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Rockford Marathon

Rockford Marathon

Date: Sunday, May 16, 2010
Time: 7:00 am
Location: Start at the corner of State and Wyman in downtown Rockford
Presented By: Rockford Roadrunners
Beneficiary: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Visit the NEW Rockford Marathon Website!


Attention all runners! Registration is now open for the 2010 Rockford (Ill.) Marathon on Sunday, May 16. Start time and location are 7:00 a.m. at State and Wyman in downtown Rockford. The course route is along the scenic Rock River.

Runners have the option of signing up for either full (26.2 mile) or half (13.1 mile) marathons. Relay teams comprised of up to four members are also welcome.

The Rockford Marathon is USATF (USA Track & Field)-certified and there is a discount for early registration. It is presented in conjunction with the Rockford Road Runners running group and the Rockford Area Convention & Tourism Bureau. The marathon also features and on-site community expo.

A portion of proceeds will again benefit the non-profit Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

Registration Fees
Before March 2
Full Marathon - $65
Half Marathon - $45
Marathon Relay - $130

From March 2 to April 12
Full Marathon - $72
Half Marathon - $50
Marathon Relay - $140

From April 13 to May 10
Full Marathon - $80
Half Marathon - $58
Marathon Relay - $155

How to Register
Online Registration
Click Here to register on-line. Online registration will close on May 13th at noon.
By Mail/Fax
Click Here SOON to download a registration form. Fax applications to 773-523-6760 by noon on May 10, 2010. Mail applications (postmarked by May 8, 2010) to Rockford Marathon, 2221 W. 43rd Street, Chicago, IL 60609.

Packet Pick-Up Information
Coming Soon!

Parking Information
Various paid parking lots surround the race start location (State & Wyman). Click Here for a map of lots. Please note: Street parking may be available, however be aware of any tow/ticket signage as it may be apart of the course.

Course Maps
Aid Station Locations
Item
Water
Water
Water
Water/Medical
Water
Relay
Water
Water
Water/Medical
Water
Water/Relay/Gel
Water
Medical
Water
Water/Gel
Water/Relay
Water
Water/Medical

Water

Water
Water
Mile
Start
1.55
3
4.5
6
6.2
7
9
10.4
12
13.5
15
16
16.5
18
19.5
21
22

24

25.5
Finish

Location
State and Wyman
Main near Yonge
Main and Halsted
Main and Elmwood
Bauer and Northrock
End of Bauer Bridge
2nd and Wallace
East Dr and River Ln
Illinois and Ransom Pl
Bike path near Madison St.
Jefferson and Church
Huffman and Yonge
Huffman and Pearl
Huffman and Belmont
Halsted and Ridge
Halsted and Kilbourn
Safford and Maxine
Searl Park East end of Baseball Field
Park path near Belden St and Parkside
Jefferson and Church
Chestnut and Wyman

Relay Instructions
Each relay team member must wear his/her race number in front on their outermost layer of clothing.

The relay will be timed using the ChampionChip®. Each team will be provided with one (and only one) chip attached to an ankle band. You must attach the chip to your ankle and transfer the chip and band at the end of each leg of the relay. The easiest way to do this is to have the runner beginning the relay leg bend down and remove the chip from the runner completing the leg and then attach it to his/her own ankle before s/he start to run. This sounds like a lot of trouble - but it is a lot better than carrying that blasted baton for 6 or 7 miles! You will not receive a time for your team unless you wear the chip - on every leg of the race - no exceptions!! There will be a $100 fee billed for lost chips - we rent them and have to pay the owner for lost chips.

Relay runners will be directed into separate coned lanes at each of the transfer zones. While waiting for your relay team member in the transfer zone, please do not interfere with other runners. After the chip transfer, you may continue to run the course on your own. However, only one relay member may cross the finish line.

Only one member of the relay needs to be present to pick up your team packet. Each member will receive a packet and a t-shirt. Please be sure to grab a couple of gear check bags for each person on your relay and write your teams bib number on each bag.


Relay Exchange Zones
Leg #1 - Start to 6.0 (Bauer Pkwy, between forest preserve driveway and toll bridge)
Leg #2 - 6.0 to 13.3 (Jefferson Ave and Church, next to 2nd Congregational Church)
Leg #3 - 13.3 to 19.5 (Halsted and Kilbourn)
Leg #4 - 19.5 to finish


Runner #1
Length: 6 miles
Starting Point: Starting Line
Ending Point: Bauer Pkwy west of toll bridge
Gear Check: Please place your gear check bag onto the bus labeled Relay Exchange #1 by 6:30am. This bus will be waiting for you when you finish your leg of the race. It will have your clothes on it and take you back to Davis Park.

