Frequently Asked Questions

Providence Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler

Please read through this list of commonly asked questions about the Providence Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler. If your question isn’t answered in the list below, e-mail us at info@carolinamarathon.org.

Registration

Will I receive a confirmation that you’ve received my registration? Only those individuals who register online receive e-mail confirmations. Unfortunately, we’re unable to provide confirmations to those who register by mail due to the volume of entries received.
What if I need to make a change to my registration information? If you registered online, you will need to contact Strictly Running at (803) 799-4786 or at CustomerService@strictlyrunning.com to make any corrections. If you registered by paper, please contact Carolina Marathon Association at (803) 731-2100 or info@carolinamarathon.org.
What are the deadlines for registration in 2010? The deadline for group registration (7 or more entries) is midnight on March 26 (or, if registering by mail, the postmark must be no later than March 26). The deadline for early registration for individuals is also March 26. Entry fees go up $5 after this date and are $45 the day of the event. The deadline for online registration is midnight on Thursday, April 29.
Why is there an additional $2.50 fee for online registration? This is the standard fee banks and/or credit card companies charge for processing online transactions. You’ll find that nearly all events charge a separate fee for online registration.
Can I get a refund if I am unable to participate in the event? No, unfortunately, we do not offer refunds. However, you are welcome to contact Carolina Marathon Association after the event to pick up your tank top. We hold all unclaimed awards and shirts for one month after the event.

The Course

How are the miles marked along the course? We have standing signs at each mile along the course, in addition to red heart-shaped balloons tied to each sign.
How often are splits provided? We have volunteers providing mile splits at each mile on the course.
What fluids are available on the course? We provide water at four different stations along the course, at approximately 1, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.7 miles. Gatorade and Aquafina water are available at the finish line and expo.
When does the course close? The course closes at 11 a.m. At this point, no police officers or course monitors are available to direct or provide support to participants.
When does the refreshment area close? Food and beverages are provided for participants at the expo area in Finlay Park until 11 a.m.

Race Day Details

Why doesn’t the race start earlier? It’s usually pretty warm in May, and an earlier start would be much cooler. We choose to start our race at 8:30 a.m. so that WIS television can broadcast the winner of the Heart & Sole run on its morning newscast, which starts at 9 a.m.
Where should I park on race day? Ample, free parking is available around the start line and finish line near Finlay Park. Please refer to the parking map for details.
Where are restrooms located?
Start Line. Porta potties, including one handicapped restroom, are available on Laurel Street behind the start line, which is located at the intersection of Laurel and Lincoln Streets. There is also a public restroom at the upper entrance to Finlay Park in the parking area off Laurel Street.

On the Course. Porta potties are located on Lady Street near the water station in front of the Lady Street parking garage (near the intersection of Assembly and Lady Streets). They are also located at the intersection of Gervais and Marion Streets near the Goodyear Auto Center.

Finish Line. Porta potties are located in the Finlay Park parking area off Taylor Street near the finish line. Public restrooms are also available at the lower entrance to Finlay Park.
Will the event be rescheduled or postponed due to bad weather? The Providence Heart & Sole event is held rain or shine. Due to the cost and logistics of putting on an event of this magnitude, we cannot reschedule the event if the weather is unfavorable. While the Heart & Sole event has experienced its fair share of rain and thunderstorms, the event has only been delayed once due to threatening weather. The parking garage on Lincoln Street near the start line is used as a shelter in the event of bad weather, so please plan to attend regardless of the weather!
Where do I fasten my race bib? Race bibs should be secured with safety pins (provided at registration) to the FRONT of your shirt or running top at all times. You should pin all four corners of the bib securely to keep it from moving during the event. Race bibs also allow us to identify you and call out your name at the finish line. In addition, they help course monitors direct you so that you stay on the correct course during the event. Please remember your bib number in the event you lose your bib.
Why are race bibs different colors? Race bibs are color-coordinated to distinguish runners, three-mile walkers and five-mile walkers from each other.

