Q. What are the courses like?
A. Both courses are a beautiful, challenging mix of paved roads and wide dirt trails. The full marathon begins with a significant downhill grade for nearly five miles and flattens until it approaches mile 13, near where the half marathon begins. At this point, the course gains elevation through Mitchell Pass and around Scotts Bluff National Monument, where the pioneers crossed with wagons and handcarts. After some rolling hills, the remainder of the course is primarily flat, with a few gradual inclines and declines as it traverses a wide dirt track through the visually stunning Scotts Bluff National Monument “badlands” and finally circles back through town to the finish. For more information, see our Full Marathon or Half MarathonCourse Maps.
A. Both courses are a beautiful, challenging mix of paved roads and wide dirt trails. The full marathon begins with a significant downhill grade for nearly five miles and flattens until it approaches mile 13, near where the half marathon begins. At this point, the course gains elevation through Mitchell Pass and around Scotts Bluff National Monument, where the pioneers crossed with wagons and handcarts. After some rolling hills, the remainder of the course is primarily flat, with a few gradual inclines and declines as it traverses a wide dirt track through the visually stunning Scotts Bluff National Monument “badlands” and finally circles back through town to the finish. For more information, see our Full Marathon or Half MarathonCourse Maps.
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Q. What time do the races start?
A. Both the full and half marathon start at 8:00 a.m.
Q. What is the course elevation?
A. The highest point on the full marathon course is at the start, at 4,556 feet. The highest point on the half marathon course is 4,172 feet. The average course elevation is approximately 3,900 feet.
Q. Are the courses certified?
A. Yes, both the full and the half courses are certified by the USA Track & Field Association. The full marathon USATF certification number is NE12003DCR. The half marathon USATF certification number is NE NE12002DCR.
Q. Are the races professionally timed?
A. Yes, chip timing is used, with both gun times and chip times being provided to full and half marathoners. Results will be posted in real time.
Q. What awards will be given?
A. Award Categories Awards will be given to three overall male & female racers in each race. Age division awards for each race will be given to the top three male & female racers of the following age groups (overall winners ARE eligible for age division awards):
• 15-19
• 20-29
• 30-29
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70+
Q. What type of surfaces will I be running on?
A: Variety is the spice of life, right?! Portions of the course are on paved four and two lane roads, which have very narrow shoulders. Other portions are on unevenly surfaced, wide (one traffic lane) dirt or gravel paths, which will require you to be on constant alert and watching your footing.
Q. What will the weather be like?
A: The one thing that is consistent about the weather in western Nebraska is that it is unpredictable! Be prepared for sun, rain, wind or snow and perhaps all of the above! However, we chose this time of year because normally the temperatures are mild and the winds are light. Average temperatures for this time of year include highs of 70º F to lows of 43º F.
Q. Are wheelchairs (and hand crank cycles) allowed on the courses?
A. We do not consider this a wheelchair and hand crank cycle friendly course due to the uneven dirt and gravel surfaces that make up significant portions of both courses. If you are still interested, contact us to discuss the possibility so we can provide you more information.
Q. Are walkers allowed on the courses?
A. The courses are open for six hours, with sweeps being done for participants who are not keeping up with the rolling road closures. If you can walk that speed (approximately a 13.5 minute mile for the full marathon), you are welcome to do so, so long as you pay attention to runners on the course and yield accordingly.
Q. How frequently will aid stations be placed?
A. Approximately every 3 miles throughout the marathon and half marathon courses.
Q. Are there toilets along the course?
A. Yes, there will be toilets at the start and approximately every three miles on the course.
Q. What are the Aid Stations serving?
A. Water and a sports drink will be provided for hydration. Gels will be distributed at two aid stations in the last half of each race. Oranges and bananas will also be distributed at two aid stations in the last half of each race.
Q. Medical Assistance
A. Volunteer medical professionals will be stationed on the course. Bicycle marshals will be patrolling the course and a medical tent will be located at the finish area.