Runner #2
Length: 7.3 miles
Starting Point: Bauer Pkwy west of toll bridge
Ending Point: 2nd Congregational Church at Jefferson and Church Streets
Gear Check: Your gear check will be the gear check tent at Davis Park. Transportation: Please meet at Main and Chestnut for your bus marked Relay Exchange #1. The bus will leave at 6:30am. You may leave a bag on the bus at the beginning of your leg, but make sure that you or your teammate retrieves your merchandise when it returns to Davis Park. After you finish your leg volunteers will help instruct you on how to get back to Davis Park. Head towards the river (east) on Jefferson, and then take a right on Wyman Street. The distance back to Davis Park is about 600m.

Runner#3
Length: 6.5 miles
Starting Point: 2nd Congregational Church at Jefferson and Church Streets.
Ending Point: Corner of Halsted and Kilbourn
Gear Check: Please place your gear check bag on the bus labeled Relay Exchange #3 by 7:00am. Transportation: You will have to take yourself to the beginning of this relay point. To get to here, head north on Wyman, the same start as the race, and then make a left on Jefferson. The distance to the church is about 600m. The bus labeled Relay Exchange #3 will be waiting for you when you finish your leg of the relay. This bus will also take you to the finish line.

Runner#4
Length: 6.7 miles
Starting Point: Corner of Halsted and Kilbourn
Ending Point: Finish Line at Chestnut and Wyman
Gear Check: You can use the gear check at Davis Park. You can also leave a bag on the bus you go out on, but please remember to retrieve your things when you are done. Transportation: The bus labeled Relay Exchange #3 will be waiting for you at Chestnut and Main, one block west of Davis Park to take you to your relay point. This bus leaves at 7:30am.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a Boston Marathon Qualifier?
Yes the 2010 course will be measured and certified by a USATF official.

Can I wear headphones, bring my dog, ride a bicycle, or push a stroller?
We understand that many runners need headphones to aid in their running concentration, or distraction. Headphones are allowed but not recommended for safety purposes. Dogs, strollers and bicycles are not allowed, strictly for safety reasons.

When can I pick up my race packet?
Coming soon!

When is the last day I can register?
Online registration closes on May 14th at noon. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION

What is the weather usually like on race day?
Average High: 71
Average Low: 48
Mean: 60

Where should I park?
Free Parking will be available various parking lots near Davis Park. Please check the parking map for exact locations.

Will sweats storage be available?
Gear check will be located inside Davis Park and will be available from 5:30am-2:00pm.

Are walkers welcome?
The Rockford Marathon course is open until 1:00 p.m. (6 hours after the full marathon begins). Any walker/runner who feels they can complete the course in this time is welcome to register.

What time do the races start?
The full marathon, half marathon and marathon relay will all start at 7:00AM.

Where can I stay in Rockford?
Our host hotel is the Clocktower Resort.

Where should I wear my timing chip?
In order to capture accurate information as you cross a timing mat, your chip must be attached to your shoe. Relay runners must wear their timing chip around their ankle.

How many water stations are there? What types of products are available?
We will have 17 water station locations on the course. Each station will have sports drink and water available. Please check the water station list for exact locations.

Where are the first aid stations?
There will be a first aid tent located at the finish line next to Davis Park. There will also be 4 first aid tents along the course at approximately miles 4.5, 10.5, 16, and 22.

Where are restrooms located?
There will be indoor bathrooms located in Davis Park inside the Foundry building. Portable restrooms will be located at the start line at State and Wyman, the finish line at Chestnut and Wyman, and at each water station along the course.

Can I change events?
Yes, please contact Josh at jruston@chicagoevents.com regarding change of events.

How long is the course open?
The course is open for six hours from the start of the full marathon and closes at 1:00 p.m. at which point the streets will be opened up to traffic.

Is transportation available for relay runners?
Yes. Please check the relay instructions page for more details.

What is the age requirement for each race?
Marathon Relay: 14, Half Marathon: 16, Full Marathon: 18

Beneficiary: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Proceeds from the Rockford Marathon will be used to support the Community Needs Fund. The Community Needs Fund is administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and focuses on projects related to:
  • Health and Human Services
  • Education
  • Children
  • Youth and Families
  • Neighborhoods
  • Community and Economic Development
The mission of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois is to serve the four county area (Boone, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago) through philanthropy, to provide leadership in meeting charitable needs and be a responsible steward to the Foundation's donors and the Foundation's endowment.

Volunteer Opportunities
Be apart of the action! We're looking for volunteers for the following positions (and more): course marshals, water stations, registration, gear check. Contact Leslie Schaeffer at 815-636-8533.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Looking to connect with active consumers at this event? For pricing and a customized benefits package, please contact Special Events Management at 773.584.6650.

Event Sponsors
Rockford Roadrunners