Q. Where can I register or change my registration for this race?
A. For this race, you can go to this link to verify registration, change information, or request a confirmation email: www.cckcfirecracker5k.com.
Q. Can I donate even if I don’t plan to run?
A. Sure! We’re happy to take your money. You can choose the register button and register as a “Virtual” runner or you can just donate: www.cckcfirecracker5k.com.
Q. Can I participate virtually?
A. If you want to show your support for Kiwanis, but you’re not able to join us in person, you can participate in the Firecracker 5K virtually from anywhere you choose! Join your friends and family and show your support by doing a run, walk, roll or ride at home or just support us in spirit. Just go to www.cckcfirecracker5k.com to register and choose Virtual Runner with or without shirt.
Q. I’m running, can my spouse/family volunteer?
A. Yes, we can use all the help we can get. They can sign up for to volunteer at the same place you registered, except they won’t pay, of course!
Q. What do we do about the heat?
A. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Here are some tips to make the best of the Independence Day Heat:
- Sports drinks or waters enhanced with electrolytes are recommended and, if you don't want that much sugar from your sports drink you can cut it with half water. That way you still get some of the energy and the electrolytes but with less calories
- Take advantage of the misting tent that will be set-up near the Korean War Memorial
- There will be medics on site, if you feel any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, don’t hesitate to seek out or request a medic! Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat, heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weak or rapid pulse, low blood pressure upon standing, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache.
- On the race route, you can choose to stay dry, but you can also choose to “get wet” and volunteers will use super soakers and water guns to cool you off.
Q. I heard we can’t have water bottles anymore?
A. This is true for us and for any public event held on city property. Last year the City of Tallahassee passed a law to advance environmental sustainability by restricting the use of single-use plastic, meaning we can no longer provide runners bottled water. We’ll be providing as many water coolers as possible and supplying recyclable, paper cups. Please bring your own containers and backpacks to fill-up before and after as possible.
Q. What time should I arrive on race day?
A. For the 1-mile, you need to arrive at 6:30. If you haven’t pre-registered let someone at registration know that you’re there for the 1-mile and we’ll push you to the front of the line.
A. For the 5k, if you’ve already registered, you can arrive later . . . 7AM to 7:30. If you haven’t registered, registration opens at 6:30AM and you should arrive as close to that as possible. Remember, the later you are, the more difficult it will be to park.
Q. Where is the best place to park?
A. If you’re a true Floridian and looking for shade, you can park at the parking deck on Gaines Street across from Cascades. If you’re looking for the closest space and don’t care if you sizzle, the FDOT lot is open and the closest to the registration tables and the start/finish line.
Q. Is breakfast provided?
A. Yes, we provide water and juice for beverages and pastries, bagels, fruits, yogurt, etc. Everything is prepared safely and individually packaged. Hospitality will be open at 6:30 and stay open until after the race.
Q. Does this race award a medal to finishers?
A. No, only the top three in each age and gender group are awarded medals.
Q. So what prizes are awarded and to whom?
A.
- Overall Male & Female 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Receive Trophies, Medals and Prizes.
- Overall Master and Grand Master Male &Female will receive Trophies and medals
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Finishers by age-groups (age on day of race) for both men and women progressing in increments of 5 to 10 years will receive medals
Q. What are the age groups?
A. Age groups are 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & over.
Q. What is the minimum age requirement and do you need a parents or guardian’s consent to participate?
A. The minimum age for the 5K is 5 years, and we do need the signature of a consenting parent or guardian. No runner under the age of 12 may participate in the 5K unless accompanied by an adult. There is no age limit for the Kids 1-mile fun run.
Q. Can adults run the 1-Mile Fun Run?
A. Absolutely. Only children are able to win, but adults of all abilities are welcome.
Q. Can I register at packet pick up? What about on race day?
A. Yes, you can register at packet pick-up and on race day but A) pricing will increase on race day B) we can’t guarantee shirt/goodies bag and C) if you’re registering on race day ARRIVE EARLY!
Q. Do you accept credit cards at packet pick up and/or on race day?
A. Yes, but you’ll pay extra for the fees. We also take cash and checks.
Q. Can I pick up my friend’s packet?
A. Yes, you can. You only need the name they registered under to do so. Be sure to coordinate, we have had situations where someone picked up a packet for another and the original runner also showed up asking for their packet.
Q. Is there race day packet pick-up?
A. Official packet pickups are scheduled during the week leading up to the race, but on race morning, you will be divided into those registering and those who have pre-registered to save you some time.
Q. Will there be a place to leave a drop bag for the race?
A. Yes, you’ll be given a ticket and you’ll have to hand in that ticket so the volunteers can match it to your bag and return it to you. The bags will be kept behind the registration table, but we cannot guarantee the safety of valuables left in the bag nor can we guarantee the willingness of the volunteer to touch a soggy ticket.
Q. What if I forget my bib at home?
A. If you lose your bib or you forget it at home there will be a $5 charge to reissue you a new bib to cover the cost the timers charge us to replace the bib, unless you want to run an untimed race.
