FAQ

General Questions

Where to dine?

Norfolk has tons of great restaurants! Here’s a few recommendations.

Are there time limits?

Yes, we will have plenty of participants who will walk. The Half Marathon course will be open for 4 hours, which equates to a 18:19 minute per mile pace. Participants on the 5K course must maintain a 20 minute per mile pace.

What time should I arrive on race day?

We encourage all participants and spectators to arrive prior to 7 AM to ensure parking availability and allow for adequate time to drop off bags, warm up, and get in the start corrals.

What are the event start dates and times?

The race weekend schedule can be found HERE.

Where can we park for the races?

There are plenty of public parking garages in Downtown Norfolk near the start/finish. 

What can I do before and after the race?

There are many fun things to do during race weekend. Click here to find activities.

What will the weather be like in Norfolk during November?

The average high is 60 degrees and the average low is 40 degrees during November.

Packet Pickup

What is the exclusive race day will call option?

Available for 10K and Half Marathon participants, you’ll receive red carpet treatment when you purchase the Exclusive Race Day Will Call for a fee of $50. Your race bib, shirt, and safety pins will be preassigned and packaged for a quick exchange race morning. Limited to 200 participants.
If you are already registered, you can add this product to your registration if it is not sold out. Log in to your Participant Account and add the product to your registration.
Pick up is at the Runner Info Booth in Town Point Park from 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM on Sunday.

Where can I pick up my race packet?

You can find all your packet pickup needs here.

Can I have my packet mailed?

Whether you can’t make it to Packet Pickup or you just want to avoid standing in line, packet mailing is available during registration. For a fee of $45, we will mail your packet the week before the event. You must purchase the packet mailing option before November 7, 2025.
If you are already registered, it’s not too late to add. Log in to your Participant Account and add the product to your registration.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

Yes. You have 3 options!

  1. Send them your check in pass for a seamless pickup
  2. Upload your authorization form to your participant profile (CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW)
  3. Print this form – Along with a copy of your ID. Family members with the same last name just need to show a copy of their ID. They do no need authorization forms, etc.

Race Information

Are hydration packs allowed on the course?

Yes. We allow hydration packs on our course.

Are there porta-potties on the course?

Porta-potties are located near the start line, at every water stop on the course, and at our post-race party.

Where will my results be posted?

Results can be found HERE after the race.

 

Will there be pace groups?

Yes, we will have the following pace groups: 1:35 (7:15/mi), 1:45 (8:02/mi), 1:52 (8:35/mi), 2:00 (9:09/mi), 2:15 (10:18/mi) and 2:30 (11:27/mi). Please check out our Pace Groups page for more information!

Do I need my ID for the finish line party?

You will need a wrist bracelet provided by J&A Racing in order to drink beer at the post-race party. You can get this bracelet by showing us your ID at the expo (special ID Check booth) or at the post-race party.  Beer will also be available for purchase for spectators or runners.

Will spectators be allowed to view the finish?

Yes, there will be plenty of space to view your runner finish. We also invite you to stay and take part in the post-race party.

Is there a dry bag check?

We will have a dry bag check for both the 5K and the Half Marathon located near the finish line in Town Point Park. The 5K dry bag check will open at 6:30am and close at 10:00am. Half Marathon dry bag check will open at 6:15am, and close at 12:15pm. You must pick up your bag immediately after your race in the same location at which you dropped it off.

As a safety requirement, every runner will receive a clear plastic bag at packet pick-up that MUST be used for your gear check bag. We WILL NOT accept any other bags. All race bibs will include a gear check tag that will need to be removed from your bib and tied to the bag before you turn it into gear check on race morning.

J&A Racing is not responsible for any lost items, so please do not leave valuables in your dry bag.

Will there be hydration and energy gels on the course?

There will be Nuun Hydration Endurance, lemon lime flavor, at all water stops. GU Energy gels will be handed out in a variety of flavors on the course near mile 7 of the Half Marathon. Make sure you train with them before the race if you plan on using the drinks and gels on the course.

Are headphones allowed during the race?

Headphones are allowed; however, we strongly encourage participants to abstain from using headphones during this race.

Are baby joggers, strollers or pets allowed during the race?

Baby Joggers/Strollers
Yes, baby joggers and strollers are allowed. You must include your child’s information during your registration (there is no additional charge). If you did not include your child during registration, please visit the Help Desk at the Sports & Fitness Expo to add your child.

Baby joggers and strollers are not allowed in corrals 1-2, so you must be in corral 3 or higher and seed yourself at the back of your assigned corral. It is your responsibility to make sure your baby jogger/stroller does not impede other runners, and you must take extra precaution to ensure your safety, your child’s safety, and the safety of the runners around you. We reserve the right to pull any participant from the race who is endangering other runners or themselves.

Pets
Pets are not permitted in any of the J&A Racing events.

What are the age limits for each race?

You must be 12 years of age to run the Half Marathon. We encourage participants of all ages to join us for the 5K. Parents or guardians are encouraged to run with their minor children during the 5K but must be registered for the race. Responsible adult family members must be present at the finish to receive their minor children as there will be no additional security beyond the secured finisher’s area, and no specific parent/child reunion area!

The Kids Mile is limited to children 12 and under.

Will there be an awards ceremony? What are the award categories?

No, awards will be mailed to all recipients after the event. Click here for a list of overall and age group awards.

Register Now