RUN THRU RESTON - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
October 2024 Registration opens -Fees $85 for the Half Marathon, $40 for the 5K. Registrations must be completed online. There is no paper registration.
December 1, 2024 Half Marathon registration fees increase to $90, 5K registration fees increase to $45
January 1, 2025 Half Marathon registration fees increase to $95, 5K registration fees increase to $50
April 6, 2025 Last day to register and be guaranteed a race shirt
April 26, 2025 Half Marathon registration fees increase to $100
April 26 Early packet pickup is 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at South Lakes High School
April 27, 2025 Online registration closes at 7:00 a.m. Registration may only be completed online. There will be no paper registrations.
April 27 Race Day packet pickup is 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. at South Lakes High School
April 27 at 7:20 a.m. Runner welcome and National Anthem at South Lakes High School
April 27 at 7:30 a.m. Half Marathon start at South Lakes High School
April 27 at 7:45 a.m. 5K start at South Lakes High School
April 27 at ~8:45 a.m. 5K awards ceremony at South Lakes High School
April 27 at ~10:00 a.m. Half Marathon awards ceremony at South Lakes High School
April 27 at 10:30 a.m. Race Course closes
April 27 at 12:00 p.m. Post race activities complete
Stick around after the races for door prizes!
GENERAL
What should I wear?
Temperatures can vary widely in the early spring in the DC area. We suggest you bring gloves, a hat and long sleeve shirt, but be ready to run in a singlet. Early in the race, you might have to shed some clothes so don’t wear anything too nice in case you want to throw them away. If you want to shed some clothes prior to the race start, you will be able to check them in at the Bag Drop station. Past morning temperatures on April 27 in Reston (https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/usa/reston):
2024- Hi 58 Lo 52
2023- Hi 70 Lo 47
2022- Hi 59 Lo 45
2021- Hi 85 Lo 43
2020- Hi 58 Lo 43
Tell me about the Bag Drop Station
We will have numbered storage bags available for you to place all the stuff you don't want to run with. You can also just give us your own bag with your race number on it. The bag drop will be near packet pickup.
Are showers available on race day?
No.
Where do I pick up my Race Packet? Can someone pick my packet up for me?
See Schedule of Events above.
You or a friend may pick up your packet, no ID or signed letters are required. We encourage all runners to pick up their own race packet. It is important for runners to verify their data and make any necessary changes. If you discover an error and want to correct it three minutes before the race starts, you will stress everyone out.
Will there be a Pre-Race Dinner?
No
Does the race benefit a charity?
Yes! Proceeds from this event benefit the Reston Runners Community Fund, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to area high school students and provides funds to athletic departments of Reston/Herndon area elementary and middle schools.
Do you have a mailing list I can subscribe to?
Yes. When you register as a volunteer or runner you will be added to our Mailing List to receive periodic announcements and race updates. Or email rtrinfo@restonrunners.org if you'd like more information.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes! We couldn't possibly put on an event like this without our volunteers, so please pass the word and invite your friends and family members to help out. You can sign up to volunteer by sending our volunteer coordinator an email with “RTR” in the subject line. Email volunteer@restonrunners.org. Indoor and outdoor slots are available and all volunteers will receive long-sleeved technical ¼ zip shirts along with our undying appreciation.
Do you need sponsors?
Yes! We love our sponsors. Sponsors make this race possible, ensure we can make a generous donation to the Reston Runners Community Fund (which supports local youth), and they often provide a race day service like massage, advice, stretching….Email us at rtrinfo@restonrunners.org to receive information on our sponsorship levels and to provide Run Thru Reston a sponsorship.
REGISTRATION
When does registration open and close?
See Schedule of Events above.
What are the entry fees?
See Schedule of Events above.
Can I register on the day of the race?
Yes, unless the race is filled. Sometimes late registrants don't get things like medals and shirts if we have a last minute rush of entries. We always recommend a little more advance planning to get the best goodies - but we don't tend to decline registrations for runners who are flexible about the color and type of bling they receive.
If I sign up for the half and I later decide that I want to run the 5K, can I switch events? Is there an additional cost? How can I change my status prior to race day?
You can transfer between the events, provided the other event you want to run in is not full. In order to do so on line you must contact rtrinfo@restonrunners.org as early as possible to request a change. The only fee is for a transfer from 5K to Half. There is no refund for a transfer from Half to 5K. There is no additional fee, but sometimes we run out of bling and medals for late registrants and late transfers.
Can a Race Entry be transferred to someone else?
You may transfer your entry to another participant until April 26th. The transferee must register and sign all of our waivers. In order to do so you must contact rtrinfo@restonrunners.org requesting the transfer. Any unauthorized transfers will result in disqualification. Now here's where we want you to listen very carefully: DO NOT GIVE YOUR BIB TO SOMEONE ELSE. We allow for FREE TRANSFERS to another runner to avoid this, and then your friend can run the race officially under their own name. It causes race directors and other runners a LOT of heart ache when there are "bandits" because in small races, those bandits often win age group awards.
