Runner Instructions

Each registered runner will receive in the mail a Confirmation Postcard.  Please check and verify the information on the mailing label. If you find any errors, please contact the Twilighter registrar (jsissala@comcast.net ) right away.  Please bring your Confirmation Postcard (with mailing label) to Packet Pickup on either Friday night or on Saturday. 

The following is a quick index of the information contained below.

Packet Pickup, Late Registration, and Chip Pickup

You will pick up three things at Packet Pickup:

We encourage you to pick up your race packet early to avoid the last-minute rush and help assure that you get your desired t-shirt size.

You may still register for the race at packet pickup.  Late registration is $25 ($30 after 4 p.m. Saturday). So, avoid the Saturday night rush (and extra cost) by picking up your packet at RnJ Sports Discounters -- and while you're there, check out their deals on running shoes and apparel

Packet Pickup Locations

Packet Pickup and Late Registration will be held at the following locations.

RnJ Sports Discounters, 11910-R Parklawn Drive, Rockville.. (Directions Map)

In front of the District ("Old Grey") Courthouse, MD Route 28 and S. Washington Street, Rockville. (Directions Map and Race Site Map)

Check Your Bib!

When you get your runner number bib, check to be sure that all the information on the label (name, address, age, gender) is correct. If you are on a team, be sure that all members of your team have the same team name and code. Please report any errors immediately to the Trouble Desk at Packet Pickup. Corrections cannot be made after the race has started.

Get Your Chip

Chips will be distributed only at the race site on Saturday evening; they will not be available on Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. When you arrive at the race site on Saturday evening, you should first pick up your race packet (if you have not already done so).  Then you should go the the Chip Distribution Tent to get your ChampionChip®.  If you are picking up for more than yourself, be certain not to mix up your chips. For additional details about the ChampionChip and how it will be used to time and score the race, see our ChampionChip Scoring discussion.

Tie One On (Your Chip, that is.)

Before you go to the starting line, you need to tie your ChampionChip securely to your shoe (your choice which shoe). Be careful not to switch your chip with a friend or family member who might also be running with you.  It is very important that you run with the chip that was issued to you. The chip should be secured with the small cable tie that we will provide or by running one lace through the chip as shown in the chip wearing illustration. Tie it securely, because you will need to return it once you cross the finish line. There is a $35 fee for losing or failing to return your chip.

Important! Chip Owners - If you have your own ChampionChip, you do not have to pick up one of our chips, and you may run with your own chip. However, we must have your chip number before the race begins. If you did not provide it as part of your original race entry, then you should go immediately to the Trouble Desk and register your chip number. Failure to do this will result in your not scoring and your disqualification.

Don't Swap Numbers!

Do not give your number or chip to another runner or run with another runner's number or chip. It may cause confusion in case of an emergency - and it may result in your disqualification. You, your chip, and your runner number are all tied together; don't screw things up by wearing someone else's bib or chip.

For Everyone's Safety...

For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, pets, baby-joggers, strollers, bicycles, skates, or wearing of headphones are not permitted in the race or on the race course. This applies to both the 8K and the Fun Run. Violators will be removed from the course. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Runner Number Exchange

If you find that you cannot run the race and would like to transfer your registration to another runner, this will be permitted, if you following the proper procedure. Failure to do so will result in your disqualification. 

Note: Although we do provide this transfer process as a courtesy to you, we would actually prefer that you encourage the other runner to register through the normal process. Remember, race proceeds benefit the Rockville Youth Recreation Fund.

Transfer Procedure: To transfer your registration, you must bring your confirmation card, along with a new, completed and signed entry form from the other runner to Packet Pickup on Friday evening or Saturday afternoon.  Transfers will not be accepted on site on Saturday evening. You will be given a Registration Transfer form with which you will authorize the transfer. If you wish to have the other runner go to packet pickup instead of you, you must obtain in advance the Registration Transfer form, complete and sign it, and give it to the other runner along with your confirmation card.  If you need a form, please contact the race registrar, John Sissala at 301-340-8107 .

Getting to the Race Site

Take I-270 to the Rockville (Rt. 28) exit and follow the signs. (See Directions Map.) Arrive early to avoid the rush. You can also take Metro Red Line to the Rockville Station.  Since Metro now is open until 2:00 a.m., this is a great -- and safe -- way to get to and from the race.  For more detailed directions see Getting There.

Parking

Parking is available on Middle Lane and in lots at Monroe and Route 28. (See Race Site Map and Parking Map.)

