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5k Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the start?
The race starts and finishes at Gardner High School, 200 Catherine St., Gardner MA. The starting line is at the cross walk near GHS front door.
What is the distance?
A 5K is 3.1 miles.
Is there a water stop?
There is only one Music water stop located approximately little over the mile 1.5 mark, located near the Mount Wachusett Community College near the gym blue Campus Police entrance sign.
Will there be water available at the finish line?
Yes
Is the Wildcat 5k chip timed?
Yes! Timing company is RaceWire.
Can I take a shortcut on the Course?
NO!! You must stay on the designated race course only!
Where do I park?
Parking is available GHS left side parking lot and more parking GMS parking lot.
Where do I register and pick up my bib number?
Registration and bib pickup is at the High School at the Black & White Tent.
Is there a Wildcat 5k Commemorative shirt?
Yes, Initial early registration participants receive a Free shirt, limited Giveaway on first come basics.
Your gift giveaway can be pick-up with your bib number on race day.
(Register Early by May 25, 2022 to lock in your limited giveaway shirt.)
Individual participants have a option to purchase a commemorative Wildcat 5k shirt at online registration as add-on after early giveaway ends. Shirts that are purchased will be mailed days' following June 20, 2022.
My family will be with me, is there a race for my children?
yes, a 1 mile Fun run. (back for 2022)
Can we wear a costume?
Yes, have fun with the Wildcat 5K walk-run, We encourage it!
Make sure you can safely see and move around.
If wearing a hat or wig make sure its secure on you , so it will not fall off to effect other runners or walkers, Thank you.
Can I run or walk with a baby jogger?
We discourage for safety reasons strollers, carriages, baby joggers
Baby joggers, strollers, carriages are NOT allowed in the front, middle of the start line.
NOT allowed No wagons, pacing bicycles, skateboards, roller skates (or blades) on the Wildcat 5k course.
Can I run or walk with my dog?
NO animals / pets are allowed in the race,
Please do not run with your dog on the course and please leave your pets at home.
ONLY trained Service dogs are allowed on the course.
Where is the porta potty located?
Near the entrance to the track behind the brown building on the left side.
( Please, no one on the track, field or bleachers, Thank you.)
Can I get a refund if I register but don’t run?
No. However, if you have registered and do not run, you may pickup your packet before the race starts.
After that time you forfeit the packet, but thank you for your donation.
Can I run with headphones or earbuds?
For safety reasons, we discourage the use of headphones on the course.
When does registration on race day and bib pickup end?
The Wildcat 5K registration and bib pickup starts at 7:00 am and ends at 7:45 am.
Will I receive any confirmation once I register?
Only if your e-mail address is clear and easy to read.
Where, how do I attach my bib number?
All bib numbers are attached to the front of your shirt or shorts, pins are provided.
Are registration fees transferable and refundable?
No, thank you for your donation.
Will the race be cancelled for any reason?
We cannot see any reason the race to be cancelled. It will be held rain or shine, however, if it is lightning in the area we will delay the start for safety reasons. If strict covid-19 guidelines change back in the state by race day we move back to the tiered heat distance plan for safety reasons (in the case of tiered heats, appropriately plan on your start time potentially being between 8:00am-8:30am).
What would be Covid-19 safety plan if needed?
Attached is plan for download this plan is ONLY in the event the state of Massachusetts pulls back Covid-19 guidelines.
With more people Vaccinated and have had the virus, as of June 15, 2021 Mask are not required and optional and the race will start traditionally with Runners in front Walkers in the back of the start line. (Fast to Slow)
The race is Chip time for anyone like to distance themselves by staying to the back of the race pack of runners & walkers.
Thank you for understanding
| wildcat_5k__if_needed_covid-19_safety_plan__2021.pdf |
Note:
Chip timed, the actual amount of time it takes a runner or walker to go from the starting line of a race to the finish line. chip time is another way of saying "net time", Net Time is a personal time and can be used for an individual's (PR) Personal best time.