Packet Pick-Up

Where is packet pick-up held? Packet pick-up is held the Friday before the event from noon to 7:30 p.m. at Arsenal Hill, located at 1900 Lincoln Street in downtown Columbia, near the Laurel Street entrance to Finlay Park. You may also register and pick up your packets the morning of the event from 7 to 8 a.m. at the same location. However, participants are advised to arrive early.
Can I pick up someone else’s race packet? Yes. You can pick up the race packets of your friends and family, as long as you sign a form indicating you did so. This helps avoid confusion.
I ordered the wrong size shirt. Can I switch? Unfortunately, we order shirts based on the information provided on the entry forms. That’s why we cannot guarantee them to late registrants OR make switches until after the event is over and we assess our remaining inventory. If your shirt does not fit, you can certainly call us after the event to see if there are any remaining tops available. If so, we will gladly let you switch sizes.
Where should I park for packet pick-up? Parking is very limited immediately in front of the Arsenal Hill building where packet pick-up is held (1900 Lincoln Street). However, metered parking is available at the upper entrance to Finlay Park on Laurel Street and on many of the streets surrounding Arsenal Hill.
I registered by mail. What do I need to bring to registration? You do not need to bring anything to registration if you registered by mail unless you are part of a group. (See group registration section.)
I registered online. What do I need to bring to registration? Please bring the printout of the written confirmation you received when you registered online. If you have any questions about your confirmation, contact Strictly Running at (803) 799-7986 or at CustomerService@strictlyrunning.com.

Packet Pick-Up for Groups

Can the team captain or group leader pick up the race packets for an entire group at once? Yes. All packets for groups, including shirts, are prepackaged for group leaders at packet pick-up. However, we strongly advise that you double-check each of your race packets BEFORE YOU LEAVE to make sure they contain the proper shirt sizes, the correct information on bibs for each of your participants, etc. It is also a good idea to make arrangements to meet your group before the race begins to give them their bibs and shirts. Your group can get really miffed at you if they come to packet pick-up only to realize you already picked up their race packets!
If I’m part of a group, can I pick up my packet individually? Yes. You can pick up your packet individually, as long as you sign a form indicating you did so. To avoid confusion, please make sure that your team captain or group leader is not picking up the packets for your entire group.
What should I bring to packet pick-up to get my race packet if I’m part of a group? You must know the SPECIFIC NAME of your group and the CONTACT PERSON. Sometimes, a company name alone is not enough since there can be many groups within the same company. If you’re picking up the packets for ALL of your group members, you should have a list of all names in your group so as to double-check that you have all your race packets.

ChronoTrack Race Tags for Runners

Why are we using race tags instead of race chips? Heart & Sole is pleased to be using the latest technology to time our event for runners. The new D-tag (race tag) from ChronoTrack Systems offers many advantages including the most accurate timing available; no fees to runners for unreturned chips; and the ability to distribute race tags at the same time runners pick up their race packets—no need to stop and get a separate chip on race morning! The tag comes attached to your race bib and should not be removed until race morning.
Why don’t walkers use race tags? Because walkers aren’t timed, they are not issued racing tags. Walkers of all levels participate in the Heart & Sole event, and we do not want to encourage speed over participation. Therefore, we suggest walkers wear a watch with a timer if they wish to time their personal results. Walkers should remember that the clock at the finish line reflects the start of the RUN, so it usually differs by about five minutes for walkers since the walk begins that much later than the run.
Where do I pick up my race tag? Race tags are adhered to the front of your race bibs, which are available at packet pick-up. There is no longer a need to pick up your race chip separately on race morning.
Can I pick up a race tag for my friends? Yes, if you present their bib numbers.
I forgot to pick up my race tag. Can I still get my results? No. Unfortunately, only those runners who wear their race tags receive results.
How do I put on my race tag? First, remove your race tag and directions from your race bib. Next, separate your race tag from the directions by folding at the perforation and tearing apart. Crease the race tag along the fold lines. Insert the tag facedown under your laces. Remove the adhesive tab located on the back side of the marked black area. Attach the adhesive tab to the non-adhesive tab. Press firmly together, forming a “D” shape. Position the tag number face up. You’re done!
Can I use my own race chip instead of the race tag? No. The disposable race tag given to you is the only method of timing the Heart & Sole race. Other tags and chips are not compatible with the ChronoTrack system.
What happens if my race tag gets wet? The tag is completely weatherproof and will work in any kind of weather conditions.
Where do I return my race tag? The new race tags are disposable, so you do not need to return them. You may remove them from your shoe and throw them away. (Please be kind to the environment, though. Don’t litter!)
Can I leave the race tag on my bib? No. For optimal performance, the D-tag must be attached to the shoe in the proper manner. For instructions on properly using the D-tag please click here.
Can I flatten and tuck the whole race tag in my laces to make sure it stays? No. This can cause damage to the tag and also lowers its performance. For optimal performance, your race tag must be attached to the shoe in the proper manner. For instructions on properly using the tag, please click here.
Can I create a hole in my race tag and tie it on? No. Puncturing or cutting the race tag can damage it. For optimal performance, the tag must be attached to the shoe in the proper manner. For instructions on properly using your race tag, please click here.
Are you sure my race tag will stay adhered throughout the race? Yes! The D-tag has a special adhesive to ensure its durability. Alterations to the tag or how it is attached to the shoe are far more likely to cause additional problems that could have easily been avoided. For instructions on properly using the tag, please click here.
What if I don’t have laces? Your race tag can also be used by attaching it to your ankle with a Velcro strap. The tag should still be formed to make a “D” shape and then attached with the Velcro.