Before the Race

Bag Check - Lost&Found

There will be a Runner Bag Check and Lost & Found across the street from  race-site packet pick-up. Look for the signs. If you find car keys or other forlorn items, please take them to Lost & Found. This is also a good place to re-connect with lost companions.

Toilets

Toilets will be located along Courthouse Square.

Water

Water will be located in several locations on the way to and around the Start and Finish, (See Race Site Map) as well as on the course itself (see Course Map).  

To the Starting Line ...

You should begin moving to the starting line by 8:30. However, before heading to the starting line, you should do the following:

At the Start

Move to the starting line at 8:30. If you are going to warm up, you must be back to the start by this time.

Line up behind the seeding sign corresponding to your expected pace for the race. Lining up ahead of your expected pace is a discourtesy to other runners - it slows down the start and endangers you and other runners.

All runners will receive final instructions before the start of the 8k race.

Fun Runners

Fun Runners should line up in the designated area on Middle Lane. There will be a balloon cluster at the Fun Run gathering point.  See Fun Run Course Map. You will be led to the starting line immediately after the start of the 8K.

On the Course

Run with caution. It will get dark during the race. Be alert for other runners, wheelchairs, and the possibility of vehicles that may have gotten onto the course. Stay in the marked lanes and follow the instructions of race officials.

Remember, it's likely to be hot and humid, so take it easy, take water at each water stop - and enjoy the race. Say "Hi" to the Rockville neighbors who are out there cheering you on.

At the Finish

Show Your Bib

Your runner number must be visible as you approach the finish line. Wear it on the front of your shirt or shorts.

Keep Moving, Return Your Chip

When you cross the finish line, please keep moving into the recovery area. Do not stop at the finish line or on the mats. Please remove your ChampionChip so you can turn it in. Your chip will be collected as you exit the area. If you need assistance, a volunteer will help you. Water and medical assistance will be available in the recovery area and at the Med Central operation just outside the recovery area. If you are having difficulties, or if you see another runner in difficulty, go immediately to a medical spotter, who will be wearing a distinctive hat and shirt.

Water, spray, and additional aid are available once you exit the recovery area.  Refreshments and music are in the Festival Area. Please do not wait for friends or family members in the recovery area; we need you to exit the recovery area as soon as possible -- for the safety of everyone.  Do not re-enter the course or cross the finish line a second time - go to the festival area and celebrate!

Adverse Weather Plan

In the event of a thunderstorm, the start of the race may be delayed, and runners may be directed to shelter. In the event of extreme heat, the race may be cancelled or turned into an untimed "fun run". In this situation, the festival will be held, if possible, and prize money will be converted to random prizes.

Remember ... No refunds or alternate race date.

Post-Race Activities

Refreshments

Post-race refreshments are for registered runners only and are provided courtesy of our generous sponsors. Please take food only for yourself --  there are lot's of runners behind you.  For your friends and family, there will be other food vendors at the festival. Beer may not be consumed by minors.

Lighted Announcement Board

In the lower end of the festival area, there will be a large, lighted announcements board. Keep an eye on it during the evening; the sign will be used to make special announcements, display race winners, and lost person announcements.

Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony will begin about 10:15 pm. In the meantime, enjoy the refreshments, music, and random prizes. You must be present (with your race number) to win random prizes. Be sure to drop the small stub on your race bib in the box at registration to be eligible for the random drawing.

Festival Closing Time

The festival will close at 11:00 p.m. Please pick up some trash as you leave, and please drive home carefully and safely. If you are not able to drive safely and do not have a designated driver, please see a race official, and we will try to get you some assistance.

Results

Unofficial results, as available, will be posted on the large boards in front of the Red Brick Courthouse.  Official results will be posted on the Twilighter Web page www.twilighter.org  on Sunday and will be mailed to each participant the month after the race. Team awards will not be presented on race night, but will be mailed with the official results.

Additional Information

Lost Persons

If you have a friend or family member who will also be running the race, please decide before the race on a meeting place. If you must request an announcement for a lost child or other person, please go to the announcing platform at the finish line or the Lighted Announcement Board in the festival area. (See Festival Area Map.)

Race Proceeds

Race proceeds benefit the Rockville Rotary Youth Recreation Fund, which enables Rockville youth to participate in fee-paid recreation programs they might not otherwise be able to afford, and other Rotary-supported charities.

Questions? Just Ask.

Look for a race official or volunteer (in a team captain polo shirt or race volunteer t-shirt ). Feel free to thank him or her for helping to make the race safe and enjoyable. 

Late Breaking News