Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE RACES?
You can register for the Challenge, the Full or Half Marathon and/or the 8K by visiting our web page runkbfalls.com
HOW MUCH DOES THE RACE COST?
The early bird registration for the Half Marathon is found on the registration page.
There will be a $10 discount for Members of the Royal Canadian Legion (here’s your chance to join the Legion and save on your registration fee) – for Active Military, for Law Enforcement and for our First Responders.
HOW DO I KNOW I’M REGISTERED?
When you registered you created an account with Events.com.
Once you’re logged in, it will show you the races you are registered for.
WILL I RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL?
Yes, your confirmation email will come directly from events.com
WHAT DOES MY REGISTRATION FEE COVER?
Your registration fee covers your race entry which includes your timing bib, tech-shirt, all refreshments and food, and your finisher’s medal. It also helps pay for Police assistance as well as Emergency Services personnel on site. All monies over our costs will be donated to the Kakabeka Falls Legion to help them help our veterans and our community.
CAN I REGISTER ON RACE DAY?
We highly recommend registering prior to race day. We anticipate registration filling quickly and cannot guarantee available spots on race day. If you are unable to register ahead of time Race Day Registration will be available on site, however we may not be able to guarantee a T-shirt.
HOW DO I GET A REFUND IF I CANNOT ATTEND?
Registrations will not be refunded under any circumstances.
HOW DO I GET MY RACE PACKET?
Packets will be available for pickup prior to race day – times and locations will be advised at a later date.
CAN I PICK MY RACE PACKET UP ON RACE MORNING?
Race mornings are dark and full of terrors. Volunteer efforts need to go towards setting up for a smooth race, thus there is no race packet pick-up on race day.
CAN SOMEONE ELSE PICK UP MY RACE PACKET FOR ME?
You will need to pick up your own race packet with a valid photo ID. If you are unable to, then a friend can pick up your race packet but they must have a copy of your valid photo ID and a note from you authorizing the specific person to pick up your kit.
DOES THE RACE HAVE PACE GROUPS?
We will be seeking volunteers to act as pace group leaders subject to availability. Watch our Facebook page for updates.
WHERE CAN WE PARK FOR THE EVENT?
There will be plenty of parking at the Legion and area. Parking Marshals will be out directing traffic as it arrives Sunday morning.
IS THERE A FINISHING MEDAL
YES. A unique custom-made finishing medal will be made available to all who complete the Half Marathon and the 8K.
Our medal was designed by a local artist – Yuk-Sem Won. You can see some of her work on her website -- http://yuksemwon.com/about/
WHERE DO THE RACES START AND FINISH?
Both Races will start and finish at the Kakabeka Legion on Highway 11/ 17 just east of Kakabeka Falls.
WHAT ARE THE EVENT START TIMES?
Both the Half Marathon and the 8K will start promptly at 7:00AM Sunday August 19, 2018
IS THERE A “BAG CHECK” AVAILABLE?
Sorry, we will not be holding any personal items as the finish line is at the same location as the start line. However if you feel like shedding some items during the race, please drop them at a water station. We will do our best to get those items to the lost and found at the Finish Line, but NO PROMISES! Also we will have several containers for people to leave any keys they wish to so they can collect them when they finish the race should they wish not to carry them with them.
DOES THE EVENT HAVE HEADPHONE POLICY?
The use of personal music devices is discouraged however no one will be disqualified for simple use of one. However, to enjoy all that our event has to offer and for the safety of all participants, we encourage a headphone-free environment during the running of this race. A lot of the race travels through a natural setting and you will miss out much what Mother Nature has to offer.
If you choose to use a personal music device, please be respectful of the other participants and the race officials by keeping your volume to a minimum. If using such a device results in your being unable to hear verbal instructions or commands from race officials, you may be asked to relinquish the device or in exceptional circumstances may result in disqualification.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE ON RACE MORNING?
THIS IS IMPORTANT -- Please try to arrive at the race site no later than 6:00 AM. Food and drinks will be available upon your arrival. We encourage you to come at least an hour early to ensure you have plenty of time to get parked, checked in and lined up. Remember the Highway leading up to the Legion will close at 7:00 am so if you are late you won’t be able to get to the start line in time and won’t be permitted to participate in the race.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR THE EVENT?
For the Half Marathon:
There are three important timelines that must be adhered to
1 – Participants must clear Highway 11/17 (approximately 1.5 miles from the start line) by 7:20 am (PACE - 12.51 minutes per mile – 8 mins per km)
2 - Participants must clear Highway 588 (approximately 2.6 miles from the start line) by 7:40 am. (same pace as rest of race)
3 – Participants must complete the course by 11 am (13.1 miles from the start) by 11 am. (4 hours or PACE- 18:18 per mile – 11.21 per km)
Failure to meet these time limits will result in the participant being required to travel off the travelled portions of the roadways, and on the shoulder or sidewalk as the case maybe and obey all traffic rules and regulations.
