34thAnnual Topeka to Auburn Half Marathon
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Start Location:
The starting line is located on Indian Hills Road west of Indian Hills Elementary, 7445 SW 29th Street. Runners may wait inside Indian Hills Elementary before the start of the race. Remember that we are guests of both Indian Hills Elementary and Auburn Grade School and we would not be able to hold the race without their facilities.
Bus Transportation:
Buses will be available to transport runners from Auburn to Indian Hills Elementary before the start of the race. Buses will begin loading near the Auburn Community Center beginning at 8:30 a.m. and will continue until 9:30 a.m. Parking is available along the north and east side of the ball diamond and as directed by parking attendants. Parking in Auburn will be tight, so please follow instructions of parking attendants; car-pooling is appreciated. Parking in unauthorized locations in Auburn could result in ticketing. Busing is provided for runners only. There will NOT be bus transportation provided after the race back to Topeka from Auburn.
Timing and Results:
Heartland Timing will be providing bib chip timing and compiling results. All times and results are recorded based on each individual crossing the starting line mat and the finish line mat. Results will be available at the finish line as well as posted at Auburn Grade School.
Safety:
As the course is run entirely along city streets and country roads, please be aware that there is live traffic along the course. Runners will need to use caution at all times and run primarily on the left side of the road facing traffic, unless directed otherwise. Runners must follow the instructions of law enforcement, course marshals and event directors. Please remain off the course at the starting line until the starting area has been secured. Weather permitting; a cyclist may accompany the lead runners during the race. For insurance reasons and everyone’s safety, the use of headphones or headsets during the race is strictly prohibited. Strollers, skateboards, roller blades, bicycles and dogs are not allowed on the course. Non-entrants are not allowed to pace others.
Auburn: Upon completion of the race, runners are not allowed to go back out onto the course. Please don’t congregate along streets in Auburn and access must be maintained at all times to allow the Auburn Fire Department to make emergency calls.
Restrooms:
Restrooms are located inside Indian Hills Elementary and porta-johns will be located near aid stations 2 and 4 along the course.
Clothing Bags:
Dry clothes bags may be dropped near the entrance to Indian Hills Elementary before the start and will be transported to Auburn Grade School. Please label your clothing bag with your name, bib number and a phone number. Please do not place any valuables in the bags. Any discarded items along the course or not retrieved at the school will be donated to a local charity.
Aid Stations:
Five aid stations, each providing water and Gatorade will be located along the course. The Auburn fire Station may also serve as a post-race aid station and recovery area.
Emergency/Medical Support:
If emergency medical assistance is needed, notify volunteers along the course or at aid stations. Emergency personnel will be located at the finish line as well as monitoring runners along the course.
Spectator Instructions:
All spectators are asked to remain off of the course. Driving the course can be hazardous for the runners, especially over the unpaved portion between miles 8 and 12. We request all vehicles other than officially marked race vehicles stay off the course. There are several locations where spectators can drive from Auburn Road or from Wanamaker Road to intersect runners along the course.
Post-Race Activities:
The post-race pancake feed and awards ceremony will be held at Auburn Grade School, 251 W. 8th Street in Auburn, one block west and one block south of the finish line.
Bag Pick-up and Changing Rooms:
Clothing bags may be picked up in the hallways of the grade school. Changing rooms are available; however, there are no shower facilities.
Pancake Feed:
A free pancake feed, compliments of the Sunflower Striders, will be available to all participants and volunteers and is a fundraiser for the Auburn Grade School PTO. Family and friends may also eat for a donation to the Auburn Elementary School PTO fundraiser.
Awards Ceremony:
The ceremony will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. or as soon as results become available. All results are based on chip timing. Age group awards, beginning with ages 16 and younger through ages 80 and over in five year age groups, may be picked up upon becoming official at the school. Awards may go deeper than three places in larger age groups. Overall and age graded masters will be presented at the awards ceremony.
Awards will be given to:
Top three overall male and female finishers.
Top three age graded male and female master’s finishers.
Top three male and female in standard five-year age groups (larger age groups may go deeper).