1. I registered but can't run the race, are deferrals allowed?
Unfortunately deferrals aren't allowed because all the runner gifts are purchased ahead of time. We do allow for the transfer of the bib though if you know of someone who wants to run in your place (or go to our facebook site and discuss there). Most races charge a transfer fee, we will not, but the new runner will have to fill out a registration form.

2. Are headphones allowed? Dogs? Baby strollers?
Yes on the headphones (just keep the volume at a low enough level to hear race officals). No to dogs, yes to strollers.

3. I'd like to volunteer for the race, how can I?
Go to the volunteer tab on the main site and/or contact me. And by the way - WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!!!

4. How do I sponsor the race?
My favorite question ‐ go to the sponsor tab on the main site. We need you!!!

5. Are the roads closed during the race?
No, Redding has so few "through" roads that this isn't possible. In saying that, we run these roads very often on early weekend mornings and the traffic is extremely light.

6. What kind of timing is used?
TBD ‐ chip timing is very expensive (about 5 times the cost of pull tag timing).  If the runner turnout warrants it, we'll use chip. This is a difficult decision, but at the end of the day, we want the race to benefit our charity as much as possible, while giving the runner the best quality race possible (and the best schwag).

7. What type of weather should I expect?
Check out the May 6th weather tab on the site, but typical early May Redding weather would be high 40s/low 50s at the start and high 50s/low 60s at the finish ‐ ideal runnning weather. Chance of rain would be around 23%.

8. Is there a race hotel?
There is only one hotel close to the race start, the Day's Inn on RT 7.  There are also numerous hotels in Danbury and B&B's in Ridgefield.

9. How much of the profits are going to New Pond Farm?
Every penny, and all staff is voluntary. Financials will be available after the race per request.

10. Will race entries be limited?
That would be a good problem to have, and we hope we have to make that decision. New Pond Farm can only handle so many runners, so, if turnout is very good, we may have to close Registration. We would put a notice on site a week or so before closing. We do recommend that you register early, for your benefit and ours (ordering supplies, goodies, etc.). Update:  500 is our runner ceiling for year one and it looks like we will reach it well before race day.

11. What is the goal of the race?
Simply, to give runners the best race experience possible. If we do that, all else will fall into place.

12. What type of schwag will I get?
Can't tell you, I want it to be a surprise. I can tell you that the t‐shirt and medal are already designed and are gorgeous. All runners will receive a high quality performance shirt and also designed are multiple other race momentos that are unique to the race and are very very cool. These will be gifts that I promise the likes of which you've never seen before in a road race (and if you have, keep running that race too)‐ much better than you even get at marathons at the fraction of the registration price.

13. What type of food will be provided before, during and after the race?
Before will be coffee, donuts, fruit, bagels, juice. After is tbd, with the race finishing in the morning, we're trying to figure out what people would want (any suggestions ‐ email me). During the two longer races, we'll have water and gatorade at every station, GU at 2 of the stations and candy, fruit and soda at still another station. It's our goal for you to gain weight during the race.

14. What's the towel station?
For the Half Marathon, we'll be handing runners a cold wet towel to refresh their faces, necks, etc; followed by a dry towel to dry off. We want all runners to be refreshed for the last few miles. I first encountered this at the Richmond Marathon and loved it.  NYC does it too now.

15. Why are there tiered race entry fees?
To entice runners to register early to help in our planning.

16. Why is there no entry fee for the Kids' Fun Run ?
We don't feel it's right to charge for a fun run. The online registration site has an easy fundraising setup page where kids can set up their own page and solicit family, friends and businesses for donations. There is no obligation to fundraise, but, any child raising $25 or more will get the same gifts as the adult races, and, trust me, kids love medals.

17. Why can't adults set up their own fundraising page in lieu of a paid entry?
Good question ‐ I don't see why not? Any adult using this option will have their entry fee rebated back to them for the amount they raise (up to the total amount of their registration fee minus online entry fees).

18. Will there be a prize for the person who raises the most fundraising?
Another good question. Sure ‐ if the fundraising theme takes off, we can probably do multiple prizes.

19. Is there a baggage check?
Yep, at New Pond Farm at the start. We'll have labels where you can enter your name and race number and we'll safeguard them during the race. Note ‐ you can also just throw your stuff in your car, which will be about 10 seconds from the start and finish. Your choice ‐ often people don't like carrying their keys during a race.