The roads will be completely opened at 11:00 am - 4 hours after the start and Marshals may be stood down at this point. Any runners wishing to continue after 11:00 will generally be allowed to do so, but will be running at their own risk, and likely without support, and will be required to follow all traffic rules and regulations. We reserve the right in exceptional circumstances to require runners to retire and not complete the race. However if you use this as an excuse to stop and have a picnic or a have a beer we will disqualify you. This is a race after all – we expect participants to act like they are in a hurry - so long as a participant is moving towards finishing; the finish line will not be dismantled, however please be aware that for operational reasons we may begin taking down the course at various points once the last runner has gone through.
WHERE CAN I RUN ON THE HALF MARATHON COURSE?
The first 2.6 miles will be on a closed road – once participants turn on to Harstone Road- they need to be aware that will traffic will be monitored but the road will NOT be closed. We will expect minimal traffic however we cannot rule any out. It is imperative that runners stay on the right hand side of the road as far as is possible and be vigilant for traffic that may occur -this also applies within the Provincial Park. Once exiting the Park and until the finish line please ensure that you stay to the right of any and all cones – deviation from that may result in immediate disqualification. Once participants arrive near the legion – the Police will be there to stop traffic to allow them to cross the road safely to the finish line
The bottom line – is pay attention at all times – and if you must have music ensure that it is at a level that permits you to hear your surroundings.
WHERE WILL THE WATER STATIONS, MEDICAL AID STATIONS AND PORT-O-POTTIES BE LOCATED ON THE COURSE?
Water stations, port-o-potties, and medical aid will be available in numerous locations throughout the course as well as at the start and finish line. Energy drinks will be available at, a minimum of 3 aid stations. The aid stations will be in competition with one another – so runners will be asked to vote for their favourite one at the conclusion of the race – the winner will be announced after the race and will receive a HUGE reward for their efforts -- so be on the lookout as the decision who the best is – will be made YOU -- the participants.
HOW MANY WATER STATIONS WILL BE ON THE COURSE?
There will be water stations approximately every 1.5 miles. Kakabeka Crystal has signed on to meet all the water needs of the participants – we welcome their participation and assistance
SPECIAL RULES INSIDE THE PROVINCIAL PARK
The Provincial Park was most generous in allowing participants full access to the park for the race. As a Provincial Park there are special rules that apply in the Park as one can expect. It is a privilege for us to be allowed to use the Park for the race – please ensure that NO garbage is thrown anywhere in the Park – our volunteers will have to go through the roadways we use in the park to ensure it is left as clean as we found it – please help them by not littering anywhere in the park – we will have garbage bins set up in various locations – please use them.
Also – be aware that we live in Northern Ontario – and many of the Park’s attributes include wildlife – so be on the lookout for wildlife in the Park area – including a chance of seeing a bear. While this is unlikely and we will be having Marshals on bikes traversing the area regularly –we cannot completely rule that possibility out.
Just after entering the parking lot after going down the big hill – a lovely photo opportunity presents itself at the Falls – We will have a photographer there that will be happy to take your photo that will be made available to you for no charge online should you wish to download and print it yourself. If you prefer the photographer will provide several options to purchase a photo in any format you wish.
HOW IS THE RACE BEING TIMED?
Chip timing will be provided by Thunder Bay Timing – a local company that does outstanding work for the local running community. We are pleased to have their expertise on site! They will be clocking finisher’s as they cross the finish line to provide fast, accurate results. The winner male and winner female though will be determined by GUN time not chip time – in other words the first female and first male to cross the finish line will be the two first place people.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY TIME AFTER THE RACE?
Whether this is your 1st or your 100th race, we want to ensure you have a great experience. If you feel, you have an issue with your time; please head to the registration area on site. A race coordinator and a representative from Thunder Bay Timing will look into the issue.
ARE THERE ANY AWARDS?
Yes – for the Half Marathon we will have a special presentation for the first male and first female finisher. These two individuals will receive a custom hand painted canoe paddle complete with our logo and their achievement by our artist sponsor Yuk-Sem Won – we will be posting the art work shortly – and opportunity will exist for any participant to order a souvenir paddle of their own customized to their specific wishes. These two awards will be at packet pick up so participants can have the opportunity to see the awards at that time. Participants are welcome to place an order for their very own souvenir by placing an order through the website or onsite.
