To All 2010 IOS Classic Participants:

It's almost race time on the longest course offered by the Second Empire Grand Prix Series!!! Several updates will hopefully be coming on the website, so please be sure to check there often. These will include raceday logistics maps for potty locations, registration / check-in, traffic flow and parking).

WEATHER REPORT FROM WUNDERGROUND.COM: Saturday Night through Sunday Night Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 30 percent. Weather should be fine for raceday and hopefully any rain will hold out for the race...We got a light misting last year but wasn't too bad (though the humidity was pretty high). Lightning is the only reason the race will be called - we will run in rain or shine!!!

SEVERAL IMPORTANT ITEMS TO NOTE:

1. MILE MARKERS:
   Due to permitting restrictions, no race mile markers will be posted in Umstead State Park. However, each aid station will have the closest mile marker information available.
   
2. REGISTRATION CUTOFF FOR TECH SHIRTS:
   All entries received after May 6th are NOT GUARANTEED RACE SHIRTS! If there are some no-shows, some may become available, however it will be after the race before these will be handed out.
   
   
3. TECH SHIRT SIZES:
   Race shirts were ordered based on sizing provided, with the caveat that women's sizes run small and to order accordingly. There will be NO GUARANTEES that exchanges will be available and no exchanges will be honored until AFTER the race once shirts are distributed.
   
   
4. PARKING:
   Parking is limited in and around Race HQ. Bandwidth and Kimley Horn lots are available (4001 Weston Pkwy) along with Financial Directions (immediately west of Bandwidth on Weston Pkwy - 5875 Weston Pkwy).
   
   Additional parking lot usage permission is being requested at this time, however there is "public" parking available at the old Sam's Club lot about 0.6 miles east at the Harrison Avenue intersection. If you have the ability to do so, PLEASE CARPOOL!!! Nearby parking cannot be guaranteed for all participants!!!

   > Approved" and "non-approved" parking areas
   

5. COMMEMORATIVE RACE MEDALS:
   As of this morning, 707 participants are signed up in the half- marathon - an overwhelming response to this year's race!!! THANK YOU!!!
   
   Please note that if every person shows up, I will be short medals for all those over 700. Due to the special commemorative medals designed for this year's race, the order was placed over 6 weeks ago for racetime delivery.
   
   I apologize in advance for those who may not receive these medals on race morning. However you will be assured to receive one via US Mail after the race is over and additional medals are ordered for manufacture. Please contact me directly via email after the race with your name, bib number, and mailing address(iosclassic@ncroadrunners.org).
   
   
6. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
   If there is an emergency on the course and you notice a fellow participant in distress or otherwise off the course, please notify the closest course monitor or aid station. We have a very specific Emergency Plan, especially for within Umstead, to address any issues.
   
   There will be medical teams available inside Umstead at the Midgate Water Stop #2/6 and at Race HQ. Course monitors will be on foot and on bike as well.
   
   Please help us out and be aware of your surroundings, health, and other participants to make this as safe and "uneventful" an event as possible!
   
   
7. THANK EVERY VOLUNTEER YOU SEE ON AND OFF THE COURSE!!
   I have a core team of about 10 folks to help me organize this race, and about 60 more volunteers in various roles to make this happen. Not a single one of them is being paid to support YOU in this race (never mind being up before dawn on a Sunday morning)!!!
   
   Please be courteous, kind, and respectful to all my volunteers, even if you're upset about something!!! If you absolutely cannot hold your tongue and need to vent, please find me and I will do my best to personally address your issues.
   
   Constructive criticism is welcomed to help make this race the best as can be - please forward all comments (good and bad) directly to me. I will be sure to address them as appropriate and forward any compliments to the race staff.
   
   
8. REGISTRATION / PACKET PICKUP
   Early pickup is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.
   
   Early pickup will be at Inside Out Sports on Saturday afternoon between 2 and 6 PM. EVERY PARTICIPANT will still need to pick up their timing chip on Sunday morning, however, this line goes very quickly.
   
   If you have friends that plan to register on race morning or you wait for raceday packet pickup, there will be lines and there will be delays - please plan accordingly as the race will start ON TIME.
   
   I look forward another great year on this new course and hopefully we will have some of those kinks worked out we encountered last year. In the meantime, my email address is always available for questions, comments, or any additional concerns you may have (iosclassic@ncroadrunners.org).
   
   Happy running! I will try to get some sleep between now and then!!! :)
   
   Aaron Quick
   Race Director