Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when is the event this year?

The Pre-Race Expo, including packet pick-up and event registration, will take place from 1 to 5pm on Saturday, March 24, 2011 at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, located at 8236 SE 24th St., on the north end of Mercer Island. Click here for directions. Race Day is Sunday, March 25, 2011 and also takes place at Community Center. All Race Day events are scheduled for Sunday morning.

Tell me about the event.

This event raises funds for colon cancer prevention and Rotary charities. The event offers something for everyone, including the Swedish Cancer Care Institute Half Marathon Run and Half Marathon Walk around Mercer Island, the 10K Run (a Bloomsday 2nd seed qualification run), the 5K Run and 5K Walk, and the non-competitive half-mile Kids' Dash (for children age 10 and under). The event is USATF sanctioned and all routes are USATF certified.

What is going on during the event?

Race Village, located at the Community Center, will have music, family fun, giveaways and friendly faces at our sponsor booths!

How much are the event entry fees?

They vary based on the event you are registering for and the time you register. The Half Marathon events are $60 if you register by February 6; $65 if you register between February 7 and March 5; and $75 if you register on or after March 6. The 10k is $35 if you register by February 6; $40 if you register between February 7 and March 5; and $45 if you register on or after March 6. The 5k events are $25 if you register by February 6; $30 if you register between February 7 and March 5; and $35 if you register on or after March 6. The Kids' Dash is always $10.

How and when do I register?

The best way to register is online. Click on the Registration link at the top and choose the event you wish to register for. Online registration closes at noon on Friday, March 23. Or, you can mail in the registration form printed in our brochure, which you can also download here. Mail-in registrations and payment must be post-marked by March 19 or earlier. You can also register at one of our in-store registration locations. In-store registration closes at noon on Wednesday, March 21. Or, you can register on Saturday, March 24 at the Pre-Race Expo at the Community Center at Mercer View from 1-5pm. Registration on the morning of the events is open from 6:30 to 9am. Registration for each event will close 15 minutes prior to its starting time. Race results may not be available on-site for last minute registrations. Register early to take advantage of early registration discounts.

What about dogs and baby strollers?

Unfortunately, the terms of our insurance policy require that no baby strollers or dogs be allowed on any of the courses other than service dogs.

Where and when can I pick up my race packet?

All shirts, bibs, and timing chips will be distributed at the Pre-Race Expo, taking place on Saturday, March 24 from 1-5pm, at the Community Center at Mercer View, located at 8236 SE 24th Street on Mercer Island. These items can also be picked up on the day of the event at the registration area in the gym at the community center, between 6:30-9:00am.

I won't be able to come to the Pre-Race Expo. Can someone else pick up my packet?

Yes, you can have someone else pick up your packet. All we ask is that runners make sure they know who is picking up what, so someone doesn't show up not knowing where their packet is.

I decided that I'd like to participate in a different event than what I registered for. Can I switch races?

Yes. However, no refunds will be offered, and charges will apply if the race you are switching to is more than the one you are currently registered for. Please email your inquiry to runinfo@mercerislandhalf.com. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no switching of races after Saturday, March 17. If you would like to switch the event you are participating in after this deadline, you will need to pick up your packet during the packet pick-up times at the community center and then bring the packet to the help desk to make the change.

Where can I put my belongings while I am participating in my event?

There will be a gear check area where you will be able to check your items if you like.

Are water, carb and electrolyte replacement opportunities available on the course?

Water stations are placed throughout the courses, as well as an electrolyte replacement drink station near the 3-mile water station on the Half Marathon route. There is also a CLIF SHOT station between the 5th and 6th mile markers. Please see course maps for exact locations. There will also be plenty of food and water at the Start/Finish area.

What about medals?

Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers, male and female, in the Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k, in 13 different age groups, from “under 15” to “70 & older”. There will be medals awarded to the top three overall finishers in each event. We would like to be able to award medals to all finishers but the cost would take too many dollars from our causes.

If I can't participate after registering, can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Yes. If you would like to transfer your registration to someone else before Tuesday of race week, please email your name and the information of the substitute person, including their name, event, gender, email, date of birth, shirt size, address and phone number to runinfo@mercerislandhalf.com. We will change the registration to the updated information, making a note that it is a substitution. When the substitute person arrives at packet pick-up, they will have to sign the entry form. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no transferring of registrations after Tuesday of race week. If you would like to transfer your registration to someone else after this deadline, the substitution person will have to pick up your packet during the packet pick-up times at the community center and then bring the packet to the help desk to make the change.

Is there a time limit on finishing an event?

All courses officially close at noon and course marshals and police are released. Please take this into consideration when choosing which event to register for.

Where is there convenient lodging if I am traveling from out of town?

There are no hotels or inns in Mercer Island. However, there are several choices for accommodations in Bellevue which is just a few miles away.

Are donations required?

We encourage all participants to meet a $100 minimum fundraising goal. Although fundraising is not required, we hope you’ll help us in our fight against colon cancer. If you do wish to make a donation in addition to your event registration fee, you can do that either on this website or on the paper-based registration form (you cannot pay by credit card unless you register online). More information on donations and fundraising is available on our fundraising page.

How much of the money raised goes to charitable causes?

100% of all team and other fundraising donations raised through the Merer Island Half go to Washington Colon Cancer S.T.A.R.S. After event expenses are paid, registration fee revenue goes to several charitable causes supported by the Foundation of the Rotary Club of Mercer Island. See the Mercer Island Rotary website for more information.

To what organization should donation checks be made payable?

Donation checks should be made payable to MI Rotary Foundation, and mailed to MI Rotary Foundation, PO Box 1, Mercer Island, WA 98040, or dropped off at the event. Donations can also be made online with a credit card; see our fundraising page for more information. All donations are fully tax-deductible as charitable contributions.

How do teams work?

Teams can be formed online through the registration website, operated by active.com. For information, check the Teams page. If your company is interested in forming a team with pre-paid registrations for employees, please contact us at runinfo@mercerislandhalf.com.

Must the Team Captain sign up first?

Yes, the Team Captain establishes the Team name so that all persons wishing to sign up for his or her team are included correctly.

What does "official second seed Bloomsday qualifying race" mean?

Men and women that finish the 10K Run at a race time that is faster than the qualification time will qualify for the "Second Seeding" of the Bloomsday race. This is the seed, or starting group, just behind the elites. The qualifying time is 39:00 minutes for men and 47:00 minutes for women. For more information, visit the Bloomsday website.

Where will results be posted?

Results will be posted on-site at the Community Center at Mercer View, on this website, and in the Mercer Island Reporter.

Is my time based on Chip Time or Gun Time?

USA Track and Field association rules require that events only recognize gun time for official results. Both chip time and gun time will be available in event results.

Can I pick up my award after the race?

If you miss an award during the Award Ceremony after the event, your medal will be at the Youth and Family Services office at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island during the month of April. Feel free to drop by and pick up your medal ... and congratulations!