repeats for everyone.
And lastly, while after you finish your leg you can change clothes, cheer on other runners, walk back to the bus (should be warm there) and a wait for the bus to return to the start/finish area.
After finishing you will be bused to the same location where you boarded the buses. Your teammate's buses will return at different times so we'd suggest you pre-determine a meeting place in the finishing area. Then based on when the fourth runner completed his/her leg you should be able to estimate when the final runner is likely to finish. We'd encourage you to greet that runner about 2 to 3 blocks out from the finish line so you could run in and across the finish line together. Remember to smile - all 5 of you.
I had a question about the entire team finishing the race and I am not quite clear on the directions given online. Is there a particular point that we can pick up the race with our team member?
We would encourage your teammates to meet about 2 to 3 blocks before the finish line and run in together. If you want to run together a little longer be our guest. Remember to smile as you cross the finish line.
AWARDS
Are there awards?
Yes, we give out awards. We will provide awards by age groups for the three events (Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k). We will also have awards for top 3 overall male and female in the Full, top 3 overall male and female in the Half and top overall male and female in the 5K. We have awards for overall wheelchair male and female in Full and the Half. We have awards for the Masters division in the Full and Half. Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay finishers will receive a commemorative medal.
Will there be a post race awards celebration?
No, an awards ceremony will not take place onsite. However, please stick around to enjoy all the festivities of the Finish Line Festival. All awards and prize money will be distributed after the event.
MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY
Will there be a medical tent or other emergency plans in place?
Yes, Click Here to view our medical and emergency plan
What is the distance between aid stations?
The aid stations are approximately every 1- 2 miles.
Is there a sports drink at the aid stations?
Yes, we have water and Gatorade.
PARKING
Where can I park on the day of the race?
The closest parking available is at Crown Center which is a shopping destination. This is just south of the starting line and a short walk to the finish. Parking will be free on race day.
Where can I park for Packet Pickup and the Expo?
Parking is free at the parking garage attached to the Sheraton Crown Center. The entrance is on McGee Street. Bring your parking ticket with you to have it validated at the Expo.
MISC.
Is there a host hotel?
Our host hotel is the Sheraton at Crown Center, 2345 McGee Street , Kansas City, Missouri 64108 or call (816) 841-1000
Are there discounts available if I'm traveling to Kansas City?
Click here to receive discounts on your hotel stay while in Kansas City.
Are there landmarks along the race course(s)?
Yes, the marathon will encompass more of the landmarks than the shorter distance races. The course goes by Sprint Center, KC Power & Light District, Union Station, Crown Center shops, the historic Westport area, and the Country Club Plaza. The course also goes down Brookside Boulevard, passes the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, and the UMKC campus. The course also goes into the historic Hyde Park area and passes the famous 18 th & Vine Jazz district. See the event photos page for pictures of these places, and more.
What is the average weather on race day?
Day: Oct. 20, 2012
Sunrise: 7:28 AM
Sunset: 6:40 PM
Avg. High: 70°F
Avg. Low: 50°F
Mean: 60°F
Record High: 90°F
Record Low: 36°F
Source: Weather.com
Is there child care?
No, we do not offer child care.
KANSAS CITY FAQs
What other things are there to do in Kansas City during that weekend?
You can learn about other events on the Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon web site's home page or by contacting the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Kansas City. The phone number is 816-221-5242, the website is www.visitkc.com.
