Race Info – Frequently Asked Questions

Gopher to Badger Half Marathon

Here is everything you need to know. Still have a question? Just ask us. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible: info@runstillwater.com.

Expand the sections below for more information.

What are the entry fees for the races?

See the Race Pricing Schedule for current race pricing information.

Can I register for all this season's races at the same time?

Registration Details:

Interested in registering for more than one Run Stillwater event at the same time? The registration system lets you do just that. Watch for that option within the registration process.

Can I register more than one person in the same registration?

Only one person may register at a time because we need to ensure we have all the correct safety information and a separate waiver for each race participant.

Why does my order say "Processing"?

“Processing” means your order is set and you’re ready for the event in the future. No worries; we’ve got you.

When will I get my bib number?

All registered participants will be sent an email Thursday before the race with your bib number and details about logistics, directions, etc. Watch for it and save info@runstillwater.com to help ensure it doesn’t end up in spam. If you do not receive it, you can look up your bib number at packet pickup. In the meantime, you can find all the information you may need on the race’s webpage HERE.

How can I change my race distance?

Changing Your Distance

You may change your distance at packet pickup. Pick up your packet FIRST and bring it to the In-Person/Changes table to make the switch. If you’d like to run further, you’ll just pay the difference to move up to the longer distance. There’s no charge for moving to a shorter distance.

What if I'm a slow runner? May I walk the course?

Slow runners and walkers are welcome provided you maintain progress on the course and do not deviate from the course. The Half Marathon course has a 4 hour time limit. Stopping is not allowed for any other reason except a medical condition, hydration and/or to use the restroom, and will mean disqualification from the race and the possibility that race support will no longer be available.

What do runners receive?

Runners Receive:

  • Gender-specific shirt NOTE: Will Call and In-person registrants receive their race shirts after the event at packet pick-up (if your size is available) or in the mail following the event.
  • Medals for all finishers
  • Personalized race bib up to 10 characters (Deadlines apply)
  • Pacers provided for the Half Marathon course
  • Staffed bag drop
  • Timing by Mtec Results
  • A Buy-One/Get-One at Lift Bridge Brewing for a cold beer or beverage! Redeemable at Lift Bridge Brewing Company tap rooms in Stillwater and New Richmond
  • Awards for top three finishers in each age group based on 10-year increments (mailed to winners after the event)
  • Staffed water stations to serve and cheer you on with water and Gatorade available
  • Finish line food and beverage
  • … and more

When and where is packet pick-up?

Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration:

Friday, August 11
3:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Highly Recommended)
Water Street Inn
101 Water Street, Stillwater

Saturday, August 12
Beginning at 5:30 a.m.
St. Croix County Government Center
Across Carmichael Rd. from Grandview Park
(Tent in the southeast corner of the parking area)
1101 Carmichael Rd
Hudson, WI 54016

Can I pick up someone else's packet?

Picking Up Someone Else’s Packet

You may pick up another runner’s packet. Pleases confirm that you have agreed to do this in advance so there is no confusion with volunteers at packet pick-up.

I paid to have my packet mailed. When can I expect it?

If you paid for the Mail-My-Packet option, you can expect your packet to arrive within two weeks of race day. See the Race Pricing Schedule for specific mailing date information.

How does bag drop work?

We will have Bag Drop at each start. Details are…

  • All Bag Drop items must be in a bag
  • Bags are provided at each start. Bags are clear and 15″ x 18″
  • Race bibs have a tear-off tag with your bib number to be used for Bag Drop
  • Using a clear bag provided, place your Bag Drop tag and your items inside the bag with the tag visible, cinch it tight and tie the strings
  • Your race bib and Bag Drop tag must match to pick up your items
  • Bag Drop pick-up will be staffed at the finish area until 11:00 a.m.
  • Run Stillwater, Inc. is not responsible for lost or damaged items left in Bag Drop

Will there be pacers at the event?

Pacers for the Half Marathon:

Pacers for the Gopher to Badger race are provided by Midwest Pacers for all half marathon participants to help runners reach their race day goals.

Where can I park?

Parking and Shuttles to the Starts

Due to the City of Hudson’s parking concerns in the downtown area, parking and shuttles to the start lines are provided from Grandview Park, 908 Carmichael Rd, Hudson. Packet pickup and shuttles to the start areas will only be provided from this location on race morning.

Your options:

  • Parking is available at Grandview Park, the St. Croix County Government Center and at Hudson Schools north of the park’s ball fields
    • Shuttles (recommended) to the starts are clearly marked for each race distance and board along the southbound lane of Carmichael Rd in front of the government center. Buses are clearly marked for each race distance. Please check to be sure you are on the correct bus
  • Get dropped off at the start locations. If this is your choice, please use caution in the area to avoid buses and runners at these locations
  • Half Marathoners may park at the Washington County Fairgrounds but no shuttle will be available to take you back to your vehicle. If this is your choice, plan your own transportation back to your car
  • No parking is available at the 10K and 5K start areas

After the race

After the race, continuous shuttle service is provided from the finish line area in Lakefront Park, downtown Hudson a short 5-10 minute ride back to the parking area. Runners board the bus adjacent to the finish area in Lakefront Park. Shuttles to Grandview will run throughout the morning. Spectators are free to park downtown.