Q. Can I wear headphones and listen to music/streaming/podcasts?
A: For your safety and the safety of those around you, we strongly discourage the use of headphones during the race. Part of the course is on open highway or roadways where you should be alert to traffic, part of the course is through areas sometimes crossed by snakes that warn you of their presence with their rattles.
Q. Can I push my child in a baby jogger while I run or walk?
A: No. For your safety, as well as the safety of your children and/or your crew, absolutely no strollers, baby joggers, bikes, wagons or other similar mechanisms will be allowed on the course, other than bikes used by race officials. There will be traffic on the course, as well as areas of the course that are not suitable for strollers or baby joggers.
Q. Can I bring my dog on the course?
A: We love our pets too, but no. For the safety of other participants, for your pets and for the wildlife in the Monument area, we cannot allow pets on the course.
Q. What should I do if I encounter wildlife?
A. Please don’t approach wildlife. The most common animals you are likely to encounter are coyotes and deer, which are likely to run from you. Bike marshals will be patrolling the course, on the lookout for wildlife, but in the unlikely event that you encounter a rattle snake or a skunk, please give them a wide berth and notify someone at the next aid station. If you are bitten by a snake, move away from it, then stop moving, remove any constricting items near the affected area, keep the bite lower than the heart and seek assistance from another participant or race marshal to get immediate medical assistance from the closest medical aid station.
Q. How long will the course be open and what time will all the courses close?
A. It will be open for 6 hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00p.m. Mountain Time
Q. What if it takes me longer than 6 hours to finish?
A. There will be a sag vehicle. After participants are off of Canal Road, they may opt to continue as a pedestrian without assistance, however aid stations, traffic control, volunteers, etc. will have to close their posts on a rolling basis, based upon the 6 hour completion time. Participants may not be on the Canal Road after 1:30 p.m. as volunteers and race marshals will be clearing the course at that time. If participants have not reached or are still on Canal Road beginning at 1:30, the sag vehicle will transport them off of Canal Road.
Q. Will there be a course sweep?
A. Yes, we will have a sag vehicle.
Q. Is there a bus shuttle to the starting area?
A. There is a shuttle for the full marathon, which is a point to point course. Full marathoners will be picked up at Five Rocks Amphitheater at 7:00 a.m. and bused to the start of the full marathon. Everyone is encouraged to park at Five Rocks Amphitheater, which is where the half-marathon will start, and where both races will finish. BUSES WILL LEAVE AT 7:00 A.M.!
Q. If I am in the full marathon and am bused to the start, what do I do with my gear?
A. Your gear will be transported back to the finish area at Five Rocks Amphitheater, where you may pick it up after the race.
Q. Is there parking at the starting area?
A. Everyone should park at Five Rocks Amphitheater, which is where the half marathon will start, where the buses will pick up the full marathoners and where both races will finish. Busing to the full Marathon start is highly recommended as there is only limited fee-based parking at the start of the full Marathon, which begins at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Buses leave at 7:00 a.m. To park at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, a valid Nebraska park entry permit is required and must be pre-purchased ($5.00 per day). There will be not be a shuttle back to the start of the full marathon.
Q. What is available at the finish for Finishers?
A. Your finisher medal, food and drink. Full marathon gear bags will be here if you dropped one at the start. Be sure to stay for the awards ceremony!!!
Q. Where should my friends and family and fans view the race?
A. For minimal course disruption, we recommend that family and fans view the race from the following areas: full marathon course viewing at McClellan Park or Geil Elementary School; full and half marathon viewing on Country Club Road (please park on Clubhouse Road – DO NOT park on the north side of Country Club Road). The canal road north of the Scotts Bluff National Monument is closed to everyone except for participants and race officials.
Q. Are there areas of the course that are closed to spectator viewing?
A. Yes. Spectators will NOT be allowed on Canal Road north of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Only participants and race officials will be allowed on this portion of the course, for the safety of the participants and the spectators and pursuant to our agreement with the landowners.
Q. Can I register for an event on race day?
A. No. Registration will close at midnight on September 15, 2013 and any registrations not received prior to this time will not be accepted.
