Race Weekend is here!
Greetings, Stampede’rs! It’s finally almost time – we are just a few days away from the big day.
This email is designed to help you be best prepared for a smooth and fun race experience.
The Davis Stampede will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024.
Your Race Bib, T-shirt, and Entry
Packet Pick Up
You have two options for picking up your race bib and t-shirt:
- Pre-Race Packet Pick Up: Saturday, February 24, 2:00-4:30 pm
- Race Morning Pick Up: Sunday, February 25, 6:30 am until 15 minutes before race start
- Location: Both held by the start/finish line at Playfields Park, 2500 Research Park Dr, Davis, CA 95618
- ID is not required for packet pick up and you may pick up for friends.
- Due to volunteer scheduling, we are not able to accommodate pick-ups outside the above timeframe.
- The busiest time at Packet Pick Up will be at 2pm when it opens. Come later if you wish to avoid a long line.
- If picking up race day, plan to arrive at registration at least one hour before your race start.
Virtual participants: Virtual participants are welcome to pick up on Saturday, but it is not required. Proceed directly to the “Problems & Solutions” line (not Participant Check-In) to obtain your shirt, bib, and medal. Virtual participants who do not pick up on Saturday will be mailed their packet and medal the following week.
- Virtual results: you may begin uploading your results to the results server here as early as today and up until March 22. (Optional, not required).
Changes to Your Entry
- Division Changes:
- You may not participate in a division (distance) other than which you are registered. Bib numbers are color-coded so that you can be properly directed on the course and timed.
- If your training has not gone as well as planned and you would like to request a division change, or switch to the virtual division, please email us the requested change by midnight, Friday, February 23.
- Please complete all division changes in advance of race weekend if at all possible. Last minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances can be handled at Problems & Solutions when picking up packet.
- Transfers to Other Participants:
- If you have become sick, have to work on race day, etc. and would like to gift your entry to a family member or friend, you may handle this as follows:
- —> Initiate the gift within your runsignup account “participant transfer” no later than 11:59 pm on Feb. 22. You will need the first and last name, plus email, of the recipient. The new participant will receive an email with next steps. They must accept your gift AND complete their registration by 11:59 pm on Feb. 23 (Friday).
- or —> You may email us to request the transfer. Request must be made by Feb. 22. Please send us the new participant’s first/last name and email when doing so.
- T-shirt Size/Type Changes
- You may modify your shirt (“giveaway”) selection within your runsignup account by Thursday, February 22.
- If we have the ability to change sizes due to current inventory, we will do our best to accommodate changes at Packet Pick Up. Most technical sizes will likely be sold out.
- We do not offer any shirt changes on race morning before the event. We will do our best to accommodate any requests for a different size or shirt type at the registration area after 9:00 am.
Race Day Information
Below are some tips for helping make your race as smooth as possible.
Race Start Times
Knowing what time your division (distance) starts is important on race day to avoid any last minute confusion. The start times are:
- 8:00 am – Half Marathon and 10K
- 8:10 am – 5K
- 9:00 am – 2K
The Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K will start at the finish line facing northwest (towards I-80). The 2K will start on the northwest side of the parking lot about 40 yards past the end of the finish line and head towards Research Park Drive. All races finish in the same place.
Lining Up at the Start Line
For the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon: Your race starts at the same place it finishes. You should line up at the start line by anticipated pace per mile. That is, only those running a sub-6:00 mile should be at the front. If you are walking, have a dog, a stroller, please line up at the back so that the start is safe for everyone. Use the pace signs in the starting corral as a guide on race day. Pleases be sure to listen to the announcer for any important announcements.
2K Start: The 2K start is on the west side of the parking lot adjacent to the baseball field. Look for the banner.
When to Arrive Race Day + Parking Info
Allow extra time for parking and walking to a the race site. Most participants will find parking easiest by utilizing the parking lots at the business parks located just west of the Pole Line Road overcrossing. Link to a map here. No parking will be available in the Playfields Park lot on race day except for vendors and those with an ADA placard.
