Half-Marathon

Amenities
Course Map
Elevation Chart
Prizes
Welcome Walkers
Medical Support

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. 09halfstart

Date: Saturday, October 16, 2010

Race Start: 9:45 AM

Start Line: Conway and Light Streets

Race Limit: 10,000

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 will be using the wave start again in 2010. 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: The event will continue to utilize the newest timing technology. 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. On race day, runners simply secure the D-Tag through their shoelaces and they are ready to run.

Amenities: Runners participating in the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Half-Marathon will receive the following: Under Armour performance shirt, and post-race food & beverage. 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:

To view 2009 half-marathon map, click here.

To view 2009 half-marathon street-by-street description, click here.

To view 2009 half-marathon elevation chart, click here.

Age Groups Prizes: 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+. There will be no cash purse for the Half-Marathon in 2010

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 or other selected races

2nd-Place: A treadmill courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods

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 Starting Pen for walkers. Walkers will start after all runner Pens have left the startline.

2) Walkers must complete the course in the 5-hour time limit. (PLEASE NOTE: This time is 30-minutes less than in 2009 due to the expansion of the starting pens.)

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:
This year MedStar Sports Health 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 MedStar Sports Health 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.