Happy Family The Best Family Tips

Goodies

• Event Tshirt
• Personalized Bib**
• Focused on Women
• Beautiful Course
• Cool Half Finisher Medal
• Plenty of Aid Stations
• Walker Friendly!

**Must register by August 31, 2013

Course Info

Aid Stations

or the 5K, there will be one aid station with water only. For the 2-person relay and half marathon, there are aid stations every 2 to 2.5 miles with water and sports drink available at each, except for water only at the first aid station about 2 miles in.

You can see the aid stations on the half course map below.

Course Time Limit

Walker-friendly time limit of 4 hours (that's a pace of 18 minutes per mile for the half marathon).

Pace Calculator

Course Map

A couple years ago, the City of Irving asked Love the Half to showcase their beautiful Campion Trails, and we're happy to work with them as the city paved trail weaves through woods, along the city canal system, by ponds, and beautiful neighborhoods! The course features these trails and the streets in the Las Colinas Blvd / Williams Square area. The word "hills" in the race is part of the "cute" name and not literal. The first two years of the race used a different course which had some hills, but the course for the last four years, since starting to utilize Campion Trails, is fairly flat.

The 5K is shortened versions of the half marathon course.

Half Course Map

Sam Houston Loop Map

Quick Links

Event Tshirts

Choices are available while supplies last. We will remove choices of sizes and styles as we run out of inventory, since shirts have to ordered months in advance based on a guess of what sizes and styles will be chosen.

5k, Relay & Half Marathon Entrants

Half, Relay and 5K will all receive tech shirts. Shirts can be swapped during packet pick up with sizes available at the Race Week Registration table.

Finisher Medals

Half Marathon and 2-Person Relay Finishers will receive unique Love the Half Finisher Medals.

Registration Fees

Packet Pickup

Location

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites 
333 W. John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, Texas 75039
See the map...

Note: We will not have maps or any other website information available printed out at packet pickup. It is your responsible to have yourself or friends/family print off the info they need from our website. Anything you should need will be here on the website or emailed to participants. Thanks!

To facilitate a smooth operation event morning, we encourage all participants to pick up your packet before race day. Free goodies await those that pick up early at the hotel! Also, this is your chance to purchase Love the Half gear and apparel.

No-shows (those who do not pick up their packet race week or race day) will not be mailed their event shirt or other packet items.

How do I pick up my packet? 

On Friday and Saturday, we'll have a listing of everyone with their bib number outside the packet pickup room. Look up your bib number and bring that to the volunteer inside. Same thing Sunday morning in the packet pickup area - look for the alphabetical listing before getting in line to pick up your packet.

What exactly am I picking up?

Racing bib, safety pins, event shirt, timing chip and free goodies/samples. Bring a check or cash to buy great Love the Half gear and apparel available for sale.

What if I don't like the shirt size I requested during registration? 

We pull aside all the shirts already allocated to pre-registrants, which means if a size wasn't a choice during online registration, it's because all the inventory is already reserved for people pre-registered who requested that size.

• Half Marathon, Relay and 5K - Exchange on Friday and Saturday at packet pickup, but ONLY if the shirt style/size you want is available at In-Person registration..
• No shirt exchanges can be done race day morning during packet pickup from 6-7:15 am.
• For all registrants, after the race starts Sunday morning, we will have an area for shirt exchanges, so bring your unworn shirt race day to retrieve from your car post-race if you need to switch sizes.

What if I put race day pickup on my registration and changed my mind?

We'll have all packets at packet pickup on Saturday in case you decide to pick up early. And if you don't pick up Saturday and were signed up to, it will be available race day.

What if I put Saturday. pickup on my registration and now can't pick up until race day?

It will be available race day near the start/finish area. But plan to arrive extra early, at least an hour before race start.

I'm picking up for a group. What do I do?

If picking up for 6 or more people on Saturday, please email us by Wednesday night of race week with all the full names, CCing those individuals on the email, with when you would like to come pickup, and we will try to pull those packets early for you! See the next question for what you need to bring from each indvidual! You can pick up the whole group's packets Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

How to pick up another person's packet? 

Bring a signed note or printed email to you from the person giving permission. Do NOT email the race about who will be picking up your packet.

Chip Timing At Love the Half

Dtag System

Timing chips will be available at packet pickup Friday and Saturday, and then race day morning at packet pickup only from 6:00-7:15 am (note: first race starts at 7:30, so arrive early!). We will be using the Dtag timing system.     All events are chip timed. 

Bag Drop

Since we have onsite parking capability, there will not be a bag drop area. 

