5 Person Relay
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Start Times:
7:15 AM- Marathon, Half Marathon Run/Walk and Marathon Relay.
DEADLINES:
All team members MUST be registered by October 4, 2010. Absolutely NO additions, changes, or substitutions can be made after that date. Requests for any additions, changes or substitutions should be made as soon as possible to marathon@freepress.com.
Important: NO additions, changes or substitutions can be made at the Expo.
Homeland Security Requirements for Team Relays
ALL relay team members running the international legs (#1 and #2) MUST attend the Expo to pick up their race packets. They MUST provide proof of citizenship (valid passport, passport card or enhanced driver's license) when picking up race numbers.
The remaining members (Legs 3-5) must still attend the Expo to pick up their numbers. However, like the 5K run entirely on U.S. soil, those participants need only bring photo identification when picking up their race numbers.
Bib numbers for the first two legs of the relay will be color-coded. Only those participants, wearing their unique bibs, will be allowed to board the international buses (Buses 1-10), either to the first exchange in Windsor, or those making the return trip from Windsor to Detroit.
On October 4th, all relay data files will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for pre-clearance before being forwarded for bib printing. Therefore no changes, additions or last minute substitutions (including other individuals having proper identification), will be allowed after October 4th. This policy will be strictly enforced.
Amenities:
All registered runners receive:
- An official long-sleeve performance wicking shirt
- Commemorative Finisher's Medal
- Fluid stations approximately every other mile
- Entertainment stations approximately every mile
- Free admission to Health and Fitness Expo
- Discounted rates at various hotels
- Plenty of finish line refreshments
- Finish line massage
- Opportunity to purchase official finish line photos
How It Works
Build a Relay Team
A team of five runners will cover the entire 26.2 mile distance. Each runner will run one leg of 3-7 miles. The team can have as few as three members competing. However, this will require that some team members run more than one leg. For example, if a team has only three members, the first runner may run the first two legs of the relay, the second runner may run the next two, while the third runner runs the final distance to the finish line. If a team has four members, one member must run two legs of the relay.
This year, there are several different entry categories for relay teams. They include:
. Corporate/Business 500 or more employees
. Corporate/Business 100-499 employees
. Corporate/Business 99 or fewer employees
. Open (almost anything goes)
. Masters (Age 40 and older) - Male/Female/Mixed
. Universities/Colleges - Professors, Staff, Administrators, Students
. Armed Services/Police/Border Patrol/Fire
. Legal/Medical
NOTE: For a mixed team to qualify for awards, the team must contain at least two female members.
Numbers and Timing Chips
Team members must wear a number visible on their Front. Team members must also wear a "RELAY" bib on their back. Each leg of the relay will be timed. Runners of each leg will be given a disposable timing tag which must be attached to their shoelace. In previous relays, the timing chip was passed from team member to team member at each exchange. Now, because of disposable tags, each team member will wear a tag on their shoe and be timed individually.
IMPORTANT: Because of the sensitivity of the timing tag, each member of the relay team must remove their tag and dispose of it as soon as they complete their leg. Scissors and a tag receptacle will be available for this purpose at each exchange point.
Race Numbers:
You will be given a race number at the time you register. Your confirmation will include your race number. To speed the pick-up process, bring your confirmation with you to the Health and Fitness Expo to pick up your number. There will be a dedicated area in packet pick-up exclusively for Marathon Team Relay participants. If you do not have your confirmation, your race numbers will be posted in this relay packet pick-up area. EACH RELAY TEAM MEMBER MUST PICK UP YOUR OWN RACE NUMBER. NO RACE DAY PICK UP WILL BE AVAILABLE.
Race numbers must be visible at all times during the race, particularly when crossing international borders. Therefore, please make certain that your number is pinned to the outer-most layer of clothing at all times. Failure to comply may result in your removal from the course.
Race numbers, computer timing chips, and t-shirts must be picked up at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday or Saturday. There is no race day number pick up/number pick up available. Entry confirmation will be mailed to you within three weeks of receipt at the marathon office or if you provide an e-mail address, an e-mail confirmation (if sent in by the September deadline). All on-line entries will receive an e-mail confirmation. Please be certain to include your correct e-mail address.
Relay Exchange Zone Operations
There will be a single staging area at each relay exchange. There will be volunteers calling out incoming team numbers. This should help in locating your incoming team member. However, it is the responsibility of the relay teams and each team member to know when their team member will be arriving at each exchange. This can be approximated by knowing each of the team members running pace (how fast they run) this will help in estimating when they will be arriving at each relay exchange.
RELAY TEAM MEMBERS MUST KEEP THE EXCHANGE ZONES AND THE MARATHON COURSE CLEAR. IF A RELAY TEAM INTERFERES WITH A MARATHON or HALF MARATHON RUNNER, THE TEAM WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. RELAY TEAMS MUST REMAIN IN THE CORDONED OFF STAGING AREA UNTIL THEIR TEAM MEMBER ENTERS THE EXCHANGE ZONE.
2010 Exchange Zones (Click on the location for a printable map)
| Start of Leg# | Exchange Location | Leg Distance |
| 1 | Start Line (Fort & 2nd) | 6.2 |
| 2 | Riverside & Bruce | 6.0 |
| 3 | Michigan & 3rd | 6.6 |
| 4 | E. Jefferson & Baldwin | 3.0 |
| 5 | Sunset Dr. & Casino Way | 4.4 |
Relay Instructions
Relay Shuttle and Finish Information
There will be shuttle buses to all relay exchanges zones except Leg #3 (located at Michigan and 3rd), which is 2 blocks north of the start. Click here for walking map to Leg #3 from the start. To see a walking map from the end of Leg #2 to the finish, click here. It is highly recommended that teams use the shuttle buses especially going to and from Windsor, Canada. The shuttle buses will be located on Michigan Avenue, between 2nd and 3rd. You MUST have a race number on; and it MUST be visible. If you do not have a number you will not be allowed on the bus. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT OF THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION.
