The Hampton Half Marathon & 5K FAQs/Contact

Be sure to read the entire Race Details page in addition to this FAQ to make sure you have all the necessary info about The Hampton Half & 5k!

LIVE EVENT FAQs

What if it snows before or during the race?
Safety is the top priority for our runners, volunteers, and staff. If it is determined by race management and public officials that the event is unsafe to participate in, it will be cancelled. Refunds will not be given under any circumstance beyond our control.
What are the distances of the races?
The 5k is 3.1 miles and the half-marathon 13.1 miles.
When is packet pickup/registration?
Packet pickup will be inside Ashworth by the Sea on April 1st from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and April 2nd on the morning of the race from 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. If you plan to pick up on race morning, we suggest arriving no later than 8:30 a.m. to ensure you have time to park, pick up your bib, and get to the starting line before 10 a.m.
What is the half marathon time limit?
The time limit for the course is 3 hours & 30 minutes. This is about a 16 minute per mile pace. We have strict rules from the State DOT and the towns about how long the course can be open. Participants found on mile 6 on the course at a slower rate than 16 minutes per mile will be asked to turn around and head back to the finish. They will still get a time and medal.
Can I run with headphones?
Because wearing headphones greatly reduces your ability to hear race marshals and car traffic, our insurance provider requires us to prohibit the wearing of headphones during the race.
Where are the bathrooms?
For the start, port-o-potties are located next to the Sea Shell Stage on Ocean Blvd and D Street. Along the course, the State Park bath houses are at Miles 2.5, 5, and 11.
Where are the water stops?
Half: There will be stops at Miles 2 (water), 5.5 (+Gatorade), 7.5 (Clif Shot energy gel), 7.8 (water), and 10.5 (water). 5k: There will be one water stop at Mile 2.
Will there be changing rooms?
There are no changing facilities available, so please show up ready to run.
Is there a bag check?
No. Bag check will not be available. Parking is available near the start and finish and allows easy access to whatever you may need.
Can I run with a baby stroller?

No, for safety reasons, strollers are not allowed on the course.

Can I run with my dog?

No, dogs are not allowed on the course.

Are there awards for top finishers?
NEW THIS YEAR. The half marathon will award prizes for the top 3 men and women finishers overall, and to the top male and female in the following categories: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. The 5K will award prizes to the top 3 men and women finishers overall, and to the top male and female in the following categories: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. All winners will be contacted within 2-3 business days after the race. There will not be an awards tent or ceremony at the event.
Are the roads closed for the race?
The course will not be closed to car traffic but there will be runner lanes with cones, signs, and race marshals directing traffic.
Where is the best place for spectators to watch?
The course is not closed to auto traffic, but for the safety of the runners we strongly suggest that spectators stay right in the beach area for the best viewing.
Are spectator vehicles allowed on the course?
No. Spectators are discouraged from coming to the event and will be prohibited from entering runner areas at the check-in, start, and finish line locations.
Where can I check to see if I'm registered?
You can check via this link!
Is the course USATF certified?
Yes! The half marathon is certified. Please note that because this race has a history of inclement weather (snow and ice) that it may impact our ability to set up the course according to its certification. Although this scenario is unlikely, we will do everything possible to ensure the course is setup according to the certification.
Can I switch from the Half to 5K or vice versa?
Yes, you can change distances online before registration closes.

  • To do so, simply log into your account (you may need to reset your password first).
  • Once you’re logged in, you’ll see your upcoming race on the right-hand side of the screen.
  • Click “View registration.” You’ll see your current race distance under “Category.”
  • Just click “Edit,” choose the distance you’d like to switch to. You’ll be prompted to review the rest of your registration, and re-sign the waiver for the new distance.

If you’re upgrading from a distance, you’ll be required to pay the difference in price; however we don’t offer refunds for the difference in price when switching to a shorter distance.

What about GPS course measurements?
The half marathon course is certified and accurate according to USATF standards. However your GPS measurement of the course is bound to be different and will most likely show the distance covered to be “long.” This is normal, and here’s a very technical explanation why: In GPS We Trust.
Can I get a refund if I register but don't run?
All sales are final. No refunds will be given, unless you are registered for a live race and the live race is cancelled by the event organizer due to COVID-19 or any of its variants (the “Pandemic”) and/or governmental restrictions put in place as a result of or in connection with the Pandemic which make the live race unfeasible or impractical to run, in which case refunds will be given in accordance with the policy outlined in the FAQ titled What happens if the race is cancelled?. A date or venue change is not a cancellation.
What are the AWD (athletes with disabilities) guidelines and event rules?
Ventures Endurance happily welcomes all athletes to participate in our events. Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) include, but are not limited to the flowing athletes, Blade Runners, Visually Impaired Runners, Adaptive / Guided Runners, Pushed Athletes, Push Rim, Racing Chair and Hand Cycles. To participate as an AWD athlete you must notify the Race Director of your participation a minimum of 20 days in advance. This allows our staff to ensure the safety and security of each athlete on the course prepare the ES (early starters) corral for athletes. To ensure your spot and be approved as an AWD participant please contact [email protected]. Should there be a duo team, a coupon code may be provided for the pusher/coach by emailing [email protected]. Ventures Endurance Athletes with Disabilities Event Rules

VIRTUAL EVENT FAQs

Where can I run/walk?
Anywhere! This is your virtual run, and we want you to complete it wherever and whenever you want between February 21st and March 31st. Sidewalks, trails, and treadmills are all fair game. Want to make this a family run or walk with a stroller or your miniature schnauzer Sprinkles? Now’s the chance! Make the race you want.
What items are included with the Hampton Half Virtual Run?
We’ll ship the same awesome goodie bag* right to you that includes a mid-weight soft and stretchy running pullover and a medal for everyone!

*The Smuttynose beers given to participants at the live event is not included in the virtual offering.

When do I need to complete my run?
You can complete your run anytime between February 21st and March 31st. Once you complete your run, you can log your results online. After that, you can download your Finisher’s Certificate, see how you rank on our active leaderboard, and upload photos to share with fellow participants. To receive a Finisher’s Certificate, your run must be completed and logged by March 31st.
How do I track my distance and time?
For the Virtual Run, we accept results on the honor system, but the most accurate tracking is typically via a device with GPS tracking.
How do I log my results?
After you’ve completed your run, click the Log Result button on your Virtual Run registration to enter your time. Once you’ve entered your run time, click the Finisher Certificate button to download your personalized Finisher Certificate.
When will my packet ship?
Race packets for the virtual run will begin to ship within 1-2 weeks of the live event.
Do I need to submit results to get a medal?
No. Your medal will be mailed to you with your packet after you register!
Do you ship internationally?
The Hampton Half Virtual Run is currently available only for addresses within the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii*. *Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii will incur an additional shipping fee.
What do I do if my goodie bag doesn’t fit? Can I swap it?
We do not offer any size exchanges post packet shipment. All changes to sizes need to be made prior to confirming registration. We highly recommend that all participants take care to view the sizing chart to order the correct size.

Still Have Questions?

The answers to 99.9% of the questions we get asked every day are already on this awesome website, which means you’ll find an answer much quicker here than by emailing us and waiting a few days for a response! Of course, if you’ve read every word on this site and still can’t find the answer, shoot us an email and we’ll respond as soon as we can!

Race Questions: [email protected]