Rocket City Marathon *** General Information

GENERAL RACE INFORMATION

RACE INSTRUCTIONS: This Information is only for entering the Marathon. Race instructions and other information will be contained in the Information Book mailed for all entries received by mid November. Others may pick up books at packet pickup. Important race instructions are in the Book.

Notice: Due to insurance purposes, unregistered runners, unauthorized vehicles, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, strollers, baby joggers and other wheeled devices, animals, and the wearing of headphones are STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the race.

Chip Timing: Each runners time will be scored by Champion Chip timing. You must wear your timing chip. Instructions will be in your race packet.

Split Times: Splits will be called at each mile, and there will be an overhead clock at the finish. Additional split times given at 10 kilometers, halfway (13.1 miles) and 1 mile to go (25.2 miles).

Aid Stations: Fluid stations will be located along the course, including the Start/Finish lines. Aid stations will include water and sports drink. Average distance between aid stations is 2.4 miles (shortest 1.8 miles, longest 2.9 miles). 11 Aid stations and 10 port-o-lets on the course.

Sports Drink: Gatorade Endurance Formula – Lemon Lime Favor will be the sports drink on the marathon course.

Energy Gel: Clif SHOT will be at two locations on the marathon course.

Medical: Both medical support and radio communications will be provided to assure safety of the runners. A field hospital is set up inside the Hilton for runners needing extra care after the race.

Spirit Team: Have your locale group or organization come out and support the runners and have a chance to win $$ for cheering them on - more info click here.

Confirmation: Entry confirmation is by email, canceled check and Information Book mailed third class in mid-November. Send SASE marked "Confirm" if special entry confirmation is desired.

Information Book: In November all pre-registered entrants will be mailed our 84 page MARATHON INFORMATION BOOK. It contains everything you need to know about the race, course and city; plus pictures, maps, profiles and other information. Book is mailed third class in mid-November and is not forwarded or returned. NOTIFY US AT (256) 650-7063 IF YOUR ADDRESS CHANGES.

Race Packets: Race packets will NOT BE MAILED. Packets may be picked up at the the Huntsville Holiday Inn Select Ballroom, Friday, 11 to 9 PM or on Saturday, 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Packets will contain your race instructions, official race number and Rocket City Marathon shirt.

T-Shirts: Rocket City Marathon shirts will be given to RUNNERS REGISTERED BY DECEMBER 1 WITH THEIR RACE PACKET. Others may pick up their shirt after the race.

Start: Race start is at 8:00 AM. Seeding is by best marathon time in last three years. Ten mile or half marathon times may be used if no recent marathons. A runner must not run with another runner's number. Do not exchange, sell, or give away your number. Your race number must remain visible from the front during the race. Pre-registered runners will have their first name printed on their race number in a large font.

Finish: A finish you won't forget. Your name and hometown are announced at the finish. You'll be met by two of our runner handlers who will greet and give you assistance until you are inside. The field hospital is right inside and the handlers will direct those needing medical attention to the medical area. After checking in to get your medallion, a post race snack will be ready and the computer-generated results are posted after each 50 finishers. Free showers are available at the Aquatic Center near the Hilton at the starting line.

Results: Soon after the race your finish certificate and a finish line photo will arrive via mail. A detailed results book including various statistics will be mailed later to all entrants of the marathon.

Huntsville Attractions: For those planning an extended stay or traveling with a spouse looking for other activities, there is plenty to do and see in Huntsville including the U.S. Space Center. The Von Braun Center, Big Spring Park, Constitution Hall Village, Huntsville Art Museum, Huntsville Depot Museum, Harrison Brothers 1879 Hardware Store and Twickenham Historic District are all within walking distance of the Hilton.

Other Features: Pick-up vans with communications personnel will be provided on the course for those who can't finish. There is excellent print, TV, and radio media support. Free newspapers with runners names will be available at the EXPO Friday. Huntsville is noted for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the many other unique attractions. The new Huntsville Art Museum is in Big Spring Park near the Hilton. Small groups form for the free two or four mile "Historic Downtown Group Runs" which start between 3:30 and 4:30 PM Friday from the Hilton. Join us for the Saturday night post-race meal and party. Bring your family and make it a fun weekend. To get information about Huntsville write to: Huntsville-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Von Braun Center, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801 www.huntsville.org/ (256) 551-2230.