Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Help! I just decided to run—how do I register?
You can register online until noon on Wednesday, August 11 at www.bigwildliferuns.org (click on "Registration" in menu bar to left), or by mail by downloading a paper registration form from the same site, and sending it in with fees, postmarked by Friday, August 6. After those deadlines, you must register in person either at the Providence Sports Medicine/Rehab Therapy Center, located at 3801 Lake Otis, from 4-7 on Friday, August 13, or at the Performing Arts Center (PAC), located at 621 W Sixth Avenue (downtown) from 10-4 on Saturday, August 14. There will be no race day registration or bib pick-up.
When and where do I pick up my bib packet?
You can pick up your packet on Friday, August 13, from 4-7 PM at the Providence Sports Medicine/Rehab Therapy Center (address above) or at the PAC downtown on Saturday, August 14, from 10-4
Can someone else pick up my bib packet?
Yes, but they must present a signed permission which includes names of both registrant and person who will pick up the packet.
Where and when is the pasta feed? And who can go?
The Pasta feed will be held from 4-7 PM on Saturday, August 14 at the Denaina Convention Center, downtown. Half and full marathoners and volunteers do not have to pay for their meal. Everyone else must pay $10 at the door, including 5K runners and guests of the above groups. EVERYONE, whether paying or not, must RSVP by noon on Wednesday, August 11. No RSVP, no pasta. (This is so the cook knows how much to make). To RSVP: e-mail bwlralaska@gmail.com, put "RSVP" somewhere in the subject line, and then in body of letter tell us your name, what your event is or if you're a volunteer, and name of guest, if appropriate. Please encourage your guest to volunteer some time instead of paying!
What times do the races start, and where are the start and finish lines of the races?
The start and finish line for the half and full marathon is on 6th Avenue, in front of Town Square, just to the east of the PAC. The start of the 5K is also on 6th, but a bit west of that, in front of Kaladi's, but its finish line is the same as all the other events. Please see the course map online for details. Start times are as follows:
- Marathon Walk: 8:00 a.m.
- Kids 2K: 8:10 a.m.
- Marathon, Half Marathon: 9:00 a.m.
- 5K: 9:30 a.m.
I want to run a different event than what I originally signed up for—what should I do?
You can change events during bib pickup and last chance registration on Friday or Saturday, August 13 or 14.
Which streets will be closed?
F Street from 7th to 6th Avenue, and 6th Avenue from E to G will be closed all day. Other streets will be closed for a few hours in the morning only for outbound racers—see course map for more details.
Where can I park?
Metered parking is free on Sundays. However, parking is limited downtown, so we strongly encourage you to carpool or bike.
How do I meet my family and friends after the race?
There will be a clearly marked area for family and friends to reunite in the town square area located on the east side of the Performing Arts Center. This Reunion Zone will be very close to the finish line. Please leave the area as soon as you are reunited with your party, so it doesn't get too crowded.
When and where will awards be given out?
The Award Ceremony for each event will be held on the east side of the Performing Arts Center near the start/finish line. Approximate times of the awards are: 5K 11:00ish Half Marathon: 12:00ish Marathon 1:30ish
When and where will results be posted?
During the race, results will be updated on a board near the awards stage. Official results will be posted online at the anchoragerunningclub.org site sometime that evening. The Anchorage Daily News and Channel 2 will also be covering the event.
Is this a Boston qualifying event?
Yes. The course will be certified.
Will there be any food or sport drinks available along the course?
There will be Gatorade and water at each aid station, located approximately every two miles along the course (detailed course map with exact locations of aid stations forthcoming—please keep checking the website for updates). This is a "BYOGu" event--there is no food or gel provided along the course so be sure to pack some along with you if needed.
Will there be food at the start and/or finish?
Food will be available at the finish of the races for runners. Humpy's and Snow City Café will be open for breakfast, and Kaladi Brother's Coffee next to the PAC on 6th will be open beginning at 6 AM for runners and volunteers. Orso's is just around the corner. All of these businesses are sponsors of this event, so please thank them for their support!
Where are the port-a-potties located?
Port-a-potties are located at the start and finish and at every aid station along the course. Please see the course map for exact locations (detailed course map forthcoming—keep checking website for updates).
Will there be medical support?
Yes. Providence Medical Center and the ARC have teamed with the Providence Family Medicine Residency Program to provide first aid and medical assistance by physicians along the course. In addition to two aid tents manned by the medical residents, there will also be roving doctors on bikes available to provide first aid as needed. View Alaska Coast Magazine article about medical support.
What do I do with my gear during the race?
Bags and markers will be provided at the "Gear Check" area, located close to E Street near the start. Put your items in the bag, mark it with your bib number, and give it to the volunteers manning the booth. You will need your bib to pick up your bag after the race. There will be no gear pick-up along the course.
Are bikes, dogs, roller blades, or baby joggers/strollers allowed?
No, no, no, and no. Safety is our priority.
Is the course walker-friendly? Is there a course time limit?
Yes, we encourage walkers to participate in all the events! Marathon walkers begin at 8 AM; half and full marathoners begin at 9, so everyone, whether walking or running, should have time to finish by the time the course closes at 3:00.
Will I see moose or bear? What do I do?
There is a good chance you will see moose. These are wild animals--keep your distance. If you see their ears go back and they seem agitated, get further away. Circle off the trail if necessary. Moose with calves are especially unpredictable. There is very little chance of a bear sighting, since there are a lot of folks out there and they're wary critters. If running in a heavily wooded area alone, it's a good idea to make a lot of noise ("HEY BEAR!") because they do not appreciate surprises.
Is there a special kids run?
The "timeless" 2K Fun Run, is a non-competitive fitness event sponsored by the Children's Hospital at Providence is meant for kids of every age to encourage family fitness and fun. Every young participant wears the bib #1, and receives a technical hat and a medal. The group is led by a Segway, and Nigel the dragon. Parents may accompany their children. Strollers must start in the back for safety reasons. No kids? Come early and support future running club members—it's a hoot.
Will there be entertainment?
Yes, a lot more than usual! There will be different groups at the post-race festivities in Town Square, providing face painting, belly dancing, jugglers and music, including the Air Force Band of the Pacific at 2:00 PM. In addition, this year the BWLR will have a lot more entertainment along the course. View the BLWR entertainment page.
Isn't there a drawing for a free Alaska Airlines ticket?
No, there are TWO drawings—one for runners, and one for volunteers. Your chances as a runner are approximately 1/3000; chances as a volunteer are 10 times that—1/300! Runners do not have to be present to win, but must be shown to have run that day. Winners will either be contacted at the race, by e-mail, and/or phone, and their names posted online along with race results that evening.
I hear this is a fund raiser for the Anchorage Running Club. Where do the funds go?
This is the Club's biggest fund raiser of the year. Since the ARC is staffed entirely by volunteers, every bit of the money raised is used to support its stated mission of promoting an active lifestyle for the Anchorage community. ARC provides scholarships to high school and college runners, and puts on multiple races around town throughout the year. In addition to its own runs, the Club supports events put on by other like-minded groups with financial support, and by loaning equipment and expertise as needed. ARC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Read about the 2010 high school scholarship winners.
