Frequently Asked Questions
The Frederick Market Street Mile caters to runners and walkers of all abilities. There is an event for everyone. Here are a few questions that we seem to get fairly frequently. If you're still wondering about something, just send us an email and we'll be happy to help.
General Questions
I forgot to buy a shirt - can I still get one?
By the time you decide to buy, we may still have shirts available, so please access your race entry/add-ons to see if we have any left in your size. Instructions on how to update your add-ons can be found HERE. The shirts are ordered about 3 1/2 weeks before the race, so if you buy before then you are guaranteed the size you want. We always order a few extra shirts because we know that many folks want them, but at that point we're guessing on the sizes which will be needed, so your size may not be available.
Please keep in mind that the cost for any shirts we buy which are not purchased by a runner reduces what we are able to give our beneficiaries, so we try not to order too many extras. Bottom line - register and buy your shirt by the time we make our order so you don't have to worry about it. :)
How many people can participate on a team for the Family Mile?
The Family Mile is meant to cover up to five members of an immediate family of adults/children for a single registration fee. If you have an extended family that would like to participate together, you will need to register as separate families or as additional individuals in the Fun Mile which takes place at the same time as the Family Mile. Note that both of these events are untimed.
How do I get the family rate for my whole family for the Family Mile?
We give the option to pay a low family rate for up to 5 members of a family registering for the untimed Family Mile. When registering the family, they all need to be in the same "team" so that the family is grouped together. When you register the first family member, you'll be given the opportunity to create the team. Give the team a fun name, or just use your family name. When you register additional family members, you'll need to add them to the team you created. Up to 4 additional members members are charged $0 when registered this way. Please see the question above, this is meant for adults and children of an immediate family.
Why is there a Non-Binary option this year?
RunSignUp now allows runners to select Non-Binary as their gender in their RunSignUp profile. In the spirit of inclusivity, we will not force these runners to choose Male or Female as their gender when they register for the race. Non-binary runners who would like to have a timed result may run in either the Male or Female heat. They will be scored in their own division and thus are not competing against male and female runners for standings or awards.
How early should I arrive?
About 30 minutes before the start of your event should be fine if you're pre-registered.
Where should I park?
The folks at the YMCA would prefer that race participants not park in their parking lot, since there are a lot of classes, etc held on Saturdays at the Y. There should be plenty of parking on 9th Street (east and west of Market), 10th Street (west of Market) and possibly Market Street itself, north of the YMCA. Be aware, of course, that Market Street south of the YMCA will be closed to traffic early in the morning. Please be respectful of Beth Shalom Congregation parking signs on the morning of race day. We do not want to disrupt other organizations normal Saturday morning operations!
Alternatively, you can park downtown and jog/walk north on Market Street to the YMCA as your warmup. That way, your vehicle is downtown waiting for you when you've finished with the "In The Streets" festivities. See the "In The Streets" website for more information on parking downtown.
Can I register on race day?
Yes. If you need to register on race day, please do so from home or using your smartphone.
What do I do when I first arrive at the Start?
Packet Pickup is held on the lawn in front of the YMCA. If you need to register on race day, please do so from home or using your smartphone.
If you're already registered but haven't gotten your bib yet, go to the tables for pre-registered runners. There will be several lines.
If I pick up my bib Thursday evening, do I still need to check-in on race day?
No. You'll be all set! Just get to the start early enough to park and use the bathroom, if necessary.
What do I do with the race bib?
You will be given four safety pins along with your bib. Use all four pins to pin the bib to the front of your shirt. Do not fold or damage the timing chip on the back of your bib.
Is there a time limit for the timed events?
The timed heats will start 15 minutes apart, but if you take more than 14 minutes we will definitely try to give you a time.
What do I do at the start?
When you see everyone heading to the start line, follow them. Runners are supposed to line up according to how they expect to finish - fast runners in the front, slow runners in the back, walkers behind the runners. This prevents congestion on the course. You want to be among runners who will be running the same pace as you. You don't want to be passed by swarms of folks, and you don't want to be dodging and weaving around people slower than you. There will be some pre-race announcements, and then the announcer will shout "go". That's your cue to get moving!
What if I can't run the whole thing?
No problem. You'll have lots of company. If you expect to walk more than half of the course, we suggest that you register for the Family or Fun Mile.
Will I be last?
Statistically, it's unlikely. We have lots of runners of widely varying abilities. And we celebrate every one, regardless of pace.
Will there be water on the course?
We will have water at the finish line.
What should I do at the Finish Line?
Keep moving through the finish chute to make way for the runners behind you. Have some water and cheer on the other finishers. If you are participating in one of the timed heats, it's a good idea to check your time online or at one of the results kiosks at the finish line. Please let us know as soon as possible if you don't get a finish time or if there is some other problem with your result.
I'll probably be starving after the race - will there be food?
The "In The Streets" festival has awesome food for sale from some of the best restaurants in Frederick.
Will there be bathrooms at the start/finish?
You may use the facilities at the YMCA at the start, and there are porta-potties supplied by Celebrate Frederick at the finish.
What if I want to run in more than one heat?
It might be logistically difficult to get back to the start in order to run more than one event. However, if you want to participate in more than one event (typically one of the timed events and the family/fun mile), you'll need to register for each one and make sure that you wear the correct bib. You'll have to be extremely fast to do this, though, as the heats are 15 minutes apart. Do not carry both bibs with you -- that will mess up your times and we may not be able to record your time for either heat.
If I am 13 or younger, am I eligible for awards in both the Men's/Women's Mile and the Youth Mile?
Yes, but make sure that you are registered for both events and that you are wearing the correct bib in each heat. You'll have to be extremely fast to do this, though, as the heats are 15 minutes apart. Do not carry both bibs with you -- that will mess up your times and we may not be able to record your time for either heat.
Are strollers allowed in the Family/Fun Mile?
Sure - just make sure you line up near the back if you plan to walk the course with a stroller. Please don't try to run with your stroller - there are too many people and we want everyone to be safe.
Are dogs allowed?
Sorry but no. The Celebrate Frederick "In The Streets" event does not allow dogs.
I can't remember if I registered. How can I check?
You can check the list of registered participants here.
If I'm not able to run, can I get a refund or give my bib to someone else?
Sorry, we can't offer refunds. And running with someone else's race bib is not allowed. The race results would be inaccurate, possibly affecting someone else's standings. If you're not able to run, you've still helped the race beneficiaries. See the FSRC Bib Transfer Policy.
Can I pick up someone else's bib at packet pickup?
Yes. Just make sure that they are aware that their bib is being picked up.
Does the shirt come with the race entry? Why not?
For these events, the shirt is a separate purchase. We are trying to keep the race as affordable as possible to provide the maximum benefit to our beneficiary organizations. Our price for the shirts is very close to their actual cost. We do hope you decide to buy the shirt, but we want to give you the option to run this race with as small a cash outlay as possible.
When will I receive my shirt?
We will be ordering all of the shirts at the same time, around 3.5 weeks before the race. So your size will be guaranteed if you register and pick a size before we make our order. You will be able to pick up your shirt at our packet pickup event or on race day.
This year the shirt guarantee deadline is August 19th.
