How many years has the race been taking place?
The 3M Half Marathon and Relay has been running since 1995. The first run took place on Feb. 12‚ 1995.

Where can I get the brochure?
Download the 3M Half Marathon & Relay Race brochure (pdf, 1.28 mb)

Is the 3M Half Marathon a point-to-point race?
Yes.

Is the race certified by the USATF?
Yes‚ course #TX06017JF.

Do you allow walkers?
We welcome walkers. Keep in mind‚ the finish line officially closes at 11 a.m. A 15-minute mile pace is recommended.

I’ve never participated in an event such as this. I know I’m physically prepared to walk/run 12 miles‚ but know that I can’t run the entire course. Is this appropriate for the 3M Half Marathon?
If you cannot run the entire course‚ you may consider the relay race with two legs of 6.4 and 6.7 miles each. Please keep in mind that the course closes at 11 a.m.

When and where is packet pickup?
For the 2009 event‚ we’re hosting packet pickup at our place. You’re running our race‚ now come on by our Innovation Center in Austin for some 3M hospitality‚ Texas-style. We’ll show you what’s kept us running for more than 100 years.

Packet Pickup & Race Weekend Registration will be held at 3M Innovation Center on
Friday‚ January 23‚ 2009: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday‚ January 24‚ 2009: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Race Day Packet Pickup & Registration at the Start Line on
Sunday‚ January 25‚ 2009: 5:30 a.m. - 6:30 a.m.

What hotels are close to the race?
There are several hotels within walking distance of the start line. Some race sponsoring hotels offer special discounts for our runners and their families. Visit our travel page for complete information. Please mention the 3M Half Marathon in order to receive any available special rates.

Run‚ schmun … what if I want to volunteer?
You’ll be joining approximately 700 members of an all-volunteer team that make this race possible. We need volunteers for activities leading up to the race as well as all through race day. Visit our Volunteer Information page for more information. We think you’ll look great in the free race t-shirt.

What’s the street address of the starting line?
The start line is on the street at approximately at 9505 Stonelake Blvd.‚ Austin‚ TX 78759‚ see course map.

Where can I park?
For your convenience on race day‚ plan to arrive at 6:15 a.m.; we recommend participants park in the ground parking near Dave & Busters‚ Sam’s or the cinema‚ or in the parking garage closest to Microsoft. Finish line parking is available near Waterloo Park‚ see course map.

Parking for the relay exchange point is at Northcross Mall.

Where is the finish line?
The finish line is at Waterloo Park‚ see course map.

How long will the course remain open?
The finish line officially closes at 11 a.m.

Where are the aid stations?
Medical facilities are located at the start and finish lines. In addition‚ medical volunteers are accessible along the race course from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. A fully staffed medical tent is located at the finish line area and is equipped to handle medical problems that may arise.

Water is available every other mile. Power drinks are available at miles 4‚ 8 and 12.

Where are the restrooms located throughout the course?
Portable restrooms are located at the start line‚ the relay exchange point (all runners will pass through this point) and at the finish line.

What happens if I cannot complete the race in the allotted time?
The racecourse closes at 11 a.m.‚ at which time runners still on the course will be asked by Austin police to move off the road pavement and onto the sidewalks.

Are baby joggers are allowed on the course for the 3M run?
Baby joggers are welcome at the race. We simply ask that those runners line up in the back of the group at the start line for safety reasons.

Are handcycles allowed in the race?
Handcycles are not permitted in the 3M Half Marathon & Relay since they are suited for bicycle events‚ not running events. In addition‚ handcycles are significantly faster than wheelchairs and pose a hazard to participants and volunteers because of the speeds they can reach on our course.

Can I run with my dog?
For safety reasons‚ no animals are allowed on the course.

What else do I need to know about the race?
Download the 3M Half Marathon & Relay Race Instructions (pdf‚ 243 kb).

Did the race always have Clydesdale divisions? If not‚ when did it start?
The Clydesdale division has been in existence since 1995‚ the first year 3M sponsored the race.

How did you pick 200 lbs/150 lbs as weight limits for Clydesdale/Filly divisions?
The current category names and weight limits are aligned with the USA Clydesdale/Filly Federation guidelines.

If someone is in the Inactive Ready Reserves‚ can he/she still enter the military division?
Yes‚ Inactive Ready Reserve soldiers can enter the military division. The idea behind the category is to honor our men and women who are in the armed forces‚ active duty or reserve.

What is the cancellation policy?
3M reserves the right‚ in the event of an emergency‚ inclement weather conditions‚ or natural disaster‚ to cancel the event/s or to start at a later time as 3M otherwise determines in its sole discretion. In the event of cancellation‚ 3M does not guarantee refund of entry fees for any of the events.

I’ve already registered‚ but I can’t run in the race now. Can a substitute run in my place?
Substitutions can be made‚ but only if the parties agree in writing and a new race application is submitted along with a copy of the written and signed substitution agreement.

Do runners need to qualify to run or could a novice/amateur register for the race?
Runners do not need to qualify to run‚ although it is suggested you train to an appropriate level prior to attempting to run 13.1 miles. A 15-minute-mile pace is recommended.

How do I change my registration from the full run to the relay run?
To change your race preference‚ please provide us your name and confirmation number by contacting us at 512-984-7224 or complete this form.

Are there group discounts or scholarships available?
We provide an early bird discount until Jan. 24‚ 2008. There are no group discounts or scholarships available.

Is there a limit to the field size?
The 2009 3M Half Marathon & Relay is limited to 6‚000 participants.