From where will shuttles depart on race day?

Parking and Shuttles to the Starts

Due to the City of Hudson’s parking concerns in the downtown area, parking and shuttles to the start lines are provided from Grandview Park, 908 Carmichael Rd, Hudson. Packet pickup and shuttles to the start areas will only be provided from this location on race morning.

Your options:

  • Parking is available at Grandview Park, the St. Croix County Government Center and at Hudson Schools north of the park’s ball fields
    • Shuttles (recommended) to the starts are clearly marked for each race distance and board along the southbound lane of Carmichael Rd in front of the government center. Buses are clearly marked for each race distance. Please check to be sure you are on the correct bus
  • Get dropped off at the start locations. If this is your choice, please use caution in the area to avoid buses and runners at these locations
  • Half Marathoners may park at the Washington County Fairgrounds but no shuttle will be available to take you back to your vehicle. If this is your choice, plan your own transportation back to your car
  • No parking is available at the 10K and 5K start areas

After the race

After the race, continuous shuttle service is provided from the finish line area in Lakefront Park, downtown Hudson a short 5-10 minute ride back to the parking area. Runners board the bus adjacent to the finish area in Lakefront Park. Shuttles to Grandview will run throughout the morning. Spectators are free to park downtown.

Where can I stay in the area?

We recommend checking out the Discover Stillwater website and the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce for recommendations.

Where can I find course maps?

Course Information:

Course maps are available on the Course Maps page.

Are the courses certified?

USA Track & Field (USATF) Course Certifications:

Half: MN-14035RR
10K: MN-19046RR
5K: MN-19045RR

When are the start times?

Start Time:

7:00 a.m.  All races start at the same time.

Last bus to start areas leaves at 6:35 SHARP from the Grandview Park area

All start areas have portable restrooms, water and bag drop available.

May I drive myself or get dropped off at the start?

Transportation:

All runners will be bused from Hudson to the start lines for all distances. We encourage using the bus system, but you may get dropped off at the start area for your race if you wish. We ask that you use caution with buses and runners in the area as drop off areas can get congested. There is NO parking available at the 10K and 5K start areas. Some parking is available at the half marathon start, but you must arrange your own transportation back to your vehicle. The shuttle bus schedule and location details can be found here on the website. See “From where will shuttles depart on race day?” for more information.

What is available at aid stations?

Aid stations have water and Gatorade available.

Where are toilets available on the course?

Portapotties are located at each start area, the finish area and approximately every two miles at or near aid stations along the course.

What happens after the race? Is there an award ceremony?

Post Race Information:

Race results will be available at www.mtecresults.com in near real time after the race.

We will NOT hold an awards ceremony after the race. Top three finishers in each age category will receive awards in the mail after the event. We will announce the Gopher to Badger winner at the finish over the PA system.

I have a conflict. How do I get my money back, or give someone my bib number?

Registration for all Run Stillwater races is nontransferable and nonrefundable.

What if there is bad weather?

Weather Considerations:

We have direct contact with the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities and rely on their forecasts in making weather decisions regarding the race.

Runner safety is our number one priority. The race will occur rain or shine.

In the event that there is lightning in the race area, we will delay the race until no lightning strikes have occurred in the race area for 30 minutes and until there is no lightning forecast to be in the race area during the time period the race would occur.

If the National Weather Service forecasts that there will be a lightning risk in the race area during the scheduled race period the race will be canceled in the interest of runner safety.

There will be over 65 course marshals and public safety officers stationed around the course to guide runners in good weather and bad.

How does Run Stillwater provide for adaptive athletes?

We welcome adaptive athletes at our events. All athletes, including escorts, must be registered in advance and wear a bib number. The following are allowed with prior approval from race staff: runner escorts for parasports athletes, adapted wheel chairs with runner escorts, jogging strollers, certified service animals. Please contact us if you need more information.

Can I run with my music, a stroller, my dog?

Safety and Rules of the Road:

  • For the safety of all runners and walkers, the following are NOT allowed on the course: Unregistered participants (including family, friends, or pacers); bicycles; in-line skates; or pets.
  • The following are allowed with prior approval from race staff: runner escorts for parasports athletes, adapted wheel chairs, jogging strollers, certified service animals.
  • Headphones and earbuds are permitted, but runners are strongly encouraged to use only one ear bud and turn the volume down so you are alert to traffic and able to follow instructions from race officials.
  • The race courses are not 100 percent closed to traffic so we ask that you be aware of your surroundings at all times.

What is the Run Stillwater, Inc. return and privacy policy?

Return/Refund and Privacy Policy

All Run Stillwater, Inc. races occur rain or shine. Fees are not refundable and race numbers and timing chips are not transferable to a different person than the individual to whom the bib number is assigned. Participants must agree to the terms and conditions of participation prior to entering payment information during the registration process. For details regarding the Run Stillwater, Inc. privacy policy, click HERE.