Moms on the Run 5K/10K Frequently Asked Questions
Race Questions
Are the events timed?
The women’s 5K and 10K events will be chip timed. You will receive your chip attached to your bib at packet pickup. The kids’ Half-Mile and Kiddie Dash events will not be timed. The course is not yet USATF Certified. We plan on pursuing certification after we are confident we have found the best route we want to reuse year after year. This year's route is still subject to change.
Can the events be walked? What time do the courses close?
The course closes at 10:45 a.m. The 5K can be a walk or run event. Walkers will begin towards the back of the pack to prevent crowding. Due to the amount of time we have access to the race course, we can’t allow participants to walk the 10K.
Can adults run with children in the kids’ events?
A parent or guardian may run with a child in the Half-Mile or Kiddie Dash events, and no separate registration is required for the parent/guardian. Please note start times: 10K at 8:30 a.m.; 5K at 9:10 a.m.; Large-Group MOTR Photo at 10:20 a.m.; Half-Mile and Kiddie Dash at 10:40 a.m.
Which kids’ event is right for my child?
We recommend the Kiddie Dash for children age 7 and under, or those not able to complete a half-mile run. Kids 12 and under are welcome to participate in the half-mile run. For those aged 12 and under who are able to run longer distances, register for the kids’ 5K (chip-timed). Youth aged 13 and up may register for the 5K or 10K.
Are there prizes and finishers’ swag?
Yes. All 5K and 10K finishers will receive a medal. All Kids’ Run finishers will receive a finisher ribbon or (plastic) medal.
For the 5K, we will award prizes to the top finishers in the following age groups:
12 and under - top boy and girl; 13 to 19 - top boy and girl; top women aged 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60+. For the 10K, we will award prizes to the following: 13 to 19 - top boy and girl; top women aged 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60+.
In addition, we will award certificates to 1st-3rd place in each of these categories.
For the 5K, we will award prizes to the top finishers in the following age groups:
12 and under - top boy and girl; 13 to 19 - top boy and girl; top women aged 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60+. For the 10K, we will award prizes to the following: 13 to 19 - top boy and girl; top women aged 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60+.
In addition, we will award certificates to 1st-3rd place in each of these categories.
Is there a stroller division?
There is not a separate division. Strollers are allowed in the 10K or 5K events, but must start at the very back of the pack. Strollers must always yield the right of way to other runners.
What if I already registered but now want to register my kid(s), or add a kid?
Go ahead and register as usual, but select one of the kids’ race options (Kiddie Dash or Half-Mile Run) instead of the women’s 5K or 10K.
Where can I keep extra clothing or personal items during the race?
Plan to only bring those items you’re able to run with, as we do not provide a bag check at this event. MOTR is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Where do I park?
First, enter the park: Allow plenty of time to enter the park via the Main Office entrance. At the gate, all cars must show an annual county parks pass (Washington, Anoka, Carver) or stop to receive a day pass for display. You do not need to present anything to receive this pass. To speed access to the park, money will not be collected at the gate. If you did not purchase a daily pass at the time of race registration, please make your payment at Race Headquarters (at the MOTR Merchandise table) after entering and parking. Please note for any other guests, regular daily parking without a county pass is $7.
Second, find parking by 8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. at the latest: Cars must be parked at the North Picnic Shelter, South Picnic Shelter or one of three overflow lots no later than 8:45 a.m. If you arrive after 8:30, plan on waiting for the runners to cross in front of you to access a parking lot. This may take a few minutes. This is because the race route crosses the access road. Allow plenty of time to enter the park and drive to the northern end. NOTE: Overflow Lot #1 is at least a half-mile walk from Race Headquarters (near the swim pond), while Overflow Lots #2 and #3 are further away, if needed. Allow plenty of time to park and walk to Race Headquarters. Consider having one member of your party do a drop-off if the overflow lots are needed. Consult the event map for details.
