Runner’s Guide 2018

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 2 of 19

Boston Hopefuls!

As runners, we know how important Boston is to you. And we know what it takes to get there. We’ve been there ourselves, and we’ve helped thousands of runners get there in our years with the Fox Valley Marathon Races and BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon Races.

The Spring Chance BQ.2 team is here to give you every advantage that we can to help you to your best qualifying time possible. Everything about the race— date, time of day, course, fellow runners, start, aid stations, bottle stations, pace teams, bibs—is designed to get you into Boston with a time far enough below your qualifying time to make the final cut.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 3 of 19

Schedule

Day Time Event Friday 4/20

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Geneva Running Outfitters 221 W State St, Geneva, IL • Early Packet Pickup • Elite Water Bottle Marking

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Race Village, Fabyan Forest Preserve, West 1925 S Batavia Ave (Rte 31), Geneva, IL • Course Preview hosted by Dick Pond Athletics • Village / Parking Preview • Elite Water Bottle Marking • Q&A

Saturday 4/21

Race Village, Fabyan Forest Preserve, West 1925 S Batavia Ave (Rte 31), Geneva, IL

5:15 AM – 6:15 AM • Race Day Packet Pickup

5:20 AM – 6:15 AM • Elite Bottle Marking and Drop

6:10 AM – 6:25 AM • Gear Check

6:25 AM • National Anthem

6:30 AM • Race Starts

11:00 AM • Race Ends

Last Chance to Qualify or Improve for Boston 2019 estimated Saturday

9/07 6:30 AM Race Village, Fabyan Forest Preserve, West

1925 S Batavia Ave (Rte 31), Geneva, IL

• Last Chance BQ.2 Chicagoland Marathon

Register for Boston 2019 estimated Monday

9/09 8:00AM E.S.T. • Boston Early or General registration opens

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 4 of 19

Course

The course is 8 clockwise loops. Please stay to the right side of the path and always leave space to the left for passing runners. At most, please run two abreast. Finisher’s chute will be on the left.

The course is on a public trail system. Although we have taken steps to inform the public of the race, there will be bikes, dog walkers, and others on the path. Please be respectful of other path users so that they are respectful of you.

Headphones are allowed. Please use responsibly.

This course map and a course video can be viewed at: http://www.bq2races.com/course

Course Preview jog Fri, Race eve, 4PM Race Village

Runner Parking

1950 S. Batavia Ave

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 5 of 19

Packet Pickup

Pre-race pickup: Friday April 20, 2018, 11:00 am–5:00 pm Geneva Running Outfitters 221 W State St, Geneva, IL (see map below)

Race day pickup: Saturday April 21, 2018, 5:15 am–6:15 am Fabyan Forest Preserve, West (Race Village/Start) 1925 S Batavia Ave (Rte 31), Geneva IL (also see map p. 6)

Details - Photo ID with birth date

required (e.g., driver’s license) to pick up your packet. No packets will be given out without a valid photo ID. Date of birth must match your registration data.

- Only the registered runner will be able to pick up a packet

- Confirm your registration at http://www.bq2races.com/registration-list

- Remember to bring your official race bib, timing tags, and gear check tag on race day!

-

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 6 of 19

Course Preview Jog Hosted by

Friday April 20 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Fabyan Forest Preserve, West Pavillion 1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL • One loop of the course (about 3.2 miles) at an easy pace • free, no registration required • Led by the Dick Pond Racing Team, your pacers on race day • A great chance to see the course, parking, and race village to reduce

race morning stress. • Bottle taping station • Race official Q&A •

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 7 of 19

Race Morning Details Below is a map showing areas for:

• Runner parking

• Packet pick-up

• Bathrooms and gear check

• Start and finish area

• Elite water bottle tables

• Information

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 8 of 19

Race Packet and Gear Check

Packet Contents

• Race bib with o tags: gear, bottle, bottle o timing chip

• Timing shoe tag • Gear check bag • Official race shirt • Safety pins, gear check zip tie

Race Bag Your race bag is an Advocate Health Care BQ.2 Marathon sport pack that also serves as your gear check bag.

Race Shirt The race shirt is a gender-specific performance tech shirt. You can exchange your shirt in its original bag or purchase additional shirts at Race Village Command Center. You can reserve an exchange or purchase before, have a friend exchange or purchase during, or just exchange or buy after the race. Subject to availability. Purchases $20, cash only.

Gear Check Attach the gear check tag from your race packet on the bag you received at packet pickup. Because of heightened security, we can accept only an official gear check bag, labeled with an official tag that matches the bib number of the runner dropping off the bag. We appreciate your cooperation with this safety procedure. Volunteers will watch your bags carefully, but we don’t recommend checking any valuables and all bags are left at your own risk. You must show your matching race bib to retrieve your gear check bag. Please respect the parks and preserves. Any items dropped during the race and will not be recoverable.

• Discard items at one of the 24 aid stations along the loop.

• Please do not drop any clothing, bottles, cups, or gel packs anywhere else along the course.

