Race Info – Frequently Asked Questions

See the Race Pricing Schedule for current race pricing information.

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.

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

All registrations are sent an email confirmation to the address provided during sign-up. If you have a Run Stillwater account or created one when you registered, you may also log in to see the races for which you are registered.

Please note the registration process also asks for the runner email address. Future communications about a race event will be sent to the runner email provided, which may be different than the primary email associated with a registration.

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

All registered participants will be sent an email Thursday before the race with your bib number and details about logistics, directions, parking, 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.

Registration is open for all races beginning in October the previous year. At this time, the field of runners is not limited in number. For each race:

• Online registration closes at midnight the Wednesday before a race. Online registration ensures participants will receive their race shirt in the size they request at packet pickup before the race.
• Will Call registration is available online until noon Friday before a race. Runners registering as Will Call are assigned a bib number before packet pickup and receive their race shirt after the race.
• In-Person registration is available Friday and Saturday before the race at Packet Pickup. In-Person registrants are assigned a bib number at packet pickup and receive their race shirt after the race.

Registration for all Run Stillwater races is nontransferable and nonrefundable.

• Gender-specific, premium quality cotton blend 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.
• Collectible medals to all finishers – each year Run Stillwater medals fit together as a set to commemorate your season
• Personalized race bibs up to 10 characters (Deadlines apply. See Race Pricing Schedule for details)
• Timing by Mtec Results (Half, 10K, 5K) – a leader in race timing technologies and based in the Twin Cities
• Participant tracking using the Mtec Results app. Track and easily share participant performance, see current and projected runner locations, view chip and gun times, get real-time results including overall and division place, and more
• Bag drop at each start location with bags provided at the starts (clear, 15″ x 18″ with drawstring)
• Pacers for half marathon runners
• Staffed water stations to serve and cheer you on with water and Gatorade available (Most race-day support staff is provided as part of Run Stillwater’s Volunteer for Donation program. Learn more HERE.)
• Restroom facilities at each start and at approximately two-mile intervals along the courses
• Finish line recovery food and beverages – fruit, protein bars, salty snacks, Gatorade and bottled water
• Selfie clock at the finish showing your name and time
• Video finish accessible along with results at mtecresults.com
• Free photos available to download on Mtec Results and the Run Stillwater Facebook page
• Keepsake age group awards – personalized with name, date, time, distance and division – for top three finishers in each age group (based on 10-year increments) are mailed to winners after the event
• Access to showers after the race at our sponsor, River Valley Athletic Club. Show your bib and bring your own towel, then hit the sites and enjoy everything Stillwater has to offer
• 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

… and more

Course Information:

Course maps are available on the Course Maps page.

Course certification numbers:

10 Mile: MN16042RR
12K: MN17029RR
5K: MN16043RR

Aid stations have water and Gatorade available.

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

PLEASE NOTE: The finish line for all distances has been moved this year to Lowell Park south in downtown Stillwater. This affects the start locations. It’s highly recommended that runners take the shuttle to their respective start to ensure you arrive in the correct location and on time.

Packet pick-up Friday, Sept. 20, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Race day (Sept. 21), 6 a.m.

Location: Water Street Inn, 101 Water Street S., Stillwater

NOTE: Runners will receive an email Thursday, Sept. 19 with their bib number information. Remember this number. You will need it to pick up your 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.

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.

Changing Your Distance

Injured or feeling so fit you want to run further? You may change your distance at packet pickup. For guests moving to a longer distance you’ll just pay the difference. There’s no charge for moving to a shorter distance. Pick up your bib as usual and bring it to the In-Person/Changes table to make the switch.

Shirt Exchange

You may exchange your unworn shirt for a different size after the race. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes specified at the time of registration. To ensure everyone gets the size requested, exchanges can be made after the race. Staff remains at Packet Pickup at the Water Street Inn until approximately 11:00 a.m.

Slow runners and walkers are welcome provided you maintain continuous progress on the course and do not deviate from the course. The Half Marathon course has a four-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.

