Fredericksburg Area Running Club
Come Run With Us!
The Free Lance-Star & VA Runner
The 2008 Great Train Race & The Caboose Run
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Sunday, May 4, First Heat at 7:30 AM
Where does the race start? The race starts at the corner of Lafayette Blvd and Caroline Street in front of the Fredericksburg Train Station, downtown FredericksburgThe Course is a USATF Certified Mile, for course map go HERE
Who can run the Mile Race? Any runner that is 18 or Under on race day can run this event! Runners with special needs are also welcome. Parents or Guardians will be allowed to accompany or assist special needs runners.
Are there rules? Yes! Parental participation is limited. A parent or guardian may only run in the heat with their special needs child, the 7 year heat, or the 6 & Under heat.
All parents/guardians must start at the back of the corral, and are only there to support their runner in times of need (emergency or moral support). Parents are not allowed to run directly next to their child. This is to be a safe, fair, and competitive event. You wouldn't run out onto a soccer field and help your kid score a goal, would you?
What do you get when you run this event? First, you get the pleasure of having hundreds of people cheer you on while you run. You are the star of the day! Then, when you cross the finish line you will receive the coveted Great Train Race Medal. Of course, there is also the great post-race food, the awards, and the AWESOME Great Train Race T-Shirt you get just for registering.
Registration for the Mile will close at 3,500 runners!
NEW THIS YEAR - Chip Timing!
This event will be chip-timed by Race-Timing Unlimited, which means all times will be accurate, and result processing almost instantaneous. Please take the time to read more about race day details regarding the timing system HERE
RACE PHOTOS!
After the event you may be able to find photos of your child running at The Free Lance-Star Photo-Store, and also at Tri-Duo Sports Photography
What is the Caboose Run? A 400 meter non-timed Fun Run for those 5 & Under kids who just aren't ready for the Big Kahuna (Mile). It starts under the train bridge on Sophia Street and ends at the City Dock. Only runners with special needs will be permitted to run with a parent or partner.
When does it start? At approximately 11:30 AM - We will send off waves of 50 children each wave in 2-5 min increments. Our number one goal is safety! All children will be assigned a wave. Oh....and if you miss your wave? Don't worry! You can always go in the next wave.
Who can run the Caboose Run? Any child age 5 & Under, AND who can walk for a minimum of 400 meters. Just a reminder for parents, this course is on a downhill section, if your child is still just learning to walk (let alone run) we do not advise them to participate.
What do you get when you run this event? A chance to feel like a BIG kid, the coveted Great Train Race medall when you finish (like the BIG kids), post-race food, and of course a special Caboose Run T-shirt that you can proudly show your Grandma and Grandpa that you ran a race!
This is a NON-TIMED Event! No Awards, just smiles!
Registration for The Caboose Run will close at 400 participants
Your Children's Safety is our main concern in this event!
Awards and Schedule
Awards Ceremonies will be at the Stage area near the Finish Line, down at the City Docks. Ceremonies will begin at approximately 12:00 PM - or as soon as the last wave of Caboose Runners have finished. If you are not able to attend the ceremony a friend can pick up your award, or you will be able to pick it up the following day at VA Runner Store in Central Park. Be sure to check the results for your heat - you won't know that you've won an award unless you check!
To win an award you must run in your assigned heat. In other words, you can't win the 9 year old heat if you are 10 years old on race day. Race Day age is determined by your birth date. If you turn 10 May 4th, you will be assigned the 10 year old heat.
If you are late for your race you may compete in another heat of the same sex, but you will not be allowed to receive an award for your age group. You must compete with your own age group to win an award.
Be aware that any runner, in any heat, can be pulled from their age group into the Overall Category.
Example: Jane is 12 years old, and is running in the 12-13 girls heat. Jane runs a 5:05 mile, which ends up giving her the fastest time of the day (beating all the 14-18 girls) - Jane will win an overall award. But then the girl who finishes second in Jane's heat will then move up to first place for 12-13 girls.
