What’s the Mountain and Fountain in reference to?
The Mountain (start of the race) refers to 21,099 acre McDowell Mountain Regional Park. This desert park has elevations that rise 3,000 feet along base of the McDowell Mountains. The park has over 50 miles of multi-use trails, spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and wildlife including deer, javelina, birds, and coyotes.
More info at: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell/
The Fountain (finish of the race) refers to the Fountain Park located in the town of Fountain Hills which is a master planned community established in 1970 and it contains a beautiful fountain that is a focal point for the community and visitors. In normal operation, the fountain sprays water 300 feet in the air and operates at the top of each hour for about 15 minutes.
More information at: http://www.fh.az.gov/
When do I need to register?
Online registration will close March 7th, 2013 at noon MST. You may also register in person at Sole Sports on Saturday, March 9th, 2013 between 11-5:00pm. There will be no race day registration.
Is there a time limit to complete the course?
Yes, there is a time limit of 2 hours. This is needed to allow roads to fully open. The pace needed to complete in 2 hours is 12:52 per mile. Please train and plan to meet this finish goal!
I registered to race and am now unable to do so. Can I get a refund?
We do not offer refunds, but you may transfer your registration to someone else or defer your participation one year. All transfers and deferments must be completed by Saturday, March 9, 2013 by 5:00 pm.
- To transfer your registration, contact racedirector@bandidos15k.com with your name and the name, age, address, and email address of the person taking your spot.
- Those wanting to defer their registration should contact racedirector@bandidos15k.com.
- If you are selling your registration transfer of money is between you and your buyer.
What should I be doing to be prepared for this event?
- Run
- Rest
- Fuel up
- …repeat steps 1-3 continuously until race day (fit in noncritical activities (i.e. work) only as required.
March in Arizona?
Major League Baseball Spring Training is held here for a reason. Average temperatures are a low of 46°F and a high of 74°F Sunrise at 6:41AM and Sunset at 6:32PM
Will the course be closed to traffic?
Yes, the course will be closed to traffic.
Is the Course USATF certified?
Yes. USATF# AZ11006TLB
How many aid stations are planned and what may be available?
There will be four aid stations on the course with water and sports drink at miles 2, 4, 6, and 8. At the finish there will be drinks, fruit, and granola bars. There will also be vendors offering product samples.
How will timing be done?
We are using D chip disposable shoe tags, and the race is being timed by Raceplace Event Systems.
Is there any staging or corrals based on ability?
There are no corrals, but everyone is encouraged to line up based on where they intend to finish. No one should be on the front line that does not expect to average faster than 5:15/mile. Children are welcome in the race but should be lined up according to their average pace not their pace for the first 400 meters.
What is not allowed on the course?
Anything with wheels (baby joggers, skateboards, rollerblades) and dogs are not permitted.
When will awards be presented?
The awards ceremony will start at 10:15. Awards will be presented to the overall and masters prize money winners. Age group winners will be announced and prizes can be collected at the awards table in the finish area. Masters athletes are eligible to win open prize money. Anyone winning prize money other than first out of the park money will be ineligible for age group awards. Team awards will also be presented and will be fun to watch. Winning teams get the weight of one of their scoring runners in beer. Weighing will be done on stage using a balance. Here is a video of the process On YouTube. Finally, there are random prizes to be handed out, and you must be present to win. So, have a beer and enjoy the show.
Where do participants park?
All parking is in downtown Fountain Hills. You may park on the street legally or in the parking lots bounded by Palisades on the north, Avenue of the Fountains on the south, Saguaro on the east and La Montana on the west. If parking in the lots please be respectful. This is private property, and if you make a mess the race has to pay to have it cleaned up. Please don’t park directly in front of businesses or on any unpaved surface. If you park illegally you will be towed.