2025 General Race Questions
Am I registered? (I don't remember, I didn't receive an email confirmation, etc.)
Check to see if you are registered.
What if I registered and now I am unable to participate?
Like most running events and sporting events, we too have a no refund policy. Please see our Registration Policy. When you register for any of our events you must agree to this policy.
The Great Race offers flexible options with the opportunity to switch distances, transfer to another person, defer, or move to the virtual event, if transacted within posted deadlines and guidelines.
You may transfer your entry to another after you pay the transfer fee before the stated deadline.
If you purchased RegShield Registration Protection when you registered, you can request a refund for a covered reason. For the best experience, it is recommended that a desktop or laptop computer, rather than a mobile device, be used when filing a refund request. RegShield is a third-party entity, and all plan-related questions should be directed to 844-849-4827 or help@fanshield.com You can read the policy here.
Deferment Policy: If you are registered for and are injured or unable to attend, you can defer your registration until next year and enter next year's race. There is a deferment fee per registrant. The deferment is valid for your entry into next year's race only (You cannot defer a deferment). The LAST DAY TO DEFER your entry to 2026 is March 28, 2025. Go to Deferment page for instructions on how to defer.
What happens if the weather report predicts rain for race day?
Although we prefer a beautiful day, the spring weather in Southern California is unpredictable. The event proceeds rain or shine.
Do you allow walkers?
You can walk the 10K, 5K or 1 Mile.
If your pace is very slow you may find that the police will start to open streets to traffic and you will need to move to the sidewalk and observe the rules of the road.
What are the course time limits?
Half Marathon: 3:43
10K: 2 hours
5K: 1 hour
In order to help you have the best experience possible race day, we need to make sure you understand our half marathon course time limit.
Due to restrictions on our permits, the Chesebro Half Marathon course time limit is 3:43. That's 17:00 pace per mile. Start time is 7 a.m. You must finish by 10:43 a.m. If you cannot finish in less than 3:43, do not enter the half marathon. Do note that the course is road and trails. Trails will slow you down some from your average road pace.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees are per person. Check our registration page to find the current entry fees for your specific race. Every participant must be registered. For the lowest entry fees, sign up when registration opens, which is usually in September or October. Entry fees are tiered. The sooner you sign up, the lower the entry fees. The discount decreases each month from October to April.
Does my young child need to register?
Every participant must be registered.
Can I change races from one distance to another distance (i.e., 5K to 10K, etc.)?
1. If you are registered and want to drop down in distance (i.e., 10K to 5K) known as an Event Transfer in Run Sign Up, you can login to your Run Sign Up registration account (or click on link in your confirmation email) or contact us and we can take care of it for you. The last day to switch distances online is March 28, 2025. There is no change fee. You can switch your entry to the other distance, but we cannot refund the difference in entry fee. If you have any questions please contact us and we can help you.
2. If you are registered and want to increase distance (i.e, 10K to Half Marathon) known as an Event Transfer in Run Sign Up, you can login to your Run Sign Up registration account (or click on link in your confirmation email) or contact us and we can help you with this. The last day to switch in advance is March 28, 2025. You can switch your entry to the other distance, and pay the upgrade fee. There is no change fee. If you have any questions please contact us and we can help you.
3. Your last opportunity to change distances is Friday, April 4, 2025 at our Race Expo. Go to the Registration Desk.
4. If you purchased VIP Bib Mail Out, you cannot make a change after your race bib has been mailed. Please contact us and we can help you.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
We offer transfers. We get it, things happen and sometimes you can't make it to the race. Since race entry fees are non-refundable as per the terms & conditions that are agreed to by each participant during registration, transferring your entry to a new participant is a way to recoup all or part of your entry fee. Instructions on how to transfer your registration to someone else are here.
Can I register on race day?
You can register on race day for any distance that is not already sold out. However, we highly recommend to register in advance now or at our Pre-Race Expo on the Friday before. We offer online registration up until and on Race Day. Race day registration and pick up lines tend to be long. If you wait until race day to register you risk that your event will be sold out. We don't want you to travel to the race to learn the race is full. Check our registration page for live space availability. Plan ahead and arrive early. You should arrive at race day registration at Chumash Park at least 60 minutes before your race to allow for a comfortable registration and time to get to the start line and warm up.
What forms of payment do you accept during race week?
At our Pre-Race Expo on the Friday before the race, we accept cash or card payment for race registrations. On race day, we accept cash or cards for race registrations.
Is the course closed?
Runner safety is our top priority and we spend many, many hours making the course as safe as possible. Please run inside the cones that are placed throughout the course. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will be stationed throughout the course and the runner's lane is coned off and closed to vehicle traffic, however, no street is completely closed. You are running through residential neighborhoods, on active streets. Sometimes drivers make mistakes, be very aware of your surroundings. You must assume responsibility for your own safety at all times. It's a best practice to run without headphones. Our race courses are very unique and scenic, we suggest you take it all in with all of your senses - sight, smell and sound. Give your music a rest for one day and take in all the great experiences of this race.
