FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many of your questions will be answered by looking through our frequently asked questions list below. If you find that your question is not answered, by all means, send us an email!
Registration
There are two ways to register. Online or if you’d like to pay with a check and pay via mail you can download the registration form and send it in.
How does the half-marathon relay work?
The relay consists of a two-woman team, each running approximately 6.5 miles. Each relay team member will have a bib number (same number). Aid station #2 is the exchange point. The second runner is responsible for driving to the exchange point and meeting her teammate. Once the exchange takes place, the first runner can return to the start/finish area at Riverbend Park. Note: you are responsible for transportation to the exchange point!
Can I register the morning of the race?
No, the last opportunity to register is on Saturday, May 26th at the race expo.
Can I walk the half marathon or the 5K run?
Absolutely! We encourage all women to participate! All we ask is that walkers start in the back to allow the faster runners to get through.
Can men register?
While this is primarily a women’s race, men can participate. However, men are not eligible for any race awards.
Are there any age restrictions?
We’ve spoken to many coaches about age-appropriate distances. In general, we ask that girls are at least 10 years old to participate in the 5K run and 12 years old to participate in the half marathon.
I registered for the half marathon, but would like to run the 5K instead, can I?
If you registered for the half marathon and want to run the 5K run, contact the Race Director before May 1, 2012. We can transfer your entry to the shorter distance, but you will not receive a refund for the difference in price. You will still receive any times you selected when you registered.
I registered, but I have an injury and will not be able to compete. What are my options?
We are sorry you won’t be able to compete. If the race is still 60 days away, you can receive a 100% refund and between 60 and 30 days a 50% refund. If there are less than 30 days before race day, you will not get a refund. If you don’t receive a refund, you are welcome to come to packet pick-up to get your bib number, goody bag and other items you purchased in advance or that come with registration. We are happy to mail your information to you post-race, but ask that you send in a written request to the Happy Girls Race Director and a check for $10 to Lay It Out Events, 704 NW Georgia Street, Bend, OR 97701. You can also pick up your packet and goodies at our office post-race as well.
Can I get a refund or transfer my entry to another runner?
If the race is still 60 days away, you can receive a 100% refund and between 60 and 30 days a 50% refund. If there are less than 30 days before race day, you will not get a refund. Your registration is non-transferable to another runner. No exceptions. We ask that you review the refund and transfer policy before you complete your registration.
Packet Pick-up, Expo and Post-race
Can someone pick up my race packet for me?
Yes. All they need is your first and last name and they can pick up your packet.
Where and when is packet pick-up?
Riverbend Park, Saturday, May 26th: 10:00am-4:00pm Riverbend Park (Race Expo)
Do I need to bring anything with me to packet pick-up?
If you have your email confirmation, that is extremely helpful just in case we have trouble locating your race packet.
Can I pick up my packet on race morning?
If you absolutely cannot make the expo on Saturday, we will have packets available early race morning (7:30am).
Awards
What kind of awards will be presented?
Awards will be given out to the overall winner as well as the overall masters (40+) winner for both the half marathon and 5K runs. We will also have ribbons three-deep in each age group in 5-year increments: 10-11 (5K only) ,12-14, 15-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39….70+
Are there finisher’s medals?
For the Happy Girls Half Marathon finishers, there is a custom, sterling silver necklace we will present to each woman as she crosses the finish line. There isn’t a finisher’s medal for 5K runners.
Course and Race Details
Will there be pacers on the course?
Oh yes. We will have pacers for the half marathon course for 8-minute through 13-minute/mile paces. You’ll want to follow these guys if you get our drift…
Is there a course map?
We will have a map posted in early spring, but the course is undulating terrain – no major climbs are projected at this time.
What is the race terrain like?
The terrain is a broad mix of paved asphalt roads, paved pathways, sidewalks and some trails. The trail component is not what we in Bend would call “hard core” trails. Mostly dirt, wider connector groomed trails.
Is there a time limit on the half marathon?
You must complete the course in 3.5 hours (finish line will remain open for four hours). We will have a course sweep and you must make the 2nd aid station (midway point, 6.2 miles) by the two-hour mark (11:00 am) in order to continue.
How many events are taking place?
There are a total of three events:
- Happy Little KIDS runs on SATURDAY, May 26th (1:30 pm)
- Happy Girls Half Marathon – Sunday, May 27th (9:00 am)
- Happy Girls 5K Run – Sunday, May 27th (10:00 am)
How is the race timed?
The race will be professionally timed and results will be emailed and posted online no later than Monday, May 28th. The results will also be available at the post-race expo.
Will there be mile markers on the course?
Yes, there will be mile markers for each mile.
How many aid stations are on the course?
There are four (one more than 2011!) on the half marathon course, not including the start and finish line. On the 5K course, there is one aid station.
Can I run with a stroller?
Not in the half marathon. There are varying terrains and it with the number of women on the course it is not conducive to running with a stroller. You may choose to run the 5K with a stroller however we ask that strollers start in the back so as not to impede faster runners.
Can I wear an iPod or other headphones/MP3 player on the course?
We love to run with music too! All we ask is that you consider only having your headphones in one ear and/or keep the volume of your music reasonable so you can be aware of your surroundings and other people on the course. The course is NOT closed to cars and when you are on the road, you wear headphones at your own risk!
Can I run with my dog?
We ask that you leave Fido at home. Your pet is allowed in Riverbend Park pre- and post-race as long as he or she is on a leash and you pick up after your pet.
Are there porta potties on the course?
There will be porta potties at the start/finish area and at each aid station along the way
Travel and Parking
I am planning to fly into Bend, what is the best airport to fly into:
Check out our travel pages. We have loads of information for you!
Do you have any special hotel rates in Bend for the weekend?
Check back with us soon – we are working on special hotel deals!
Where should I park?
We will have 100 or so parking spaces at RiverBend Park – parking is first come, first served. Please look at tghe parking page in our travel section for driving directions and detailed information about where to park.
Spectators
Will I be able to see people along the course?
The start and finish area at Riverbend Park is the best place to watch spectators. Spectators can easily walk along the course surrounding the Old Mill area, but we ask that you do not ride bicycles along the course, drive and park on the shoulders or in the neighborhoods or otherwise interfere with runners on the course. When we post the race course map, we’ll highlight a few areas ideal for spectating.
Charity
Is there a beneficiary for the Happy Girls? If so what do they get?
Yes, all of our events have a beneficiary. The 2012 beneficiary is KIDS Center. Located in Bend, KIDS Center is dedicated to the prevention, evaluation and treatment of child abuse. To find out more about KIDS Center, visit their Website, or the beneficiary section of our website.
