What is the race route? The race will start in downtown Midway on S. Brand St., head west on Stephens St./Spring Station Rd., turn around just beyond the railroad crossing, and then head back into Midway. The race will then head east on Weisenberger Mill Rd., will turn around at the Paynes Depot Rd. intersection (where you will cross a timing mat). The course will return to Midway where it will return to the start/finish line on S. Brand St. A course map can be found here.
Is the course difficult? The course is typical rolling Bluegrass horse farm country so it is not flat. It is challenging with the hills mostly occurring closer to the turnarounds on the east and west ends of the course.
Will the miles be marked? Yes, each mile will be marked by a sign alongside the road.
What kind of weather can I expect? The average high for mid October in Midway is 67 degrees and the average low is 48 degrees.
What happens if it rains? We race rain or shine. The only thing that could affect the race is dangerous storms or lightning.
How will the race be timed? The race will be chip timed. The timing chips will be attached to the back of the bib numbers. You must wear your bib to participate in the race. There will be a timing mat at the second turn around. You must cross this mat to receive an official time.
What type of aid will be offered on the course? Water stations will be positioned approximately every 2 miles. Sports drink will be provided on the course during the second half of the race. Gels in caffeinated and non-caffeinated flavors will be available at approximately mile 10. Please don’t throw your empty gel packets on the ground. We will also have port-a-johns approximately every 3 miles and roving first aid along the course.
Can I wear headphones during the race? We believe that using an audio device will compromise your safety and that of others. If wearing an audio device results in your being unable to hear verbal instructions or commands, or approaching vehicles or course marshals, you may be asked to relinquish the device. We ask that you take responsibility and use good judgement if you opt to wear an audio device. We truly hope you’ll choose to leave your headsets at home and instead let the beautiful scenery serve as your motivation.
Can I push a stroller during the race? Due to the narrow roads strollers are not allowed.
Can I lead my pet during the race? Pets are not allowed on the course.
Are walkers welcome? Walkers are welcome but because the race is run on narrow public roads with no shoulder we have a minimum 14 minute per mile pace. This means you must be able to complete the race in 3:04 or less. If on the way back into Midway around the 7 mile mark you are not keeping a 14 minute per mile pace you will be instructed to proceed straight to a finish area where you will still receive a finisher’s award. If you are not keeping a 14 minute per mile pace and you choose to proceed beyond the 7 mile point of the course you should not expect any support (traffic control, water, sports drink, etc.). A 14 min/mile pace is a very fast pace to walk for 13.1 miles so please be prepared! For your own safety please realize the problems here and don’t endanger yourself at this point in the race. We will have a person on the course during the first 7 miles of the race with a flashing red light on his back keeping a steady 14 min/mile pace. You will need to stay in front of this person to avoid being pulled from the race at the 7 mile mark.
Where can I park? Parking is available at Northside Elementary and Cypress Creek Equine.Runners and spectators, please be considerate of the churches in town when choosing where to park. You can walk all the way across Midway in 15 minutes so pretty much anywhere you park isn’t far from the race start. We also urge you to arrive early.
Where can I get up to the minute race results? Results will be updated live on the results page of the RunSignUp event. Be sure you have 2024 selected as your results year.
Is Gear Check offered? We will be offering gear check. Starting at 6:15 am all participants will be offered the opportunity to check their gear. We will provide the bag and label to identify your bag. Gear may consist of small personal items and articles of warm-up clothing. Please don’t bring your valuables (watches, keys, money, phones, etc.) since we cannot be responsible for these items. Make sure you keep your bib for gear pick-up because we organize your gear in accordance with that number. Pre-race gear check location will be at race HQ, and mid-race gear check at water station 4.
Where are the port-a-johns? Many will be located near the start/finish. We will also have them located on the course every 3 miles or so (this distance is approximate).
Where is the start? Walk onto Dudley St then quickly bear right on N Brand St., and walk under the rail road track. The start/finish will be after the E Cross intersection on S Brand.
Which side of the road do I run on? Please run on the right side of the road with traffic. Keep in mind that at some points on the course runners will be coming/going in both directions.
Are the roads closed? We make every effort to keep all traffic off the roads, but because there are houses and horse farms all along the course the occasional vehicle might require access. Be aware of what’s going on around you and use caution if a vehicle is present.
Will there be pace groups? There will be a 3:04 pacer (Half Marathon cutoff time). There will be no 12k-specific pace groups.
