Frequently Asked Questions

Date last revised: January 30, 2012

Send questions to info@modestomarathon.com

What is the typical temperature for the Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon?

The average high for March 20, in Modesto, Calif., is 68 degrees and the average low is 47 degrees. The temperature for the inaugural 2010 Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon was 71 degrees for the high and 47 degrees for the low.

Will there be chip timing?

Yes.

Has the guest speaker for the pre-race dinner been announced?
Yes, Dick Beardsley will be speaking at the Expo dinner and will also be present at the Expo to sign his book.

When is the Expo dinner?

The Expo dinner will be held Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the Modesto Center Plaza, 1150 Ninth St., Modesto. 6p.m. Fuzio's will be serving a Chicken & Pasta dinner. Advance ticket purchase is recommended as this may sell out.

What is the Expo and where is it?

The Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon Expo will be Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the Modesto Convention Center/Center Plaza, 1150 Ninth St., Modesto.

 Is the Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon course certified as a Boston qualifier?
Certification confirmation has been received. USATF certification code is #CA11016RS full and CA10002RS half & 5k. It may be used as a Boston qualifier.

Where is race-day registration for the 5K?

Race-day registration will be at the Pikes Building at 11th and M streets, beginning at 6 a.m. until 7a.m..  Race day registration closes at 7a.m. sharp.  Save time and avoid the crowds and pre-register.

Where is race day packet pick-up for the marathon and half-marathon?
Race day packet pick up will be at the Pikes Building, 11th and M streets, beginning at 6 a.m. There is NO race day registration for the marathon or half marathon.

Will there be race day registration available for the marathon and/or half marathon?
No. There will be race day registration for the 5K, but we urge early sign-up to avoid long lines and possibly missing the start.

I signed up and now I can’t make it. Can I give or sell my registration to another runner?
You may give or sell your entry to another walker/runner as long as you notify race officials before race day or at the expo packet pick up. No race day changes. Email changes to: info@modestomarathon.com .

What if I want to change from one event to another?
You must exchange your bib at the Expo and packet pick up, or notify race officials by emailing: info@modestomarathon.com .

Will there be an awards ceremony?
Yes, there will be ceremonies for each event.

I signed up to run. What do I get?

For the full and half marathons, you will get a large insulated tote, a technical shirt, a finishers' medal, and memories to last a lifetime!

Is there going to be traffic control for the course?
Yes, we plan to have traffic control the whole distance for the entire 7 hours the course is open, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What is the Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon policy on wearing ipods on the course?
We certainly understand your desire to wear an ipod as many ShadowChasers enjoy the same. Choosing to use an audio device will NOT result in disqualification, but you may compromise your safety and that of others by wearing a headset. In accordance with the guidelines set by USATF and the Road Runner's Club of America, we recommend that you do not use ipods or other audio devices during the events. If wearing an ipod or other audio device results in you being unable to hear verbal instructions or commands, or approaching vehicles or course marshals on bicycles, you may be asked to relinquish the device.  We ask that you take responsibility and use good judgment if you opt to wear an audio device. Happy running! 

Are jogging strollers allowed during the run? 
For the 5k it would probably be OK if you lined up in the back with the jogging stroller.  For the half and full marathons, it seems like a long time to have a baby in a stroller, not knowing the weather and such. However, you are the parent and know your child best. If you do choose to push your child in the longer races, we ask that you stay in the back of the pack at the start so you do not interfere with those who are trying to qualify for Boston or going for a personal record.

Do you have a Clydesdale/Athena category or mega-Clydesdale class?                  

Yes, there will be Clydesdale and Athena divisions.  Top 3 male and female participants will be awarded.  Sign up and weigh in at Marathon Expo.