Q. The shirt in my packet doesn’t fit, can I exchange it for a different size?
A. If we have any extras after the race you are welcome to come back to registration to exchange it after the race, but if the race fills, extras for exchange are unlikely.
Q. I registered but now I can’t make it, can I get a refund or defer my registration to next year?
A. There is NO RAINCHECK for this event. Your entry fee for this year’s event CANNOT be transferred to next year’s event, and there are NO REFUNDS, no exceptions. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, pregnancy, etc. There are NO exceptions. Seriously.
You CAN donate your entry to charity, you will get a cash donation receipt. Just let us know! You can also transfer your entry to another person for free before race day and for $5 on race day to cover the change fee. Please contact us to do so.
PLEASE NOTE that there is an immediate disqualification for anyone who runs under another person’s bib other than the person of record. And shame on you, cheater!
Q. Okay, but can you mail my race packet to me or can I pick-up my packet after the race, even though I’m not going to run?
A. We cannot mail anything do to cost constraints, but we will offer an opportunity for a “post-race pick-up” for anyone who didn’t show and who want their t-shirt or goodie bag or runners who left and didn’t realize they’d place and won an award.
Q. I left early, but it looks like I won an award. Can you mail it to me?
A. We cannot mail anything do to cost constraints, but we will offer an opportunity for a “post-race pick-up” for anyone who didn’t show and who want their t-shirt or goodie bag or runners who left and didn’t realize they’d place and won an award.
Q. Are baby joggers/strollers allowed?
A. Yes, please be aware and stay clear of other runners and have the courtesy to start at the back of the pack.
Q. Are bicycles, hand-cycles or wheelchairs permitted?
A. For safety reasons, we do not permit bicycles on the race course except the lead bike and the sweeper bike. You may participate with a hand-cycle or wheelchair if it is needed as an accommodation. Please indicate when prompted during the registration process.
Q: Can I have my favorite pet/dog run with me?
A: Technically, yes. But this race is run entirely on pavement and concrete and it is too hot for your fur baby’s paws. Every year we tell people this and every year they bring their pooches anyway.
Q. Can I wear my headphones?
A. For the safety of others, we strongly discourage the use of headphones in our races. If you do use headphones, please keep one ear free and listen for instructions from the race monitors.
Q. Will there be Port-o-potties on the course?
A. Yes, there are two Port-o-potties near the start/finish lines and the bathrooms near the Cascades Splash Pads are open and also handicap accessible.
Q. Will there be other activities?
A. Definitely! How about a bouncy house? Enjoy some sno-cones and face-painting, all at no charge!
Q. When will the race results be posted?
A. Since we use chipped timing, the results for the fastest runners will be posted on the back of the awards tent by 9AM if not before. Awards ceremony will start soon after. Times will be posted on Facebook, Gulf Winds Track Club Website, and the Firecracker 5k Website later that afternoon.
Q. What are your contingency 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 within 8 miles of the event. The City of Tallahassee has a nofication app, AccuWeather SkyGuard System, specifically for these occasions that lets event planners know when there has been a strike and what the countdown is.
Tornado Warning – If at any time 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, volunteers, and medical personnel will be made aware and do all they can to warn 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.
Q. I registered as an individual but want to join a team. What should I do?
A. After registering, log into your account at www.cckcfirecracker5k. You will be able to change your team affiliation in the settings of your registration portal. If you need assistance, please contact us by phone or text at 850-228-4410 or by email at TallahasseeFirecracker5k@gmail.com
Q. Where does the money go?
A. All profits made from the race are used for Kiwanis projects in the Big Bend Communities. Check out a list of our clubs projects here.
What do I need to learn about running with others who may be differently abled than myself?
Q. Why do I sometimes see runners tethered together?
A. This usually indicates a team of runners including a person who is blind or visually impaired and their sighted guide.
Q. What is the best way to approach someone who is blind?
A. Make eye contact with them and say hello, just as you would with other runners. Often people avoid conversations or if the person has a guide with them, they speak to the guide instead of the person who is blind. It makes people feel welcomed and included when you engage with them directly.
Q. What is the best way to approach a runner who is blind?
A. Speak words of encouragement or cheer for them while they are running, just as you would with other runners.
Q. What is the best way to run near a person who is blind and their sighted guide?
A. Give them a little more space and don’t make sudden stops or turns in front of them as it takes extra effort for the sighted guide to communicate what is happening then for both runners to react to it.
Q. What is the best way to approach a person in a wheelchair?
A. Make eye contact and say hello, just as you would with other people. Often people look over wheelchairs since they are not at eye level. It makes people feel welcomed and included when you engage with them. Do not touch or attempt to assist a person in a wheelchair unless you have been given permission or asked for assistance.
Q. What is the best way to approach a person racing in a wheelchair?
A. Speak words of encouragement or cheer for them while they are rolling in the race, just as you would with other runners.
Q. What is the best way to run near a person in a wheelchair?
A. Give them a little more space and don’t make sudden stops or turns in front of them as it takes extra effort in a wheelchair to react to any obstacles. Do not touch or attempt to assist a person in a wheelchair unless you have been given permission or asked for assistance.