Q. May someone under age 14 participate in the full or half marathon?
A. Children 14 and under may participate in the half marathon, with the signature of their parent or guardian and only if they are accompanied on the course AT ALL TIMES by a parent or guardian. All participants 18 and under must have the signature of their parent or guardian. There are no prizes issued for anyone under 14.
Q. I registered, but can no longer participate. Can I have my money refunded?
A. Sorry, while we are sympathetic, there will be no refunds for any reason. We are a non-profit, primarily volunteer organization and refunding creates issues for our bookkeepers and creates problems as we need to purchase supplies for planned participants well in advance of the race. You have the option of transferring your registration to someone else until September 1. You may switch events until September 1, but no refund for the difference between the cost of the full marathon and the half marathon will be given. Please call to transfer your registration or to switch events. These deadlines are firm!
Q. Where do I pick up my race packet?
A. The Marathon expo, open to the public, will be held on September 27, 2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Western Nebraska Community College Campus in Scottsbluff, located at 1601 E. 27th St.
Q. Do I have to get my race packet at the Expo or can I pick it up the day of the race?
A. You must pick up your race packet, which includes your number, on Friday. To streamline the process, there will be NO packet pick-up on race day.
Q. Can I have a friend pick up my race packet for me?
A. Yes, you may, so long as your waiver has been signed. NOTE: If you registered electronically, your waiver has been signed. You are responsible for all safety information contained within your packet and provided at the Expo.
Q. How do I get to Gering/Scottsbluff, Nebraska?
A. The communities of Gering and Scottsbluff are located approximately 200 miles northeast of Denver, CO, 200 miles south of Rapid City, South Dakota, and 450 miles east of Omaha, Nebraska.If you choose to fly, you can fly into the Scottsbluff Regional Airport, which has connecting flights from Denver.
Q. I'd like to volunteer to help out. Who should I contact?
A. Fantastic! We love our volunteers! Please contact Dayle at 308-630-6550 or racedirector@wncc.edu
Q. I’d like to be a sponsor. Who should I contact?
A. Hurray! We love our sponsors! Please contact Dayle at 308-630-6550 or racedirector@wncc.edu Click here for information on sponsorship opportunities.
Q. I would like to be a vendor at your expo. Who should I contact?
A. Please contact Dayle at 308-630-6550 or racedirector@wncc.edu Click here for information about expo pricing.
Q. Who does this event benefit?
A. This event helps fund the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, which grants approximately $350,000.00 annually in scholarships to WNCC students. The WNCC Foundation also provides funding for educational improvements to Western Nebraska Community College, which has three campuses and serves 17,000 square miles of western Nebraska.
A. Both the full and half marathon start at 8:00 a.m.
Q. What is the course elevation?
A. The highest point on the full marathon course is at the start, at 4,556 feet. The highest point on the half marathon course is 4,172 feet. The average course elevation is approximately 3,900 feet.
Q. Are the courses certified?
A. Yes, both the full and the half courses are certified by the USA Track & Field Association. The full marathon USATF certification number is NE12003DCR. The half marathon USATF certification number is NE NE12002DCR.
Q. Are the races professionally timed?
A. Yes, chip timing is used, with both gun times and chip times being provided to full and half marathoners. Results will be posted in real time.
Q. What awards will be given?
A. Award Categories Awards will be given to three overall male & female racers in each race. Age division awards for each race will be given to the top three male & female racers of the following age groups (overall winners ARE eligible for age division awards):
• 15-19
• 20-29
• 30-29
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70+
Q. What type of surfaces will I be running on?
A: Variety is the spice of life, right?! Portions of the course are on paved four and two lane roads, which have very narrow shoulders. Other portions are on unevenly surfaced, wide (one traffic lane) dirt or gravel paths, which will require you to be on constant alert and watching your footing.
Q. What will the weather be like?
A: The one thing that is consistent about the weather in western Nebraska is that it is unpredictable! Be prepared for sun, rain, wind or snow and perhaps all of the above! However, we chose this time of year because normally the temperatures are mild and the winds are light. Average temperatures for this time of year include highs of 70º F to lows of 43º F.
