ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS
Credit cards may be used to register for the events. We cannot guarantee that all vendors will accept credit cards at the Expo.
Tech shirts will be gender specific sizes. If you prefer a “unisex” fit, you may wish to select from the men’s sizes. Register early. The deadline to guaranteed a shirt is April 30th. After that, you’ll be able to select from remaining inventory only, while supplies last.
NOTE: For safety, we are not planning to have pacers at this year’s event.
Our experienced pacers will get you through the race with the finish time you’ve been training for. Running with a Pacer can help you have a more successful race experience.
From the start line to the finish you’ll have someone who’s focus is on you, making sure that you’re running correct splits and sticking to the plan. Before the race, consult with your Pacer about an appropriate strategy for the race. Find Pacers next to the pace time cards in the corrals at the start of the Half Marathon.
Pacers will coach their group along the way with words of encouragement and will let you know the current pace throughout the race.
Look for the pace-per-mile signs in the starting corrals. Pacers will be near those signs.
No. Pets are not allowed on the course.
Baby strollers are allowed only on the 5K course. Plan to start at the end of the pack of runners at the start line. Please take extra caution to insure the safety of other runners, yourself and your child.
For your safety, and that of other runners, we strongly discourage using these devices during any race. They are allowed, but we urge you to be very cautious of those around you and all activity on the course.
Online registration is available up to May 30. You may also register in person at the Expo if the race of your choice has not sold out.
You can confirm your registration via your profile here on the event registration site.
There are no refunds, you may transfer to another person, or another event.
Deferments are not available for this event. If you cannot run for any reason, we recommend you transfer your BIB to another person.
Transferring of BIBs to another person is easy and available through May 24th. (View this How-to Video Here) The transfer must be for the same race in which you are registered.
If you wish to transfer your existing registration to a different event, the deadline is also May 24th. (View this How-to Video Here)
There is a $10 charge to transfer events.
To maintain the integrity of the race results and safety for everyone, all participants must be officially entered. No one will be allowed to participate by using someone else BIB, without officially transferring it before the start of the race.
You may pickup other participants BIBs at packet pickup. You will be required to show a copy or cell phone image of each persons’ photo ID that you wish to pickup, including yours. No exceptions.
You can register to volunteer here. Volunteers perks include a custom event shirt.
We offer many opportunities to volunteer for this event. All of our tasks are outlined through our registration portal allowing you to choose what fits your skill set and availability timeframe.
- Since the Half Marathon is a point-to-point course, the DxA2 race crew provides clothing bag transportation service for all races back to the covered parking area (at Ann & Ashley) near the finish line.
- Small plastic bags are provided at the staging areas. Clothing bags will be transported back to the finish line on Main Street in Ann Arbor. You can also bring your own athletic bag to use for clothing items, but you must label any your bag with your race number.
- You should get a bag as soon as you arrive at the staging area, and clearly write your race number on the with magic markers provided.
- Place any clothing items that you want transported back to the starting line into the bag.
- Tie the bag closed.
- Drop your bag with the volunteers before you proceed to the starting line of the race.
- DO NOT place car keys, wallets or any valuables in these bags. If you do, they may get lost.
- The AATC is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items from clothing bags. We try to marshal the area as well as we can.
- If you forget to pick up your clothing bag, it will be held for you for 30 days after which it will be donated to a local charity. You must contact the race director if you forget to retrieve your clothing bag. You will need to arrange to pick it up at a time of mutual convenience. Lost bags will NOT be mailed back to you.
NOTE: For safety, we are not planning for the annual in-person race for the kids this year, but may be able to provide a virtual option. Stay tuned.
The Ann Arbor Track Club and Jack Demmer Auto Group present the annual Dexter-Ann Arbor Kids Run, a “mini-meet.” For the safety of all kids and their families, this year’s kids event will be a virtual race only. Registered kids will be mailed their race shirt and finisher medal some time near race day.
This event is open to all kids age 12 and under, with an emphasis on FUN, not competition. The Kids Run is a great way to get your kids involved in the sport of running.
MINIMUM MILE PACE FOR THE HALF MARATHON: 15 MINUTES
Due to road closures, there is a minimum allowed pace of 15 minutes per mile for the half marathon. We must clear Huron River Drive by 11:30 AM. Based on the starting time, this requires a 15 minute per mile pace be maintained. If you cannot make this pace for the entire 13.1 mile race, you should not attempt the half marathon, but are encouraged to sign up for the 10K or the 5K.
