Geelong Frequently Asked Questions

 

GEELONG FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When do entries close?

  • Early bird entries close: NOW CLOSED
  • Online entries close: 12noon Wednesday 9 May 2012
  • Mailed entries close: 5.00pm on Friday 4 May 2012
  • Large team entries paying in bulk are now closed. You can still join a team paying as an individual (refer to Teams below for more details).
  • Late entries: are available on the day from 7.00am. Arrive early to avoid the queues.
  • Enter by 9.00am on Friday 4 May 2012 to have your event information kit mailed to you before the event.
  • Please note, if you enter the event after 9.00am on Friday 4 May 2012 you must collect your race number on the morning of the event from the number pick up marquee located in the assembly area at Cultural Forecourt, the Parklands South Bank.

I have sent my entry in but haven’t heard anything - has my entry been accepted?

Event information kits will commence to be sent out in the week commencing Monday 19 March 2012. If you enter before this date please allow 2 – 3 weeks for your pack to arrive. If after this time you are concerned about your entry, call the Event Hotline on (03) 9285 0600

What is included in my race kit?

Your race kit will include your race number, participant information booklet, timing tag (runners only) and tribute card (if you requested one during registration).

I registered online AFTER 9.00am on Friday 4 May 2012 – how will I get my event information kit?

If you entered online on or AFTER 9.00am on Friday 4 May 2012 you will need to go to the number pick up marquee in the assembly area at Eastern Beach Reserve to pick up your race kit on the morning of the event from 7.00am onwards.

I am a runner, will my timing tag be sent to me with my race kit?

Yes, your timing tag will be included in your race kit. Please attach the timing tag to your shoes using the twist ties provided.

I am entering a large team and making ONE bulk payment for all team members. What do I do to enter?

Please note that team entries (where you are paying for all team member registrations in one bulk payment) are NOW CLOSED. So what do you do now? Refer below:

Please click here to register using the standard online system, also note that you can enter up to 10 adults and 10 children during one transaction. Just ensure to add your team name as instructed below!

If you are entering as part of a team and each member is paying individually, please enter via the online registration system. The first team member to register (usually the team coordinator) will be required to create the team during registration. Once this is done (and the individual who is creating the team has made paid for their registration) the team name will automatically appear in the team drop down box when “team” is selected by new team members when they are registering. Make sure you give all potential team members the name and correct spelling of the team you have set up. Please ensure your team members select your team name when prompted to do so. It is imperative that this is done during the registration process.

Can I change the event I am in?

Yes, but you must let us know via email at geelong@starttofinish.com.au or phone on 03 9285 0600.  If you decide to change your event on the day, please go to the number pick-up marquee in the assembly area at Eastern Beach Reserve so they can record the change. See below for requirements of changing events.

Changing from walk to run

It is imperative you let us know as you need to be issued with a new event number and a timing tag. You will be charged an additional $9 for your new race number and timing tag (please note it is mandatory that all runners wear a timing tag).

Changing from run to walk

You will keep the same race number but will need to hand back your timing tag if you have already been mailed one. Please bring it with you and hand it in at the entries marquee on the day or alternatively please mail it back to the address below by 31 May 2012 with your name and race number clearly outlined. Failure to return your timing tag will result in a $50 replacement charge.

Geelong Mother’s Day Classic – 12 Rocklea Drive, Port Melbourne VIC 3207

Changing distances only

Run – It is imperative you let us know as we will need to update our records. You will retain the same race number and timing tag.

Walk – No need to advise us, just depart at the correct walk start time and complete either one or two laps of the course, according to your distance chosen.

What if I lose my race number or timing tag?

Walkers - Please collect another race number from the number pick-up marquee in the assembly area at Eastern Beach Reserve on the morning of the event for an additional fee of $5.

Runners – Please collect another race number with timing tag attached from the number pick – up marquee in the assembly area at Eastern Beach Reserve on the morning of the event. There will be an additional charge of $15 total for replacement of the race number + timing tag.

 All participants must wear a race number. Anyone without a race number will not be permitted to start the event.

I have received my event information kit but not my merchandise.

Event information kits and event merchandise are sent separately. For merchandise queries please refer to the merchandise contact details here.

What will the entry show on my credit card?

Your credit card statement will show the transaction as ‘WIS Mothers Day Clc’.

Can I enter on the day of the event?

Yes, on day registrations open at 7.00am. Please head to the registration marquee in the assembly area at Eastern Beach Reserve to enter on the day.

* Please note that the early bird entry fee ends at 5.00pm on Wednesday 11 April 2012.

What time does the event start?

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your event to allow plenty of time to get organised and warm up.

7.00am                        On-the-day registration opens
7.40am                        Memorial minute of silence: runners
7.45am                        Warm-up aerobics for 4km runners
8.00am                        4km run starts
8.15am                        Warm-up aerobics for 8km runners
8.30am                        8km run starts
9.10am                        Memorial minute of silence: walkers
9.15am                        Warm-up aerobics for walkers
9.30am                        4km/8km walk starts
12noon                        Formalities finish

What should I wear?

Walkers - Normal street clothes and a comfortable pair of shoes.

Runners - Comfortable running gear and shoes.

Please remember to dress according to the weather – i.e. hat and sunscreen or rain jacket, etc.

What time will the aerobic warm-up start?

The warm-up will take place on the main stage in the assembly area at Eastern Beach Reserve. Times are as follow:

  • 4km run warm up at 7.45am
  • 8km run warm up at 8.15am
  • Walkers warm up at 9.15am

What happens on the main stage?

