The ONU Polar Bear Indoor Marathon course will be 211 (marathon) or 105.5 (1/2 marathon) laps on the indoor track (200 meters per lap) in the field house in the ONU Sports Center. Every 30 minutes runners will change directions after finishing their current lap. While you may be able to watch the snow falling through the glass walls, the conditions for the race will be comfortable and dry. A member of the ONU Cross Country and Track & Field team will count each runner’s lap and record his or her times, and a FinishLynx timing system will be used at the finish line.
Pre-race Dinner
An all-you-can-eat pre-race pasta buffet dinner will be offered on Saturday in the Sports Center. A dinner for each registered runner is included as part of the race fee. Additional tickets can be purchased with your registration. This will be a great time to meet the other runners prior to the race.
Awards
The first male and female finisher in each race distance will receive an award. There will be no age group awards due to the small field size. Unfortunately, runners cannot use their time from an indoor marathon to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Qualifying Standards
There is not a qualifying standard to enter the race. However, after 6 hours (at 1:30 pm) we will no longer time runners due to facility restrictions.
Field Size
There will be a maximum of 40 runners able to compete in the event, but race organizers reserve the right to make exceptions or increase the field size.
The marathon course is USATF certified. Please note that certification indicates that the course is not shorter than marathon length. However, as is the case with any track event (or road course with numerous turns), runners will likely run a further distance as they pass competitors on turns and as they switch directions in outside lanes. Thus, many runners find that running a ‘personal best’ marathon time in an indoor marathon is not as easy as the ideal weather conditions and flat terrain might suggest.
Changing directions
Every 30 minutes, a large orange cone will be placed at the start/finish line. When runners pass the cone, they should switch directions and begin running in the outside lanes until all runners have changed directions.
Timing
Timing will begin with a gun start; an overall time for each runner will be obtained using a FinishLynx timing system. Members of the ONU cross country and track & field teams will be timing each lap and recording it. Runners will receive their lap splits following the completion of the event. The timing system will be removed after six hours (at 1:30 p.m.) due to time restrictions in the facility.
Aid Stations
There will be two aid stations on the track throughout the event: one at each end of the track. It is recommended that runners bring their own water bottles, sports drink, gels, food, etc. These items can be placed on the tables, and runners can use them at any time by stopping at the table or picking up their items and carrying them between the tables. Water and sports drinks will be available throughout the event.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located just outside the Field House; runners can use them throughout the event.
Music
Headsets will not be allowed during the marathon. We will have music playing for the entire duration of the race.
Spectators
Spectators are welcome, and seating is available beside the track. However, we ask that runners do not allow friends, etc., to run with them during the marathon due to space restrictions. Strollers are not allowed on the track, and pets are not allowed in the Field House.
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First-Class Event
Don't be intimidated by the prospect of running in circles for hours. Having access to your own food and drink, the atmosphere created by all the college kids, and getting … MORE
Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of running in circles for hours. Having access to your own food and drink, the atmosphere created by all the college kids, and getting to run alongside them made for a tremendously enjoyable event.