There will be additional awards for the 8K, although there will be medals for all participants who finish the course. Those completing the Challenge will receive an additional acknowledgement item.
ARE PETS, KID STROLLERS, NON REGISTERED PACERS, OR FRIEND ON A BIKE ALLOWED ON THE COURSE?
The short answer is no – (except a legally required service animal of course) – anyone caught violating this rule may be disqualified.
IS THIS EVENT RAISING MONEY FOR A CHARITY?
While all proceeds from the race are going to the Kakabeka Falls Legion to help them help our veterans and our community charity partner – the 2294 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps - tax receipts can be issued on any donation of $25 or more.
The opportunity to donate was presented to participants at time of registration, donations will be accepted ( but not solicited) at package pick up --- any donation of $5 or more gets you a ballot into a draw for your race free next year.
These young men and women of the Cadet Corps and their parents/ family along with Senate Members of the 18 (Thunder Bay) Service Battalion will be the volunteers throughout the Provincial Park -- making sure that you are heading in the right direction and cheering you on (and even staffing that water station at mile 10.4).
The aim of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness, and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces. The 2294 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps was formed in 1947 as a part of Canada’s oldest youth organization, the Canadian Cadet Movement. There is absolutely no cost to join the cadet program, and no fees are ever charged for uniforms, activities, or travel.
Many of our current members of the Canadian Armed Forces started in Cadet Programs across the country – some of cadets today in our program will, no doubt, one day join the Regular Canadian Armed Forces.
Donations collected are used for costs, not otherwise covered by the regular training program. These include field clothing and equipment, custom uniform parts, unique to the RCACC 2294 unit, training fees and accessories for the Unit’s biathlon and marksmanship teams, awards, office supplies, utility bills, and training aids.
On behalf of the staff and cadets of 2294 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, we would like to sincerely thank-you for support for our unit.
HOW DO I DONATE TO THIS CHARITY?
Donations will be accepted at packet pick up and the day of the race. Tax receipts will also be available for any donation to the charity.
Sponsor and Volunteer
I CAN'T RUN BUT WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER
Volunteers play a critical role in the success of any road race. We will need many volunteers from Packet pick up to setting up to marshalling to clean up. If you can assist in any way please sign up on the registration page or send an email to us at runkbfalls@tbaytel.net and use the word “volunteer” in the subject line
MY GROUP, BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION WOULD LIKE TO HELP OUT AND BE A SPONSOR
That would be fantastic – we need many sponsors to help make this race be a success – sponsorship can be in many forms – it can be a donation or it can be providing a service to the race and its participants or a combination thereof. Not only does it help out the participants and the Legion, it also gives your group, business or organization a chance to gets its name out in the community.
IS THIS EVENT RAISING MONEY FOR A CHARITY?
While all proceeds from the race are going to the Kakabeka Falls Legion to help them help our veterans and our community charity partner – the 2294 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps - tax receipts can be issued on any donation of $25 or more.
HOW DO I DONATE TO THIS CHARITY?
Donations will be accepted at packet pick up and the day of the race. Tax receipts will also be available for any donation to the charity
Any other questions?
IS WHINING ALLOWED ON THE COURSE?
If you are reading this -- Congratulations you may be the one in 5 who read the entire Q&A. But the answer is NO– you signed up for this – you paid good money for this – and hopefully many of you spent many hours training for this – so you need to power through it. You may wish to have words with the friend that talked you into this – and perhaps rethink some of your recreational habits that may have put you in the mind to agree to the situation. But seriously, enjoy the course, enjoy the day – Like the old saying goes – Dead Last Finisher (DLF) beats Did Not Finish (DNF) and certainly trumps Did Not Start (DNS)
AFTER THE RACE?
Food will be available past the finish line for all participants. Beyond the finishing area additional food will be available for purchase, so invite your friends and family to cheer you on!
SUPPOSE THAT I’VE CAREFULLY READ ALL OF THIS FAQ AND I STILL CANT FIGURE SOMETHING OUT HOW DO I CONTACT THE RACE DIRECTOR?
You can email the race director at runkbfalls@tbaytel.net or you can send a message via the Facebook page. Keep in mind though there IS such a thing as a stupid question but we won’t hold it against you – we want all participants and volunteers to know all there is to know about the race.
REALLY – THERE CAN BE SUCH A THING AS A STUPID QUESTION?
YES – How do moose and deer know to cross the road where there are signs advising motorists to watch out for them? - Does the water go completely around that island? - Why Tarzan never had a beard? What’s the difference between an orange--? (one is a colour the other is a fruit) and my personal favourite – I just found out that a half marathon race is 21.1 Kms- how far is the 8K race?