Do you give out finisher medals?
Registered runners of all races wearing the proper race bib on their front are awarded a finisher's medal after successfully completing the race, crossing the finish line and picking up their medal at the medal distribution location.
Do you call out split times at each mile?
We've come to the realization that runners who are interested in their split times wear a watch and record their own times. With the popularity of races scored by personal times, calling out mile splits by gun time is only helpful to the lead runners. So, if you want to know your split times, wear your running watch. All of the miles of the 5K and 10K are clearly marked, as are miles on the road portion of the Chesebro Half Marathon.
Do you allow running strollers?
Yes in the 5K, 10K and 1 Mile, however, with these points of caution. You will need to line up at the very back of the pack at the start and please be careful and cautious not to interfere with the path of other runners. Strollers are not permitted on the half marathon course. The finish chute for each race is on the grass surface of Chumash Park. The child in the stroller must remain in the stroller the entire run. If you have feet on the ground then you need to be registered.
Can I bring my dog?
NO ANIMALS are allowed on any race course or at Chumash Park during the event per USA Track & Field policies. There are thousands of people at this event. Please leave your dog at home.
Can I listen to music when I race?
Runners need to be responsible when they run. Running with music can be motivating, however, running with headphones can be very dangerous. Most roads on the race courses are partially closed but not completely closed to vehicle traffic. Racers must absolutely be alert and completely aware of their surroundings and need to be able to easily hear vehicle traffic, emergency vehicles as well as instructions on the course from the police, traffic control or race course officials as well as be able to hear other runners. Additionally, our race courses are very unique and scenic, we suggest you take it all in with all of your senses - sight, smell and sound. Give your music a rest for one day and take in all the great experiences of this race.
Getting Ready Questions
What do I need to bring with me to Pick Up?
In order to pick up your goods, you MUST present the barcode on your Registration Confirmation Email.
You can resend your confirmation email to yourself by going to your Run Sign Up account. Go to Profile > Upcoming Event tab > Find Great Race >Click on Resend Confirmation.
Be sure to have the QR code on the email ready to present (either digital or printed is acceptable).
If you don’t have your email confirmation, you must present a government issued photo ID in order to claim your goods.
We have vendor booths at our Race Expo, so you'll want to bring a form of payment if you want to go shopping.
Can someone else pick up my race packet and goodie bag?
IMPORTANT: Someone else can pick up for you at pre-race pick up, but please make sure your race waiver is signed. If your race waiver is not signed, you must sign your race waiver in advance in order for someone else to pick up for you. To reiterate, if your waiver is unsigned, only you can pick up for yourself.
In order for someone else to pick up your goods, your designated person MUST present the barcode on your Registration Confirmation Email. You can resend your confirmation email to yourself by going to your Run Sign Up account. Go to Profile > Upcoming Event tab > Find Great Race >Click on Resend Confirmation. Your designated person should have the barcode on the email ready to present (either digital or printed is acceptable). Your designated person will be solely accountable for your goods.
You must pick up for yourself on race day.
Where do I pick up?
Pre-Race Expo
The two days before the race
Thursday, April 3, 2025
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Location: Road Runner Sports Thousand Oaks. 1714 Newbury Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320
Friday, April 4, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Location: Road Runner Sports Thousand Oaks. 1714 Newbury Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320
Race Day Pick Up
On race day starting at 6 a.m. at the Registration/Pick Up Tents at Chumash Park
Chumash Park
Argos St. at Parkheath Dr.
Agoura Hills 91301
In order to pick up your goods, you MUST present the barcode on your Registration Confirmation Email. Be sure to have the barcode on the email ready to present (either digital or printed is acceptable).
You can resend your confirmation email to yourself by going to your Run Sign Up account. Go to Profile > Upcoming Event tab > Find Great Race >Click on Resend Confirmation.
If you don’t have your email confirmation, you must present a government issued photo ID in order to claim your goods.
How do I make sure I get a goodie bag?
Goodie bag drawstring backpacks are provided as available to the first 4,000 registrants who pick up. They are not guaranteed to all entrants.
How do I make sure I get a race shirt?
We generally have enough shirts for all registrants, however, we may run out of certain sizes. Due to supply chain issues, we have to order shirts pretty early on. If you register late, after March 24, we can't promise we'll have your size. When you register online, you will see what sizes are available. If you didn't get the size you'd like, you can check at the Registration Tent after the race to see what's available.
Where is the race?
If you didn't pick up your packet prior to raceday, you must go to Chumash Park to pick up before you can proceed to the start line. The Chesebro Half Marathon, 10K and 5K start on Carell Ave. The 1 Mile starts on Driver Ave. Read below for details.
Where do I park?
