FAQ:

Q: Is this a race?
A: No, this is not a race. It is a supported training run.

Q: So, what does that mean?
A: It means that this run is LIKE a race, but you won’t receive a time. We will have all the regular things any race would have- aid stations, volunteers, mile markers, port-a-potties, post run food- but the point of this event is to help you get through your twenty mile training run to help you prepare for your marathon. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for race day; it isn’t officially a race, but you go through all the same motions.

Q: Where is the Busse Woods Forest Preserve?
A: Busse Woods is bordered by Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows, and Arlington Heights. Grove 5, where the run starts, is located just west of the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Rd.

Q: Is the course shaded?
A: Yes, the course is almost completely shaded. There are a couple of stretches where shade is scarce, but 70% of the time, you’ll be covered.

Q: How do the waves work?
A: Everyone will be assigned a wave that will correspond to their pace. Each wave will have around 50 runners, and a pace leader will help runners to their goal times. You are not required to run with the group the whole time, and can break away if you feel like it. We have set up the start in waves in order to not clog up the running path, to help runners control their starting pace better (by not starting with people much faster or slower than they are), and to help our aid station workers reload their tables.

Q: How often will the waves go off?
A: Depending on how many people are registered and how many people are in each wave, waves will go off every 30 to 60 seconds.

Q: How do I know which wave I am in/ How do I know my start time?
A: Everyone will be emailed their wave assignments about a week before the run. There will be an announcer calling out wave start times, and a corral area with signs that will fill up as you get closer to your wave’s start time. (They do this same thing at many triathlons.) If all else fails, look for someone with a bib number close to yours. The bib numbers will be assigned by waves.

Q: I am now faster/ slower than when I signed up for the run. Can I switch waves?
A: Yes, you can switch. Just find the pace you want to run, and join that group before the leave. We don’t see too many people needing to do this, so we are going to trust that everyone is responsible and runs with their assigned wave if that is the pace they plan on running. We WILL change things next year if switching gets out of hand, so don’t ruin it for everyone else.

Q: Is the course closed?
A: No, there will be other runners, walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and dog walkers along the path as well. Please be careful and respectful and, hopefully, they will do the same.

Q: Will there be clocks on the route?
A: No, there will only be one big clock at the start. There isn’t much room between the path and the forest and with the wave going off at different times it just isn’t feasible to put clocks on the course. Wear a watch.

Q: Will the miles be marked?
A: Yes, each mile will be marked with a mile marker. We will make them as big as we can.

Q: Are there port-a-potties along the course?
A: Even better! There are bathrooms all along the course. The forest preserve has several permanent bathrooms on the path, and each has three stalls for men and women. Signs will alert runners as to where they are and where the next one will be. MOST are right next to the path. There will be several traditional port-a-potties at the start/ finish area.

Q: What will be at the aid stations?
A: The aid stations will have Gatorade, water, and medical assistance.

Q: Will you be handing out refueling gel, too?
A: No, if you want some kind of refueling gel, you’ll have to bring your own.

Q: Can you give me details on the Asics Arm Warmers?
A: They might be considered the latest thing in running fashion! They are essentially sleeves that you can easily take off or put on while you run to help regulate your body temperature. The Asics Arm Warmers will be given to the first 800 registrants. There are different sizes, but, obviously, picking out a size for these isn’t as easy as selecting shirt size. We will do our best to get a good mix of sizes so you can get something that works for you. (For the most part, women typically wear small/mediums and men wear large/XLs. Sizes are first come, first serve, and once we run out of size, we are completely out.)

Q: Will there be food at the finish?
A: Yes, there will be food, water, and Gatorade at the finish line. We will also be grilling up hot dogs (yes, and veggie dogs), and have tables set up for you to mingle and chat with your new running mates, so stick around.

Q: Will the elk be out?
A: Ah, yes, the famous Elk Herd. You will pass by their area at Mile 10.5 and 19.5. At that time of the day, they are usually hanging out in the shade, so you should get a good look at them as you run by.