FAQ
Registration
Q: How do I register?
A: Registration is online only. Late registration will be available at packet pickup, on April 25th & 26th, at Easton Gym, and on Race Day at the event.
Q: Is there a limit to Race registration?
A: Yes, to ensure a comfortable event for everyone, we limit total registrations to 3,000 participants.
Q: When does early registration end?
A: April 13th is the last day to sign-up and receive the early registration discount. Regular registration begins on April 14th. Day-of registration for the 5K and 10K events will incur a $5 surcharge.
Q: When does total registration end?
A: Registration ends once 3,000 participants have signed up. If the limit has not yet been met on Race day, then late registration would be available with a cut-off at 7:45 A.M. (15 min before the race start).
Q: Can I register in person?
A: Yes, in-person registration is available, but only at packet pick-up and on race day as long as the 3,000 total participant limit has not been reached.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: All entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferrable. We have to plan well in advance for certain accommodations for race participants and cannot offer refunds. You may not give or sell your number to another individual. The entry fee for the 2023 event will not transfer to the 2024 event – no exceptions. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have unexpected business or family emergencies, etc. Sorry, there are NO exceptions.
Q: Can I transfer my registration to another person?
A: Sorry, all registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable. Once registration is completed, no refunds will be given.
Q: Can I make changes to my registration info once it has been submitted?
A: Yes, certain info such as emergency contact info can be modified, but the type of race, participant name, age, and gender are locked. If you notice an error in your registration information, please contact us to inquire about making changes.
Awards
Q: Do all participants receive medals in the 5K and 10K?
A: YES, all participants will receive finisher medals.
Q: Are there awards for overall winners and age group winners?
A: Yes, overall, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female finishers will receive awards, while 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female finishers in each age group will receive medals.
Q: What are the age groups?
A: The age groups for both the 5K and 10K are pretty similar, with the 5K allowing for more age groups at the younger ages.
5K AGE CATEGORIES:
8 & under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-23, 24-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+
10K AGE CATEGORIES:
12 & under, 13-17, 18-23, 24-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+
Note: Registered participants who complete the 5K or 10K while riding in a stroller are not eligible for Age Category Medals, but will receive a participant medal.
Packet-Pickup
Q: Where will packet pick-up be located?
A: Early packet pick-up and in-person registration will be Thursday, April 25th, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Friday, April 26th from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM at the Easton Gym of El Segundo, 505 Main Street, El Segundo 90245. Race Day packet pick-up and in-person registration will also be available on-site at the Run from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM. Race packets include a race bib, timing chip, and event t-shirt.
Q: What do I need to pick up my packet?
A: You must show a picture ID to pick up your packet.
Q: Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
A: Yes, if you cannot make it to packet pick-up, someone else may pick up your packet for you. They will need a copy of your email confirmation along with a copy of your picture ID.
Q: What is in the packet?
A: The participant packet includes several items, including the participant’s race Bib with timing chip, and event T-shirt. Goodie bags will be handed out at the race finish line.
Q: Will in-person registration be allowed at packet pick-up?
A: Yes, in-person late registration will be available for packet pick-up on April 25th & 26th and on race day at the event.
Family/Friends/Spectators
Q: Can my friends come to the race?
A: Yes, the overall event, as is the post-race Expo, is FREE to the public, and they are welcome to come out and support all the runners. The entire course is also open to spectators, but please use common sense and keep safety for both yourself and race participants in mind.
Q: Where is the best place for my family and friends to cheer me on?
A: The entire course is open, and while they are welcome to scout out the best spots, the greatest action tends to happen at the start/finish line area and the post-race expo.
The Run
Q: What time does the Run start?
A: The 5K & 10K will start at 8:00 A.M. The 1/2K Kid’s Fun Run will start at 10:00 A.M., and the 1K Kid’s Fun Run will start at 10:15 A.M.
Q: Where are the Start and Finish lines located?
A: Both the Start and Finish are located in front of the El Segundo High School at 640 Main Street in El Segundo.
