Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions for the Run Like a Mother 5K. If you are still not able to find a solution in these areas, please send us an email at admin@runlikeamother.org 

What is the typical race day temperature?
The average high temperature in Ridgefield in May is around 67°F. The average low is 54°F.

How do I get to the race site?
For directions please click HERE.

Where should I park?
For parking information, there is parking available at East Ridge Middle School. There is also public parking in the shopping areas between Prospect and Governor, Main and East Ridge. 

What is the field limit?
Our course can support a total field of 1000 athletes.

Why no strollers or headsets?       

Simple answer, SAFETY!  The Run Like a Mother 5K and RLAM Kid's race both take place on open roads in Ridgefield.  There are safety cone, police and volunteers directing traffic, but it is an open course.  For the Run Like a Mother 5K, the run is a two-loop course.  For everyone's safety, those that are faster and may be lapping walkers headsets are STRONGLY discouraged.                                                                                                                                                                               

Package Pick-Up and Expo?

YES!  Please come to the package pick-up and expo on Saturday.  Pick up your Run Like a Mother goody bag, t-shirt, race number.  It is STRONGLY encouraged to pick up your packet on Saturday.  Avoid race day lines and confusion! 

• Saturday, May 9^th

• 10AM-5PM

• Pick up your race gear

• Give-aways, samples, contests, massage!

• Location:  Georgetown Auto Body,  27 Catoonah Street, located just off Main St, behind Tiger Sports.

• Parking is available behind the post office on Catoonah Street.  Grab a cup of coffee and bagel at Steve's and come on over!

• LIMITED Package pick-up is available race morning from 7-8:15 am.

Can someone else pickup my goody bag on Saturday?

Yes, we will just have that person sign their name for it. 

What if there is bad weather?
The race will go on rain or shine.

What is the award breakdown?
Overall awards will be issued to the top women in the 5K  and the top three children (boys or girls) in the Kid’s Run.  There will also be awards given to the top women in age group categories.  The age group categories in the 5K are as follows: 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & over.  The age group categories in the RLAM Kid’s Run are 5-8, 9-12, and 13+.    Awards will begin at the conclusion of the Kid’s Run and at 10:30 am.

What is the transfer/refund policy?
Your registration is non-refundable and non-transferable, even in the event of illness or injury. Rollovers to upcoming years or other events are also not accepted.

How do I confirm my registration?
All participants who have registered online will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of online registration.

The Race will be Chip-Timed by Plattsys Timing.  How do I get my chip?

Chip timing will be provided race morning.  Please have your race number with you to pick up your chip.  You must pick up your chip and wear it to be timed.  Both the Kid’s race and the Run Like a Mother 5K will be chip timed.

Registration will open at 7:00 on Sunday morning - please do not arrive early as we will not be set up and ready for you.  Platt Systems will be timing the event and each runner will wear a chip-timer on their shoe.  You must return the chips. There will be volunteers at the finish line to help remove them from your shoes,  Un-returned chips are an automatic $50 fee.  If you drop out of the race, give your chip to a volunteer .  Remember to be courteous to volunteers - they are  friends and family, they are your friends and family. 

What is a ChampionChip?  The ChampionChip is the key-element of the ChampionChip System. It is a small plastic disk that contains a miniature transponder with its own  unique seven-character serial number. The transponder is encased with an energizing coil in a
waterproof capsule. 

 It is the transponder that makes the ChampionChip work. The transponder is passive until it is moved  into the magnetic field, generated by the ChampionChip antenna mats. The magnetic field  activates the ChampionChip's energy coil,  producing an electric current that energizes the  transponder. The transponder then transmits its unique identification code to the reading antennas  located in the same mats. 

There will be a mat at the finish of the race.  When the gun goes, your time will start.  When you cross at the finish line, your time will be recorded.  This is your own personal time!   Please note, this response changed on 4/30, there is one chip mat at the finish line

How do I attach my  timing chip?
The chip will attach directly to your shoe

What time do the races start?
The Kid’s Run begins at 8 am and the Women’s 5K begins at 9 am.

Is there a minimum pace?
Participants must be able to maintain pace for the 5K, for a finishing time at 10:30am. As the roads will still be open to the general public, please be prepared to abide by city officials at key intersections on the course.

Where is the start and finish?
Both events will take place at Yanity Gym, click here for the map.

If I have a child that wants to cross the finish line with me, where do I meet them?

As you round the turn into the Yanity parking lot (the home stretch) there will be a "holding area" on the left hand side on the lawn.  It will be roped off with colorful flags.  Have your child wait there and you may have them join you for the last 100 or so yards.  This is a great photo opportunity!  Children that cross the finish line with their athlete running the 5K will receive a ribbon.

Will there be aid stations?
There will a water station with Poland Spring water at approximately mile 1 and mile 2.

Will there be timing clocks on the course?
No, but the miles will be marked so that you can see them on the road and with signs.