FAQs
General Questions
What distances do you all offer?
We offer a certified Full Marathon (certification number is WV22001MS), Half Marathon, and 3.25 Miler. The Full Marathon is a BOSTON QUALIFIER and we will send the final results to Boston after the race once verified with our timers.
Why not offer a normal 5K?
In previous years, this event has been labeled as a 5K while in reality it's a tad long. We love the course as it lets participants run past the Fountain, through Campus, and finish inside the Stadium. If we made any changes it would take away all those special features.
Registration Questions (including Refunds, Transfers, and Deferrals)
I just registered for the race - when will I receive confirmation?
You should receive an email confirmation almost instantly We suggest printing the registration page too. If you did not let us know and we can resend it. In addition, you can search for your name under the Participant Tracking.
Why is there only online registration?
Unfortunately, we do not offer registration by phone or mail-in registration forms. We understand that some participants are more hesitant than others to enter their credit card information online; in those instances, we suggest that you buy a VISA gift card at any local retailer (Kroger, Walmart, etc.) and use that card to complete registration. This way, you are not entering any personal banking information or accounts online, but you are still able to complete the transaction.
Why is there sales tax and processing fee?
Sales Tax - We are currently in the process of becoming tax exempt which should result in sales tax being removed. However, since we are not tax exempt yet (we are under new management/ownership so working through some legal documents) the sales tax is applicable.
Processing Fee - RunSignUp charges a basic processing fee for all transactions. In addition, we have a small increase to this normal processing fee that goes directly to help us pay for technology aspects of the race (live tracking app, notifications, etc.).
How does the referral system work?
Simple! When you register, you are given a link to share with your friends/family. If 7 people use that link to register - you will get your referral refund! (Note - participants MUST use your referral link in order for the system to track it. Otherwise, it will not count. No exceptions.).
Full/Half Marathoners - you will receive $20 back if you get 7 referrals using your code (automatically goes back to your original payment method)
3.25 Milers - will receive $10 back if you get 7 referrals using your code (automatically goes back to your original payment method)
My training is going well or not so well. Is it possible to change races?
Please refer to our Race Change Policy.
Am I able to transfer my entry to a friend/family member?
Please refer to our Race Transfer Policy.
I am entered in the race but because of an injury I cannot compete. Can I defer my participation to next year or get a refund?
Please refer to both our Refund Policy and Deferral Policy. Please note this is agreed upon during registration. In addition, you were offered event insurance through RegShield insurance. If you selected this option during check-out you can see if your reason is covered under the policy.
Tell me more about the Event Insurance.
During the last step of checkout, all participants are offered the option to add Event Insurance (in case you can’t attend this event for a number of reasons, including covered injury, illness, traffic accidents, and more.). This is a separate fee which will be billed separately and you will get an email from them. Therefore, if you purchased this policy, any and all claims must go through them directly. The Marshall Marathon Committee is not responsible in submitting claims for you, deciding on the claim outcome, and/or providing the refund. Lastly, you CANNOT add this policy after you register. This is only offered when you submit your registration.
What happens if I signed up for the Live Race but the event is now switched to Virtual due to another lock-down or restriction mandate?
Unfortunately, we cannot tell the future. However, we have high hopes that it will not happen. But if it does, all participants will be moved to a Virtual Race (View Virtual Policy) and we will simply mail out your swag. There will be NO REFUNDS or DEFERRALS. We just ask for patience as it will be a very fluid situation if that happens but we will do our best to communicate with everyone both through email and on our Facebook Page.
Race Swag Questions
What swag will participants receive?
Information about swag can be found HERE.
In addition, all participants have the ability to add items during registration. This means that if you would like multiple swag items, you have the ability to add it.
What is the deadline for swag items?
The deadline to get guaranteed items will be September 30th. After this time all swag items will be first-come, first-served until supplies run out . Please note that we plan on ordering plenty of long sleeve shirt hoodies to cover last minute registrants. However, fleece hoodies (and any other add-ons) might be limited.
Can I switch the sizing of my swag item?
You have until September 30 to switch your original swag item sizing. To do so, participants MUST make the change under their RunSignUp Profile. Please note that after September 30, whatever size you selected during registration will be final. IF we have sizes available AFTER PACKET PICKUP you can try to exchange.
I did not select a specific add-on when I first registered - but now I want that add-on. How can I order it?
Easy! Simply login to your RunSignUp Profile, Locate the Marshall Marathon, Hit "Manage Registration" and then "Add-Ons". Please note that all add-ons will be first-come, first-served. The deadline to get guaranteed items will be September 30th. After this time all swag items will be first-come, first-served.
Will add-on items be available for sale at Packet Pickup/Race Day?
All items that we have remaining will be for sale at packet pickup/race day. In addition, we will have a few other Vendors available.
Packet Pickup Questions
Where is Packet Pickup?
Please click HERE for information regarding Packet Pickup.
Is there an option for me if I cannot attend Packet Pickup on Friday/Saturday?
You have two options. Either have a friend/family member pick it up for you. Or, you may add our Race Morning Packet Pickup Service. For a fee of $30, we will organize your bib number, swag, goodie bag and have them available for you on the morning of the MUM (at a tent/table adjacent to the Start Line). The deadline to add on this service is October 31st at Midnight (or once we reach our cap of 50).
