Is the race open to the public?
Yes. This is a certified 5K in the city of Boca Raton, anyone can register.
How far is a 5k?
3.1 miles.
How do I sign up to run this race?
Right here on this web site. You can also pick up a paper form at Saint John Paul II High School. Registering early is recommended over registering the day of the event.
How much does it cost?
Our race costs $25 per person, Under 16 is $20. If you just want to participate in the 1 Mile Fun Run, the cost is $15.
How do I know if I am ready?
If you can jog for 30 minutes, you can run a 5K. Even if you can't quite do that, you can still do it.
What if I cannot run the whole thing?
No problem. Lots of folks will alternate running/walking, some will walk the whole thing. Some will be dressed as Santa.
Will I be last?
Probably not. Statistically, your odds of being last are the same as being first.
Will I get lost?
Very unlikely. The course is clearly marked and there will be volunteers along the route.
I am afraid that I don't look like a runner
Runners come in all shapes and sizes. You'll be fine.
What do I do before the race?
Arrive about 30 minutes to an hour before the start.
If you have pre-registered, you'll need to pick up your packet. This will be a bib number, and a t-shirt (if you registered early).
If you are registering the day of the race, fill out the form, and pay and you'll get your packet.
The race is chip timed. Your chip is attached to your bib number. You do not have to worry about it; just attach the bib number to the front of your body somewhere.
Go potty. Runners love to go potty before races. The lines for the potties will be long.
Why does the bib number need to go on the front?
It needs to be visible as you approach the finish line, so they know you are officially registered in the race.
What do I do at the start?
When you see everyone heading to the start line, follow them.
Runners are supposed to line up according to how they think they will finish - fast runners in the front, slow runners in the back, walkers behind the runners. This prevents congestion on the course. You want to be amongst runners who will be running the same pace as you. You don't want to be passed by swarms of folks, and you don't want to be dodging and weaving around people slower than you.
What do I do during the race?
The race will start either by gun, air horn, or someone yelling go. Just follow the folks in front of you, and you'll be fine.
If you need to stop, walk, tie a shoe, adjust something, pull over to the side. You don't want to cause a bottle-neck, or a sudden stop for the people behind you.
Can I use my iPod?
It’s your choice. For your first race, we would highly recommend NOT using an iPod. Even if you can still hear everything around you, folks around you are less likely to talk to you and cheer for you if you are wearing an iPod.
What do I do at the finish?
The finish line will be pretty obvious. It’s a big blow up arch and there will be lots of people cheering. There will be race officials at the finish line. Get excited and smile, your photo will be taken as you cross the line.
If the official asks for your chip, the bottom portion of your bib will need to be torn off and handed to an official at the finish.
What happens after the finish?
If this is your first race ever, you may feel slightly nauseous when you finish, that's common. Walk for a bit, then have some water, and maybe a light snack. There will be fruit, bagels and a pancake breakfast in the Dining Hall of the school. The results will be announced there as well, and awards given. You can also get your picture with Santa.
How do I find out how I did?
Results are posted as they are available. They will list all finishers, and their time and their rank. It will generally also list how they ranked in their gender and age group. You can come back to this web site and see all of that information.
What are age groups?
Age groups are 5 year divisions, by gender. So, Female 35 to 39.
What is the awards ceremony about?
Awards are given to top three age group winners, and the overall male and female winner. One is also given to the top master (over 40).
Do I need to stay for the awards ceremony?
It nice to stick around and see who won, but it's not required. If you are getting an award, and can stick around, we would definitely recommend it. Santa will be there. There will be pancakes, coffee, juice and fruit. Fun stuff!
What's a bandit?
A bandit is someone running a race who didn't register. Please don't do this. If you do, please don't cross the finish, or take any aid from aid stations or post-race goodies. Those are for the folks who are officially registered.
What's the one mile Fun Run?
The fun run is for all ages. You will need to complete a registration for the one mile Fun Run. The Fun Run will be held at the school track (west of the 5K starting line).
Why is this school hosting a 5K?
1).A couple of reasons:
2).To help promote a healthy lifestyle for our student and participants.
3).To help raise funds for improving the facilities of our athletic department.
To build community spirit. Come on, it’s a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. You get to see Santa, you get a little exercise and you get to eat pancakes. You may even win a prize. That’s awesome in a nutshell.
What if I can’t run or can’t attend, but want to help the school?
You can still help by coming and cheering others on, if you can, or by visiting our web page and making a donation toward the run. If you do donate, please know that it will be a great Christmas gift to our students and our school.
Click HERE to be taken to our donation page.
Good luck. Have fun. Enjoy yourself. Wear a Santa hat. Go SJPII Eagles!