Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Raleigh City of Oaks Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. The course is USATF certified, thus making the marathon eligible for use as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
Is the course hilly?
Yes, relatively speaking. Of the popular marathons (Chicago, New York, Boston, Marine Corps, etc.), the Raleigh City of Oaks Marathon is most like Boston. It is not a flat course like Chicago and Marine Corps, and has more hills than New York. The course scenery varies drastically during the course, going from downtown Raleigh out to Umstead State Park (which is one of the best places to run in the area and has been featured in many running magazines, including Runner's World). A full course map and elevation profile is available at http://www.cityofoaksmarathon.com/course_info.
Will portajohns be available on the course?
Yes. Portajohns will be available at the start/finish area and near mile makers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24 and 25.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. The time limit for themarathon and marathon relay is 7 hours. The time limit for the half marathon is 3 hours and 30 minutes. The time limit for the 10K is 1 hour and 40 minutes. The time limit is a safety issue and applies to both runners and walkers alike. The roads on the course can only be closed for the allotted time frame. Runners must maintain a 16 minute per mile pace at all points on the course. For example, all runners for the half, full and relay must pass the 9 mile point at 9 x 16 min miles = 144 minutes or 2 hours and 24 minutes. If unable to do so, you will be required to move to the sidewalk. Please contact the Race Director, Ron Wahula, with any time limit questions at .
How many participants are expected?
There is a limit of 1000 marathon and 100 marathon relay teams, 2250 half marathon participants, and 1000 10K participants. The kids' mile marathon run will be capped at 500 participants.
May I wear my headphones?
Yes, as long as they don't interfere with your ability to follow instructions from race staff, police and race volunteers, interfere with your ability to compete safely, or interfere with other participants. Race staff reserves the right to disqualify you from the race and remove you from the race course.
Are pace groups available?
Yes.The North Carolina Roadrunner's Club Pace Team will be providing the pacers for full marathon finish times of 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:30 and 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 and half marathon finish times of 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 3:00 and 3:30. Stop by the Pace Team booth at the Raleigh Running Outfitters Health and Fitness Expo to sign up and meet your pacers!
Is there a relay option?
Yes, we now have a four-person marathon relay. The relay distances are of varying lengths as follows: leg 1 – 6.2 miles, leg 2 – 5.0 miles, leg 3 – 5.6 miles and leg 4 – 9.4 miles. More info»
Can I have someone else pick up my race packet for me?
Yes. If you need someone else to pick up your race packet at the Raleigh Running Outfitters Health and Fitness Expo, he or she will need a photocopy of your driver's license or some other photo ID.
Can I switch races?
Yes. Changing races will be allowed for only the marathon and half marathon. There are no fees for changing from the marathon to half marathon, but changing from the half marathon to the marathon will be $20. Per USATF rules, if you decide to change races unofficially you will be disqualified.
I have registered for this year's race, but am unable to compete. Can I get a refund or transfer my registration to someone else?
No. We do not offer refunds or transfers; however, you can defer your registration until next year's races. To defer, simply e-mail before 10/1/11 stating you would like to defer and include your full name, e-mail address, and which race you registered for. Your name will then be added to the deferred registrants list. You will need to register again next year, but your registration fee will be waived. Race deferments will only be accepted until 10/1/11—no exceptions. You may defer your registration only once.
Where should I park on race day?
Parking information is available here.
Will baggage check be available?
Yes. There will be a baggage check area available at the start/finish area in the Scooterz store at 2020 Hillsborough Street across from the NC State Bell Tower. Look for the sign marked "Bag Check."
How do I obtain my award?
Commerative plaques for overall and age group winners for all races are now available for pickup at Raleigh Running Outfitters located at 7449 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh NC 27615. Any awards not picked up by November 23rd will mailed.