Frequently Asked Questions
The Gazelle Girl 5k/10k/Half Marathon is Sunday, April 22, 2018.
This event raises money for four charities in West Michigan that impact the lives of girls and women: Kent County Girls on the Run, the YWCA, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (G.R.O.W.), and the Gazelle Sports Foundation. Click here to learn more about them and how your involvement impacts the lives of others!
Yes! We encourage women to walk or run in this event. The Gazelle Girl Half Marathon will start at 7:50 am for My Team Triumph, 8 am for the half marathon, 8:20 am 10k, and 8:40am 5k. Streets will reopen to traffic at 11:30 am. Any women still on the course will be asked to move to the sidewalks to finish their event after 11:30 am with the exception of Ottawa Avenue between Michigan and Lyon where the finish line will remain open until 12 pm.
Event Check In + late registration + Expo = Expotique! We are excited to hold our Expotique on Saturday, April 21 from 11 am – 5 pm at the JW Marriott.
We do require picture ID and your bib number to pick up your packet. We will allow registered participants to pick up other packets as long as they know the name, date of birth and bib number of that participant.
Yes, you will need to pick up your current event bib and then head to the late registration line of the event you want to switch to so you can get transferred properly in the system. You will receive a new bib and shirt (shirt availability not guaranteed).
This option will only be available for events that have not sold out.
No transfers can be made after March 25. You may transfer your registration to someone else by accessing your RunSignUp account by March 25.
Yes, all participants on the course will need to wear their event bib on the outermost layer of clothing. It should be pinned to the front of your shirt at your stomach. Participants without an event bib will be asked to exit the course.
.
Half marathon 10k and 5k participants who register prior to March 31 will have their name on their bib – if they selected to do so.
.
We have an awesome half marathon pace team of inspirational and experienced runners. The pace groups are: 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, and 14:00. You do not need to sign up with a group in order to run with them. Simply line up with the pacers holding your desired pace sign at the start of the race. There will not be pacers for the 10k or 5k.
The 5k course will be baby jogger friendly but we ask that if you are bringing your little Gazelle Girl (or guy) along that you line up behind the runners.
We will offer water and a hydration drink at all aid stations.
GU Energy Gels will be available near mile 6 on the half marathon course, just prior to an aid station for hydration purposes.
Portable restrooms will be available near the start/finish line on Calder Plaza and at each aid station on the event courses.
Yup! Drop-off your pre-race/post-race clothing and belongings at Gear Check located on Calder Plaza. While you run, your gear will be held at Gear Check. Gear Check will be organized sequentially by your bib number.
When you check-in or late register for your event, you will receive a Gear Check bag. This is the only bag allowed to be checked with your belongings. Please use the Gear Check tag affixed to your bib number to identify your bag. Attach your tag to your gear bag with a zip tie provided at Gear Check. After your event, reclaim your checked bag at the location where you dropped it off. .
Please note: DO NOT leave valuables, cash or jewelry in your gear bag. The event is not responsible for any lost items. Gear bags must be claimed by 12:30 pm on event day.
Safety is our number one concern. While you are welcome to wear an iPod or MP3 player, we recommend that you only use one earbud and be alert to your surroundings.
One great way to listen to music AND keep your ears free for your surroundings are bone-induction headphones like Aftershockz. These wireless headphones are sweatproof, fit securely and made with athletes in mind! Check them out at Gazelle Sports!
Yes, Classic Race Management will time all events. The link to results can be found after the event at our website.
Yes, the award ceremony will be held at the Finish Line Festival tent on Calder Plaza at 11:30 am. The emcee will be announcing the top three overall. Prizes will be given for the top three in each age group: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+ and can be claimed at the awards tent.
Streets will reopen to traffic at 11:30 am and participants still on the course at that time will be asked to move to the sidewalk to complete their event. The finish line on Ottawa Avenue between Michigan and Lyon streets will remain open until 12 pm.
Participants in each event will receive a custom designed medal as appropriate to their distance from TerryBerry. Note: Participants must show their bib to receive the finisher prize. If the correct bib is not displayed participants will not receive their prize.
Someone can pick up your shirt at the Expotique or at event check-in on Calder Plaza but the finisher prizes are reserved for those who complete the event. We will not be mailing shirts after the event.
No, anything left on the course will be repurposed by Sole Sisters.
Sole Sisters is a group of women runners seeking to enrich the lives of women in transition through running and being active. We encourage everyone to bring one piece of clothing to “toss” during the event for Sole Sisters to collect and repurpose in their closet for those unable to afford proper training gear.
Both! Plan to visit the finish line celebration on Calder Plaza after your event and use the free beverage tab on your bib to enjoy a serving of craft beer or wine. Please be prepared to show your photo ID.
Here are some good locations for friends and family to watch you:
Half marathon: Riverside Park
10k: sidewalk along Monroe Ave. between Leonard and Melborne
5k: Ah-Nab-Awen Park by the Ford Museum
Yes! Check out Gazelle Sports Run Camps in Grand Rapids, Holland and Northville, Michigan.
Yes! Training guides are on the training page.
Gazelle Girl Meet ups are ways for you to connect with other people training for the event. Visit the MeetUp page for information.
You can click here to get registered as a volunteer!
Please contact gazellegirl@gazellesports.com to talk about sponsorship opportunities.
We currently do not offer any discounts for people that volunteer on Expotique Day.
Unfortunately, no. Dogs are not allowed on the course.
We have partnered with two excellent Michigan events for the opportunity for you to earn even MORE bling!
The Double Down Medal | Fifth Third River Bank Run
There are two options for this medal. Option one is to run the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon and the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25k (15.5 miles). Option two is to run any other combination of Gazelle Girl and River Bank Run distances (relays are not included).
More information on the Double Down is coming soon!
The Michigan MarathonHER | The American Home Fitness Detroit Women’s Half Marathon
Another fantastic all women’s event! To earn this bling, you must run both the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon and the American Home Fitness Detroit Women’s Half Marathon. 13.1 x 2 all women’s races = the Michigan MarathonHER!
More information coming soon!
Email your question to gazellegirl@gazellesports.com and we’ll get it on the list!