NOTE: At this time, location of the shuttle
buses has not been finalized. As
soon as it is approved, that information will be added to the Web site.
All bibs will include your Leg number. Bib numbers for the first two legs of the relay will be color-coded. Only those participants, wearing their unique bibs, will be allowed to board the international buses (Buses 1-10), either to the first exchange in Windsor, or those making the return trip from Windsor to Detroit. THIS IS A REQUIREMENT OF THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION. WARNING: Violating federal immigration laws could result in arrest, imprisonment and/or fines.
Boarding the shuttle buses begins at 5:55 a.m. The shuttle buses for the Windsor Leg #2 (Buses 1-10) will depart for the relay exchange zones at 6:50 a.m. SHARP. The remaining buses (11-30) will depart for relay legs 4 and 5 at 7:15 a.m. SHARP! If you miss the shuttle bus, you will be responsible for your own transportation to your assigned relay exchange zone.
What to do if you miss a relay bus:
Anyone missing their relay bus is personally responsible to find their own way to their designated exchange point.
Relay exchange #1, leg #2 Windsor, Canada.:
If you miss the Windsor buses, it will be impossible to make it to the Windsor exchange in time. This is because the tunnel, bridge and streets in Windsor will be closed starting at 7:00 a.m. DO NOT MISS THE BUS! If you miss the Windsor bus your relay team will be out of the race, unless the runner of Leg #1 also runs Leg #2.
Relay Leg #4
If you miss the bus to Leg #4 please click here for map and driving directions.
Relay Leg # 5
If you miss the bus to Leg #5 please click here for map and driving directions
Be Aware of Changes:
It is extremely important that team members visit this site on a regular basis for changes and updates. Announcements, such as exchange locations/maps, and any other important information regarding the relays will be published as necessary.
Make Contact with Team Members
Each team is responsible for making sure ALL team members are aware of race requirements and procedures. Before race day, team members should make contact with one another to plan their strategies – where to meet before and after the race, how to keep track of gear, what to do in case of illness or emergency, etc.
No Relay Run-In At The Finish:
Runner safety and security prevent a team run-in at the finish. Therefore the last leg of the relay is the GLORY LEG to be run by one member of the team. Failure to comply could result in team disqualification. Relay teams will be able to meet near the relay team entrance for their reunion and team photos.
Team finisher medals will be given to the runner of leg #5 who will have a purple bib (race number). Leg #5 will be printed on the purple race bib and only the runner with this bib will be given the finisher metals for the entire team. If for some reason a team has to replace the Leg #5 runner, that runner must run with the purple bib in order to get the team medals.
Returning Relay Runners:
Shuttle buses will return to the finish with relay runners who have completed their leg once the bus is full (or the last relay runner has completed the leg). If runners wish to return sooner than the bus is scheduled, runners must make their own transportation arrangements. Please remember there is no Relay Team Run-In. Any team that has more than one member crossing the finish line will be disqualified
Relay Finish Location:
The relay finish location and entrance to the marathon finish area for returning relay team members will be situated on Fort St. just east of Fifth Street, adjacent to the Finish Line.
Sweats and Personal Items:
There is no gear check for relay team members. The Marathon will not be responsible for the movement of sweats or personal items of relay runners. It is up to each team to figure out how to pass on sweats and personal items. DO NOT LEAVE PERSONAL ITEMS AT THE RELAY EXCHANGES, WE HAVE NO WAY OF INSURING THEIR SECURITY AND WILL NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY.
Relay shuttle buses as shelter:
The relay shuttle buses will remain at the relay exchange points to act as shelter for the relay runners. You may remain on the bus until it is time for you to exchange with your team member and run your leg. There will also be port-a-johns at each relay exchange along with water and Gatorade.
Deadlines:
Absolutely NO additions, changes, or substitutions can be made after October 4, 2010.
Requirements:
We are fortunate to offer two international border crossings during the course of our event. To continue providing this unique opportunity, we MUST re-open the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel to vehicular traffic at 10:00 AM. To ensure your safety and to meet all time limits, we have established the following milestones:
Marathon and Team Relays
1.85 Mile Mark (Bridge Entrance)……….….8:02 AM
6.9 Mile Mark (Tunnel Entrance)……….…..9:14 AM
8.1 Mile Mark (Tunnel Exit)……………….…..9:35 AM
12.7 Mile Mark (Campus Martius)………….10:44 AM
13.1 Mile Mark………………………………….…10:50 AM
16 Mile Mark……………………………………….11:33 AM
18 Mile Mark……………………………………….12:47 PM
23 Mile Mark…………………………………………1:17 PM
Finish Line…………………………………………….2:05 PM
NOTE: If at any time, you fall behind these milestone times, you may be required to board a bus to be transported back to the start-finish area.
International Requirements:
All relay divisions are international events crossing US and Canadian borders twice. It is a privilege and an honor to use the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Do not drop articles of clothing, water bottles, tissue or paper cups as you run across these prestigious landmarks.
It is imperative that you accurately complete all information on the registration form, including date of birth, citizenship, and green card information (if applicable). All registrations are submitted to the Department of Homeland Security for pre-approval. For further requirements and restrictions click here.