Accommodations

Hotel Option 1

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites 
333 W. John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, Texas 75039

Hotel Website

The rate for Heels and Hills participants is $74+tax. Be sure to mention that you are part of the group "Heels and Hills" when you call to book.

*There will be a shuttle bus from the Holiday Inn.

Hotel Option 2

Dallas Marriott Las Colinas
223 West Las Colinas Boulevard
Irving, Texas 75039 

Hotel Website

**Note that there is no packet pickup at the Marriott location. The Holiday Inn will be the only packet pickup location Friday and Saturday.

Proximity to Race Site

The address for the race site is: 3838 Teleport Boulevard, Irving, Texas 75039

Driving Directions from the hotel to the race site 
It's a 5 minute drive to get to the race site.

Walking Directions from the hotel to the race site
It's a 30 minute walk to the race site, 2.2 miles.

Half Marathon Relay Transportation

No shuttle buses.  Participants must arrange transportation to/from Sam Houston Park.

Awards

Half Marathon Awards

• Overall 1st place and Masters 1st place Male & Female
• The age group awards:14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in each age group and sex as well as in Clydesdale and Athena.
• All half marathon finishers receive a finisher's medal.

Half Marathon Relay Awards

• Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in each category.
  Open Male - all male team, any age
  Open Female - all female team, any age
  Open Male Masters - all male team, each member 40 or over
  Open Female Masters - all female team, each member 40 or over
  Mixed Open – one male and one female, any age
  Mixed Masters - one male and one female, each member 40 or over
  

5k Awards

• Overall 1st place and Masters 1st place Male & Female
• The age groups awards:10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in each age group and sex.
• Awards will be given for 1st place in each age group and Athena and Clydesdale

Race Photography

Provided by Your Sporting Image.

Recognition of Special Groups

• Teams - have all friends put down the same name. Special recognition for biggest team!

Spectator Guide

The 4 spots on the race course where family and friends can go to watch and cheer the runners are:

• Bird's Fort Park
• Police Station
• Richardson Grove
• Sam Houston Park
  

Copies will not be provided at packet pickup or race day morning, so print them off to bring with you.

Directions

From Downtown Dallas
1. Get onto I-35E N 2. Slight left onto TX-183 W 3. Slight right onto TX-114 W (signs for Grapevine/Airport North Entry) 4. Take the exit toward Riverside Dr/Rochelle Blvd 5. Merge onto E John W Carpenter Fwy 6. Turn right onto Riverside Dr 7. Take the 1st right onto Teleport Blvd. Destination will be on the left

From Fort Worth (I-30)
1. Get on I-30 E toward Dallas 2. Take exit 32 for NW 19th St (Partial toll road) 3. Merge onto President George Bush Turnpike N (Toll road) 4. Continue onto TX-161 N (Toll road) 5. Take the exit onto TX-183 E 6. Exit on the left onto TX-482 Spur E toward TX-114 7. Merge onto TX-114 W via the ramp to Grapevine 8. Take the exit toward Riverside Dr/Rochelle Blvd 9. Merge onto E John W Carpenter Fwy 10. Turn right onto Riverside Dr 11. Take the 1st right onto Teleport Blvd. Destination will be on the left

From DFW International Airport
1. Head south 2. Take the ramp onto International Pkwy (Partial toll road) 3. Take the exit onto TX-114 E toward Irving/Downtown Dallas 4. Take the exit toward Riverside Dr/Rochelle Blvd 5. Merge onto E John W Carpenter Fwy 6. Turn left onto Rochelle Blvd 7. Continue onto Riverside Dr 8. Turn right onto Teleport Blvd. Destination will be on the left

From Dallas Love Field Airport
1. Head southwest on Herb Kelleher Way toward Contrail Ln 2. Take the 1st right onto W Mockingbird Ln 3. Turn right onto John W Carpenter Fwy N 4. Take the ramp on the left onto TX-183 W 5. Slight right onto TX-114 W (signs for Grapevine/Airport North Entry) 6. Take the exit toward Riverside Dr/Rochelle Blvd 7. Merge onto E John W Carpenter Fwy 8. Turn right onto Riverside Dr 9. Take the 1st right onto Teleport Blvd. Destination will be on the left

Parking

There is no cost for parking. Participants are encouraged to arrive at least 1 hour early to allow plenty of time for parking. Please see the Parking Map PDF below for all the information you will need for parking - there are important details here so read carefully!

View Parking Map

There are two options for parking

(Click on the address for a map):

• The Summit at Las Colinas - 545 E John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX 75062
• Waterway Tower - 433 East Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX 75039

These parking locations are the only ones Love the Half has permission to use. Participants can also utilize limited public parking spaces available in the race vicinity.

