FAQ
17th Annual Hope and Healing Place Half Marathon
Runner FAQ & Event Information
What is the theme for this year?
Race. Release. Remember. Rise.
This year’s theme reflects more than just the miles you’ll run. By combining The Hope and Healing Place Half Marathon with Wings of Hope, our butterfly release, runners and their families are invited to experience the heart of what this race supports; children and families navigating grief due to a significant death. Your participation helps create space for remembrance, healing, and hope.
Why are the Half Marathon and Wings of Hope combined this year?
By combining the race and Wings of Hope, we’re offering runners an additional, meaningful experience beyond the finish line. Staying after the race allows runners, families, and friends to see firsthand how this event supports The Hope and Healing Place’s mission and the families we serve.
Race Day Schedule
What does the morning schedule look like?
Below is the general flow of race morning and post-race activities:
- 6:50 AM – Line up
- 7:00 AM – Half Marathon Start
- 9:30–10:45 AM – Runners Finish / Community Gathers
- 10:00–11:00 AM – Kids Activity Stations Open
- 10:45–11:00 AM – Awards Ceremony
- 11:15 AM–12:00 PM – Wings of Hope Butterfly Ceremony & Mass Release
We encourage runners and families to stay for the full experience.
Registration & Race Rules
Is there a time limit for completing the half marathon?
Yes. There is a 4-hour time limit to complete the 13.1-mile course.
Can I register on race day?
No. There will be NO day-of registration available. All runners must be registered prior to race day.
Are refunds available?
No. There are no refunds for race registrations.
Packet Pickup
When and where can I pick up my packet?
Packet pickup will take place on:
Date: Friday, May 8th
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location:
The Hope and Healing Place
1721 South Tyler Street
Amarillo, TX 79102
Please enter through the Front Door and follow signs.
Where should I park for packet pickup?
- You may park in two lanes in our drive-through parking, or
- Park under the I-40 bridge
What will I receive at packet pickup?
You’ll receive your race essentials, including your bib and timing information, provided by our timing partner It’s About Timing.
Can I tour The Hope and Healing Place during packet pickup?
Yes! You will be given a brief tour of The Hope and Healing Place as you pick up your packet information. We encourage runners to make time to see why your miles matter and how this race supports grieving children and families.
Race Day Basics
When is race day?
Race day is Saturday, May 9th.
What time does the race start?
Race starts at 7:00 AM.
Where does the race start?
The race starts at the Amarillo National Bank parking lot in downtown Amarillo, at the corner of Polk Street and SW 5th Avenue.
Parking Information
Can I park in the ANB Plaza 1 parking lot?
No. There is NO PARKING in the ANB Plaza 1 parking lot, as it will be used for race day activities.
Where should I park?
Please park in designated runner parking areas near the start/finish line. Event signage will be posted to guide you.
🔗 Runner Parking Map:
https://hhpamarillo-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/personal/development_hhpamarillo_org/Documents/Parking%20Map.docx
Course Support & Information
Will there be water and aid stations along the route?
Yes! There will be 6 water and aid stations located along the 13.1-mile course.
Where can I view the official half marathon course?
The official Half Marathon course map is available on Strava:
🔗 https://www.strava.com/routes/3352021321703262504
We recommend reviewing the route in advance.
Relay Teams
Who is responsible for relay transportation?
Relay teams are responsible for arranging their own transportation:
- To and from the start/finish line
- To and from all relay exchange points
Where are the relay exchange points?
Relay Point #1 – 4-Person Relay
Southwest corner of 28th Ave & S. Crockett
Located at Stephen F. Austin Park
Relay Point #2 – 4-Person Relay & 2-Person Relay
Northwest corner of Dixie & Plains
Located along the Rail to Trail
Relay Point #3 – 4-Person Relay
Intersection of West Hills Blvd & SW 3rd
Located at West Hills Park
How long is the run for a 4-person relay team?
Each runner will run a 5k
How long is the run for a 2-person relay team?
Each runner will run a 10k
Awards, Medals & Recognition
Will every runner receive a medal?
Yes! Every registered runner will receive a finisher medal as a thank-you for supporting our mission and completing the race.
When is the awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony will take place from 10:45–11:00 AM on race day.
What awards are given?
Awards are presented to male and female runners in the following age groups:
0–20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70, and 71–100
Plus overall male and female winners.
What do winners receive?
Winners receive a special edition Hope and Healing Place Birdhouse.
I won my age group but didn’t stay; what should I do?
If you were a top age-group category winner and were unable to stay, please contact The Hope & Healing Place so we can arrange award pickup.
Post-Race Food, Fun & Merch
Will there be food after the race?
Yes! Starting around 9:30 AM, runners can enjoy FREE post-race pizza from Regan’s Brick Oven.
Will there be vendors?
Yes! A Health & Wellness Vendor Fair will be located in the parking lot of ANB Plaza 1, featuring local health and wellness businesses.
Will official race merch be available?
Yes! Limited-edition caps, t-shirts, stickers, and butterfly wings will be available for purchase.
Wings of Hope & Butterfly Release
What is Wings of Hope?
Wings of Hope is our annual community outreach butterfly release, honoring loved ones and celebrating hope and healing. This year, it is combined with the half marathon to help runners experience the mission this race supports.
What will happen during Wings of Hope?
Wings of Hope will include:
- A mass butterfly release
- Free activities for kids (face painting, arts, and crafts)
- A butterfly-themed race celebration
- Time for remembrance, reflection, and healing
When does the butterfly ceremony take place?
The Wings of Hope Butterfly Ceremony & Release will take place from
11:15 AM–12:00 PM.
Do I have to purchase a butterfly to participate?
No. Wings of Hope and all kids’ activities are free and open to everyone.
Can I purchase a butterfly to release?
Yes. For $25, participants may purchase a butterfly to release in honor or memory of a loved one.
When can I purchase a butterfly?
Butterflies will be available:
- Online prior to the event, and
- At the event, while supplies last
Who can attend Wings of Hope?
Wings of Hope is open to runners, families, friends, and the community.
Race Timing & Results
Who is handling race timing?
Race timing is provided by It’s About Timing.
Where can I find official race results?
Results will be available after the race at:
🔗 https://www.itsabouttiming.com/results
Relay team registrars should forward the results link to their teammates.
Race Day Vibes
Is there an event playlist?
Yes! Enjoy the Hope and Healing Place Event Playlist:
🎧 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sHjCKTFPIYVoEeWlCewGg
Thank You & Mission Impact
Because of runners like you, we are able to continue our mission of serving children and families experiencing grief from a significant death within the family unit. Your miles matter more than you know.
Upcoming Events
- The Big Cheese: October 24th 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Amarillo Arts Institute outside patio
Free Programs & Support
The Hope and Healing Place offers free grief support programs, including:
- Generations Program (children and families)
- Children’s Grief Camps (Hope Camp and Sky Camp)
- HeartPrints – Infant and Pregnancy Loss (adult grief support group)
- S.O.S.L. – Survivors of Suicide Loss (adult grief support group)
Thank you for running with purpose.
Run. Release. Remember. Rise.
— The Race Day Team
The Hope and Healing Place
