Virginia Creeper Marathon
FAQs

While we try to put as much information as possible on this web site, we realize there are a variety of questions that remain unanswered for the inquisitive runner… perhaps this page will help.

If there’s still something you need to know, feel free to e-mail the race director at runfrankrun@hotmail.com.

Holy cow!! You've filled up already?!?

Yes, as of 9/4/10, we have "closed" our 2011 race ... any entries postmarked after that date will be placed on our waiting list. (Note: to get on the waiting list, you must submit an entry form and fee.)

If you happen to be a prior VCM participant, however, you're in luck for now. As always, we welcome those who have participated in our race in previous years and think highly enough of our event to return. Accordingly, we continue to accept entries from prior participants at this time.

So how does this waiting list work?

For starters, our waiting list process is not nearly as onerous (or hopeless) as one might fear. Quite the contrary, so please, do not despair.

That said, how does one get off the waiting list and into the race field? Well, each year we do have a good number of "withdrawals" - registered runners who discover they won't be able to make it after all, and are considerate enough of their fellow runners to contact us accordingly. At that point, their spots in the field are taken by persons on the waiting list.

Clearly, the higher one is on said list, the better. By the way, since we do, as noted, receive a sizeable number of withdrawals, early occupants of said waiting list stand in promising shape ... chances decrease the longer one waits to submit an entry.

Note: If you're on the waiting list, you'll know you've been moved to the registered list (i.e., you're "in") when your name shows up on the "Who's Comin'?" page, so please keep a close eye on that list (and feel free to email the Race Director periodically for your status). Plus, we do try to remember to notify you by email when your "lucky day" does come.

By the way, if you're on the waiting list, we don't deposit your check until you're "in" ... so if you don't get into the field, or withdraw prior to moving from the waiting list to the registered list, we return or destroy your check, whichever you prefer.

Can you mail me an entry form?

Actually, we haven't had "street copy" entry forms for several years now. We get all the runners we can handle (and then some!) just by using the printable entry form on this site.

Is there some way I can register online?

Nope, the only option is printing out our entry form and mailing it in. Yep, we know, kinda 20th-century .....

Do you send out confirmations? How will I know you've received my entry?

No, we do not send out confirmations. We list registered runners on the "Who's Comin'?" page, which we endeavor to update frequently.

So, is yours a good race for first-timers?

Gee, we'd like to think so. We realize there's nothing quite like that first marathon attempt, and each year we're pleased and honored to host a number of first-timers in our race field. If friendly, personal support and a run in the beautiful countryside are what you're looking for, we're your race. If you think you'll need screaming urban crowds and live music to get you through, we're not.

But ... do you really not have T-shirts? Or medals?

Nope and nope. We realize that, for many runners, those are some of the perks that make marathons (and all that training!) worthwhile. We certainly understand! We just choose to take a different tack with our event, and try to keep runner expenses - and, admittedly, various logistical considerations - minimal. We do, by the way, offer nice paperweight mementos, which have been quite popular.

Is your course certified?

Yes, it is. The certification number is VA98035RT. Which, yes, means it's a Boston Marathon qualifier.

Is it fast?

Well, it's not a burner, but it's not inordinately slow, either ... average, perhaps? Each year, we do have several runners muster Boston-qualifying times here. We suggest you check our runners' critiques on www.marathonguide.com for a little more insight, not only about the course, but the race in general.

So, what's the footing like? Do I need trail shoes?

As far as "trail" courses go, this one's about as nondescript as they come, and the footing is typically good. Some folks wear trail shoes, but most just wear regular trainers.

Do you utilize chip timing?

There are a couple spots on the course where you might encounter cow chips, but no, we do not use the type you'd want to find on your shoes.

What do you supply at your aid stations?

All our aid stations provide water and sports drink (Gatorade, typically). You should also find, at a minimum, fig bars, plus other food items as individual workers might supply. Please note that we do NOT provide gels of any kind.

Can I wear an Ipod, MP3, Walkman or headphones during the race?

USATF has amended Rule 144.3, which pertains to the use of headphones and other electronic devices, giving race directors the discretion to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races. The rule previously had banned the use of headphones by all runners.

Such devices present issues of both safety and politeness, since the user's ability to hear and properly interact with race officials and with other participants is significantly impaired.

Our position, then, is this - while we strongly prefer that participants not wear such devices, we realize that some runners view them as indispensable equipment. We will, therefore, allow their use.

If you have any questions, please contact the Race Director.

Where can my family/friends/whomever go to watch during the race?

Actually, if your support folks hang around the start/finish area, they'll also see you pass by at 2, 9, 18 and 25 miles ... and if they feel inspired to help out at the main aid station there (which, actually, some do), we will gratefully put them to work!

Do you have a time limit?

No, we don't. Our course workers and finish timers will remain at their posts - cheerfully! - until the last participant has finished. Of course, if you know up front that you're going to be out on the course for a while, you have the option to start early, and in fact are encouraged to do so. You will merely need to advise the Race Director accordingly and check in beforehand. Please note that early starters are self-timed (yes, we trust you!) and do count as official finishers, but are ineligible for our few awards.

Do you allow walkers?

Yes, walkers are welcomed, tho we must ask that you start early. Please note the info in the previous item.

Do you have a minimum age limit?

No, there is not a minimum age to run in this marathon. We do, however, ask parents to use their best judgment regarding their minor child's ability to tackle the significant task at hand. Do note that those under the race-day age of 18 must have the signature of a parent/guardian on the entry form.

How long will it take me to get there from _________ ?

Our race is located near the town of Abingdon, in far southwestern Virginia. To reach the race site (and "host motel"), take Exit 19 from Interstate 81. From that point, the "course map" provided on this site also includes sufficient direction to get you where you need to be.

How about by air?

The closest airport is the Tri-Cities (TN) Regional Airport, roughly 35 miles/40 minutes from the aforementioned Exit 19. From some points of departure, flying into McGhee-Tyson Airport at Knoxville, TN, may be less expensive. That's a couple hours' drive, though.