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

• Bag Drop is available at each start area with bags provided for your convenience
• Bag Drop pick-up is at the finish line area
• Bags provided at each start are clear and 15″ x 18″
• All Bag Drop items must be in a bag
• You may use your own bag provided it is approximately 15″ x 18″
• No large backpacks or suitcases are accepted in Bag Drop
• Race bibs have a tear-off tag with your bib number to be used for Bag Drop
• Place the bag drop tag INSIDE the clear bag where it is EASILY VISIBLE for sorting
• 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 approximately 11:00 a.m.
• Run Stillwater, Inc. is not responsible for lost or damaged items left in Bag Drop

Pacers for the 10 Mile Race:

Pacers are provided by Midwest Pacers for all half marathon and 10 mile participants to help runners reach their race day goals.

Great idea! There are plenty of reasons to spend some time in Stillwater before and after the race.

• America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns (North Carolina Traveler)
• Best Weekend Getaways in Minnesota (The Lora Hotel – Family Destination Guide)
• #1 Best Day Trip from the Twin Cities (Bring Me the News)
• Best US Towns for Antiquing (Fodors)
• Fall in Love with Stillwater (Samantha Brown’s Places to Love)
• Most Romantic Midwest Getaways (Midwest Living Magazine)

For hotels, we recommend our headquarters hotel: The Water Street Inn. Contact the Water Street Inn directly to book accommodations. More options can be found through Discover Stillwater.

Our sponsor, River Valley Athletic Club, offers all registered runners an opportunity to shower after each race. Show your bib and bring your own towel, then hit the sites and enjoy everything Stillwater has to offer.

The city of Stillwater is now using Passport Parking technology in most downtown parking areas. Kiosks are available to pay for parking or use the Passport Parking mobile app to make parking fast and easy. See the map for locations and check the city’s parking information for details about days and hours when fees are required.

Note: Fees for Saturday parking primarily begin at 10:00 a.m.

Directions, parking recommendations and shuttle locations will be available closer to race day.

Start Time:

8 a.m. for all races. Last shuttle to the starts leaves at 7:30. Course details can be found on the course maps.

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

The finish line is at the flagpole in Lowell Park south, downtown Stillwater. The first 5K runners will cross the finish around 8:17 to 8:20. The last half marathon runner ypically crosses the finihs around 11:00.

• All runners will be shuttled to the start areas from downtown Stillwater
• Buses are marked with the distance each one serves. Check before you board to be sure you are on the correct bus
• FIRST shuttle leaves at 6:15 a.m.
• LAST shuttle leaves at 7:30 a.m. SHARP
• Shuttles typically line up on Mulberry St. two blocks north of the Water Street Inn, but is subject to change. Watch for the specific location on the website and in email communications to runners as race day approaches

Shuttles to the Start Areas

• All runners will be shuttled to the start areas from downtown Stillwater
• Shuttles will load on Mulberry Street north of the Water Street Inn. From the hotel, follow the paved Loop Trail north to the shuttle area (approximately two blocks)
• Buses start at 6:15 and the last bus leaves downtown Stillwater at 7:30.
• Buses are marked for each race distance. We highly recommend taking the shuttle to the start as start locations are congested and busy with buses, runners, race marshals and safety officers.
• Bag drop, water, and portapotties are all available at the start areas.
• The race finishes in downtown Stillwater

Weather Considerations:

Runner safety is our number one priority. The race will occur rain or shine. We have direct contact with the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities and rely on their forecasts in making decisions concerning weather and race-day conditions.

Parameters for weather considerations include the following:

• Electrical activity in the area
• Hail
• High winds
• WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) conditions – a scientific measurement provided by the National Weather Service of the body’s heat stress in direct sunlight, taking into account temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover, and based on U.S.A. Track and Field guidelines for running events:
  • WBGT less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit is Green Flag/No Warning to runners necessary
  • WBGT 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit is Yellow Flag/Recommend participants at increased risk for heat collapse. Slow pace. Warn all entrants of increased risk of heat collapse
  • WBGT 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit is Red Flag/Recommend participants at increased risk for heat collapse withdraw from race, and other slow pace to match conditions
  • WBGT above 82 degrees is Black Flag/Cancel or recommend voluntary withdrawal

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

Post Race Information:

Race results are available www.mtecresults.com.

We will not hold an awards ceremony after the race due to space limitations at the finish. Top three finishers in each age category will receive awards in the mail after the event.

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.

We welcome adaptive athletes at our events. All athletes, including escorts, must be registered in advance and where 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.

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.