Questions on the Youth Run

Below are frequently asked questions concerning the annual Fargo Youth Run. We hope the information below answers all of your questions. For quick reference, also feel free to save this downloadable copy of the 2008 Youth Run Questions and Answers.

Links to Questions:

Q: What are the events for the Youth Run?

Q: What is the cost for the Youth Run?

Q: How do we register?

Q: Why do you ask for an e-mail address and cell phone number on the registration form?

Q: What time does the Youth Run begin and how long does it last?

Q: What are the age groups and how do we find the appropriate one?

Q: Can I run with my child?

Q: What if I have kids in different age groups and want to have them run together?

Q: I have a child who wants to run without a parent tagging along. How do you help kids stay on the route?

Q: Where do I go to watch my child cross the finish line if I’m not running with him/her? Also, where do other family and friends go to watch?

Q: How do I meet up with my child at the end of the run?

Q: Do I have to wear the Parent wrist band at the run?

Q: What if I get separated from my child?

Q: What if my child is older and wants to leave the corral?

Q: What if it rains that day?

Q: Will you time the children and name winners for each age category?

Q: Are you staffed for medical emergencies or for accidents that may happen?

Q: If I pre-register and then find out that my child can’t attend the run, can I get my money back?

Q: What are the events for the Youth Run?

A: The 2008 Youth Run events include a ½ -Mile Run and a 1.2-Mile Run. Kids are free to choose whichever race they want to run. We are encouraging kids to run in only one of the races.

Q: What is the cost for the Youth Run?

A: The cost is $10 per child. If an adult (parent or other) wants to run with the child, there is no extra charge. The proceeds from the Youth Run benefit local Youth Charities such as MeritCare’s Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm. Registration is required.

Q: How do we register?

A: There are three ways to register:

BY MAIL: Please postmark by May 10 to ensure we receive the registration form.

ONLINE: Sign up securely at http://www.fargomarathon.com/registeronline.htm by May 12 to guarantee a packet is prepared.

ON SITE: At the FargoDome, May 16, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and May 17, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Q: Why do you ask for an e-mail address and cell phone number on the registration form?

A: The e-mail address is to alert you of any updates, including when photos are available from the run which you may want to purchase. The cell phone number is in case we need to reach you during the event, for example, if you get separated from your child. The number will be put on the back of your child’s race bib number. Your email and phone number will only be used for these purposes and will not be shared for any outside solicitation.

Q: What time does the Youth Run begin and how long does it last?

A: First of all, all runners must be registered by 2:30 p.m. on the southeast concourse of the FargoDome.

Then on May 17 (Marathon day), all youth runners will line up by age groups on the south concourse of the FargoDome.

½-Mile Runners will need to be lined up by their respective age groups by 2:45 p.m., for a 3:00 p.m. start.

1.2-Mile Runners will need to be lined up by their respective age groups by 3:45 p.m. for a 4:00 p.m. start.

Following a brief warm-up event, the ½ Mile Runners will take off in “waves” (from the oldest to youngest age group), coordinated by the Youth Run Volunteer Staff. Once all the waves of the ½ Mile Run are completed, the 1.2 Mile Run will begin and the same “wave” process will be followed for that event, until all waves have been completed.

Q: What are the age groups and how do we find the appropriate one?

A: For both runs, all runners will line up within their respective age group on the south concourse of the FargoDome, with the oldest age group starting first. Children will receive color-coded wrist bands that match their line-up balloon color. Look for the signs and color-coded balloons to find your group:

Wave 1 – Ages 11-12 – Blue Balloons/Wrist Bands

Wave 2 – Ages 9-10 – Red Balloons/Wrist Bands

Wave 3 – Ages 7-8 – Green Balloons/Wrist Bands

Wave 4 – Ages 5-6 – Yellow Balloons/Wrist Bands

Wave 5 – Ages 4 and under – Orange Balloons/Wrist Bands

Q: Can I run with my child?

A: Yes! One parent (or designated adult) can run at no extra cost with each child during the event. Because we anticipate a large number of kid runners (goal of 5,000), we need to keep it to one adult runner per child.

Q: What if I have kids in different age groups and want to have them run together?

A: No problem. Choose which wave (age group) you want to all the kids to run in together. It might be easier to have the older child join you and the younger child(ren) in the younger age group.

Q: I have a child who wants to run without a parent tagging along. How do you help kids stay on the route?

A: We will have volunteers assisting at the start, at each corner along the route, and at the finish to help all runners have a successful and enjoyable run. If you have any questions on the day of the run, feel free to ask any of the race volunteers (designated by a blue marathon t-shirt or jacket).

Q: Where do I go to watch my child cross the finish line if I’m not running with him/her? Also, where do other family and friends go to watch?

A: Parents and family can wait to see their child take off at the start line and then can walk back through the west concourse of the FargoDome and to the seats directly above the finish line. Parents and family can also station themselves along the run route outside, and then re-enter the main doors to the east side floor of the FargoDome to re-connect with their children after the run. Here’s a map of the course and FargoDome to help you see where to go: Youth Run Course Map.

Q: How do I meet up with my child at the end of the run?

A: After crossing the finish line, all kids will wait in a corral area on the main floor of the FargoDome to meet up with their parents. Children will wear color-coded wristbands that match the balloon color at the starting line up. They should go to the same balloon color in the corral area and then wait for their parent/guardian to pick them up. This should make it easier for parents and kids to find each other at the end.

Parents (or designated adults) will only be able to enter the corral area to meet up with their child if they have a colored wristband with their child’s bib number. These wristbands are provided and verified at registration. Security staff will check the wristband at the entry/exit checkpoints. This process is to keep children from wandering off and getting lost in the FargoDome.

Q: Do I have to wear the Parent wrist band at the run?

A: YES, please wear it! We will provide up to two wrist bands for both parents of a child so either can use. But you must get these wrist bands and add your child’s bib number on it during packet pick-up/registration which is held at the FargoDome on Friday, May 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Q: What if I get separated from my child?

A: We will have security and volunteer staff posted all along the route to ensure your child has a safe and successful run. All kids who expect to be met at the finish line by a designated adult will not be allowed to leave the finishers’ area until they are matched with their parent or guardian. You should review with your child your plan to meet up after the run, including the balloon color they should look for in the finishers’ area. If your child cannot locate you, they should talk to a security officer in that area, who will work with our staff to contact you. If you are concerned your child isn’t where he/she is supposed to be, please contact one of the security officers in the finishers’ area.

Q: What if my child is older and wants to leave the corral?

A: Please inform us when picking up the race packet – we will mark the back side of the race bib your child will wear, indicating they are free to exit the finish area by themselves. If your child is not old enough to stay by themselves, please do not leave them at the race unattended. We do not have childcare facilities set up for this event.

Q: What if it rains that day?

A: Runners run in all kinds of weather! Please assist your kids in dressing appropriately for the run. In order to keep runners out of inclement weather (rain, cold or hot sun), runners will wait in the south and west concourses of the FargoDome until their age group is called up to the starting line to begin their particular race.

Q: Will you time the children and name winners for each age category?

A: Speed is not a factor here as there are no awards for first place – everyone is a winner!

Q: Are you staffed for medical emergencies or for accidents that may happen?

A: Yes. An experienced staff of medical professionals from the Fargo Moorhead region will be on hand to assist with any injuries or mishaps that occur.

Q: If I pre-register and then find out that my child can’t attend the run, can I get my money back?

A. No, due to the minimal cost of registration, there are no refunds. You can, however, come to the FargoDome and pick up your child's race packet if you want him/her to have the Youth Run T-Shirt.