Q. What are the routes for the full, half and quarter marathons? 

The full marathon will start at Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook, CT at 7:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies will be at 6:30 a.m.  Full marathon walkers will start at Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook, CT; half marathon walkers will start at Capital Drive, East Lyme, CT. Map; quarter marathon walkers will start at the Niantic Baptist Church, Niantic, CT. Map .  Lunch for half and quarter marathoners will be served at Rocky Neck State Park. All walkers will finish at Camp Harkness for food and closing ceremonies at 3:30 p.m.

Q. Is there an exercise warm-up before the start of the full marathon walk? 

Yes, a warm-up routine will take place immediately following the brief opening ceremony. The goal is to start all walkers promptly at 7:00 a.m. 

Q. Is food served at Closing Ceremonies? 

As in the past, food will be provided at Closing Ceremonies. 

Q. I have registered for the half marathon, but now believe that I could walk the full marathon. What do I need to do? 

We can adjust your registration. Contact us at 860-245-0402 or tbbcf@sbcglobal.net. If you decide to walk the full marathon, your fundraising commitment will increase to $500. If you are registered as a youth walker, your fundraising commitment will remain at $100. Please be aware that if necessary, you have until December 31 to meet your fundraising goal. 

 

Q. My friend and I are registered to walk the full marathon. Can I pick up my friend’s number at the Pre-Registration the night before the Walk? 

You can pick up your friend’s number and Walk materials the night before the walk. While doing that, please join us for our Pasta Dinner that is held along with the Pre-Registration. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet other walkers and get into the spirit of the Walk. 

Q. Can I walk with a pet? 

Due to safety concerns, pets are not permitted on the Walk route. Pets are more than welcome at Closing Ceremonies.

 

Q. Can I walk with a child? 

Children between the ages of 12 and 17 can register to walk as long as they are accompanied by an adult (does not need to be a parent). The new fundraising target for youth (12-18) is $100. Youth teams of eight or more can walk with an adult ‘Coach’, who does not have a fundraising commitment, but fundraising is encouraged.

The minimum age for walking is 12. Children in strollers or under the age of 12 are not allowed on the Walk route due to safety concerns. 

Q. Can we raise money as a group/team vs. individuals? 

Everyone needs to register as an individual, but you can also now designate a Team. Many walkers who are training and walking together raise funds as a group/team so that everyone has the opportunity to reach their fundraising goal. If you elect to do this, it is important that checks/donations are clearly labeled as to whose walk account they should be applied to.

New this year….you can identify a Team name once you register as an individual, and your team total will show on your fundraising page. In addition teams and individuals can design a t-shirt and participate in our t-shirt design contest held at our Pasta Dinner the night before the walk. Please join us for a great dinner and a chance to meet other walkers and the TBBCF Walk Team.

Q. Is there a rain date for the Walk? 

The Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut will take place rain or shine. Due to the complicated logistics of planning and executing the Walk, there is no rain date. 

Q. How will we be notified if the walk is cancelled? 

Should there be strong predictions of a significant weather event such as a Nor’easter, hurricane or rain with significant flooding, the Walk will be cancelled. The Walk Director will monitor the weather forecasts and radar and should severe weather be predicted, a decision will be made by 9:00 a.m. the Friday before the Walk. Cancellation announcements will be communicated via the website, radio and e-mail. There will be no rain date for the Walk. 

Q. Can you provide guidance on preparing to walk in the rain?

 

Tips for walking in the rain are outlined in the Walker Guide found on the website at www.tbbcf.org. 

Q. Can I jog instead of walk the marathon? 

Our logistics are set up for walkers. The Walk is based upon walkers maintaining a 14-20 minute mile pace. We begin the day with the first four pit stops set up in advance of the walkers. Once the 20 minute mile walkers pass through a pit stop, it is packed up and moved ahead on the route. If you are faster than the 14 minute mile walkers, you may miss the pit stops. We are also offering an unstaffed “grab and go” at the end of Gardiner’s Road for hydration and snacks.

Q. What happens if I’m not able to finish the Walk?

We are confident you can finish your walk, but if circumstances are such that you are unable to, our sweep vehicle will pick you up and bring you to either the next pit stop, or to Camp Harkness.

Q. I usually walk wearing my head phones. Is this allowed?

We recognize that many walkers use head phones while walking. For safety reasons, we don’t recommend using head phones; however, if you do, please pay attention to your surroundings, especially in traffic.  We strongly discourage texting while walking.                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                  

Q. Can you tell me about parking at for the start of the quarter, half and full marathons and how I will be returned to my car?

Parking in Old Saybrook for Opening Ceremonies will be announced at a date closer to the Walk. Buses will be provided at Camp Harkness to return walkers to their cars in Old Saybrook,  Niantic and Old Lyme. They will leave Camp Harkness at approximately 4:00 p.m. following closing ceremonies.