Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you allow MP3 Players and music devices?
The number one question! Look you and I both know there is no way we stop anyone from using their music devices while running a distance event. We do not have a closed course so there will be times when you will be sharing Tyler streets with cars. We ask you to be alert and be aware of your surroundings. But yes, you can use your MP3 player.

2. Is this marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes.

3. Why are results and awards determined by gun time and not chip time?
Although chip timing afforded run events to produce quick fast timing results, it was never intended to be the benchmark for finish order. We feel that this is a foot race against other human beings and not against a computer system. The first one back across the finish line is the winner. If your finish placement is important to you, we suggest you line up in the first twenty rows at the start.

4. Are there hotels within walking distance of the start/finish line?
No, but there are many hotels close to the event site. Please check our accomadations page for details

5. I noticed the start of the marathon is at 7:30 am and the half at 8 a.m.. When would be best to arrive?
We reccomend that all participants arrive by 7 a.m. to insure their timely participation

6. What if I arrive late? Can I start and run the course anyway?
We cannot guarantee your ability to stay on course and receive police protection if you arrive and start late. We would not recommend starting more than several minutes after the start time.

7. Can I register the day of the race?
No there will be no race day registration

8. Is it possible to drive the course?
The course should be drivable once designed.

9. What happens if at some point of the marathon course I decide I cannot finish?
We will have vehicles on the course to pick up those that feel they must quit. Although they will be roving the course, it will help if you look out for police or volunteers manning the course so they can radio your need for help.

10. Is there medical help available on the course?
We will have medic bike teams roving the course to aid any medical needs. We also have 5 medical aid stations on the course. All police will have the ability to radio for ambulance assistance if needed.

11. What sports drink will you be serving and is it available at every water station?
Our sports drink is PowerAde and we will have it available at every water station. The flavor we will be providing is Mountain Blast Powerade, It is the blue kind.

13. Will there be port-o-lets on the course?
Yes, exact locations will be given once we near the event..

14. Is there a place for me to check extra clothing or baggage?
Yes we will have a secure bag check area in our post event area

15. Is there a charge for parking at the event?
We will have free parking near the Heart of Tyler. Traffic may be congested event morning so allow extra time to arrive

16. Will photos be taken along the course and at the finish?
Yes, our race photographer is Jerry Glover Photography. Information avaiable on any of our event sites.

17. Once I register for the event, will I be sent instructions about the event?
Once you register, if you provide an email address, we will send a pre-race email providing you with all event week information and links you should need. We will not however send you frequent emails leading up to the event. We feel you get enough emails in your inbox without our contribution

18. If I sign up for the marathon and I later decide to switch and just run the half or 5k, is this possible?
You can switch to the shorter distances. However, there will be no refunds made allowing for the lesser fees of the shorter distances.

19. Is the course flat or hilly?
There will be some rolling areas and a few hills on our course.

20. What types of running surfaces are on the course?
You will be running entirely on city streets with some asphalt and some concrete.

21. Can I run with a running stroller or with my dog?
That would be no. Neither will be allowed on the course of the half marathon and marathon. We will allow strollers in the 5k but again no dogs.

22. What if I cannot attend and participate after entering?
There are no refunds. After the event if you will email the event, we will be happy to mail you your event shirt.

23. Is there a cap on entries for the Tyler Rose?
At this time we do not anticipate the need for capping entries.

24. Spectator Points:
We will post details here once we have a designed, measured and approved course.

If you have a question not answered here please contact the event director at director@tylermarathon.com