Results

View Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you allow MP3 Players and Music Devices
A: The number one question! Look you and I both know there is no way we stop anyone from using their music devices while running a distance event. We do not have a closed course so there will be times when you will be sharing Irving city streets with cars and the trail with cyclists. We ask you to be alert and be aware of your surroundings. But yes, you can use your MP3 player.

Q: Do you allow running with a stroller or with a dog?
A: Running strollers and dogs will not be allowed on any of the courses.

Q: Can I register the day of the race?
A: No.

Q: Is it possible to drive the course?
A: No. Only 1 mile of the course is on the city street. The remainder of the course is on a city trail that is prohibits vehicles.

Q: Are there hotels within walking distance of the start/finish line
A: Yes, but most participants will choose to drive.

Q: Is there a place for me to check extra clothing or baggage?
A: No. There parking garages are close to the start and finish lines.

Q: Is there a charge for parking?
A: No, we have already taken care of the parking fees. Please refer to the parking map for where to park.

Q: Is the course flat or hilly?
A: The course is flat.

Q: What types of running surfaces are on the course?
A: The course is a concrete city trail.

Q: Are there mile markers?
A: Yes. There will be mile markers at each mile in all races.

Q: What sports drink will you be serving and is it available at every water station?
A: Our sports drink is Gatorade and we will have it available at every water station.

Q: Will there be food items on the course.
A: We will not have gels on the course. You will need to bring your own.

Q: Will there be Port-O-Lets on the course?
A: Yes, details on our course information page.

Q: What happens if at some point I decide I cannot finish?
A: We will have vehicles on the course to pick up those that feel they must quit. Although they will be roving the course, it will help if you look out for police, bike medics or volunteers manning the course so they can radio your need for help.

Q: Is there medical help available on the course?
A: Yes. All police, bike medics and volunteers will have the ability to radio for assistance if needed.

Q: Will photos be taken along the course and at the finish?
A: Yes. SportPhoto is the official race photographer and can be linked from our photos page.

Q:If I sign up for the half marathon or Relay and later decide to switch and run the 5k, is it possible?
A:You can switch to the shorter distances. However, there will be no refunds made allowing for the lesser fees of the shorter distances.

Q: What if I cannot attend and participate after entering?
A: There are no refunds.

Q: Why are results and awards determined by gun time and not chip time?
A: Age group awards will be based on chip time. Overall awards will be based on gun time.  Although chip timing afforded run events to produce quick fast timing results, it was never intended to be the benchmark for finish order. Love the Half’ position is this is a foot race against other human beings and not against a computer system. The first one back across the finish line is the winner. If your finish placement is important to you, we suggest you line up in the first twenty rows at the start.

Q: What if I arrive late? Can I start and run the course anyway?
A: Since the first several miles of the course may not be well marked, we cannot guarantee your ability to stay on course and receive police protection if you arrive and start late. We would not recommend starting more than several minutes after the start time.

If you have any questions that have not been answered here please E-mail us: info@lovethehalf.com

Volunteers

Register to be a Volunteer

Volunteers are ALWAYS welcome!

We always need volunteers, both for our mini-events, for appearances where we have a booth at a race or expo, and for our signature half marathon events. Please email us with where you can help! Volunteers make events happen! THANK YOU!

Volunteers Needed for Love the Half Event Weekend

September 20-22, 2013

The Love the Half is Sunday, September 22, 2013 in Irving (about 20 minutes from Central Dallas).

Here are the areas where we need help; there are places where you can help even if you are signed up for the race. Please email us to let us know where you can assist this non-profit event!

Pre-Race Day Packet Pickup (great for those signed up to run the race):

• Saturday, September 21, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
• Saturday, September 21, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
• Saturday, September 21, 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Race Day Morning (Sunday, September 22) – of course we need help all day, but depending on other Sunday commitments or if you are running the race, we understand that’s not always possible. If you can’t help all morning, please select one or more of the described time shifts:

• Chip Distribution, Packet Pickup, and Parking – 5:40 am to 7:15 am (perfect for those running the race! Packet pickup ends 15 minutes before the start of the race so there's time for you to do last minute prep and get to the starting line.)
• Shift 1 (Pre-race and post-race start set-up) – 5:45 am to 8:30 am
• Shift 2 (Post-race and finish line help) – 7:40 am to 11:40 am
• Shift 3 (Post-race and finish line help) – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Thank you for giving your time to make these events a success!

PAULA ROBERTSON
LOVE THE HALF