FAQ's
Registration & Packet Pick Up Questions
How do I register?
Please register online for this year's Strides for Shelter 5K.
Can I register at a packet pick up location?
You can register on your phone, computer or tablet anytime and it will be immediately processed and updated for packet pickup. Check out the packet pickup options.
Can I pick up a packet for a friend of family member?
Yes. Please have their name and birthdate available.
Are credit cards accepted at packet pick ups?
You can register using a credit card via your phone, computer or tablet at any time.
Where do we pick up our packets?
See the Packet Pickup page on the website for details.
Am I guaranteed a race shirt?
All pre-registered participants signed up by 9/27/2023 are guaranteed the race shirt size they requested during the registration process. Late sign-ups are not guaranteed the shirt size of their choice, shirts will be given on a first come first serve basis, as available.
Are there options to ship my t-shirt and packet if I do not wish to pick them up at packet pick up or on race day?
These items can be mailed to you for a $12 shipping charge.
Will I be able to change my shirt size?
You will not be able to exchange your shirt until after the race. You will be given the shirt size you ordered during registration, sorry but no exceptions. Please be aware that the women's t-shirts run small and order accordingly.
How can I get a race shirt if I do not want to participate?
You may register as a 5K participant to receive a race shirt. You do not have to compete if you do not wish to do so. You may pick up your shirt at any of the packet pick up locations.
What will we receive at packet pick up?
You will receive your race shirt and race bib with timing chip.
What type of timing is being used?
Start 2 Finish Event Timing will be timing the event. We will use our new, state-of-the-art MyLaps Electronic Timing System. Your timing chip will be on the back of your racing number bib. Participants must wear their race bib on the FRONT of their outermost garment.
RACE DAY QUESTIONS
Where is the race located?
McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212
What time does the race start?
5K runners will start at 8:30 AM. Please arrive by 7:45 if you need to register or pick up your race t-shirt and packet.
Where is the race start?
Please see the Course Map page of the website.
What if it is raining on race morning?
The race will happen rain or shine.
When should I arrive?
Please plan to head to the start line approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the race at 8:30. Runners are welcome to arrive earlier and use the large grassy field near the parking lot for pre-race warmups or stretching.
How long will it take to find a place to park?
Around 5-10 minutes. To avoid long lines please arrive early.
Where do I park?
All participants will park onsite at McAlpine Creek Park.
Are baby joggers/baby strollers allowed in the race?
No, baby joggers nor baby strollers will be allowed as the course is not paved.
Are walkers allowed to participate?
Yes, please start towards the end of the pack.
Are runners allowed to run with dogs?
While dogs are allowed and welcome in McAlpine Creek Park, unfortunately for safety reasons, we cannot allow Dogs to walk or run in the race.
Can we participate as a relay team?
No, there are no relays for this race.
When are the awards?
Awards will be given out at 9:45am on race morning.
What are the awards?
Specific awards will be announced shortly on the Awards page on the website.
If you have any other questions, please contact Start 2 Finish Event Management @ 704-893-3800.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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PREMIER SPONSOR
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T-SHIRT SPONSOR
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FINISH LINE SPONSOR
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RACE PACKET SPONSORS
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Fun Run Sponsor
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VIRTUAL RACE SPONSOR
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MILE MARKER SPONSORS
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KID ZONE SPONSOR
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HOT BEVERAGE SPONSOR
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Gold Level Sponsors
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Silver Level Sponsors
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Bronze Level Sponsors
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Inkind