Second, find parking by 8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. at the latest: Cars must be parked at the North Picnic Shelter, South Picnic Shelter or one of three overflow lots no later than 8:45 a.m. If you arrive after 8:30, plan on waiting for the runners to cross in front of you to access a parking lot. This may take a few minutes. This is because the race route crosses the access road. Allow plenty of time to enter the park and drive to the northern end. NOTE: Overflow Lot #1 is at least a half-mile walk from Race Headquarters (near the swim pond), while Overflow Lots #2 and #3 are further away, if needed. Allow plenty of time to park and walk to Race Headquarters. Consider having one member of your party do a drop-off if the overflow lots are needed. Consult the event map for details.
Will there be food or drinks?
There will be water-stops along the 5K and 10K courses as well as electrolyte beverages from our sponsor Generation Ucan. Post-race snacks will be available for event participants.
Will the public trails be open during the race events?
Yes. The events travel through public park space that is part of the Washington County Parks system. Please observe standard etiquette and care, and be respectful of others using the public trails.
What if there is inclement weather?
The second annual Moms on the Run 5K/10K will be held rain or shine. However, for safety reasons, we may cancel or delay events due to lightning or severe weather. We can’t provide refunds, unfortunately, due to costs already incurred. Stay tuned to the Twin Cities Moms on the Run facebook page for updates if needed.
What is the large group photo about?
MOTR members who wish to take part in our annual large group photo should begin lining up in the designated spot, the slope facing the race area, at 10:20 a.m. (after the 10K and 5K and before the kids’ runs). For better spacing and visibility, please be seated for the photo. We will snap the photo at 10:30 a.m. sharp. Consult the event map for details.
Registration Questions
Can I change to a different race distance?
We allow transfers if you email info@momsontherun.com by Aug. 17. You will be invoiced a $10 administrative fee.
What if I sign up and then become injured or am unable to attend the race?
Please note that your race entry is non-refundable. This includes your racing bib and timing chip. We are unable to give refunds for cancelled entries. We do allow transfers for a $15 fee; see below.
Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Due to the liability and administrative cost involved, you may not give away or sell your race entry, bib or chip to anyone else without going through an official transfer. Please note doing so interferes with the results for all participants and affects age category awards. A friend may assume your entry and go through our registration process for a $15 administrative fee. Please contact Angela@momsontherun.com to arrange this.
Packet and Shirt Questions
When and where is race packet pickup?
There are three options:
- Preferred Option 1: Friday, Aug. 23 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. before the Twin Cities Celebration Banquet; please see Race Information for address details once they are available (central metro location TBD).
- Preferred Option 2: Saturday, Aug. 24 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at a location TBD
- Sunday, Aug. 25 from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. at the race site. 10k participants - please arrive by 7:45 at the latest!
Can someone else pick up my packet on my behalf?
Yes. You will need the person’s name and address to ensure against incorrect distribution of packets. NOTE: Plan for additional time if you are picking up for additional participants.
Where can I pick up my shirt/kids’ shirts?
Participants’ shirts will be distributed at packet pickup at the designated sites/times listed for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
What size are the shirts?
Women who registrants will receive a performance blend tee in the size they indicated at registration. Women’s sizes are: XS (2-4); S (4-6); M (8-10); L (12-14); XL (16); 2XL (18); 3XL (20). Boys and girls aged 13-19 chose between a women’s size or youth XL 100% poly tech tee when they registered. Kids aged 12 and under participating in the 5K and all kids’ run participants will receive a 100% poly tech tee in the youth size indicated at registration. Youth shirt sizes are: XS (2-4), S (6-8), M (10-12), L (12-14), XL (14-16);
Volunteering Questions
What are the volunteer jobs?
View our volunteer signup page (2018 signup coming soon) to see information about the many opportunities to volunteer. You'll find brief descriptions of each position and time commitment will be listed. We appreciate your help!
Can men volunteer?
Absolutely! Men are welcome and encouraged to volunteer for the event!
