|
| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
Race Information
|
 |
When and where does the race take place? |
 |
Saturday, March 1, 2008. The racecourse begins on the corner of Texas and Smith in downtown Houston and ends at Minute Maid Park. The wheelchair division begins at 9:40 a.m., and the 10K and 5K events start at 9:45 a.m. |
 |
| |
When does the race end? |
| |
The course closes at 11:30 a.m.; if you are still on the course at that time, please move to the sidewalks. |
| |
| |
How long are the courses? |
| |
The 10K course is 6.2 miles and the 5K course is 3.1 miles. |
| |
| |
How will I be timed? |
| |
The 10K run uses an electronic timing system that records race time and place via a transponder chip, which is attached to a runner’s shoe. Official times will not be recorded without a chip. |
| |
| |
Will the 5K race be timed? |
| |
No. The non-competitive 5K race will not utilize chip timing and individual times will not be recorded. However, participants can use the clock located over the finish line to view their unofficial race time. |
| |
| |
Why is the chip not offered for the 5K race? |
| |
Because the event is a “fun run,” an informal race. It may be considered for the future. |
| |
| |
When and where do I pick up the chip? |
| |
Runners need to arrive at the start line at least 45 minutes early to pick up a chip at the starting line. |
| |
| |
How will I receive my results? |
| |
Official results will be posted on the Web site on race day and each 10K finisher/team that provided a valid e-mail address will be e-mailed their results. |
| |
| |
Can I use my own Race Chip rather than having to pick up one provided? |
| |
For this year's race, we are not equipped to utilize individuals’ personal chips. We have a simple and efficient process for 10K participants to pick up their chip. Just be sure you arrive at the chip pick-up area (behind starting line) between 7:45 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. |
| |
| |
What if I need help along the way? |
| |
A top-notch team of emergency medical professionals provides assistance along the racecourse. Mobile care and communications units will be located at the start and finish lines as well as on the course. |
| |
| |
Can I participate in the 10K, 5K or 5K walk with my dog or baby jogger? |
| |
Sorry, as much as we like pets and children, with more than 7,000 participants, the safety of participants is our main concern. Therefore, we do not allow pets and baby joggers on the course. |
| |
| |
I noticed the race application indicated no headphones. Why? |
| |
We know that participants enjoy good music when they run/walk. However, if participants have headphones on they would not be able to respond promptly to an emergency vehicle or specific race instructions. Keep in mind we will provide plenty of great music throughout both the 10K and 5K routes. |
| |
| |
What do I do with my personal items while I’m running? |
| |
You can leave your items at a drop-off station, located near the start line. |
| |
| |
Will corporate team members participating in the 5K be eligible for awards and prizes? |
| |
Only corporate teams participating in the 10K will be eligible for awards and prizes. Corporate teams may sign-up for the 5K race, but since it's non-competitive, participation will not be considered for scoring and awards. |
| |
|
top
Registration
| |
How do I register? |
| |
You can register online or download the forms and mail them in (Online registration now closed). You can also register in-person at several local businesses. |
| |
| |
How much does it cost? |
| |
Early registration (on or before Feb. 9, 2008) is $20 per person. Registration after Feb. 9 is $25 per person. |
| |
| |
Do you compensate elite or masters runners for entering the race? |
| |
No. Race proceeds are donated to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLS&R) Educational Fund and all funds are allocated to administer the race. |
| |
| |
Can I register someone else for the race at one of the registration locations? |
| |
Yes. You will need a fully completed and signed race application form from them, along with their appropriate race fees. |
| |
| |
Why can't I register or pick-up my packet on race day? |
| |
With the enormous crowd downtown and limited space, the availability of adequate space does not exist to conduct registration or packet distribution. |
| |
| |
My friend cannot participate in the event. I am not a competitive runner – can I use my friend’s number and run in the race? |
| |
No. If your friend cannot participate in the event and you want to replace them, please come to one of the scheduled registration/packet pick-up locations (see website) and make the appropriate changes to remove them from our database and add you. We will provide you a new race number. Since you have not physically signed a race release, we will require you to do so at the registration location/packet pickup location. Remember, if you are participating in the 10K, with your proper name and e-mail address, you will receive an e-mail with a link to you finishing on streaming video. |
| |
| |
With no race day registration and me not able to register for the event beforehand, can I participate without a race number? |
| |
Please no! Participating without a race number is not appreciated. If you were to encounter an emergency while at the event, we would not be in a position to identify you or your emergency contact. Obtaining your 10K race time, boarding a bus to the starting area, drinking fluids along the course route, and attending the post-race party all require race numbers. Furthermore, the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run donates the race proceeds to the HLS&R Educational Fund to provide scholarship funds to Texas youths. Not having your race number impacts the donation to the Educational Fund. |