Q. Are wheelchairs (and hand crank cycles) allowed on the courses?
A. We do not consider this a wheelchair and hand crank cycle friendly course due to the uneven dirt and gravel surfaces that make up significant portions of both courses. If you are still interested, contact us to discuss the possibility so we can provide you more information.
Q. Are walkers allowed on the courses?
A. The courses are open for six hours, with sweeps being done for participants who are not keeping up with the rolling road closures. If you can walk that speed (approximately a 13.5 minute mile for the full marathon), you are welcome to do so, so long as you pay attention to runners on the course and yield accordingly.
Q. How frequently will aid stations be placed?
A. Approximately every 3 miles throughout the marathon and half marathon courses.
Q. Are there toilets along the course?
A. Yes, there will be toilets at the start and approximately every three miles on the course.
Q. What are the Aid Stations serving?
A. Water and a sports drink will be provided for hydration. Gels will be distributed at two aid stations in the last half of each race. Oranges and bananas will also be distributed at two aid stations in the last half of each race.
Q. Medical Assistance
A. Volunteer medical professionals will be stationed on the course. Bicycle marshals will be patrolling the course and a medical tent will be located at the finish area.
Q. Can I wear headphones and listen to music/streaming/podcasts?
A: For your safety and the safety of those around you, we strongly discourage the use of headphones during the race. Part of the course is on open highway or roadways where you should be alert to traffic, part of the course is through areas sometimes crossed by snakes that warn you of their presence with their rattles.
Q. Can I push my child in a baby jogger while I run or walk?
A: No. For your safety, as well as the safety of your children and/or your crew, absolutely no strollers, baby joggers, bikes, wagons or other similar mechanisms will be allowed on the course, other than bikes used by race officials. There will be traffic on the course, as well as areas of the course that are not suitable for strollers or baby joggers.
Q. Can I bring my dog on the course?
A: We love our pets too, but no. For the safety of other participants, for your pets and for the wildlife in the Monument area, we cannot allow pets on the course.
Q. What should I do if I encounter wildlife?
A. Please don’t approach wildlife. The most common animals you are likely to encounter are coyotes and deer, which are likely to run from you. Bike marshals will be patrolling the course, on the lookout for wildlife, but in the unlikely event that you encounter a rattle snake or a skunk, please give them a wide berth and notify someone at the next aid station. If you are bitten by a snake, move away from it, then stop moving, remove any constricting items near the affected area, keep the bite lower than the heart and seek assistance from another participant or race marshal to get immediate medical assistance from the closest medical aid station.
Q. How long will the course be open and what time will all the courses close?
A. It will be open for 6 hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00p.m. Mountain Time
Q. What if it takes me longer than 6 hours to finish?
A. There will be a sag vehicle. After participants are off of Canal Road, they may opt to continue as a pedestrian without assistance, however aid stations, traffic control, volunteers, etc. will have to close their posts on a rolling basis, based upon the 6 hour completion time. Participants may not be on the Canal Road after 1:30 p.m. as volunteers and race marshals will be clearing the course at that time. If participants have not reached or are still on Canal Road beginning at 1:30, the sag vehicle will transport them off of Canal Road.
Q. Will there be a course sweep?
A. Yes, we will have a sag vehicle.
Q. Is there a bus shuttle to the starting area?
A. There is a shuttle for the full marathon, which is a point to point course. Full marathoners will be picked up at Five Rocks Amphitheater at 7:00 a.m. and bused to the start of the full marathon. Everyone is encouraged to park at Five Rocks Amphitheater, which is where the half-marathon will start, and where both races will finish. BUSES WILL LEAVE AT 7:00 A.M.!
Q. If I am in the full marathon and am bused to the start, what do I do with my gear?
A. Your gear will be transported back to the finish area at Five Rocks Amphitheater, where you may pick it up after the race.