Q: Is there a runner’s gear tent?
A: Currently, there are no plans for a gear tent at this time.
Q: How many miles are the 5K and 10K runs?
A: The 5K is 3.1 miles, and the 10K is 6.2 miles.
Q: Have the courses been certified for distance?
A: Yes, both the 5K and 10K routes are USA Track & Field certified courses (Certification Codes CA21007TEB and CA21021TEB).
Q: Is this a Sanctioned Event by USATF?
A: Yes, the Run has fulfilled all requirements to be fully sanctioned - USATF Sanction 24-33-146238.
Q: Can I run with iPods, mp3 players, headphones, etc.?
A: While not encouraged, they will be allowed as long as the participant is not placing any other runner/walker at risk. Race officials reserve the right to disqualify or remove any participant whose activity may be unsafe and pose potential harm to themselves and/or other participants.
Q: Are the 5K and 10K pet friendly?
A: Unfortunately, PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED (NO DOGS!) in either the 5K or 10K due to insurance restrictions
Q: Are strollers allowed in either of the Races?
A: Yes, but ONLY in the 5K. Participants in the 5K opting to bring baby strollers, wagons, etc., are asked to please line up behind the General Walkers. Strollers, wagons, etc., are allowed in the 5K ONLY.
Note: Registered participants who complete the 5K or 10K while riding in a stroller are not eligible for Age Category Medals, but will receive a participant medal.
Q: What items are prohibited in the Run?
A: For the safety of all, as well as, insurance reasons the following are PROHIBITED by participants for use on the racecourse: skates, roller shoes, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and any gas or electrical-operated vehicles.
Q: How long is the course open?
A: With both the 5K and 10K running on the same loop, participants are given 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the courses, with the finish line closing promptly at 9:45.
Q: Will I be able to finish the Run on the sidewalk?
A: After 1 hour 45 minutes, the course will reopen to traffic with support services beginning their breakdown. At that time, any remaining race participants will be asked to move to the sidewalk.
Q: Can I walk?
A: The 5K is a Run/Walk event, while the 10K is runner-focused. As long as you’re able to complete the course under the 1 hour and 45 minute time limit, you are welcome to walk. Walkers must line up at the starting line behind all runners.
Q: What is the distance of the Kids Fun Run?
A: The Kids Run is a 1K and 1/2K event. 1K is for Kids ages 6-10 years old, while the 1/2K Kids Run is for the younger 2-5-year-olds.
Q: Are there awards for the Kids Fun Run?
A: Yes, all Kids Run participants will receive finisher medals. Please note that kids who have already received finisher medals in either the 5K or 10K are NOT eligible for a second medal via the Kids Fun Run.
Q: What time are the roads closing?
A: Official start is 8:00 A.M. Roads will be closing down roughly an hour before the run to ensure all traffic is cleared. Light residential traffic will be allowed under Police and Course Marshal guidance during the race for emergencies. Roads will fully open around the course starting at 9:45 A.M. or early as the last runner progresses through the course. The Finish Line staging area will open back up to traffic around 11:00 A.M.
Q: How many Aid Stations will be on the course?
A: There is one Aid Station, and it will be located next to the Finish Line.
Q: How many Water Stations will be on the course?
A: There are two Water Stations. One is located at Center Street Elementary which also has a porta-potty, while the second Water Station is at the Finish Line.
Q: Will there be refreshments at the Finish Line?
A: Water, bananas and bagels will be provided for all runners at the finish line. Goodie bags distributed at the finish will contain a snack bar. Additional food and beverage giveaway items may be available from Expo booths.
Q: When and where will the results be posted?
A: Results will be available immediately on-site via numerous electronic kiosks and then later via the official race website. Results will also be formally reported to USA Track and Field as official records of the El Segundo Run For Education 5K | 10K.
Q: Will there be bathrooms along the course?
A: Yes, porta-potties are located in the Expo area and at the Center Street School water station.