Plan ahead, read the comprehensive list of recommended parking and be prepared to find another lot if your first or second choice is full. There is absolutely NO PARKING around Chumash Park and surrounding streets. There is NO PARKING anywhere near the start. If you park in a no parking zone, your vehicle will be towed and your trip home will take a lot longer than you planned.
If you've never attended the Great Race, parking can be easy or it can be challenging and trying if you are not prepared. Most parking lots are at least a 10 minute jog/walk away from the registration/pick up area. The start line for the Chesebro Half Marathon, 5K and 10K are at least a 10 minute jog/walk UPHILL from registration/pick up area (it's nearly a half mile away). Remember that thousands of you are traveling to and parking in a city of 20,000. Plan ahead!
Do I need to go to Chumash Park prior to my race?
If you have already picked up your race bib in advance or by mailout service, you do not have to go the Chumash Park. You can proceed directly to the start. This is the preferred method.
If you need to pick up your race bib on Saturday, go directly to Chumash Park to pick up. From Chumash Park to the start of the half marathons, 5K and 10K, it's nearly a half mile away uphill through thousands of people. Allow plenty of time.
If you are entered in the 1 Mile, it's a five-minute walk to the start line from Chumash Park.
Is there a gear/bag check?
For the Chesebro Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Gear Check is at Chumash Park next to the Registration Tent.
Gear Check closes 15 minutes prior to the start of your race. All bags must be picked up by 11:15 a.m. on race day.
Where are the toilets?
Portable toilets are stationed at Chumash Park (on the west side of the park near the playground and permanent restrooms). This area is located on the opposite side of the park from registration. If you are on the way to the start, use the portable toilets on Thousand Oaks Blvd. at Argos St., and at the intersection of Carell Ave. and Thousand Oaks Blvd. There are NO portable toilets at the start of any race. Carell Ave. and Thousand Oaks Blvd. is on the way to the start, and your last chance stop.
Where is the start?
For the Chesebro Half Marathon, 5K and 10K the start is in front of 5777 Carell Avenue. Look for the giant blue arch. This is a residential street. It is early. Please be mindful of the kind neighbors. The start is nearly a half mile away (uphill) from registration and pick up at Chumash Park
Carell Avenue is the street at the eastern dead end of Thousand Oaks Blvd. near the ball fields of Agoura High School. The start is at the top of the hill. Allow plenty of time to walk up the hill. We're sure you don't want to be sprinting uphill to catch the start of the race. Allow plenty of time! You must cross the start mats in order to be timed. The pay off is a downhill start!
How much time?
Going straight from Chumash Park (with no potty stops) depart 25 minutes prior to your race. This allows for a 10 minute walk and 15 minutes of warm-up time and waiting time to hear important race instructions.
Going straight to the start (bypassing pick up or registration) from most parking lots depart 35 minutes prior to your race. This allows for a 20 minute walk and 15 minutes of warm-up time and waiting time to hear important race instructions.
You've trained hard for this race, do yourself a favor and allow plenty of time to get around prior to the start of your race. Remember, there are thousands of people milling around. Getting around generally takes longer than you expect.
For the 1 Mile, the start is on Driver Ave. near Agoura High School gymnasium parking lot. From Chumash Park to the start, you must cross Argos St. at Parkheath only. Argos St. is a live race course, proceed carefully and follow the guidance of race staff or police at this intersection.
Where is the finish?
All races share the same finish in beautiful Chumash Park. Look for the large red arch. All races finish on the grass. For spectators, the last tenth of a mile is highly visible from many locations in the park.
Where do I affix the timing tag?
The Great Race uses bib-tag timing. This is a technology where the timing device is adhered to the race bib. Timing tags must remain attached to the back of your race bib. Do not remove the timing device from the bib and do not bend your race bib!
In order to be timed, you must wear your race bib (with timing tag attached) to the front of your body (not covered by any clothing or accessories) and cross the start line mats and the finish line. In order to have your own personal net time (computerized tag time) calculated you must cross the mats at the start line and the finish line.
Where do I wear my race bib (race number)?
Your race bib must be visible and fastened to the FRONT of your body. Do not pin your bib to your back. Your race bib identifies you to many parties including race officials, timing officials, police, traffic control and the photographers and also carries your timing device.
Is there a race photographer?
Yes. Check this page after the race for instructions on finding photos. You must be wearing your race bib on your front in order to be identified and searchable in the race photos.
Post Race Questions
Where are results?
You can find the results here.
I won an age group award. Where do I pick it up?
Due to the numerous races, we award hundreds of age group awards. There is no award ceremony because it would take us until Tuesday to give out all the awards. We will ship your personalized, custom award to you as long as you provided a valid mailing address with your registration. Please allow 8 weeks to receive it.
I was a top finisher and won an awesome audio or video equipment prize. Where do I pick it up?
Winners will be provided with instructions on how to pick up their prize.
Where do I find photos of me?
Check this page after the race for instructions on finding photos.
When is the 2026 race?
Saturday, April 11, 2026