La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the time limit?
Four (4) hours, strictly enforced*.
*Bridge races involve special permission and cooperation by local authorities, police and emergency response, and impact motor vehicle traffic. In order to keep doing these races we must comply with the limits set by those agencies. Runners who are trailing far behind may not be allowed back on the bridge for their final loop.

Where can I register?
Visit our Registration Page for online and mail-in options.

Can I register at packet pickup or on Race Day?
Registration is available at packet pickup and Race Day, as long as we have slots open. However, you will not be given a shirt until after the race, if available.

When and where is Packet Pick-Up?
Check our Packet Pick-Up page for that information.

Do you accept credit cards at Packet Pick-up and Race Day registration?
We sure do!

Is the event chip timed?
Yes.

Where do I get my timing chip?
Timing chip is on your bib.

What if I forget my bib at home?
If you lose or forget your bib at home there will be a $10 charge to reissue you a new bib.
PLEASE NOTE that you will not receive an official time if you are not properly wearing your bib. No exceptions.

What type of race shirt will I receive?
A technical shirt.

The shirt in my packet doesn't fit, can I exchange it for a different size?
We post deadlines for both bib name and shirt size selection, and order shirts in advance according to what you selected if you register by those deadlines. We estimate the remainder. If we have any extras after the race you are welcome to exchange, but if the race fills, extras for exchange are unlikely.

I registered but couldn't make it, what are my options?
First off, we cannot refund your fee. Since there is no raincheck for this event, your entry fee for this year's event cannot be transferred to next year's event. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, pregnancy, etc. There are NO exceptions. Seriously.

You do have some other options:
You can donate your entry to charity, you will get a cash donation receipt. Just let us know!
Or you can transfer your entry to another person, please contact us to do so.
Free transfer allowed until 10/21/17. $10 fee 10/22/17 to 11/13/17. $15 to transfer at Packet Pick-up, $25 fee for race day bib transfer.
PLEASE NOTE that there is an immediate disqualification for anyone who runs under another person's bib other than the person of record. Transfers must be official.

I paid my registration fee but couldn't attend the race. Can you mail my race packet to me or can I pickup my packet after the race?
No. All unclaimed race packets will be given to late registrants at the race.

I left early, but it looks like I won an award. Can you mail it to me?
No, we do not mail out awards after the race. You may be able to pick up your award at a designated location, usually one of the packet pick-up spots. Check with us via the Contact form.

Can I wear my headphones?
The RRCA (our insurance provider) has a written guideline against the use of personal music devices in running events, as such we strongly discourage the use of headphones in our races.
You may wear headphones IF you only use one earpiece and keep your other ear free so you can hear race instructions.

What is the minimum age requirement and do you need a parents or guardian's consent to participate?
The minimum age for the half marathon is 8 years, and we do need the signature of a consenting parent or guardian.

Are walkers allowed in the race?
Walkers are welcome! However, you must be able to average a 19-20 min/mile pace for the race. A 4-hour time limit for all participants will be strictly enforced!

Are strollers allowed?
Yes, but please pay attention and stay clear of other runners!

Can I participate with my wheelchair?
We're sorry, at this time the race is not insured for wheelchair racing.

Will there be Mile Markers?
Yes, every mile.

What's the official race drink?
Lemon Lime flavored Gatorade - we'll have that and water at the aid stations and at the finish, but not on the bridge!

Will aid stations include port-a-potties?
Yes, There will be port-a-potties at all aid stations, and at the start and finish.

Is there a host hotel for the race?
Check our Info page for current hotel information.

What are your contigency plans for bad weather?
Rain- The event will NOT be cancelled due to rain alone unless the downpour is such that athletes, police, and volunteers lose visibility making situations unsafe. If this occurs we will wait until the rain subsides and follow the same procedure listed for lightning conditions (minus the 30 minute rule). Athletes will be informed of such a change via announcements on race morning.

Lightning - In the event of lightning the race will be postponed by 30 minutes every time lightning is spotted and thunder is heard within 6 miles of the event. Please note that every time lightning strikes and thunder is heard within 6 miles of the race site we must delay the start by 30 minutes.

Tornado Warning - If at anytime before (race morning close to start time) or during the event, a tornado warning is issued, the race will be cancelled.

On Course Cancellation - If the race is canceled due to storms (lightning and/or excessive rain) or tornado warnings while it is in progress we will do everything in our power to alert everyone on the course. All police, SAG, and medical personnel will be made aware and do all they can to warn and SAG in all participants. We will also do everything in our power to assist those that are still on course. Those that are on course without means of rescue should seek immediate shelter via open stores, buildings, garages, homes and/or any other means of protection from the dangerous conditions. If it gets bad and we are not there to help you off the course please do everything you can to keep yourself safe and take shelter.

Because of agreements with the Texas Department of Transportation and various municipalities regarding a fixed amount of time to have roads closed or in use or the time of public safety or law enforcement officials, Running Alliance Sport, at any time, reserves the right to shorten the distance of any of its races to comply, especially in dealing with inclement weather conditions that may make any course unavailable or unsuitable for runner participation.

Are you guys on Facebook?
You betcha!

Is there anything special about the Fred Hartman Bridge?
It's a cool structure! Find out some neat facts here.

Why does all this seem strangely familiar?
These are the same folks that brought you the Seabrook Lucky Trail Marathon, The Toughest 10K, the Baytown Bud Heat Wave 5 Mile Run, and the brand spanking new Toughest 10K Galveston, over the Galveston Causeway. We love organizing these events, and we're just as dedicated as all the runners who share them. We have a few serious rules: Make sure the party rocks! Support good causes! Put on a great event!