• Do not leave any bags unattended. They will be treated as suspicious and will be destroyed or discarded.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 9 of 19

Bibs and Timing Tags For this race we use a tag that is worn on the shoe (D-Tag) plus a bib tag (B-TAG). Both must be worn throughout the race to get an official time.

As you run across the various timing mats, it records your number and time. Bib tags are permanently attached to the back side of the bib. It is very important that you follow the instructions included with your D-tag on how to attach it. In order for it to record your time it must be attached correctly. Make sure to attach the portion with the bib number, NOT the half with the instructions. Also, you cannot make a sharp crease, crimp, or hole in the D-tag – that will make it non-functional. Remember, no D-tag, no B-tag, no time, so don’t forget to bring both race morning!

The D-tags are disposable, so there is no need to return them.

Your bib must be in full view for gear-check bag drop-off and pickup, and access to aid stations along the course and for timing your run. Do not remove or cover it.

If you need assistance race morning with your bib or timing D-tag, or if you have footwear that has no place to attach the tag, please visit the Command Center located in the picnic pavilion in the Race Village.

For a variety of reasons including insurance, race logistics, race integrity and medical preparedness, we must strictly enforce the following rule: Only the registered runner may wear the bib assigned to them.

You may not transfer your bib to another runner in any way.

Anyone running with a bib for which they are not registered will be disqualified from this race as well as future races. The original bib registrant will also be disqualified from future races.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 10 of 19

Elite Water Bottles

• We accept up to 2 pre-filled bottles per runner. Put whatever you want (your favorite, personalized race drink, sport beans, … in the bottle.

• Use only sport bottles with pop-up style tops. Flip tops won’t stay closed when you throw them.

• Volunteers will help you tape your numbered bib tags on your bottles at Friday’s early packet pickup, the course preview run, or race morning.

• Volunteers will help you set up your bottles race morning. Bottles will be organized on 10 numbered tables based on the LAST digit of your bib #.

o Table 1: bibs xxx01, xxx11, … o Table 2: bibs xxx02, xxx12, … o The last two numbers on the bib

indicate the location on the table. • Grab your bottle as you run by each lap. Unique

colors or tape make your bottle easy to spot.

• Drink while you run and toss your bottle in the drop zone about 300 ft beyond the last table. Remember to close the top.

• Volunteers will have it back on your table ready for you your next lap (It must remain marked).

• An aid station is available shortly after the drop zone in case you miss your bottle on any loop.

• Only the registered runner and official volunteers will be allowed to handle bottles.

• Any bottles not retrieved at the end of the race will be discarded.

• If a friend is handing you your own personal water bottle, they must do this in a different area and may not use the drop zone.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 11 of 19

Aid Stations You will pass 16 aid stations on this 8-loop course. Only registered runners with official Spring Chance BQ.2 race bibs will be served.

• Water, lemon-lime Gatorade Endurance Formula, Porta-Johns o At each Aid Station o 16 times, two per loop

• Clif Shot Energy Zone o 8 times, one per loop

o Mocha, Razz, Citrus flavors

o Just before the elite bottle station and North aid station

• Bananas o At South station, beginning

lap 4

• Oranges o At South aid station,

beginning lap 5

• Ice o If temperatures warrant: >68

degrees F o At North station

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 12 of 19

Pace Groups

Pace Groups

Pace leaders from Dick Pond Racing Team will help you reach your time goal.

The goal times for the pacers will be 4 minutes faster than the official qualifying standard for Boston so that you not only qualify but actually get to run Boston. For example, if the qualifying time is 3:05, the pace leader will be running to finish in 3:01. This will give you the best chance of securing a spot at Boston and will allow you to run within sight of your pacer rather than in a tight pack.

Pacers will have pace time signs and bibs in the starting area before the race to make them easy to find.

A sample bib is shown below. The first 3 digits of each bib indicate a pace group, i.e. 3:45 for Amanda

Pace Groups

(subject to change) Boston Goal Pace

Standard Time (min/mile) 3:05 3:01 6:54 3:10 3:06 7:05 3:15 3:11 7:17 3:25 3:21 7:40 3:30 3:26 7:51 3:35 3:31 8:02 3:40 3:36 8:14 3:45 3:41 8:25 3:55 3:51 8:48 4:00 3:56 9:00 4:10 4:06 9:23 4:25 4:21 9:57 4:30 4:29 10:15

Use bib numbers to connect with other runners in your pace group. But remember that runners are free to run with any pace group.

While every effort will be made to have a pace leader for each of these groups, we reserve the right to adjust pace groups as needed. Pacing is ultimately your responsibility.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 13 of 19

Finish Line

Congratulations! On a great run.

Blankets and great finisher medals await you at the finish line. A valid bib and D-tag are required to receive your medal. Race village also has water, Gatorade, food, music, and massage to help you recover and celebrate. Chocolate milk and PB&J sandwiches are a runner favorite each year.

Capture your accomplishment by taking photos with friends and family at the “BQ Bell” and “I Qualified” photo booths.

