Half-Marathon
 CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon
The start line will be at the corner of Conway and Light Streets (same as last year) at the 13-mile mark of the marathon. The half-marathon will split from the marathon at Pratt Street and merge later in the race with marathon. From that point, marathoners and half-marathon participants will run the same course to the finish line.
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Race Start: 9:45 AM
Start Line: Conway and Light Streets
Race Limit: 7,500
Restrictions: 1) Participants in the Half-Marathon must be at least 14 years old and 2) Participants must be able to complete the course in 5 1/2 hours.
Wave Start: In order to maintain a comfortable and safe race experience for all participants, the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half Marathon willbe using the wave start again in 2009. Bib numbers will have been issued based on expected finish time and will correspond to the holding pen you have been assigned. There will be five (5) holding pens this year and we ask that all participants adhere to this policy and start with their assigned wave. Plase keep in mind that with the D-Tag system, your time will not start until you cross the startline.
Chip Timing: In 2009, the event utilized a new timing technology.The new system, which replaces ChampionChip, will utilize a light-weight disposable timing tag that will come attached to your race number. On race day, runners simply secure the D-Tag through their shoelaces and they are ready to run.
The D-tag technology offers runners a more streamlined race experience than the traditional chip system. D-Tags are attached to participant bib and clearly marked with the corresponding bib number. This eliminates the need to scan your chip at the expo. In addition, runners do not need to return the tag and can dispose of it at their convenience. This means no more sitting down to undo your shoe lace just after your run and it also means you no longer have to worry about the $30 charge for a lost chip.
Amenities:Runners participating in the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon will receive the following: Under Armour performance shirt, post-race food and beverage and massage. A medal will be given to all finishers.
For an Under Armour Size Chart, click here.
Course Amenities include: baggage check at Ravens Stadium, plenty of free parking, mileage sign at each mile, 7 fluid stations on the course (water and Gatorade), fruit, pretzels, potato chips, energy gel and nutrition bars (1 location on course), toilets at start/finish and various points on the course.
Course Map & Elevation Chart:
The 2009 course map and street-by-street directions will be similar to the 2008 course.
To view 2008 half-marathon map, click here.
To view 2008 half-marathon street-by-street description, click here.
To view 2008 half-marathon elevation chart, click here.
Prizes: The top five (5) overall male and female finishers will receive: 1st - $2,000, 2nd - $1,000, 3rd - $500, 4th - $300, 5th - $100.
Master’s Division: Top three (3) overall male and female Master (40 and over) half-marathon finishers will receive: 1st - $150, 2nd - $100, 3rd - $50
Wheelchair Division: There are separate divisions for wheelchair athletes in the half-marathon. Prizes and cash awards are determined based on the number of entries and styles (crank or rim).
Age Groups: Prizes go to the top three male and female age group finishers for the half-marathon in each of the following divisions: 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35- 39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+
NO DUPLICATION OF AWARDS OR PRIZE MONEY CareFirst BlueCrossBlueShield Prize Program:
Participants who complete an entry from at the CareFirst booth during the Expo and complete the marathon, half-marathon, team relay or 5K are eligible for a special drawing that includes:
1st-Place: Trip for two (2) to the Bermuda Marathon in Bermuda
2nd-Place: A treadmill courtesy of Gym Source ($1,200 value)
3rd-Place: $250 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Cards
Walkers:
Walkers are welcome to participate in the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon. Please be advised of the following:
1) Walkers will start at the back of the field. There will be designated pace group signs for walkers.
2) Walkers must complete the course in the 5½ -hour time limit.
3) As a courtesy to marathon participants, we ask that walkers NOT BE MORE than two abreast so marathoners can easily pass. Please be mindful that some marathon participants are trying to qualify for other marathons. Thank you.
Medical Support:
 For the fifth year, Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine will provide medical support on the course and in the finish line area. The Hopkins staff will include certified doctors, registered nurses, physician assistants and EMTs and will provide the necessary medical attention to any patient in need. We are grateful to have one of the world’s finest institutions associated with the event.
Gatorade:
 Gatorade Endurance Formula (Lemon-Lime flavor) will be served at each aid station along the course of this year’s race. Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink that contains approximately twice the amount of sodium (200 mg per 8 ounces) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher, along with chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium to help sustain hydration by more fully replacing what is lost in sweat. Gatorade Endurance Formula also contains a 6% carbohydrate solution (14 grams per 8 ounces), just like Gatorade Thirst Quencher, which research shows is optimal to help speed fluid back into the body and fuel working muscles. Gatorade Endurance Formula is available in 34 ounce and 24 ounce sport bottles at major grocery and convenience stores nationwide, and Gatorade Endurance Formula powder is available at specialty athletic stores and at www.gatorade.com/endurance. For more information about Gatorade Endurance Formula, please visit www.itsonthecourse.com.
Love the Half National Challenge:
The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon is part of the Love the Half National Challenge. For more information, visit www.lovethehalf.com
|