You ultimately are only competing against others of the same sex and same age. In other words the other runners in your heat are your only competitors.
Remember, everyone gets a medal when they cross the finish line!
Awards Given and Schedule
Kenmore Inn - School Participation Competition
Each year the competition is fierce with this aspect of the Great Train Race! This year we anticipate that it will get even more heated since our Title Sponsor for this event is Kenmore Inn! This year the Top 5 schools who have the largest participation will be awarded the following amounts to help their physical fitness programs at their schools:
1st Place - $600, 2nd - $500, 3rd - $400, 4th - $300, and 5th - $200
Teachers, make sure every child fills out on their entry form the name of their school so that you can get credit!
Rules: All children who are registered in the Mile will be eligible for this category as long as they are currently attending the school on their application. No Caboose Runners please.
Great Train Race & Caboose T-Shirts
T-Shirts: All preregistered Runners will receive a colorful 2008 Free Lance-Star and VA Runner, Great Train Race & Caboose Run T-Shirt!
Parents - please pick the T-Shirt size carefully. All shirts are ordered two weeks in advance. No exchanges can be made at packet pickup. We try to make sure that everyone gets the size they selected when they registered.
Sizes:
Please note that all shirts are 100% cotton, and will have some shrinkage, but it is all very minimal. Shirts are industry standard sizes. So if your son wears an Adult Small right now, he will fit the Adult Small on race day!
Heat Schedule
Start Time: All runners are asked to arrive at the starting area at least 20 minutes before the start of their assigned heat (see schedule below) to pick up their chips and attach to their ankle. Please give yourself plenty of time to WALK to the staring area, get your chip and WALK to the starting line.
Awards Ceremonies will be at the Stage area near the Finish Line, down at the City Docks. Ceremonies will begin at approximately 12:00 PM - or as soon as the last wave of Caboose Runners have finished. If you are not able to attend the ceremony a friend can pick up your award, or you will be able to pick it up the following day at VA Runner Store in Central Park. Be sure to check the results for your heat - you won't know that you've won an award unless you check!
To win an award you must run in your assigned heat. In other words, you can't win the 9 year old heat if you are 10 years old on race day. Race Day age is determined by your birth date. If you turn 10 May 4th, you will be assigned the 10 year old heat.
If you are late for your race you may compete in another heat of the same sex, but you will not be allowed to receive an award for your age group. You must compete with your own age group to win an award.
Be aware that any runner, in any heat, can be pulled from their age group into the Overall Category.
Example: Jane is 12 years old, and is running in the 12-13 girls heat. Jane runs a 5:05 mile, which ends up giving her the fastest time of the day (beating all the 14-18 girls) - Jane will win an overall award. But then the girl who finishes second in Jane's heat will then move up to first place for 12-13 girls.
You ultimately are only competing against others of the same sex and same age. In other words the other runners in your heat are your only competitors.
Remember, everyone gets a medal when they cross the finish line!
Awards Given and Schedule
| Victor I Culp Scholarship award |
$500.00 |
| Top 5 Overall Male/Female |
Gift Certificates to VA Runner for $100, 75, 50, 50, 50 and plaque |
| 14 & Over |
Top 5 |
| 12-13 year old |
Top 10 |
| 11 years old |
Top 10 |
| 10 years old |
Top 10 |
| 9 years old |
Top 10 |
| 8 years old |
Top 10 |
| 7 years old |
Top 10 |
| 6 & Under |
Top 10 |
| Kenmore Inn School Participation |
Top 5 participating schools will be awarded $600, $500, $400, $300, $200 to be used in their physical fitness programs! |
| Lori Libby School Spirit Award |
School that shows the most spirit on race day will win a plaque commemorating their spirit! |
Kenmore Inn - School Participation Competition
Each year the competition is fierce with this aspect of the Great Train Race! This year we anticipate that it will get even more heated since our Title Sponsor for this event is Kenmore Inn! This year the Top 5 schools who have the largest participation will be awarded the following amounts to help their physical fitness programs at their schools:
1st Place - $600, 2nd - $500, 3rd - $400, 4th - $300, and 5th - $200
Teachers, make sure every child fills out on their entry form the name of their school so that you can get credit!