I was injured after registering for the race. Can I get a refund or defer until next year?
Sorry, no. We incur fixed costs for each runner based on registration numbers, and we spend the registration fees on shirts and other stuff long before you got injured. As a result, unfortunately, we are not able to allow any refunds.
Will you mail or email a confirmation to me?
When you register online, you will receive a confirmation email immediately from Enmotive. We will be posting participant lists to the web site starting in January.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
No.
How come races cost so much?
The cost of any road race is based on the services provided, which are often independent of the distance covered or number of participants. Examples of "fixed costs" typically include permits, police, timing, potties, use of the school, signs, and advertising. We also spend money on variable costs (somewhat dependent on the number of registrants) such as race shirts, medals, and food. Lucky for us (and you), there are many individuals and businesses donating money to keep the race fees manageable. And every one of those working to organize and manage the race volunteer their time. Race management is a labor of love and not usually a highly profitable business.
Our race has been lucky enough to attract enough sponsorship each year to allow us to donate generously to the Reston Runners Community Fund to support youth running and fitness activities in our community.
Our Course
Both races begin and end on the South Lakes High School track. The Half Marathon is on an updated single loop course. It is still primarily on Reston's extensive paved path system trails with some rolling hills. The 5K is on the same trails as the Half Marathon, they just do an out and back from the South Lakes High School track.
Are the Courses Certified?
No.
What type of running surfaces are on the course?
The race is primarily on paved asphalt paths with a short distance on paved roads.
What is the time limit for the Half Marathon?
The course will remain open for 3 hours, from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.
What type of drinks and food do you provide along the course?
There will be hydration stops approximately every 3.5 miles. We will offer water and Gatorade.
Can I wear headphones while racing on the course?
We highly discourage the use of in ear headphones for your safety and for the safety your fellow runners (however, bone conducting headphones are allowed). We have noticed that in ear headphone-wearing runners are remarkably "tuned out" to the whereabouts of their fellow runners, cars, and to the volunteers attempting to get their attention as they go off-course. In fact, our unscientific sample of lost runners includes only those wearing in ear headphones.
Are strollers or special vehicles permitted on the course?
The following items are not permitted on the course by race participants: skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, baby joggers, or any other types of vehicles (other than official Race vehicles). These regulations are for the participant’s safety, our insurance, and the safety of the other participants in the race.
Is the course closed?
No. The course runs on Reston Association paved pathways. These beautiful paths will not be closed to the local residents. We will do our best to keep you (and them) safe on the course, but you may encounter local dog walkers, bird watchers, or strollers from time to time.
Will there be mile markers along the route?
Yes. There will be signs marking every mile of both the half marathon and 5K courses.
Where can spectators watch the race?
You may find your favorite spot on the courses to watch your participant, but the start and finish areas and the high school are probably the best for viewing.
Is the course flat?
There are some rolling hills on the course.
TRAINING
Will there be a training program?
Yes, go to Run Through Reston Training Program for details
What online resources do you recommend?
Long distance running can be rewarding, fun, and certainly is a great way to stay in shape and balance out a healthy lifestyle. But it is hard work. Fortunately, there are many resources to help you meet your goals. A good on-line place to start is the Road Runners Club of America, the oldest and largest national association of running clubs, running events, and runners dedicated to promoting running as a competitive sport and as healthy exercise – RRCA.ORG. Other good on-line places to look at are: runnersworld.com, active.com, marathonguide.com
DRIVING, DIRECTIONS, PARKING, AND TRAVEL
Where is Run Thru Reston?
Reston Virginia is 22 miles outside (west) of Washington, D.C., and 7 miles from Dulles International Airport. The race starts and finishes at South Lakes High School: 11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191.
How do I get to the start?
The race will start and end at South Lakes High School: 11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191
Is there plenty of parking?
Yes! So much space and all for FREE! There are two main parking lots at South Lakes High School - the faculty lot located on the Seahawk Drive side of the building and the student lot located on the stadium side of the building. Please use these lots. There is NO PARKING on South lakes Drive, Ridge Heights, or nearby Twin Branches Road. There is even more parking at Terraset Elementary very close by.
How do I get to Packet Pickup?
Early packet pickup will be held at South Lakes High School: 11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191 from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025 Packets may also be picked up race day, April 27, 2025 between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. We advise picking up your packet on Saturday so that you are not rushed and you may take advantage of goods and services at our sponsor booths.
AWARDS AND RESULTS
The overall winners and age group awards will be determined by CHIP time.
Awards will be given to Half Marathon and 5K runners as follows:
- Top 3 overall Male & Female winners
- Top 3 male & female finishers in each of the following age groups: Under 15 (for 5K only), 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+.
- If you place overall or in your age group and this is your first half marathon, you will be recognized during awards. You must be registered in the "First Half-Marathon" category to be eligible for this recognition, and it must be your first half-marathon ever!
- Note: Runners are eligible for a single award. For the "First Timer" awards, those runners are also eligible for age group/overall awards.
- Results will be available at 8:00 p.m. race day.