NOTE: If you do not register for this specific service, you will NOT be able to pick up your swag on race morning. If you do not know your plans, you can always come back to your RunSignUp Profile later and add it on then (again, deadline is October 31st at midnight or once we reach our cap of 50).
What happens if I missed packet pickup but didn't purchase the Race Morning Packet Pickup Service?
All swag unclaimed (once packet pickup ends) will revert to the ownership of the MUM and will be available for sale on race day. You will still be able to get your race bib on race morning (however, again, you will forfeit your swag by waiting until race morning). We simply do not have sufficient personnel to dedicate to keeping track of those garments that are picked up or not picked up.
Why can't I get my race swag after I finish the race?
Again, we simply do not have sufficient personnel to dedicate to keeping track of those garments that are picked up or not picked up. If you want to ensure you get your swag please either attend packet pickup or add our Race Morning Packet Pickup Service.
Race Morning Questions
What are the logistics getting to the start line? Is it easy?
Very easy. There is free parking available at the Marshall Football stadium where the race starts and ends. If this parking is all filled then you may use any parking available at Marshall. The best of this parking would probably be the parking garage which is about 200 yards west of the stadium on 3rd Avenue (it’s within easy site of the starting line).
Where can I park?
The university stadium parking lot will be available for runners until 6:30 a.m. upon which time it will be closed to traffic. 20th Street will also be closed to traffic in preparation of the MUM after 6:30 a.m. After 6:30 we encourage everyone to park at nearby parking garages (less than 100 yards away) on 3rd Ave. or surface lots on both 3rd and 5th Avenue. All university parking is free to MUM participants. There is plenty of free available parking available within a short walking distance of the start/finish line. Please provide yourself plenty of time for arrival and preparation. Streets will be busier than usual as some streets will be shut down in preparation of the MUM. We do discourage anyone from parking in private lots. Private business lots are strictly enforced and violators will be towed. This includes, but is not limited to CVS and Dunkin'.
Is there an early start for slower participants?
Sorry, but no. Safety is the biggest reason. There is a 6 hour time limit which should help however.
What is the average temperature at start time?
37 degrees; the average high for early November here is 56 degrees; in other words, perfect for fast race times.
Are there any provisions for baggage at the start?
There will be no bag check. Start and Finish line are within 100 yards of each other and there is ample parking at the start.
Course Questions
What fluid replacement will be on the course?
Water and Gatorade are available at approximately 1.5 mile intervals. There are no gel packets/nutrition provided on the course. We recommend you bring your own. This is due city restrictions which we are trying to change.
Are there bathrooms/portajohn facilities along the course?
Yes – at the start and finish; 2 miles, 3.3 miles, 6.5 miles; 8 miles; 9 miles; 12 miles for the half-marathon and then at the same locations on the second loop of the marathon.
Is this a closed course?
No. Please View Course Policy. Runner’s lanes will be separated by traffic cones – please stay inside the cones at all times. Volunteers and police officers will monitor the course. Remember that you still need to be prepared for the unexpected whenever you run. Not all drivers pay attention even with these precautions.
Can I use a baby jogger, Walkman, I-POD, Rollerblades, Bike, or Headphones? Can I run with a stroller or with my dog?
No. Insurance restrictions prohibit the use of these. In addition this is not a closed marathon course. The use of all electronic devices is prohibited on the course in accordance with RRCA (Road Runners of America) and USATF (U.S. Track and Field) rule 1.44.3 (f). These devices include cell phones, MP3 players, and other portable audio or video devices using headphones. You are subject to disqualification should you choose not to follow this policy. While we do much to try to make the course as safe as possible there are cars that could enter the course and it is the runner’s responsibility to be aware of this.
Does the start time reflect the Time Change?
Did you know that Daylight Savings Time falls on MUM Day each year? The race begins at 7AM reflecting the time change. We adjust our clocks back one hour, but will still run the race at 7:00am, which will feel like 8:00am. That is complicated to write.. trust your cell phone with the time, but not your alarm clocks! That extra hour of sleep does the body good on race day.
Race Day Questions
If I am unable to participate, will you mail me my race packet?
Sorry but no. It is the responsibility of the runner to make arrangements to pick up your packet. Mailing packets is both expensive and time consuming. If you do not show up for the race then you forfeit all items.
How do I become a volunteer?
Easy! Simply contact us and we will get you a link to sign up. All volunteers will receive a volunteer shirt. We like to have volunteers pair up for safety reasons as well as social reasons so sign up your friend to volunteer also.
Am I able to walk the event?
We welcome and encourage all walkers and runners to participate in our events. The Half-marathon may be walked. Please be aware there is a 6-hour time limit. We have incorporated the 3.25 Mile Run/Walk in our list of events and this is a timed competitive run/walk. 3.25 Miler runners and walkers will start at 7:15. They will finish in the Marshall University Stadium. There will be prizes and official timing for this event.
I am unable to stick around for the awards, can I pick it up later or have it mailed to me?
Sorry but no. It is the responsibility of the runner to make arrangements to pick up your award on race day. Mailing packets is both expensive and time consuming.
Do we get to keep the football?
No. Footballs must be returned after you finish so that we can continue to use them throughout the day.