Rules: All children who are registered in the Mile will be eligible for this category as long as they are currently attending the school on their application. No Caboose Runners please.
Great Train Race & Caboose T-Shirts
T-Shirts: All preregistered Runners will receive a colorful 2008 Free Lance-Star and VA Runner, Great Train Race & Caboose Run T-Shirt!
Parents - please pick the T-Shirt size carefully. All shirts are ordered two weeks in advance. No exchanges can be made at packet pickup. We try to make sure that everyone gets the size they selected when they registered.
Sizes:
Please note that all shirts are 100% cotton, and will have some shrinkage, but it is all very minimal. Shirts are industry standard sizes. So if your son wears an Adult Small right now, he will fit the Adult Small on race day!
Heat Schedule
Start Time: All runners are asked to arrive at the starting area at least 20 minutes before the start of their assigned heat (see schedule below) to pick up their chips and attach to their ankle. Please give yourself plenty of time to WALK to the staring area, get your chip and WALK to the starting line.
All heats will start on time. No Chip, No Time!
Our number one goal is safety!
| Heat | Name |
Time |
| 1 | Huntington Learning Center - 12 to 13 Years Boys |
7:30 |
| 2 | Marstel-Day - 12 to 13 Years Girls |
7:45 |
| 3 | Hilldrup - 14 & Over Boys |
8:00 |
| 4 | Olde Towne Bicycles - 14 & Over Girls |
8:15 |
| 5 | J. Brian's Tap Room - 11 Years Boys |
8:30 |
| 6 | Coker Orthodontics - 11 Years Girls |
8:45 |
| 7 | Radley Chevrolet - 10 Years Boys |
9:00 |
| 8 | 10 Years Girls |
9:15 |
| 9 | New Balance - 9 Years Boys |
9:30 |
| 10 | 9 Years Girls |
9:45 |
| 11 | Foot Doctor of Rappahannock - 8 Years Boys |
10:00 |
| 12 | Tri-Duo Photography - 8 Years Girls |
10:15 |
| 13 | 7 Years Boys |
10:30 |
| 14 | 7 Years Girls |
10:45 |
| 15 | FARC 6 & Under Boys |
11:00 |
| 16 | Children of America - 6 & Under Girls |
11:15 |
| Caboose Run |
11:30 |
Registration Information
Step 1: Either print out application or Register Online using credit card
Step 2: Fill out application completely. All unfinished or unsigned applications will not be accepted.
Step 3: Check or Money Order made out to: Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC)
Step 4: Mail check to: Great Train Race, 44 Mine Road, Suite 2-472, Stafford, VA 22554
Entries Fees:
Postmarked by April 14, 2008 - $12.00
Postmarked after April 14, 2008 - $15.00
Online and mail in registration will close on April 16. If there are any entries available they will be for sale as 'first come, first served' at VA Runner at Packet Pickup beginning on Wednesday, April 30, from 3-7 PM.
Race registration closes for the Mile at 3,500, and for the Caboose Run at 400 participants.
Entry fees are non-refundable. Transfers of numbers to second party will be available at Packet Pickup.
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup will be held at VA Runner (for location click here) in Central Park, Fredericksburg, VA.
What is a packet pickup? This is where you will get your race number to wear on the front of your shirt on race day, where you will get your Great Train Race T-Shirt, and other give-aways that we have to hand out from our various sponsors. This is also where you can ask any last minute questions that haven't been covered on this web page.
At this time we will also take any last minute registrations if race is still open. Please visit the FARC website for any up to the minute changes.