A number of delegates, celebrities and sponsors will be appearing / presenting on the main stage. The main stage will also be used for the memorial minute of silence, warm-up aerobics and team presentations.

How long will it take to walk the courses?

4km     about 45 to 55 minutes
8km     about 90 to 120 minutes

Can I bring my pet dog to walk the course with me?

No. For safety reasons, animals are not permitted on the course.

Can I ride my bike alongside my friend who is running?

No. For safety reasons, bikes and rollerblades are prohibited on the course.

Can I bring my pram?

Prams are permitted but entrants who bring along a pram will be required to start at the rear of their group.

I have a toddler, do they have to pay?

Children under 4 are not required to pay the entry fee. However, it is a fundraising event and money raised does go towards breast cancer research.

What time does the event finish?

The walk event usually finishes around 11am, but many people stay around and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Will there be trophies and medals awarded?

  • All participants will receive a MDC medallion in their show bag.
  • Trophies will be awarded to all male and female place getters (1st, 2nd & 3rd) in the running events.
  • Age category winners’ medals will be posted in the mail two weeks after the event.
  • Spot prizes will be randomly handed out to participants at the event.
  • Largest school team wins a magnificent trophy.
  • Tertiary Team Award - the largest tertiary team from Victoria will receive a magnificent trophy.
  • Largest corporate team wins a magnificent trophy.
  • Highest Individual Fundraiser in Victoria - the individual raising the most money in Victoria will win domestic flights to the value of $1000 kindly donated by QANTAS.

What time are the award presentations?

The run presentation ceremonies will be held on the main stage at the following times:

  • 4km runners at 8:30am
  • 8km runners at 9:30am
  • Team awards from 11:00am

Can I pick up my show bag before I walk or run?

Participants can only collect their show bag after they have completed their walk or run.

Where can I leave my bag?

There is a cloak room marquee at Eastern Beach Reserve where you can leave your clothing. Please do not leave any valuables in the cloak room as we will not be responsible for valuable goods lost or stolen. You cannot check bikes into the cloak room.

Where can I park?

It is strongly advised that you utilise public transport or be dropped off at the event as there will be limited parking available.

Further details regarding parking will be advised closer to the event date.

What roads will be closed?

Exact details of road closures will be advised in the coming weeks.

Please note: patrons of the Botanic Gardens and the Geelong East Golf Course, will be allowed access via service lanes. Please follow the directions of traffic controllers. Users of the boat ramp may access the boat ramp via Limeburners Road.

What public transport options are there?

Train – The nearest train station to Eastern Beach is the Geelong Station. Phone VLine on 136 196 or visit www.vline.com.au for detailed timetable information.

Bus - McHarry’s Bus Lines service the Geelong urban area. Please visit www.mcharrys.com.au for detailed information.

Please note: public transport will run on a Sunday timetable on event day – be sure to check your service times to ensure you arrive in time for your run or walk start. 

Where will the toilets be?

The toilets are located at the Geelong Life Saving Club building adjacent to The Boathouse Restaurant. There will also be toilets in the assembly area.

Where will the first-aid stations be located?

A first-aid station will be located at the finish line.

Where will the drink stations be?

Water is provided at drink stations in the assembly area, on the course and on the finish line.

Is there a baby change / feeding area?

Yes, there will be a baby change and feed marquee in the main assembly area.

Will there be massage?

Free pre and post-race massage will be available at the assembly area.

Where do you pick up the MDC medallion and other event goodies?

Once you have completed your event, please return to Eastern Beach Reserve to collect your Mother’s Day Classic medallion, show bag and event goodies, kindly donated by our sponsors.

Where can I find out my results?

Results will be available for the Geelong event on the Mother’s Day Classic website on Tuesday 15 May 2012. Remember, only runners will be timed.

Can I get a tribute card if I didn’t order one?

Yes, you can pick up your tribute card on event day from the registration marquee. You can also download a tribute card from the website.

Are there any food vendors?

A variety of food options will be available on the day, including a coffee cart, sausage sizzle and other food snacks and drinks.

What happens if I forget to return my timing tag at the finish line?

If you take your timing tag home with you after the event please mail it back by 31 May 2012 to the below address:

Geelong Mother’s Day Classic – 12 Rocklea Drive, Port Melbourne VIC 3207

Failure to return your timing tag will result in a $50 charge for its replacement.

What charity do the proceeds go to?

All proceeds from the event go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Any donations of more than $2 are tax deductible (entry fee is not a donation).

How much of the money raised goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation?

Every dollar that you donate or fundraise and more than two thirds of your registration goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This is used for research projects aimed at improving the detection, treatment and outcomes for those who are affected by breast cancer.

Because there are costs associated with managing and staging the events across Australia, part of your ticket price together with support from our corporate sponsors goes towards their payment.

 In 2011 your combined efforts and the generosity of our sponsors enabled us to give $3 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) for its research programs. That made it a cumulative total of $10.8 million since the event began in 1998.

If I cannot attend the event can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for the event.

Is my registration tax deductible?

Donations and funds raised from sponsorship are tax deductible (if over $2), but your registration is not tax deductible.

While the majority of your registration payment goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, you are participating in an event and thus receiving a service. This means that event registration does not qualify as a tax deduction.

The Mother’s Day Classic is a morning to get together and do something healthy with family and friends and to celebrate and support those who have been affected by breast cancer.  It’s also about raising money for the research that will defeat it.

Prize for top fundraiser