Frequently Asked Questions
These questions and answers apply to most of our events but most specifically, Marathon Weekend, November 2-4. Answers for Dogwood Canyon are noted as well.
Can I register by mail?
If you do not have access to register online, you may download forms and mail in your registration. Forms are available on each event page. If you register by mail, online prices do not apply! Paper registration forms are an additional $7 over online registration. Confirmation cards will be sent out to participants prior to race day. No other confirmation will be sent to you. You may also register at Bass Pro Shop, 1935 South Campbell, Springfield, MO 65807.
How do I change the event I registered for?
If you have registered for any of the events in the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fitness Festival and want to change your event you can do so by filling out the Registration Change Form two weeks prior to your event. Mail all forms to Bass Pro Shop, Attn. Melissa Bondy, 1935 South Campbell, Springfield, MO 65807. You may also email this form to fitness@basspro.com. If you are moving up in distance you will need to pay the difference in the entry fees; no refunds will be made if you are moving down. Click here to download the Registration Change Form.
What is our Cancellation Policy?
Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and NOT TRANSFERABLE to another person. That means once we receive and accept the entry, any request for refund or transfer will be declined. This is a non-profit event with all profits going to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Wonders of Wildlife and Ozark Greenways.
What will the weather be like for the race?
The weather in Missouri is unpredictable. The temperature at the start of the marathon and the Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs will generally be in the low 40's Fahrenheit and can climb into the low 60's Fahrenheit by noon. However, we strongly suggest you be prepared for any kind of weather.
Warning: Inadequate training and disregard for the importance of taking fluids have resulted in life threatening conditions, such as heat stroke both in experienced and first time runners. It is recommended all runners take fluids at each of our aid stations.
Is the Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes, the Marathon is run on a certified course and many runners have qualified for the Boston Marathon on our course. Upon completion of our timing files, we send all finisher times to the Boston Marathon for their qualifier files.
What is the course time limit?
The Marathon and Half Marathon courses will be open approximately seven and one-half hours for the marathon/half and one and one-half hour for the 5K. However, this is not a closed course so if you fall behind this schedule, you may continue, but will be asked to move to the sidewalks.
Dogwood Cayon Trail Runners will be open approximately nine hours.
Are your events walker-friendly?
Walkers are welcome to participate in all events including the Marathon & Half-Marathon. Please be aware that the courses will be open long enough to accommodate any participants moving at a 15:00/mile pace or faster.
Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs are also walker friendly. Our courses will remain open until approximately 5:00 p.m. If sunset happens before 5:00 p.m., we will pull runners/walkers off the course.
Can I wear headphones on the course?
Safety is our primary concern for our runners. You may wear headphones at your own risk.
Are there any parking locations and restrictions/pre and post race for Marathon Weekend?
There is plenty of parking available in front and to the north of the store. There is also additional parking on the south side of the store.
Dogwood Canyon Trail Runners will find parking near the start of the race.
What type of race day transportation is offered?
Runners and walkers are responsible for their own transportation on race day. These events offer plenty of parking so transportation should not be an issue on race morning.
How many aid stations and what type of fluid replacements are offered on the marathon and half marathon courses?
There will be water & Powerade at each of the 16 Aid Stations, as well as at the start line and post-finish area. There are 12- Marathon, 7- Half Marathon & 1- 5K aid stations. In addition to Powerade, aid stations will also offer a variety of foods to benefit runners. Jelly Belly Sport Beans will be available at mile 8 for the half marathoners and miles 10 and 18 for full marathoners.
Aid stations for Dogwood Trail Runs will be located approximately 5 miles apart. Water, Powerade, Jelly Belly Sport Beans, Potatoes, Peanut Butter and other food items will be available on the course.
Are there any recommended viewing locations for the marathon weekend events?
Several spectator cheering locations are along the course. These are designated on the course map in your registration packet. Or, feel free to scream and cheer out in front of your home and in your neighborhood.
Dogwood Canyon also has several great places to view runners/walkers. Maps wil be provided to spectators on race day to highlight spectator viewing areas.
Are the any post-race medical attention/massage therapy and locations?
Medical coverage consists of physicians, EMTs, and athletic trainers stationed at the start, finish and along the course at all of the aid stations. The main Medical Tent is located at the Finish line with Mercy Sports Medicine team there to assist you with recovery. There are also 40 massage therapists after the marathon weekend runs volunteering their services to help relax and loosen up tight muscles.
Dogwood Canyon will also have medical coverage provided by Mercy.
What is the Post Race Party & Awards Ceremony time & location?
The 5K awards will be held at 8:45 a.m. Sunday morning. The half-marathon awards will be held at 9:30 a.m. The marathon awards will take place at 11:30 a.m.
Dogwood Cayon Trail Runs Awards will take place at 10:00 a.m. (15K), 11:15 a.m. (25K) and 1:30 PM (50K).
If a participant is unable to pick up their registration packet, can someone else pick it up for them?
Yes. In order to pick up someone else's registration packet, you will need a signed statement from the participant giving you permission to pick up the packet.
What kind of food/drinks are at the finish line? Where is the Finish Line Festival?
There will be water and Powerade, Highland Milk, Qudoba, Einsteins Bros. Bagels and other food and drink for replenishment at the finish line. The finish line festival will be held in the Wonders of Wildlife Learning Facility parking lot. There will be food, drink, booths and entertainment provided.
Dogwood Canyon will have lunch and snack items available at the finish line. Water and Powerade will also be available.
Will portable bathrooms be on the course?
Yes, porta potties will be available at the start line, all aid stations and relay exchange points and at the finish line. There are also porta potties available at the start and finish of the trail runs.
Will Gear Check be available?
Yes. Gear check areas will be available for the Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and the Trail Run.
Marathon/Half/Relay– Gear check will be located in the Registration Area. Participants will place their gear in a bag that will be provided and identified with their bib #.
Trail Run – DROP BAGS can be dropped at the half way point and will be brought back to the party pavilion. These are not checked bags so please do not put valuables in your drop bags. The bags will be brought back to the finish line and placed in the post party area for you to retrieve at your convenience.
Is this race hilly?
We live in the Ozarks and that means we have hills! However, all of the courses have gently rolling hills. Our new courses have fewer hills and provide runners with more opportunities for a PR.
The Dogwood Canyon Trail Runs are hilly. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park has some rough terrain and presents challenging and compelling courses.
Where \ When is packet pickup?
Packet Pickup varies for each event. All packets pickups will take place at Bass Pro Shop, 1935 South Campbell, Springfield MO, 65807. Watch for more details as to when you will be able to pick up your packets. Please note, there will be NO packet pick-up on race day morning for the marathon, marathon relay and the half marathon. Specific packet pick up information will be posted on each event page as we get closer to our events.
I have a friend who would like to volunteer, can he help?
YES! Please email Rebecca Moore, rmoore@bigbro.com for more information.