Frequently Asked Questions

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 Race Date:

Saturday, October 11, 2025

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Start Time:

Half marathon, relay, and 10k+ start at 7:30 am. 5k starts at 8:00 am.

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Where is the starting line?

The half marathon, relay, and 10k+ will start on Great River Road about 1 mile north of Harper's Ferry. There are portable bathrooms at the start.

The 5k will start in Lansing in front of the Lansing Fire/EMS Station.

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Are there pacers?

       Probably not.

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What is the weather like mid-October in Northeast Iowa?

Average high: 67 Average low: 43. Or not-It's Iowa.

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What is the course like?

        Pretty damn awesome. The first half mile is highway. Turning onto Red Oak Road, participants encounter a gravel road with views of the Mississippi River. Red Oak Road lasts roughly 4 to 5 miles before turning back onto the paved highway. Red Oak Road is GRAVEL! The first 7.5 miles of the half marathon course is gently rolling hills until you meet 'The Big One'.  Then it's all down hill and flat(ish) to the finish. If you like to be challenged, we recommend this course. The 10k+ is the first half of the half marathon. 

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Are there spectators? Cheer groups? People?

        No to all the above. If you need a lot of support along the course, this isn't the race for you. (Perhaps you're in need of some solitude and nature's beauty and peace?) Yes, there are spots along the course available that your support crew can be at to cheer you on. We encourage support crews to only stop on side roads, never directly on the course. Please be advised, the course is an active roadway. We have medical and police volunteers along the course that will always give a friendly smile and applaud as you run (or walk) past. Be sure to thank them for being out there.

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What is the course time limit?

This course has a time limit of 4 hours. This allows participants to have an average pace of 18:19 per mile. The 10k+ has a course limit of 90 minutes.

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Where is packet pick up?

Packets may be picked up at the Lansing Fire/EMS Station at the following times:

Friday night 4:00-8:00 pm

        - Choose this one. Race Morning is hectic and this would help eliminate some of the crazy.  

Race morning 5:30-6:30 am *bring your patience please*

*Packet pickup will remain open until 7:45 am for 5k participants

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Can someone else pick up my packet?

Absolutely! We will not mail race packets.

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What is included in my registration?

Each participant will receive a high quality, long sleeve shirt. ALL FINISHERS will receive a medal. Runners will have access to water, sports drink, porta-potties, and mini first-aid kits along the course. At the finish line, participants will have access to water and good snacky foods.

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Can I change my registration?

Absolutely! Simply pay the difference. No refunds switching to 5k. Race registration changes must be submitted no later than September 20th.

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Can I get a refund?

There are no refunds on registrations. We understand life happens. We offer race deferrals to the next calendar year. Any deferrals must be used or forfeited in the next calendar year event. Deferral submissions or race changes will not be accepted after September 20th on any given year. Please read that again.

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Where is bag drop?

There will be bag drop at the start for all half marathon distance runners. Use whatever bag that your belongings will be safe in and that you will be able to easily identify. Bags can be retrieved from the Lansing Fire/EMS Department. Please note, we are not responsible for damaged or misplaced items. Relay runners should keep bags with their teammate. We will not ship any belongings left behind. Make sure if you want your stuff, grab it. Anything left will be donated or thrown depending on the condition.

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Are there awards?

Our awards are awesome! Beautifully, locally hand-made.

Awards will be presented to the following:

Over-all first place male and female finishers for the 5k.

Over-all first place male and female finishers for the 10k+.

Over-all first place relay team.

Over-all first place male and female finishers for the half marathon

First and second place male/female half marathon finishers for the following age brackets: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.

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Where do I park?

Free parking is available in the city parking/bus garage lot (220 S 3rd Street, Lansing). Do NOT park in front of the Fire Department. Please use the lot at the address specified and walk the short distance to the bus loading zone in front of the Fire Department. We do not want to tow your vehicle.

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How do I get to the starting line?

Half marathoners, 10k+, and runners completing the first half of the relay option can hop on the bus in front of the Lansing Fire/EMS Station. There will also be a bus for the second leg runners. All buses will depart at 6:45 am. Do not miss the bus. We highly recommend participants ride the bus as opposed to getting a ride to the start line. Extra traffic can pose as a safety hazard.

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Where are aid stations? What is provided at each aid station? Starting in 2025, this is a CUP-LESS race.

There are 5 aid stations along the course. These are located at or near mile: 3.3, 5.5, 7.8, 10.0, and 11.8. Each aid station will have a combination of water, sports drink, porta-potties, and mini first-aid kits along the course. Portable bathrooms are located at the start, aid station #2 and aid station #4. The half marathon aid stations are self serve. NEW FOR 2025: WE WILL BE CUPLESS! We are joining other running events and going cup-less. Less trash, waste, and cleanup. Thank you for understanding and please plan accordingly. 

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What if there is bad weather?

It can be cold in October in Iowa. This race will be held rain or shine or SNOW! We will run regardless of the weather except for lightening. In case of lightening, we will delay the start time until the storm passes. Dress appropriately.

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Other important information:

Ear buds are allowed, but please use caution. This course is an active roadway.

Strollers are not allowed on the half marathon/relay/10k+ course. However, they are welcomed on the 5k course.

Pets are not allowed on any courses. Animals at the finish line need to be leashed and cleaned up after. We reserve the right to request you to remove your pets if they are aggressive. 

 

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