| |
| |
I will be out of town on race day and not able to participate. Can I get my money returned? |
| |
We appreciation your registering for the race but, as the race brochure states, we cannot issue refunds. We are not in a position to credit your credit card or issue checks. |
| |
|
top
Packet Pick-Up
| |
Where will packet pick-up take place? |
| |
There are several opportunities to pick-up your race packet. You may do so at Kroger on Saturday, February 9; or at Luke's Locker on Wednesday, February 27; Thursday, February 28; or Friday, February 29. |
| |
| |
If I want multiple race packets to be mailed to one location, do I include an additional $5 for postage for each packet? |
| |
Yes, postage costs $5 per packet. Each packet contains a race number, race instructions, sponsor information, a t-shirt and a plastic bag for warm-up clothing drop-off. All packets are pre-assembled and mailed individually. |
| |
| |
I want to change the race distance I’m registered for. What do I need to do? |
| |
You may change your race distance, t-shirt size and any other registration information by going to one of the registration/packet pick-up locations. Changes must be made in-person prior to race day. |
| |
| |
My records indicate that I registered for the race and have not received my race packet yet. What should I do? |
| |
All registered participants requesting their race packet to be mailed by Saturday, February 9, and paying the $5.00 mailing fee will be sent their race packets. Due to the high volume of entries received, the race volunteers take one week to mail race packets from the date the entry is received. If you have not received your packet by February 25, please call the race hotline at 281-293-2447. The most common resolution to these calls is the determination that the participant did not select or pay for the mailing option. Unfortunately, due to timing, the mailing option is not available beyond February 9. Since there is no race day packet pick-up, participants will need to pick their packets up at the packet pick-up locations indicated for February 27, 28 and 29. |
| |
| |
I just opened up my race packet and realize that my shirt size needs to be changed. How can I do this? |
| |
All corrections/changes can be made in person at one of the scheduled registration/packet pick-up locations. We will not be able to make any changes on race day or after the race. |
| |
| |
I noticed on my race number that there are errors (name, age, sex, address – incorrect). What should I do? |
| |
All corrections/changes can be made in person at one of the scheduled registration/packet pick-up locations. We will not be able to make any changes on race day or after the race. If you have a simple change (typing), please call the race hotline (281-293-2447) and clearly communicate the changes needed. |
| |
| |
Can I pick-up someone else’s race packet who has already registered at one of the registration locations? |
| |
Yes. You do not need any form of ID to pick-up their race packet. |
| |
| |
I wasn’t able to come to packet pick-up. How do I get my packet? |
| |
After March 1 (race day) send a check in the amount of $5.00 to the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run, P.O. Box 4584, PE 2017, Houston, TX 77210 and provide us your name, mailing address, and brief note requesting the race packet and we will mail you your race packet. |
| |
|
top
Weather
top
Overnight Accommodations
| |
Where can I stay? |
| |
Crowne Plaza Houston-Downtown
1700 Smith Street
Houston, Texas 77002
Rate $99 for Friday (Feb. 29) and/or Saturday (March 1)*
For reservations call 713-739-8800 or 866-910-0861
Crowne Plaza Houston - Downtown, in the Central Business District of Houston is approximately 8 blocks from the starting line. The 12-story Crowne Plaza Houston has 259 guestrooms and a state-of-art fitness center. Every major downtown Houston attraction, such as the Bayou Place Entertainment Center, Theatre District, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, and the George R. Brown Convention Center are within walking distance of the hotel. Individual guests can take advantage of the hotel's Complimentary Downtown Shuttle service or a short ride via the complimentary Metro Trolley System.
*subject to availability and advance booking
Inn at the Ballpark
1520 Texas Avenue
Houston, Texas 77002
Rate $139 for Friday (Feb. 29) and/or Saturday (March 1)*
For reservations call 866-406-1520 and mention ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 2008.
Inn at the Ballpark, a hotel themed in Baseball Tradition....Located across the street from Minute Maid Park and the post race festivities! The guest room is a refuge from the world’s distractions allowing you to settle into a cozy leather chair and ottoman with the ceiling fan gently turning overhead. Classic lines, timeless furnishings, and gracious service will be a welcome resting place for the eyes and body after a whirlwind morning run and festivities at Minute Maid Park following the Rodeo Run. Complimentary transportation (based on availability) to the race start.
*subject to availability and advance booking |
|
top
Transportation
| |
What is the best way to get to the race start? |
| |
Shuttles can transport Rodeo Run participants and volunteers from Minute Maid Park to the race location before and after the race.
Due to the parade and other downtown activities, there will be limited parking space in downtown Houston. Participants and volunteers are strongly encouraged to carpool. The last shuttle bus departs from the Ballpark for the start area at 9:00 a.m. due to traffic congestion. |
| |
|
top
|
|