Packet Pickup Hours:
Wednesday, April 30 - 3 to 7 PM
Thursday, May 1 - 3 to 7 PM
Friday, May 2 - 10 to 7 PM
Saturday, May 3 - 10 to 5 PM
You need to make every effort to retrieve your race packets at this time. You may have a friend or teacher pick up your child's packet, but please make sure that you know that they are doing this for you to avoid confusion.
Lori Ann Libby Spirit Award
The school that shows the most spirit during the race (be it banners, t-shirts, or noisemakers) will win the 2008 Lori Libby Spirit Award (no cash on this one, just an award).
It's is named after Ms. Lori Ann Libby, a teacher in the King George elementary school system who has single-handily raised the bar on school spirit, participation, and has also coached some really great runners out of her schools!
Sponsorship Opportunities
We welcome any business to join our elite group of sponsors who help make the Great Train Race and Caboose Run a special event, and also an affordable one for many families. Not only do you help children of the region learn about how much fun running can be, but you will also be helping out area youth with your donation.
We have two levels of sponsorship available at this time. The first is 'Heat Sponsorship' as you can see from not only the first section of our website, but also on the heat list, you will get maximum exposure for your business.
The next level is 'Associate Sponsorship' - this is a smaller donation, but will also give you some web visibility and other options to promote your business.
For more information regarding sponsorship - please contact us!
Step 1: Either print out application or Register Online using credit card
Step 2: Fill out application completely. All unfinished or unsigned applications will not be accepted.
Step 3: Check or Money Order made out to: Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC)
Step 4: Mail check to: Great Train Race, 44 Mine Road, Suite 2-472, Stafford, VA 22554
Entries Fees:
Postmarked by April 14, 2008 - $12.00
Postmarked after April 14, 2008 - $15.00
Online and mail in registration will close on April 16. If there are any entries available they will be for sale as 'first come, first served' at VA Runner at Packet Pickup beginning on Wednesday, April 30, from 3-7 PM.
Race registration closes for the Mile at 3,500, and for the Caboose Run at 400 participants.
Entry fees are non-refundable. Transfers of numbers to second party will be available at Packet Pickup.
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup will be held at VA Runner (for location click here) in Central Park, Fredericksburg, VA.
What is a packet pickup? This is where you will get your race number to wear on the front of your shirt on race day, where you will get your Great Train Race T-Shirt, and other give-aways that we have to hand out from our various sponsors. This is also where you can ask any last minute questions that haven't been covered on this web page.
At this time we will also take any last minute registrations if race is still open. Please visit the FARC website for any up to the minute changes.
Packet Pickup Hours:
Wednesday, April 30 - 3 to 7 PM
Thursday, May 1 - 3 to 7 PM
Friday, May 2 - 10 to 7 PM
Saturday, May 3 - 10 to 5 PM
You need to make every effort to retrieve your race packets at this time. You may have a friend or teacher pick up your child's packet, but please make sure that you know that they are doing this for you to avoid confusion.
There is NO RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP!
Lori Ann Libby Spirit Award
The school that shows the most spirit during the race (be it banners, t-shirts, or noisemakers) will win the 2008 Lori Libby Spirit Award (no cash on this one, just an award).
It's is named after Ms. Lori Ann Libby, a teacher in the King George elementary school system who has single-handily raised the bar on school spirit, participation, and has also coached some really great runners out of her schools!
Sponsorship Opportunities
We welcome any business to join our elite group of sponsors who help make the Great Train Race and Caboose Run a special event, and also an affordable one for many families. Not only do you help children of the region learn about how much fun running can be, but you will also be helping out area youth with your donation.
We have two levels of sponsorship available at this time. The first is 'Heat Sponsorship' as you can see from not only the first section of our website, but also on the heat list, you will get maximum exposure for your business.
The next level is 'Associate Sponsorship' - this is a smaller donation, but will also give you some web visibility and other options to promote your business.
For more information regarding sponsorship - please contact us!