Where and when do I pick up my timing chip?
Timing for the 2009 3M Half Marathon & Relay is provided by RunFAR Racing Services‚ using a bar-coded strip attached to the race bib. For more information see this website.

What if I have my own timing chip?
Timing for the 2009 3M Half Marathon & Relay is provided by RunFAR Racing Services‚ using a bar-coded strip attached to the race bib. You will not need your personal timing chip unless you are participating in the Austin Distance Challenge. ADC participants are encouraged to use their ChampionChip numbers so their participation in the 3M Half Marathon can be tracked.

What time does the half marathon start?
Wheelchairs start at 6:55 a.m. sharp. The half marathon and half marathon relay start time is 7 a.m. sharp. We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before the event start. Second-leg relay runners need to board the bus to the relay point at 6:30 a.m. at the start line. Sorry‚ but we cannot hold back the starting of the events. Check the Projected Race Day Schedule for more information.

What happens if I cannot finish the race?
If you cannot complete the course without assistance‚ please contact one of the medical volunteers or the nearest volunteer with a two-way radio for transport. Runners unable to finish the race shall be transported to the finish line by the race truck (sag wagon) that follows the runners throughout the course.

Can the race be cancelled due to weather?
The race will take place rain or shine.

How do I find out about race changes due to inclement weather?
Check the website. We’ll post breaking news about the race on the homepage and on our twitter feed @3mhalfmarathon.

Is there transportation provided back to the start line after the race?
Yes. Buses will return runners from the finish to the 9505 Stonelake Blvd (start line) after the race‚ from about 8 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m. Check the Projected Race Day Schedule for more information.

When do the “people shuttles” start moving on race morning (from when to when)?
At 6:30 a.m.‚ buses will transport second-leg relay runners to the exchange point. First-leg relay runners reaching the exchange point can be transported to either the start line or finish line. Buses will transport any runner from the finish line to the start line from about 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Check the Projected Race Day Schedule for more information.

How long is the first leg and how long is the second leg of the relay race?
The relay’s first leg is 6.7 miles. The second one is 6.4 miles. We measured.

Where is the relay exchange?
The 3M Relay race exchange point is at the U.S. Post Office on Northcross Drive. Second-leg relay runners are required to pick up their timing chips at the start line 9505 Stonelake Blvd. area before the start gun goes off. Those runners will then be shuttled to the exchange point.

Is there transportation for relay runners?
Second-leg relay runners will be transported to the relay exchange point at 6:30 a.m. First-leg runners‚ after reaching the exchange point‚ can be either transported back to the starting line at 9505 Stonelake Blvd. or to the finish line at Waterloo Park. All runners reaching the finish line at Waterloo Park are offered transportation back to the starting line from about 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Check the Projected Race Day Schedule for more information.

Do relay participants receive a medal?
Awards will be awarded both members of the top three relay teams in each category. Individuals who complete the half marathon will receive a medal.

What is the best way for relay participants to transport clothes?
We do not provide clothing bag transport to and from the relay exchange point. However, we recommend the following, if you have clothing to transport.

• Second-leg runner collect extra clothes from first-leg runner and board the bus from the start line to the relay exchange point. At 6:25 a.m. a bus will transport the second-leg runners from the starting area along York Boulevard to the relay exchange point (the U.S. Post Office on Northcross Drive.). The last bus leaves the start line at 6:40 a.m.
• At the relay exchange point, second-leg runners leave clothing bag in parking lot for first-leg runners.
• After exchange, first-leg runners collect extra clothes left by second-leg runner and board the bus to the finish line.

Are awards based on gun time or chip time?
All cash prize awards are based on gun time. All Age Group awards are based on chip time. For the relay‚ first-leg runners will be timed according to gun time for the relay split time. Second-leg runners will be timed according to chip time.

What is the difference between gun time and chip time?
Clock time is the time it takes from the official start of the race to when you cross the finish line.

Chip time is the time it takes you to go from the start line to the finish line‚ regardless of when you cross the start line.

What are the age divisions for awards?
19 and under
20–24
25–29
30–34
35–39
40–44
45–49
50–54
55–59
60–64
65–69
70–74
75-plus

What do I do if I’ve left personal items on the race course? Is there a lost and found?
Personal items found along the course or at the start or finish areas will be available in the 3M Half Marathon bins at Runtex Main Store beginning at noon‚ Sunday‚ Jan. 25.

3M is not responsible for lost items or their return.

Where can I find photos from the 2009 event?
For information regarding your photos from the 2009 3M Half Marathon‚ please contact:
info@sportphoto.com
(888) 678-1857

We are interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities.
There are three levels of sponsorship plus packet information sponsors. For details‚ contact us at 512-984-7224 or complete this form. Water stops can be sponsored by contacting the current year’s race beneficiary.

How can I sponsor a water stop?
Water stop water shops are organized by the race’s beneficiary‚ who receives all the proceeds from water stop sponsorship sales. The 2009 race benefits Any Baby Can. This non-profit organization ensures all children reach their potential through education‚ therapy and family support services. Any Baby Can receives a guaranteed $30‚000 donation in conjunction with this year’s race. For more information on Any Baby Can and or sponsor a water stop‚ call (800) 672-0238 or e-mail Any Baby Can at info@abcaus.org.

We are interested in placing a flyer in your race packet.
The cost of placing a flyer in our race packet is $400. The deadline for submissions is on January 12‚ 2009. For information regarding quantities‚ etc.‚ contact us at 512-984-7224 or complete this form.