Q: Is there designated parking for event participants?
A: Parking is free. There will be one medium-sized and three smaller parking lots near the start and finish lines and the Library Park Expo. The biggest lot is behind the El Segundo High School (640 Main Street) with entry off Mariposa between Standard and Eucalyptus. You may also park in the Masonic Lodge (520 Main Street) or El Segundo Women’s Club (541 Standard Street) parking lots. Entry to both lots is through the alley between Main and Standard. There is also a City Lot on the southwest corner of Main Street and Mariposa Ave. Expo Exhibitors are encouraged to take part in the City Lot for easier access to Library Park. They can also park in the High School lot after dropping off their supplies. Parking is also available on local streets. If you plan to leave earlier than 9:45 a.m., you should avoid parking inside the 5K/10K course loop. Most El Segundo residents walk to the event.
Q: What are the hours of the event?
A: The event opens at 6:30 A.M. for late registration and closes down at noon.
Run Expo
Q: What time does the Run Expo open?
A: The Expo opens at 8:00 A.M. and will continue until 11:00 A.M.
Q: Is there any cost for the Expo?
A: No, the Run Expo is entirely FREE to the public.
Volunteers
Q: Are volunteers needed for the Big 5 Sporting Goods El Segundo Run for Education?
A: YES! We have three ways to volunteer. To help with tasks the week leading up to the Run as well as at the event on race day see the list of volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer Sign-up. To volunteer as a Corner Monitor along the run course, see our Corner Monitor Volunteer Sign-Up. If you are interested in joining the Run for Education organizing committee please email us at volunteer@esrun4education.com. Sign up now for the position that best fits your location/schedule. Please remember Corner Monitor volunteers need to be 18 years of age (or older).
Q: Can I pick the corner I live near?
A: YES! We have listed all of the volunteer corners on the Corner Monitor Volunteer Sign-up page! Sign up now for the corner that best fits your location. Please remember that corner volunteers need to be 18 years of age (or older).
Q: What time do I need to be at my assigned corner?
A: Please be at your corner no later than 7:00 am. (Detailed Corner Monitor instructions will be distributed to you when you pick up your volunteer t-shirt on Thursday or Friday at packet pickup)
Q: Do I have to stand at the corner for 2 1/2 hours?!
A: You don’t have to STAND at the corner, but you MUST BE at the corner. You may sit in a chair or stand during the time. When the race is being run, we do ask that you cheer on the runners! Your encouragement is much appreciated. Once the last runner has passed and the Police Department has reopened the roads, you may vacate your corner coverage.
Q: What do I wear?
A: Corner Monitors: ALL corner volunteers are asked to pick up a volunteer t-shirt on the packet pick-up days (Thursday and Friday before the event at the packet pickup, at location TBD or on the day of the event in front of El Segundo High School. The t-shirt is critical for our corners because it lets the El Segundo Police Department know that we have the corner covered and are ready to go so we can start the race on time. ESPD will not let us start the Run unless they know our participants will be safe.
Event Volunteers: You may wear whatever you like, but you are welcome to pick up and wear a volunteer t-shirt if you like! We recommend you dress in layers as it tends to be chilly first thing in the morning, and then it warms up.
Q: What if the Run doesn’t get enough volunteers?
A: Corner monitors are especially critical, as we will not be allowed to have the Run if even one street/intersection is left open. Safety first!
Q: I’m not a morning person. Can I volunteer for something other than the Run?
A: We have several opportunities for you to join us! We would love your help during packet pickup on Thursday and Friday at packet pickup, or you can help with wrapping up the festivities on Race Day! Please check out the sign-up page on the Volunteer Sign-up Page for a time that will fit your schedule.
Q: I signed up! Now what?
A: Thank you for volunteering for the Big 5 Sporting Goods El Segundo Run for Education! We will reach out to you via email with information on where to go and how to check-in.
Q: Whom do I contact if I have a question about volunteering?
A: If you have any questions, please reach out to volunteer@esrun4education.comp