Do you have to run the entire half marathon or can you walk parts?
The half marathon is completely “walker friendly,” meaning you may walk the entire course if you so choose, as long as you can complete the 13.1 miles in 7 hours or less. Many of those who have already signed up plan to walk the half marathon course. The 5K (3.1 mile) course is also walker friendly. We do not recommend walking the entire full marathon course as it may be difficult to complete in 7 hours. One would need to walk at a 16 minutes per mile pace to complete the course in the allotted time. Many runners, however, DO incorporate walking into their runs in both the full and half marathon races. Good luck!

What happens if I try to run/walk the full marathon course and cannot complete it in 7 hours?
Permits require that we reopen streets by stated times, which may make it unsafe for slow runners and walkers. Also, aid stations have been set up with 7-hour maximum staffing expectations, and volunteers may close up stations before stragglers reach them. With that in mind, we will have a “sag wagon” to safely transport those who are lagging behind the cutoff time to complete the generous 7-hour finish.  Please sign up for the half marathon!

What will be the electrolyte drink served on the Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon course?

GU Brew Orange & Rasberry

What else will be served on the course?
GU at mile 8, 13.75, 19.25 & 23.5 for the full and 10.5 for the half.

There will also be banana's and oranges at mile 10 & 17.5 and Chips at mile 23.5 and 10.5 for the half.

Where will the aid stations be located?
Aid stations are tentatively scheduled to be at miles 1.75, 4, 6, 8, 10.5, 12, 13.75, 15.5, 17.5, 19.25, 21.5, 23.5 and 25. All will serve water and Gu Brew.

1.75 water only.

Will there be port-a-potties on the course?
Yes!  Every water station will have port-a-potties.  Also at the half marathon turn around.

Where do I put my race bib?
Make sure your race bib is safety pinned to the FRONT of your shirt or shorts and visible! Do not tear off the bottom portion of your bib. 

Will there be a place for drop bags?

Yes, we will have a drop bag area right next to the starting line.

Is there RV parking available?

At the Modesto Convention Center check for 24 hour prices also on the streets.

Where do I park?
Parking is $1 per hour between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., $5 per vehicle between 6 p.m. & 6 a.m.  Modesto Center Plaza Parking: Corner of 11th & L, entrance on L Street.  City of Modesto parking: Corner of 11th and K, entrance on K. Another garage is located on Ninth Street, entrance on Ninth. So if you park at 5:50 a.m. you will be charged $5 dollars for your first hour night parking fee and $1 per hour thereafter.

Will there be childcare available?
Childcare will NOT be available for the 2010 Surgical Artistry Modesto Marathon. There will be a family play area for children hosted by CrossPoint Church with a bounce house, climbing wall, slide, obstacle course and an art center to make signs for their friends and family running the marathon.

Will there be entertainment on the course?
Yes. If you would like to volunteer to provide entertainment, please contact Trieste Jakubieck, entertainment coordinator, at triestejakubicek@yahoo.com

I would like to volunteer. Who do I contact?
An event of this proportion, will require many volunteers. If you would like to help, please contact Leslie Antonis, volunteer coordinator, at lantonis@sbcglobal.net, or race directors Heidi Ryan or Karen Lozano at info@modestomarathon.com.

Are you still seeking sponsors for your event?
Yes! Please contact us at info@modestomarathon.com if you would like to sponsor us in any way, from cash to see your business name/logo on advertising and race shirts, to sponsoring a teen runner in the Teens Run Modesto program. We are also seeking items for our runners’ race goody bags. We are also in need of drawing/raffle items/baskets for fund-raising events. Help us put Modesto on the map in a positive manner!

Where is a good place for spectators?
Besides the finish, of course, there are many other good places for cheering on runners. Spectator map is posted on the Course Info page.

Are dogs allowed on the course?
Sorry, no, due to liability and runner safety concerns.

Will there be a photographer on the course?
Yes! There will be a professional photographers on the course snapping memories for our runners. Be sure to smile when you see the cameras! You will be able to purchase the photos online at a later date. There will also be a backdrop for you to pose alone or with friends with your new shiny finish medals.