Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to arrive and where should I park?
If you completed packet pickup on Friday we recommend arriving around 8 a.m. to account for finding parking and walking over to the starting line. Keep in mind how large Bidwell Park is and how long it will take your family to walk over. If you are doing day of packet pick-up please plan to arrive around 7:30.
We recommend parking on Woodland Avenue or the neighboring area around for the closest walk the starting line. The park is closed to parking until after the event has started to keep our participants safe.
When do I pick up my registration packet (T-Shirts, Bibs, Map, etc.)?
We recommend picking up your registration packet the Friday before the event, details will be posted closer to the event. This will allow you and your loved ones to have a relaxing event day by starting with everything you need.
If you’re unable to pick up your packet on Friday, our day of registration team will have everything ready for you to check in. We would recommend arriving by 7:30 in order to avoid the lines. Keep in mind that shirts are first come first serve for youth participants and adult pre-order shirts are only guaranteed if you pick them up on Friday.
We’re running/walking the 5K, what do we need to know?
The 5K starts promptly at 8:30 am on South Park Drive (near Gilbey’s Grove).
Adults are required to be with their youth participants at all times. Strollers are welcome but please leave pets at home. Once you complete the route, your youth participants will turn in their detachable bibs to be entered in for the bike drawing and you’ll pick up your passports and post-race snack before heading off to the health fair to enjoy the music and prize drawings.
We’re running/walking the 1-Mile, what do we need to know?
The 1-Mile starts promptly at 8:35 am on South Park Drive in the Caper Acres parking lot. You will be in the running path of the 5K participants so please keep yourself and loved ones safe by hanging out in the parking lot until the runners take off.
Adults are required to be with their youth participants at all times. Strollers are welcome but please leave pets at home. Once you complete the route, your youth participants will turn in their detachable bibs to be entered in for the bike drawing and you’ll pick up your passports and post-race snack before heading off to the health fair to enjoy the music and prize drawings.
Does everyone get a free t-shirt?
Shirts are available for free for our youth participants (0-18) while supplies last. They are distributed on first come first serve at packet pick-up and day of registration. Adult t-shirts were available for pre-order and are required to be picked up and paid for ($15) at packet pick-up on May 10th to guarantee your order. Unclaimed adult shirts may be available for purchase at the day of the event.
Are there awards?
Growing Healthy Children is focused on spending time outdoors with your loved ones, so we don’t offer any awards for fastest race times. But keep your eye out for our Art Contest Winner and Make-A-Difference awards that are handed out during the event.
How do I get entered into the drawings?
We have two drawings to be entered into, the youth Bike Drawing and the Prize Drawings. All prize drawings require you to be present to win. Your family’s name/number will be announced and if no response we will move on to a new winner. Stay close to the mound (near the DJ & health fair) to win.
Youth Bike Drawing: Registered children (0-18 years old) receive a bib with a detachable number that can be entered to win one of four bikes after you cross the finish line. No need to write your name on it, just tear off the detachable number and keep your bib.
Prize Drawings: Once you complete your race you will receive a passport that allows you to visit all the
different booths at the health fair. Once you’ve visited at least 7 of the 15 booths you can write your families name on it and enter it in to win a prize drawing. One passport per family.
Is there a post-race snack for participants?
Yes! After your 1-mile or 5K your body is likely ready for a snack to keep your energy up for the rest of the fun. We offer an “Eat the Rainbow” tasting to showcase different healthy snacks next to the passport booth and where you want to drop off your youth participants bib tear-offs for the bike drawing.
Where are the restrooms?
Porta-potties are available for participants near Sycamore Field. On the 5K route there is also a bathroom halfway through the route in addition to a water station.