Race Results

Where are race results posted at the event? Race results for runners are posted at the awards stage in Finlay Park as soon as they are available. After the event, results of all runners who completed the race are posted online at www.heartandsolerun.com. A listing of all walkers registered for the event is also posted online at this Web site.
I just found out that I won an award at the Heart & Sole. How can I pick it up? All awards from the Heart & Sole are available from the Carolina Marathon Association until one month after the event. Call us at (803) 731-2100 or e-mail us at info@carolinamarathon.org.

Post-Event Expo and Celebration

What time does the awards ceremony take place for runners? Approximately 9:30 a.m. We must wait for all runners to cross the finish line in order to have accurate results.
Do only the fast runners win prizes at Heart & Sole? Not necessarily. We also offer random door prizes that all runners are eligible to win at the awards ceremony. Runners are asked to place the stubs from their race bibs into a container at the awards stage in order to be eligible for the prize drawings. Runners must be present to win door prizes.
What time does the ceremony take place for walkers? Approximately 10:30 a.m. We try to wait until all walkers have crossed the finish line before beginning the ceremony so that all walkers have a chance to win prizes.
How are prizes determined for walkers? Walkers are eligible for prizes based on participation, not time. Walkers who wish to be eligible for door prizes will be asked to place the stubs from their race bibs into a container at the awards stage. Participants must be present to win.
I just found out that I won an award at the Heart & Sole. How can I pick it up? All awards from the Heart & Sole are available from the Carolina Marathon Association office until one month after the event. Call us at (803) 731-2100 or e-mail us at info@carolinamarathon.org.

Strollers

Are strollers allowed at the Providence Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler? Yes. However, we ask that women with strollers be mindful of other participants and not impede the progress of runners and walkers.

Dogs

Are dogs allowed at the Providence Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler? Yes, we’re a pet-friendly event. However, we ask that owners with dogs move toward the back of the line so as not to impede the progress of other runners and walkers.

Pacers

Can my husband or boyfriend run alongside me to help me keep pace? No. The Heart & Sole is a women’s only event, and we do not allow men to participate as runners and walkers. We encourage them to cheer you along on the sidelines, though! We also provide several volunteer pacers for runners and walkers. Listen to the pre-race announcements so you can identify the pacer you want to stay with throughout the event.

Race Day Photos

Photos of race day will be posted online at the Heart & Sole Web site at www.heartandsolerun.com.

Hotel Information

Where is the host hotel for Heart & Sole? The Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC is the host hotel for the Providence Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler. The hotel is located at 630 Assembly Street, a few blocks from Finlay Park, and offers a special rate of $82 for participants who mention the event when they register by April 16. Call (800) 359-8140 or (803) 799-7800 for more information.
Where can I get information about other hotels in the Columbia area? Visit the Web site of the Columbia Visitor & Convention Bureau at www.columbiacvb.com.

Proceeds From Event

Where do the proceeds go from the Heart & Sole event? The Providence Heart & Sole Women’s Five Miler is not a fundraiser. It is an awareness event designed to call attention to the important issue of heart disease in women. The vast majority of proceeds from the event go toward putting on the event itself. However, a portion of the proceeds in the past have been used to purchase AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) for public facilities such as EdVenture Children’s Museum, The South Carolina State Museum, the Jewish Community Center, the Northeast YMCA, Richland Northeast High School, the SOAR program, St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, etc. In 2009, the event started offering “scholarships” for free entry to low-income women who are at risk for heart disease, with the hope that participation in Heart & Sole will encourage these women to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Shoe Donations

Where do the shoe donations go that are collected by participants? The Heart & Sole Five Miler collects “gently used” walking and running shoes each year and donates them to The Cooperative Ministry in Columbia, which serves needy people in the Midlands.