Bridge The Gap To Health FAQ's

Who is the event benefiting?

100% of the event proceeds benefit the Quincy Catholic Charities MedAssist Program that leverages FREE prescription medications for the working poor of our community. The program is open to anyone if you qualify and has assisted over 2,000 patients secure over 18,300 medications at a dollar value over 4 MILLION! Donations to the MedAssist Program can also be made online at www.cc.dio.org, just go to the Quincy office location.

How do I register for the event?

On the website homepage you have a few options regarding registration. You can register online at www.active.com, just click the link on the homepage. You can also download and print off a registration form, one registration per registrant please. You can also contact Quincy Catholic Charities by phone to have a registration sent to you in the mail. Previous race participants will have registrations mailed to them.

Is it safe and secure to register over the internet?

Yes! Bridge The Gap To Health has partnered with Active.com who is a leader for on-line registration. Active's website is safe, secure, and easy to navigate.

Do you take Credit Cards for Registration at the race expo on Friday?

No, we only accept cash and checks for registration at the health & fitness expo.

When & where do I pick up my packet?

Packets can be picked up beginning Friday, April 11, 2008 from 3pm - 9pm at the race expo located at Country Inn & Suites, 110 North 54th Street, Quincy, IL. You may also pick up your packet for pre-registration the morning of the race beginning at 7:30am at Clat Adams Park. Your packet will include your race bib that will have the chip in it for timing purposes as well as your t-shirt and other race related inserts.

What is the Health and Fitness Expo? Do I have to go? Does it cost money?

The Health and Fitness Expo is FREE and open to participants, their friends and family. The Expo will be held on Friday, April 11, 2008 at the Country Inn & Suites, 110 North 54th Street. Additionally, the expo is a great place to get great deals on shoes and clothing, meet other runners and walkers, sample new products and more. The health related theme at the expo this year is Breast Cancer Awareness. Several health professionals will be on hand sharing education information on this topic. The expo may also involve breakout sessions with health professionals discussing further aspects of Breast Cancer Awareness.

What will be at the race expo?

Vendors sharing health related educational information as well as healthy eating information, massage therapists, dieticians etc. You will also see vendors selling apparel. Representatives will be on hand sharing information about our health related theme for 2008 Breast Cancer Awareness. THE EXPO IS OPEN THE PUBLIC.

Do I get a shirt or will I have to pay extra for it?

All pre-registered runners/walkers will be guaranteed an event shirt. Additional souvenir shirts, hats, technical shirts may be purchased at the expo or the day of the race. For more information on these products please see our news blogs.

Can I register for the race at the expo?

Yes, registration will be open at the race expo (3pm-9pm) as well as on race morning beginning at 7:30am up until race time.

How can I obtain a booth at the Health and Fitness Expo or insert an item into the runner bag?

If you are interested in exhibiting at the expo you can download an application form by clicking the expo tab on our homepage. For parties interested in inserting flyers or promotional materials in bags please email ktstuckman@yahoo.com.

What time does the race start?

ALL participants 5k, 10k, and Half Marathoners start promptly at 9:00am on Front Street between Hampshire and Vermont Streets. Please keep in mind... we want the runners up closer to the starting line and the walkers to fill in behind. We will have signs for the 2008 event that will help differentiate starting points to help runners and walkers.

Will a shuttle service to be offered to the site of the race?

Shuttle service will be offered to race participants who are staying at the Country Inn & Suites to the site of the race.

I am injured, pregnant, or no longer able to attend the race, can I get a refund?

Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

Can I give my entry to a friend?

No! Due to USATF rules and regulations each participant must register themselves and sign their own waiver.

I won’t be able to participate; can I still pick up my t-shirt?

YES! Please stop by the Health and Fitness Expo and pick up your bib, tshirt and goody bag.

Do you have any suggestions on lodging for the race?

The BTG committee highly recommends Country Inn Suites, 110 North 54th Street, Quincy. Country Inn & Suites is the official hotel sponsor of the 2008 Bridge The Gap to Health event. To make reservations at Country Inn just click on the link on our home page. For a complete list of hotels/motels please go to www.seequincy.com.

Where is the start & Finish line for the event?

The start/finish line is located on Front Street between Hampshire and Vermont and in Clat Adams Park respectively.

What about first aid/water stations?

First aid and water stations will be located sporadically throughout the racecourse. Quincy Medical Group Sports and Rehab are the official sponsors of medical care and first aid for the 2008 event.

Will you have post race food?

Post – Race refreshments will be located in the gazebo immediately following the race.

When will the awards be given out?

Awards will be given out on the stage immediately following the posting of the results. The 5k and 10k results will be completed approximately 15-20 minutes after the finish. Half Marathon awards will also be provided 15-20 minutes after they cross the finish line.

How is the race being timed?

Fleet Feet will be providing digital (DAG) timing this year all chips are located in the bib. The bibs are yours to keep or returned in a barrel by the finish line to be used at other races.

What is the difference between chip time and clock (gun) time?

Clock time is the time it takes from the official start of the race to when you cross the finish Chip or Net time is the time it takes you to go from the start line to the finish line, regardless of when you cross the start line. The Bridge the gap event will utilize NET TIME.

How long is a Half Marathon?

A half marathon is 13.1 miles.

Can walkers do the half marathon?

No, the half marathon for 2008 is geared solely for half marathon runners.

Where will restrooms be located?

Restrooms will be located in Clat Adams Park. A restroom will be located in West Quincy, Missouri.

When will the kids run take place? (NEW CHANGES FOR 2008!)

The Mercantile Bank Childrens' Fun Run will begin at 11:00am. If you have children interested in the childrens' fun run please download an application for the event by clicking the kids fun run tab on the homepage. The cost for the fun run is $10.00, which includes a t-shirt and a finishers medal.

I have run the race in the past how do I find out my time from last year?

Log onto www.timingiseverything.com and click which year you are looking for.

Do you have a purse for your event?

YES, $100.00 each is awarded to the top male and female finishers in the 5k and 10k categories. $200.00 is awarded to the top male and female finishers in the half marathon.

Where do I park on Saturday morning?

We strongly encourage carpooling to the event. Parking will be located on:

• Spring Street between second and third streets.
• Vermont Street between second and third streets.
• Front Street North of the racecourse by Kohl's Wholesale.

What streets should I avoid in coming to the race?

Streets to avoid the day of the race would involves the following:

• 3rd & Cedar Streets
• Front Street between Vermont and Hampshire
• 3rd & Broadway
• 1st & 2nd and Hampshire Street
• 2nd Street to 2nd & Maine
• 2nd & Broadway Street to 2nd & Spruce Street
• Please avoid Riverview park completely
• Much of North front Street to Quinsippi Island
• Bonansinga Drive beginning at the Quinsippi Island entrance will be cut down to one lane until one tenth of a mile past Boy Scout Road.

What should I wear during the run/walk?

Breathable clothing such as Polypropylene and Coolmax are materials that wick away moisture. Long runs may cause chafing thus wear appropriate clothing. Weather in past years has varied from cold to mild. Thus pay close attention to the weather as race day approaches. For up to the minute weather updates log onto www.wgem.com or click on the link on our homepage.

How many runners and walkers do you expect?

The bridge the gap committee, due to yearly growth, anticipates over 2,000 participants for the 2008 event.

What is the elevation of your racecourse?

Please see the elevation chart that can be accessed from the homepage.

NOTES:

If you are in medical need or see someone who has a medical need please let the nearest volunteer know in order to get medical help.

PLEASE NOTE! Runners can walk but walkers CANNOT run!