20. Why does the RD think he can organize a race?
It's a bit nerve-wracking…. but, this is something that will be great for Redding and New Pond Farm. I've run a ton of races and am implementing everything I've liked in races into this. I've also had some not so great experiences in races and hope to avoid those.

21. Is there a time limit to running the race? Is there an early start?
We want all races (except the Fun Run) to be over by 11am. In saying that, we'd never pull you from the course. If you think you may not be able to finish by 11, you can begin at either of the early starts of 7am and 7:30am. All aid stations will be up and running early to accommodate any early starters. If there are crazy enough runners who want to run 3.5 pre-race miles at 7:15am, before the half marathon, sign up for the Mighty Cow Challenge.

22. What are the age groups and age group awards?
3 deep, no double dipping. Divisions are: Open, Junior (<20), Masters (40‐49), Seniors (50‐59), Veterans (60‐70), and 1st Reddingites. Being a runner who's never been fast enough to win an award, this, self‐admittingly is not my strength. If something about the divisions above is blatantly wrong, let me know. I used several other races as a guide.

23. Are the races certified, is the race sanctioned by the USATF?
Yes and Yes. Sanctioned and insured by the USATF.

24. May I switch to another race?
Yes, if changing to a longer race, just pay the difference. If to a shorter one, thank you for your added donation to New Pond Farm.

25. Are the races walker friendly?
Yep, see 21 above

26. How can I see race results?
Click on the results tab on the main page. We'll get these posted as quickly as possible.

27. I'm with the press, can I interview the RD and/or the race winner?
Yes, we love the press, just contact me.

28. Can I e-mail the RD constructive criticism?
Absolutely, and I promise to respond to you. We want to make this the best race possible and are all ears to anything we can do better. You can also e-mail me nice things. :)

29. Are turns and miles clearly marked on the course?
Yes, there are really cool signs throughout the course. Police officers, EMTS and Sentries will also be located throughout the course.

30. Is the course flat? 
Nope, it's Redding, CT. In saying that, we've avoided the major hills in the area and as long as you are in reasonable shape, the bumps won't be much of a factor. I would classify the race as having rolling hills. I run this route all the time (not always in shape) and the beauty is that generally the hills are not very steep, are short in duration and tend to be followed by downhills. There are also tons of flats where you can easily get into your pace. The course is also very very shady.

31. How can my friends and family watch me during the race?
Watch the start and finish at New Pond Farm. Other vantage points are shown on the spectator guide on the main site. We also have provided a neighborhood Runners Viewing Guide that gives estimates on when runners will be passing by your house (if you have a house along the course).

32. What if I have to drop out during the race?
Flag down a volunteer at an aid station and we'll arrange for your safe passage back to New Pond Farm. Fun Run racers need not apply.

33. I see the course crosses train tracks twice, will this be an issue during the race?
It shouldn't be. If you're a 11 minute/mile pacing half marathoner, you may have to wait for about 20 seconds at Topstone just before mile 9, but otherwise, all others should be clear. If by some chance Metro North has an "unexpected" train crossing, just keep track of your delay and I'll deduct it from your time. Don't lie, I know all train schedules. Early starters may also have a quick delay.

34. Where is the start and finish line?
At gorgeous New Pond Farm.

35. Will there be adequate parking available at the start?
Yes, but please carpool if possible.

36. When and where is packet pickup? Can someone pick up my packet on my behalf?

Check out the General Info Tab for baggage pickup. Yes you can have someone pick up your packet as long as you have a copy of their license.

37. Are there port‐a‐potties on the course?
Yes, at the beginning and end and at each of the aid stations within the course

38. As I warm up, can I shed clothing along the course?
Yes, give them to an aid station attendant and we'll transport it back to the baggage check (with your race number on it). There are blank stickers in your bag - before the race, write your number on the stickers and stick on the clothing you plan to shed.

39. Can I buy race merchandise?
Yes, check out the merchadise tab for reasonably priced, high quality race shirts and sweatshirts. All shirts are embroidered with heavy, high quality silk screening - the type of screening that will last forever, without fading.  Any merchandise purchased will be placed in your runners bag.

40. Any other questions, can I contact RD?
Absolutely, and I love emailing, so I'll get back to you quickly.