Q. Is there parking at the starting area?
A. Everyone should park at Five Rocks Amphitheater, which is where the half marathon will start, where the buses will pick up the full marathoners and where both races will finish. Busing to the full Marathon start is highly recommended as there is only limited fee-based parking at the start of the full Marathon, which begins at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Buses leave at 7:00 a.m. To park at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, a valid Nebraska park entry permit is required and must be pre-purchased ($5.00 per day). There will be not be a shuttle back to the start of the full marathon.
Q. What is available at the finish for Finishers?
A. Your finisher medal, food and drink. Full marathon gear bags will be here if you dropped one at the start. Be sure to stay for the awards ceremony!!!
Q. Where should my friends and family and fans view the race?
A. For minimal course disruption, we recommend that family and fans view the race from the following areas: full marathon course viewing at McClellan Park or Geil Elementary School; full and half marathon viewing on Country Club Road (please park on Clubhouse Road – DO NOT park on the north side of Country Club Road). The canal road north of the Scotts Bluff National Monument is closed to everyone except for participants and race officials.
Q. Are there areas of the course that are closed to spectator viewing?
A. Yes. Spectators will NOT be allowed on Canal Road north of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Only participants and race officials will be allowed on this portion of the course, for the safety of the participants and the spectators and pursuant to our agreement with the landowners.
Q. Can I register for an event on race day?
A. No. Registration will close at midnight on September 15, 2013 and any registrations not received prior to this time will not be accepted.
Q. May someone under age 14 participate in the full or half marathon?
A. Children 14 and under may participate in the half marathon, with the signature of their parent or guardian and only if they are accompanied on the course AT ALL TIMES by a parent or guardian. All participants 18 and under must have the signature of their parent or guardian. There are no prizes issued for anyone under 14.
Q. I registered, but can no longer participate. Can I have my money refunded?
A. Sorry, while we are sympathetic, there will be no refunds for any reason. We are a non-profit, primarily volunteer organization and refunding creates issues for our bookkeepers and creates problems as we need to purchase supplies for planned participants well in advance of the race. You have the option of transferring your registration to someone else until September 1. You may switch events until September 1, but no refund for the difference between the cost of the full marathon and the half marathon will be given. Please call to transfer your registration or to switch events. These deadlines are firm!
Q. Where do I pick up my race packet?
A. The Marathon expo, open to the public, will be held on September 27, 2013, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Western Nebraska Community College Campus in Scottsbluff, located at 1601 E. 27th St.
Q. Do I have to get my race packet at the Expo or can I pick it up the day of the race?
A. You must pick up your race packet, which includes your number, on Friday. To streamline the process, there will be NO packet pick-up on race day.
Q. Can I have a friend pick up my race packet for me?
A. Yes, you may, so long as your waiver has been signed. NOTE: If you registered electronically, your waiver has been signed. You are responsible for all safety information contained within your packet and provided at the Expo.
Q. How do I get to Gering/Scottsbluff, Nebraska?
A. The communities of Gering and Scottsbluff are located approximately 200 miles northeast of Denver, CO, 200 miles south of Rapid City, South Dakota, and 450 miles east of Omaha, Nebraska.If you choose to fly, you can fly into the Scottsbluff Regional Airport, which has connecting flights from Denver.
Q. I'd like to volunteer to help out. Who should I contact?
A. Fantastic! We love our volunteers! Please contact Dayle at 308-630-6550 or racedirector@wncc.edu
Q. I’d like to be a sponsor. Who should I contact?
A. Hurray! We love our sponsors! Please contact Dayle at 308-630-6550 or racedirector@wncc.edu Click here for information on sponsorship opportunities.
Q. I would like to be a vendor at your expo. Who should I contact?
A. Please contact Dayle at 308-630-6550 or racedirector@wncc.edu Click here for information about expo pricing.
Q. Who does this event benefit?
A. This event helps fund the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, which grants approximately $350,000.00 annually in scholarships to WNCC students. The WNCC Foundation also provides funding for educational improvements to Western Nebraska Community College, which has three campuses and serves 17,000 square miles of western Nebraska.
Monument Marathon 2013 is brought to you by Platte Valley Companies, the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, and the Star-Herald