Volunteers and medical personnel will be right at the finish line and Main Medical is in the picnic pavilion for those who may need some assistance recovering.

Results Preliminary results are available by scanning the QR code on your bib, at the results booth in the pavilion, or at http://www.bq2races.com/results-photos

These results must be confirmed (typically 3 days) before they are official. We will submit official results to Boston as soon as they are certified, in plenty of time for your registration.

There will be complimentary post-race massages available outside the picnic pavilion from local businesses.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 14 of 19

Awards Because the focused goal of this race is to help you secure your spot in the Boston Marathon, there will be no age group awards. Male and female champions will receive awards.

Finisher Medals

All finishers will receive a beautiful finisher medal in the familiar blue, yellow, and silver theme.

Streak Medals Your official Chicagoland BQ.2 Marathon finish counts toward your Endurance Award streak. If you’ve officially finished any of the Fox Valley Marathon races 2 or more years in a row, any distance, you have earned an extra medal showing your streak, and a quarter zip or special award for 5-8-10-15 and year streaks. Awards are available in the pavilion.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 15 of 19

Spectating The 8-loop course makes it absolutely the Best-Ever! spectator race. Be sure to bring friends and family to help cheer you on. They can set up a blanket or lawn chairs in a beautiful riverfront park setting and see you 8 times without moving.

Parking in Fabyan Forest Preserve West is for credentialed volunteers only.

Spectators can park in the runner parking area (across Rte 31 from Fabyan West) based on space availability.

Spectators are asked not to park on the east side of Fabyan Forest Preserve (east of the Fox River). We do not want any foot traffic over the bridge to impede the runners.

Parking is also available in Batavia (south end of the loop) on the west side of the Fox River on or near Houston Street, near McDonald’s and Panera for specators who wish to see you in another part of the course with downtown food and drink amenities.

Spectators are asked not to use the pedestrian bridge over the river in Batavia near Houston Street to avoid impeding the runners. Instead, walk 1/2 block south and cross the river on Wilson Street.

Runner Tracking Friends and family can easily track you throughout the race via text or facebook messaging, thanks to Chronotrak and the 8-loop course. Details are available at www.bq2races.com/tracking

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 16 of 19

Race Integrity You’ve worked hard for months or years to get to this point. The entire Spring Chance BQ.2 staff of leaders, volunteers, medical staff, and official pacers will work hard to give all our runners a safe, equal, and best chance at achieving their goal of qualifying for Boston.

To ensure race integrity …

• Pick up your own race packet. No exceptions.

• Present a photo ID with your date of birth at packet pickup. The date of birth on the ID must match the date you provided when you registered.

• Wear both your bib with tag and your shoe tag

• Cross each timing mat on the course to assure you receive an official time

• Run with your assigned bib only. Anyone running with a bib for which they are not registered will be disqualified from this race as well as future races. The original bib registrant will also be disqualified from future races.

• Do not run with bicyclists or personal pacers. You may be disqualified if this occurs. The course capacity is limited. This practice may interfere with other runners chance of a good race. Please respect their rights.

• Falsified Eligibility Requirement data will disqualify a runner from packet pickup. Entry fees will NOT be refunded.

• A photograph of each runner will be taken at packet pickup, with their bib. This photo will be used to compare to race-day photos to verify that the person picking up the packet and the person running are the same.

• Course videos, photographs, and splits will be examined closely for unusual activity

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 17 of 19

Runner Safety Weather The event will take place regardless of rain or cold weather. Runner or volunteer safety issues may, at the sole discretion of the race director, cause delays or cancellation, including forecasts or occurrences of

• lightning • a tornado watch • dangerously hot weather • other safety hazards

Notification System Delays or cancellations will be announced via the race village public address (PA) system and through our social media channels…

• website: http://www.bq2races.com

• Facebook page • twitter account

Race Condition Flags Each aid station and race village will prominently display the current race status via a multi-color flag system.

On schedule: Course and weather acceptable

Delayed start: waiting for weather or the course to clear

Heat advisory: runners take appropriate precautions

Extreme heat: runners advised to slow or walk

Race has stopped: return safely to the finish line. No official finish times will be given

These are your on-site safety notifications and should be heeded to avoid serious problems.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 18 of 19

Medical Main – Race village

South – South aid station

On Course – Race Guards, cart

Main Medical is in the Race Village pavilion. On course, medical personnel are at the South aid station.

Race Guards trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid will be on the course as well, committed to assisting participants with any medical or physical support need.

If you cannot get to an aid station, alert a passing runner who will notify the nearest aid station or alert a Race Guard. If needed, a cart will arrive to transport you to additional medical care providers.

To help the medical staff in case of an emergency, on the back of your bib please write the following:

• Full name • Age • Medical conditions • Allergies • Medications and supplements • Emergency contact

All medical personnel will be wearing a lime neon green medical vest as well as their race credentials, or a Race Guard uniform.

Only accept treatment from officially identified medical personnel.

2018 Spring Chance BQ.2 Marathon–Runner’s Guide Page 19 of 19

Full page Advocate Health Care ad