FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions about the Festival of Races
What is the course like?
The 5k course is mainly flat along the shores Grand Traverse Bay and surrounding neighborhoods.. The 15K is mainly flat, but includes “Mt.” McKinley, a mile-long hill taking runners from the east side of Old Mission Peninsula to its western shore.. Throughout the race you have views of Lake Michigan, and in the last half mile you run the closed-street parade route on Front Street.
Do you use the electronic B-tag?
Yes, both a starting and finishers mat.
What time does the finish line close?
The finish line will close at approximately 10 a.m. Anyone finishing after this time may not receive an official finish time.
The course isn't closed to traffic?
No, with the exception of a small section just before the 8-mile mark and between the parade route. However, due to the early start time, traffic is very light for most of the race.
Do you allow walkers in the races?
This is not a competitive walk, and we do NOT have a separate category for walkers in either of the Festival races, but registered walkers are welcome. All times are listed by age group only in the results. The finish line closes at 10 a.m.; anyone finishing after this time may not receive an official time.
How many runners are in the race?
The Festival of Races is an annual tradition, with participant numbers reaching as high as 3,000 for both the 5k and 15k together.
Are there spectators out on the course?
You can expect great support along the parade route, and from citizens offering their own water, music, etc.
Can my friends and family meet me out on the course or ride along on a bike?
Friends and family CANNOT ride along with you. We want to limit all possible traffic on the course. Spectators should determine ahead of time where they will have access to the course. Our course marshals are given the authority to disqualify you if they determine you are associated with a bike or car on the course.
How do I get back to my car after I have finished the race?
Most runners walk or jog the race route back to their cars. However, we will have a shuttle from the finish line available to take you back to the parking area starting at 9 a.m. and through 10:30 a.m.
Registration FAQs
Can I pick up a packet for a friend or family member?
Yes. You will be asked to sign a form with the runner’s name, your name and contact information.
Can I give my BIB and chip to a friend if I cannot run?
No. BIBs and timing chips are non-transferable. A runner wearing another person’s BIB or timing chip will be disqualified and their name and time will not be recorded in the results.
Can I register day of race?
Yes, but early registration is highly recommended. Online registration closes on Thursday, July 7 at 11:59:59 p.m. Late registration is available on race day from 6 to 7 a.m. on July 9.
Where can I park?
Follow the directions on the website to access parking off Milliken and Eastern Avenue via US 131 and Center Roa. As you access the area, there will be white Cherry Festival parking signs to guide you. The largest and best parking area is at the Traverse City Central High School Parking Lot at 1150 Milliken Dr., Traverse City MI 49686.This large lot can accommodate hundreds of vehicles. From this parking area, it is just a short walk to the start line and nearby port-a-johns.
When is this year’s race?
The race is held on National Cherry Festival’s Final day right before the Parade on Front St.. This year’s date is Saturday July 9.
What is new this year?
• Three Wave Start – Race, Run & Recreate to help runners and walkers take off smoother.
• Timing devices will now be attached to your bib number.
• Technical shirt upgrade option for only $10
How do I register?
On-line Registration by credit card is available on our website.
How old do you have to be to enter?
There are no age requirements for any of the races.
Where & when does the race start?
• 7:50 AM - The 5K starts in front of Cedar Lot on College Dr. of Northwest Michigan College Campus.
• 8:10 AM – The 15K starts in front of CedarLot on College Dr. of Northwest Michigan College Campus.
When and where can I pick up my race packet?
The only place you can pick up race materials is at Eastern Elementary on Friday, July 8, from 2:00 until 8:00 PM. At Race Day Rates of an additional $10 you can also pick up all race materials on race morning at Eastern Elementary from 6:00 – 7:00AM.
What information do I need to pick up my race packet?
You will need a valid ID and a zip code (if you are picking up other runners packets) that lets us identify who picked up the packet. You will also need your bib number. They will be posted alphabetically on the red wall in the packet pick-up area at Eastern Elementary.
Can someone else pick up my race packet or vice versa?
