2024 Runner Instructions
Thank you for registering for MCRRC's Run for Roses 5K! We are so excited to host you Saturday morning! Please read the guidelines contained in this email as our goal is to provide everyone with a safe and enjoyable experience.
PARKING
Parking is available in the Pine Lake Lot and paved lot next to the Carousel as needed. Parking volunteers will direct you to the bib pick-up area.
BIB & CHIP PICKUP
Bibs & chips will be available for pickup on race morning at Pavilion A beginning at 6:45 am. A volunteer will be on hand to assist you. Please plan to arrive early to allow time to pick up your bib & chip, which must be worn to be timed for the race. You can look up your bib number using the Find a Participant tool on the website.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course begins and ends in the Pine Lake Parking Lot, close to the playground. After a short run through the neighborhood streets, the course winds through the paved rolling trails of Wheaton Regional Park. There is one water stop along the course, participants will pass the water stop twice during the race.
A course map can be found here.
ON THE COURSE
Course marshals will be stationed throughout the race course at key intersections and turns to assist the runners. Please listen to & follow the directions of the course marshals. Remember they are volunteers - so be sure to thank them for helping to ensure your safety during the race.
AMENITIES
Park restrooms are available and are located near the start/finish area. As always, please try to refrain from using "nature." This can be awkward for other participants and could jeopardize the future use of the park by MCRRC. Water will be available on the course adjacent to the old ice rink and at the finish, where Gatorade will be available as well. Join us at the finish festival, which includes a photo booth and a sponsor area, as well as popsicles, cookies, pretzels and bananas.
YOUNG RUN
There will be a 1/4 mile young run on the pathways in the park beginning at 7:40am, BEFORE the 5k race. There will be no timing chips used for the 1/4 mile young run. The run is FREE, but all participants must be registered by a parent or guardian prior to race day (members and non-members). Register here!
*** IMPORTANT NOTE: Parents or Guardians DO NOT need to register for the young runs to accompany your child. You are welcome to jump right in with them, if needed!
CHARITY PARTNER AND DONATIONS
This year we have partnered with I Support the Girls, which provides bras and menstrual products for women in need in our community. They will be on hand race morning to collect new and gently used bras (both sports bras and everyday bras). Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor, RnJ Sports, everyone donating a bra will receive a coupon towards the purchase of a new Brooks bra. We’ll also have a few raffle prizes for those donating.
TIMING, SCORING & AWARDS
This race will be chip timed and results (both gun and net) will be posted on mcrrc.org within 24 hours of the race. Chips will be collected at the exit of the finish corral. An awards ceremony will be held at the finish festival once results are compiled. Awards will be given to the first 3 finishers, first 3 Master's runners, and top two finishers in the following age group categories, based on net time: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-99. For the team competition, the top two teams in the Mother/Daughter and the Grandmother/Granddaughter categories will receive prizes. All finishers are eligible to win random prizes! Award winners must be present to win.
Participants will receive a colorful rose and special custom designed Run for Roses women's technical race shirt.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Please be sure to stop by the sponsor tables in the festival area after the race and to check out your race goody bag for valuable coupons from Long Run Coffee and Lily Trotters, as well as goodies from Body Glide, Washington Radiology, Adventist Health, and ProAction PT. Body Glide asked us to send along wishes for a fun, chafe free race and has provided samples. Simply swipe on the For Her balm to areas that are being rubbed the wrong way to help prevent the friction that causes chafing, blisters, and skin irritation. You can share your race day experience with Body Glide on Social using #BodyGlide. Thank you to all of our sponsors for their support of this year's race!
See you on Saturday!