Chip timed, the actual amount of time it takes a runner or walker to go from the starting line of a race to the finish line. chip time is another way of saying "net time", Net Time is a personal time and can be used for an individual's (PR) Personal best time.
RACE RULES & ETIQUETTE
To help promote an enjoyable running and walking experience for everyone,
The Gardner Track XC Booster Club & Wildcat 5K Committee encourages good runners’ etiquette.
Whether running in a group or running alone, always follow the Walking & Running RRCA Safety Guidelines.
Whatever the pace, wherever the race, manners matter.
Rules of the road and trails
Never run more than two abreast if you are running in a group. Don’t be a road or trail hog.
Don’t run down the middle of the road or trail.
If you are running an out and back route, don’t just make a sudden u turn at your turn around point. Stop, step to the right to allow oncoming traffic the opportunity to pass.
Ensure the road or trail is clear of oncoming traffic (runners, cyclists, in line skaters, etc.)
then make your u turn. Making a sudden u turn without looking over your shoulder is a
good way to get hit.
Alert pedestrians when you are passing them don’t assume they are aware of their
surroundings. A simple "on your left" warning will suffice.
Be alert on blind curves. Stop at stop signs and ensure oncoming
traffic yields to you before proceeding across a road. Don’t assume cars will stop if you are entering a cross walk.
Respect private property along your route. Don’t relieve yourself in the neighbor’s bushes.
Don’t litter. If you can’t find a trash can, carry your trash home.
RACE RULES & ETIQUETTE
To help promote an enjoyable running and walking experience for everyone,
The Gardner Track XC Booster Club & Wildcat 5K Committee encourages good runners’ etiquette.
Whether running in a group or running alone, always follow the Walking & Running RRCA Safety Guidelines.
Whatever the pace, wherever the race, manners matter.
Rules of the road and trails
Never run more than two abreast if you are running in a group. Don’t be a road or trail hog.
Don’t run down the middle of the road or trail.
If you are running an out and back route, don’t just make a sudden u turn at your turn around point. Stop, step to the right to allow oncoming traffic the opportunity to pass.
Ensure the road or trail is clear of oncoming traffic (runners, cyclists, in line skaters, etc.)
then make your u turn. Making a sudden u turn without looking over your shoulder is a
good way to get hit.
Alert pedestrians when you are passing them don’t assume they are aware of their
surroundings. A simple "on your left" warning will suffice.
Be alert on blind curves. Stop at stop signs and ensure oncoming
traffic yields to you before proceeding across a road. Don’t assume cars will stop if you are entering a cross walk.
Respect private property along your route. Don’t relieve yourself in the neighbor’s bushes.
Don’t litter. If you can’t find a trash can, carry your trash home.
General Rules for Running in an Event
Follow the rules of the race outlined on the race entry form! All runners have a collective responsibility to keep the event safe.
Covid-19 State mask & distance state Guidelines must be followed.
Preregister even if same day registration is offered. This will help ease the registration process for everyone involved.
Arrive early for the event, especially if you are picking up your number on race day.
Check your registration information carefully, especially if you are racing for an award or prize money.
Use the facilities before the race start to lessen the need once on course, and help keep the
facilities clean for person in line after you.
Pin your race number on the front of your shirt/shorts. This is where it is most visible for
photographers and race officials.
Please pay attention to the pre race instructions. Don't blaring your favorite song on your personal music device.
The start line - Line up according to how fast you plan to run or walk the 5k event.
Elite faster pace runners at the front of the start line.
moderate pace runners in the middle of the race pack.
Slower runners and ALL walkers should move to the back of the race pack.
Strollers, Carriages, baby joggers move to the very back of the race pack meaning the last on the line.
Just because you arrived early does not mean you should be at the front of the starting line.
The 5k is being chip timed, the actual amount of time it takes a runner or walker to go from the starting line of a race to the finish line. chip time is another way of saying "net time", Net Time is a personal time and can be used for an individual's (PR) Personal best time.
ALL MIAA ,NCAA, Rules for student athletes are respected in the course of Wildcat 5K.
