Countdown to February 15, 2009:

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the race start?
Both the full and half-marathon events will begin at 7:30 a.m. EST.

Why start the race at 7:30 a.m.?
Starting the race at 7:30 a.m. will allow us to take advantage of full low tide when runners enter the beach portion of the race. Each year, we will adjust our official start time to take advantage of full low tide so that we have the widest area of hard-packed sand, which is perfect for running!

How do I register?
Register online or download the Breast Cancer Marathon Entry form to mail in your entry. More details

Will I be able to register the day of the race, and will there be a cap on registrations?
Day of race registration is not available. Runners may register online through February 12, 2009 or at the Health & Fitness Expo February 13 and 14. There is no registration cap.

How do I know if I am registered?
You will receive an e-mail confirming your race registration. Confirmation cards will be mailed in early 2009.

There is an error on my confirmation card. What should I do?
Please call the Breast Cancer Marathon office at 904-355-PINK (7465) or e-mail us at to report the error.

When and where do I pick-up my race packet?
Race packet pick-up for the Breast Cancer Full and Half Marathon is at the Health & Fitness Expo, held Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14th at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel. There is no race packet pick-up on race morning.

I am not able to make it to Race Packet Pick-up. What do I do?
You may have another person (family member or friend) pick up your race packet for you. The person picking up your race packet will need the following:

  • Your confirmation card with appropriate information complete.
  • His or her photo ID.

He or she will need to present these materials to a race official and will be required to show ID in order to verify the identity of the person picking up the race packet.

I am injured, pregnant, or no longer able to attend the race. Can I get a refund?
Entry fees are non-refundable. But feel good that 100% of race proceeds go to breast cancer research and care!

Can I defer my entry to next year?
No. Entry deferments are not permitted.

Can I give/sell my number to another person?
No. Entries and race numbers are non-transferable from one person to another.

I want to volunteer! Who do I contact?
Individual and group volunteer registration is now open for the 2009 race. Sign up as an individual, or if you are a part of a group or team, please contact your team captain for your group name and password to register. More volunteer information will be posted in January 2009.

I’m not a runner, but want to be involved! Are there options for me?
Absolutely! In addition to our volunteer program, we encourage everyone across Jacksonville and surrounding areas to support the cause and cheer on our runners on race day! Click here for more information.

Is the Breast Cancer Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes, the marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Please keep your official race result certificate (mailed to you following the race) to verify your qualifying time with Boston Marathon race officials.

How long will the course remain open?
The course will be open for 7 hours, allowing for a 16-minute per mile marathon or a 32-minute per mile half marathon pace.

Are walkers welcome?
Walkers are welcome for the half marathon. Race walkers and runners following a run/walk method who are able to complete the full marathon in 7 hours are welcome for the full marathon. Major highways will be opened at the 7 hour limit, and participants will not be allowed on these roads for safety reasons.

I have a family member who wants to run across the finish line with me, but is not registered. Is this allowed?
No. Only officially registered participants, volunteers and race officials are allowed on the course. If you do not have a race number, volunteer t-shirt or race official credentials you will be asked to leave the course.

May I drive to and park at the starting line?
No. There will be no race day parking on San Pablo, at the start line, or near the Mayo Campuses. Buses will depart to the marathon and half-marathon starting line from various locations across Jacksonville starting at 5:00 a.m. More information

How will my neighborhood or business be impacted by road closures on race day?
We encourage all Jacksonville residents and businesses to get involved on race day and PINK THIS TOWN! A complete list of road closures, hold and release patterns, and ways you can join the fun is available from our Spectator page.

I want to meet a runner at the finish line, but I don't want to go early. What are my options?
In addition to the times listed below, continuous bus service will be provided from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from all shuttle locations. Supporters have the option to board buses during the race to meet runners at the finish line and after the race in the same location as the drop off. Buses will be clearly marked Parking Lot, Downtown, Southpoint, and Beaches. Please make sure you get on the appropriate bus.

What happens after I sign up online to be a volunteer?
You will receive an email with specific instructions and information regarding the volunteer opportunity and parking instructions. An email will be sent approximately one week prior to event with more information.

What if I sign up to volunteer, but am not able to participate?
Email the volunteer coordinator, if possible, at the email address listed on the race web page or send an email to volunteer@ breastcancermarathon.com

What if I cannot work the whole shift?
Once you sign up, we count on you for the full shift. We cannot replace you if you leave early. Sometimes the shift may seem over-staffed and slow, but often we are preparing for a rush or working around parking. We count on each volunteer for help at the busy end of the shift.

Can I split the shift with a friend?
No. Shift times are lengthy because it is difficult to arrive and park or drive away in the middle of a start or finish line shift. Additionally, we often have 400-600 volunteers scattered in a square mile… switching midway through a shift is difficult for the majority of our shifts. That is why it is crucial that volunteers remain for the full length of the shift. We can not replace you.

I did not receive my race crew information email.
An email will be sent approximately one week prior to the event with more information. If it is less than a week to the race and you still have not received an email, please call 904-630-1020 or email .

I would like to volunteer at a water station.
Water stations are typically staffed by large groups. As an individual it may be difficult to get the team information. We suggest volunteering at the start line or finish line for an exciting day or any of the other exciting opportunities leading to the day of the race.

Are meals provided?
A bagged lunch will be provided with your volunteer goodies. While we discourage carrying items that can be lost, you will always have a corner or table you can tuck a bag with snacks and other items that you may need such as jacket, sunscreen etc.

Is parking paid?
All volunteers who have signed up to work will receive directions for free parking. We do not reimburse for parking.

How should I dress?
Wear comfortable shoes, layers for cool to hot temperatures and clothes that are comfortable. You will receive a volunteer t-shirt that identifies you as a part of the Official Race Crew.

What should I bring with me?
As little as possible, there is no storage so you will have to carry any items you bring with you. Almost all areas will have a corner where everyone can set their jacket or snacks but it will not be secure.

Can children volunteer?
The official age for an unaccompanied child to volunteer is 16. With supervision adults may bring their younger children. We are concerned about safety and the ability to stay focused on a job for the time involved. We have many places that are good for children as long as the ratio of adults to children is adequate and the children are old enough to work the entire shift. Direct any questions on this issue to the volunteer coordinator in an email.

What if I am unable to stand for long periods of time?
The expo requires numerous volunteers in the registration area on Friday and Saturday. Seated positions are available there. In addition, we require chip removal volunteers who are seated at the finish line. The information booths at the start and finish line are also available.



Mayo Clinic Galloway Training
The Donna Foundation

"Brenda was incredibly positive, courageous, and never ever quit, got down, and never quit inspiring others. I am running to honor her, her great Doctors at Mayo Clinic, and to bring focus to terrible problem of ‘triple negative’ breast cancer which claimed my wife and the mother of our twins far to early in her beautiful life."

Roger Luca

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