IF I’M NOT SURE I CAN KEEP THE MINIMUM PACE, SHOULD I ATTEMPT THE HALF MARATHON?
No, please try the 10K or 5K instead.
WHAT IF I START THE HALF MARATHON BUT FALL BEHIND THE 15 MINUTE PACE?
If you are on the half marathon course but can’t keep up with the minimum pace, the Sheriff’s patrol car that brings up the rear of the race will pass you, and you will be required to move to the side of the road, as you will be subject to normal road traffic. Also, you also can not be assured that you will receive any aid station service if you are behind the minimum pace, as the stations may be closed before you arrive. Finally, depending on traffic conditions, you may be required to exit the half marathon course on Bird Road. If this occurs, you are still eligible to complete the race by taking Bird to Newport to Miller to Main. This route will add ~1/4 mile additional distance to the course, and a large hill up Bird Road, and will not be covered with any aid stations. We only guarantee that the finish line will be staffed until 11:30 AM based on an 8:30 AM race starting time, so if you fall behind the minimum pace, you may not be eligible to receive an official race time or a finisher medal even if you complete the course after that time.
WHAT IF I START ONE OF THE RACES BUT CAN’T FINISH?
If you are on the half marathon course but find that you can’t finish the race for any reason other than requiring medical treatment, the DxA2 staff does provide limited sag-wagon service. You will need to find someone associated with the race (aid station volunteer or police/sheriff, etc) who can call the race director and report your location. The race director will then send a vehicle to assist you back to the finish line area. If you feel you may need medical treatment, please make someone aware of this and we will get help as quickly as possible. (see below)
- Line up according to pace: Please line up according to your expected pace. Please not mile pace signs in the start area. Slower runners should always start towards the rear of the field. Walkers should always start at the back of the pack.
- No pushing: Please do not push or overcrowd at the start. Remember, the race is chip timed so the time it takes to cross the starting line is not counted into your actual finish time. (The pace clocks start with the starting gun, however, so they may be a bit off from your actual time depending on how long it takes you to cross the starting line after the gun goes off.)
- Arrive downtown before 7:15 a.m. if you expect to make it to the Half Marathon start on time, via shuttles.
- Don’t leave valuables in a clothing bag dropped off at the start.
- Don’t cut people off at the start or during the race.
- Consider the heat for fluid consumption.
- Use the porta-johns along the course, if needed.
- Be courteous to the race volunteers and other runners (even faster ones).
- Try hard, and enjoy yourself.
- Come back every year.
Minor injuries: All aid stations have a first aid kit with band-aids and the like. If you have a minor injury and can make it to an aid station, check with someone there for assistance.
Major injuries: If you are stricken with an injury or affliction on the course that requires medical assistance, if possible, alert other runners and request that they report your condition and location to a race support personnel (police/sheriff or a race volunteer) who will then send medical personnel to assist you.
Huron Valley Ambulance service is on call at the finish line of the race. Huron Valley Ambulance personnel will also be out patrolling the course on bicycles during the race (primarily the half marathon course), but they cannot cover the entire course and supervise all participants. Help from other runners or spectators may be required. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
- Wheelers and strollers are allowed in the 5K. People pushing strollers, please use extreme caution.
- Wheel chairs are allowed on the half marathon courses.
- Headphones are allowed, but strongly discouraged. Use of headphones when running on roads is never advised for safety reasons. Their use is strongly discouraged in the Dexter-Ann Arbor run.
NOTE: As of now, shuttles will not be available for this year’s event.
- Plan to arrive early: Buses are limited and we can’t take everyone at the same time.
- Expect a line when you arrive and plan for that in your race day schedule.
- Long lines: Nobody likes waiting in line, but we try to manage the buses as best we can.
- Please be courteous to volunteers and other runners.
- Half marathon: Runners need to arrive early enough to catch a bus to the half marathon starting line.
- You MUST be in line by 7:15 a.m. to be assured of making it to the starting line on time. It is approximately a 25 minute bus ride to the starting line in Dexter. The race will start at 8:30 a.m., regardless of whether you are there.
- 10K AND 5K: Participants don’t need to worry about a bus ride so they don’t need to arrive quite as early.
- You can still drop off your gear in a plastic bag under the Ann Street parking structure.
- Return bus service: return shuttles to starting lines are NOT provided.
- If you choose to park near a starting line, you will need to arrange your own ride back after the race.
- Strollers: are not encouraged on buses, but strollers that collapse may be transported.
- Please try to throw your empty cup into one of the trash cans positioned on the side of the road.