We suggest anyone in the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon who needs to pick up their bib on race day is at the registration area a minimum of one hour prior to their race start to pick up. Allow yourself extra time to use restrooms, warm up, etc.
Keep Your Training In Mind on Race Day
Experimenting is great for practice but not for game day. Try to be mindful of what you have trained for and how, and what you know works for you. This includes:
- Clothing: Choose race day attire that you have run/walked in before and you know works for you in the anticipated weather conditions. Don’t wear brand new shoes.
- Breakfast: Eat a breakfast that you have eaten before prior to exercising.
- Hydration: Follow your typical hydration practices both prior to the race and during it. If during your training you are used to carrying water with you and having a sip every five minutes, stick to it. Same for any nutrition, salt, etc.
- Pace: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the starting line and start out a little too fast. Have fun, but try to start your race at the pace/speed you have trained at.
Familiarize Yourself with The Course
Review the course prior to race day, and note where there are hills (overcrossings), key turns, etc. While we will make every effort to have volunteers, cones, chalk arrows, and signs along the route so that you do not go off course, it is also helpful for you to have a sense of what awaits you. This also includes locations of aid stations and bathrooms. Aid stations will offer water and Gatorade. View or print course maps here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Gear Check: Will there be a sweat/gear check on race day? Yes.
- Where do I park? Parking for race day is available in the large business park off Research Park Drive and Drew Ave. View a map on our site.
- Race Bibs? Can I wear my bib on my thigh? Yes. Bibs must be worn on the front of your body, but you may wear them either on your abdomen or the front of one of your thighs. They should be worn on your outermost layer of clothing, so they are visible to course monitors, photographers, timers, and to ensure the timing mats ‘see’ them.
- Photography. Will there be a race photographer and how do we get pictures? Yes. Facchino Photography will be on the course and at the start/finish to capture your image as you participate. Photos will be online about four days after the event, and you will receive an email with your proofs. You can visit the Stampede page on their site here.
- Weather. What happens if it rains? The race will happen rain or shine! However, the forecast is looking dry!
- Post-Race Amenities? After you finish, we will have light refreshments, pancakes, Zico coconut water, and vendor booths.
- Awards. Who receives awards? How do we pick them up?
- Awards are distributed on race morning in the post-race area. Be sure to check your results before you leave even if you don’t think you’re likely to win – awards are not mailed. Your bib number will have a QR code on the front to scan and view results or you can see them here.
- Overall Awards: The top three men, women, and nonbinary finishers in each of the four races will receive an award, based on gun time. Overall winners also receive an age group prize.
- Age Group Awards: The top three men, women, and nonbinary finishers in each of the age groups for all four distances will receive an award. Age group ranking is based on net time. Age groups are outlined on our website.
- Special Division Awards: The top three finishers in each special division, broken down by gender and ranked by net time, will receive an award. Special divisions are: adaptive athlete, cancer survivor, dog division, stroller division, UC Davis students, UC Davis alumni, and UC Davis faculty/staff.
Bonus Medals
If you are planning on earning the “Winter/Spring Challenge” bonus medal for completing both the Davis Stampede and the Lucky Run (Sat. 3/23), be sure to SIGN UP for the challenge. The extra bonus medal and the challenge is 100% free, but you must sign up for and complete both races (any division, including virtual, “counts” for the challenge, except for the Kids Runs at the Lucky Run).
- Sign up for the Winter/Spring Challenge (Deadline to sign up is 3/5)
- More Information on the Lucky Run
Follow Us on Social Media
Be sure to follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes videos, Q&A’s, medal previews, and other running or race-related information for this and our other events.
- A Change of Pace Facebook
- Instagram (tap picture to link)
- Davis Stampede Facebook
Share your race day videos with us on Instagram by tagging our account or using #DavisStampede.
We love to see videos and pictures from your perspective and often share them (if your account is public) to our Stories!
We hope this email has been helpful as you prepare for the big day. There is additional information on our website.
As always, if you have any questions, please send us an email.