Yes. At Eastern Elementary Registration and Packet Pick-up, you will need a valid ID and a zip code (if you are picking up other runners packets) that lets us identify who picked up the packet. You will need the bib number, which is posted alphabetically on the hallway wall in the packet pick-up area of Eastern Elementary.
Do you mail out the race packets?
No, you may only pick up your packet at Eastern Elementary on July 8, or on July 9 for an extra $5.
What is the deadline for registration?
The deadline for on-line registration is Thursday July 7, at 11:59:59
The mail-in deadline is July 5th.
Late registration is available on Friday from 2-8PM at Eastern Elementary.
Do you have age/division awards?
Yes, all age division runners can now pick up their awards at the downtown Running fit. We discontinued an Awards Ceremony because many of the award winners left the Finish Area to watch the Parade. Results will be posted in five year age groups. See: www.classicrace.com
Where do I find the race results?
Race results will be available on race day on the 5/3 Bank building at the finish line. You can also find the results posted online, after 4:00PM at www.classicrace.com and www.cherryfestival.org
Are there port-a-potties on the course?
Porta-Johns rooms are available only at the start/finish and on McKinley Hill for 15K runners. There will be a large amount of porta-johns in the starting area.
Where should I park on race day?
• There are two main locations we recommend that have easy access to Eastern Elementary and the start on race day. They are the many “tree” name lots on the NMC campus and 3 big lots surrounding Traverse City Central High School. Check the tab titled “parking” to view a map
• All of these locations can be accessed from the main drive through Traverse City US 131 North/ Munson Ave :
• Left turns (north on Milliken Dr, Center Rd. and Front St. toward NMC will get you to the parking locations. Print a map from our web site to help you.
• Avoid using the NMC main entrance at Dennos and you’ll stay away from race day traffic.
• Many other parking lots at the campus of Traverse City Central High School are open for the race and the Parade. There are no parking fees at any of these locations.
What time should I get there for the race?
The earlier you get to start line area, with over 3000 participants, it gets extremely congested. It is suggested you be in your parking lot no later than 7AM.
What time does the course close?
Because of the parade, the entire course must be clear by10:45AM.
Do you offer gear check?
No. With the summer season and the Parade immediately following the races, we have determined most participants have their own plan for gear. The walk from finish to parking areas is just over one mile, a perfect cool-down distance for those heading back to their cars.
Is there food after the race?
Water will now be available just past the finish line. The food area will be located further in the finish line area on Front St., and will include typical post-race fare, plus yummy sweet cherries!
Are strollers allowed on the course?
Yes, we do allow people to run with baby joggers or strollers but we ask that you start in the back of the pack behind all runners and walkers for your safety and the safety of others.
Are skateboards, rollerblades, scooters or bikes allowed?
No. They are a all considered safety issues; please keep these items off the course.
If I am injured and/or cannot attend the event can I get a refund or transfer my entry to someone else?
We have a no refund, transfer or deferment policy for all race entries.
Can I walk in an event or do I have to be a runner?
Walkers may participate in the 5k that starts at 7:50 am. Just remember, that because of the start of the Parade, the course must be cleared by 10:45AM. Also know that your finish time will appear with the runners’ times and there are no walk awards.
How do I know if I am registered?
If you register online, a confirmation will be sent via email within 24 hours after you’ve registered. We cannot confirm mail-in registrations.
Can I switch races?
Yes, to help in the registration and results process we request that you pick a race. However, you can switch to either race by following the course you want and crossing the timing mats designated for both the 5km or the 15km.
Will the race give out tech shirts?
Yes, but you must pre-order by choosing the upgrade option when you complete the registration process.
How far is the 5K/15K finish from race morning parking from the finish line?
About 1.3 miles from the finish line. Walk along the Bay on Front St./Munson Ave./Us 131 North to Eastern Avenue or Milliken Dr. back to main parking areas.
I don’t run, can I volunteer?
We can always use more volunteers. Please go to the National Cherry Festival website for specific race volunteer information at www.cherryfestival.org.