- Please empty your cup before you throw it into the trash.
- If you can’t hit a trash can, try to toss your cup to the shoulder of the road, but NOT into the ditch.
- Remember to thank the aid station volunteers.
For the first week in June, the average temperature range is 55º to 73º, with clear skies and 75% humidity and a 5 mph breeze.
However, it is possible to have humidity approach 100%, a high temperature hit 95º, along with no wind. Obviously, we all hope for cool weather, but we will be prepared with extra water, cups, aid stations, ice and medical assistance as necessary.
If the heat index exceeds 75º, slow your race pace and hydrate more.
- Runners seem to discard lots of empty Gu packets along the course.
- We will provide a small trash can near every mile marker.
- Please try to throw any trash you might have into one of these cans.
- We clean the course before and after the race to keep it clean for everyone.
- Your help is appreciated.
- Strollers are NOT allowed on ANY course EXCEPT for the 5K. (Note: Read more about the 5K rules in item #1 of “ALLOWED ON THE COURSE”).
- Wheel chairs of any sort are NOT allowed on the 5K course or 10K course. (allowed in the Half Marathon only).
- Pets of any kind are not allowed (dogs, cats, gerbils, snakes, etc.)
- Bikes are NOT allowed (except official HVA & lead bikes).
- Rollerblades or roller-skates are NOT allowed.
- Unregistered runners or walkers are NOT allowed. (they will be escorted off the course).
In order to provide the safest options for everyone, we’re developing the race week/end packet pickup process, times and location/s during this ever-changing period and will announce as we get closer to race week. Please keep an eye on your email, our website and social media channels for details.
10K – 7:50am
Half Marathon – 8:30am
5K – 9:00am
We recommend that all participants plan to be downtown by 6:45am to find parking near the start/finish area. We strongly suggest that all half marathon participants be on a shuttle bus to the start in Dexter no later than 7:15am. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL GET TO DEXTER IN TIME FOR THE START IF YOU ARE NOT IN LINE FOR A BUS BY 7:15am. Shuttles will run until all half marathon participants get to Dexter, but the race will start promptly at 8:30am regardless of whether everyone has arrived. The start line will remain open until after the participants arrive on the final shuttle.
Water, Gatorade and porta-johns are available in the downtown area for everyone, and near the start line of the half marathon. Water, Gatorade and porta-johns are provided along all race courses and at the finish area.
The Half Marathon starts at Creekside Intermediate School, 2615 Baker Drive, Dexter.
The 10K starts in downtown Ann Arbor, at 220 N Main St.
The 5K starts just north of Forsyth Middle School.
If you arrange to be dropped off at the start line, be sure to arrive at least 45 minutes early, due to crowds and expected traffic delays.
We’re working out the details during this ever-changing time. Please keep an eye on your email, our website and social media channels for details once they are confirmed. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for everyone.
There are numerous lots and parking decks in downtown Ann Arbor. View options here. Race activity is located in the area of the Ann & Ashley Parking Deck.
Bag drop off area for the 5K and the 10K is at the Ann Ashley parking structure, near the registration area.
For the Half Marathon, the drop off area will be near the start line in Dexter.
There is no bag drop at the 5K start line.
Small plastic bags are provided at the staging areas for each race. You may also use your own athletic bag. Your name and bib number must be clearly printed on the bag. Do not leave valuables, breakable items or car keys in the bags. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items/bags.
Pick up for all bags is also at the Ann Ashley parking structure. For more details see “Clothing Bag Protocol” in the “Rules of the Road” section of our site.
The DXA2 finish line is located at the corner or W. Ann and N. Main in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan
A staffed medical tent will be located on Main St. near the Washtenaw County Court House. In addition, first aid workers will be on the courses and downtown to assist anyone with a medical problem.
Overall Male, Female and Masters winners are presented their award after the completion of each race (see schedule on website).
Age group results are available for lookup at the results tent in the Liberty Title parking lot, located on Main across from the Washtenaw County Court House.
Results will be streaming to the website once the first participant finishes. Updated postings will be made continuously.
Age group awards are handed out at the Awards Tent in the Liberty Title parking lot. If you are 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in your age group, come to the tent to pick up your award.
Amtrack! There is a train that is scheduled to leave Ann Arbor at 7:50am every Sunday morning. The train crosses the half marathon course at two points between Ann Arbor and Dexter. Sometimes the train has crossed in Dexter as late as 8:20am. The 8:30am start is as early as we can make it. If and when Amtrak changes the schedule, we will adjust accordingly.