Getting Ready for 2025

A lot of helpful information here. While this is lengthy, we suggest you read it all for the best possible experience.

Questions?

Everything you want to know and then some is outlined here. If you have further questions, read our Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you have further questions, our staff is available at our Race Expo on Thursday and Friday to help you. As our staff is preparing for the event, emails may be answered but at a slower rate. If you have a pressing question please see our staff at the Expo. Most answers are found on GreatRace.run

Half Marathon Runners

Be sure to also read Chesebro Half Marathon specific instructions found here: Getting Ready for the Chesebro Half Marathon

Course Maps & Course Support

Please click on link for your race and review. Click on the Course Info button for map, turns, and aid station information. You’ll see a lot of information when you click the Course Info button for the half marathons, 10K and 5K.

Chesebro Half Marathon

Old Agoura 10K + Triple Challenge + 15K Combo

Deena Kastor 5K

United Track 1 Mile  

On Course Support

All water stations serve Arrowhead Water. Two half marathon aid stations serve Arrowhead Water, DryWater Electrolyte Drink and GU energy gel. See course info page for detailed course support.

 

Course Signs

You’ll see turn signs and mile markers on the course. 

The signs are labeled and color coded for each race. Follow the signs for your race.

Chesebro Half Marathon: Green signs with white lettering

   

10K: Yellow signs with black lettering

   

5K: Red signs with white lettering

   

1 Mile: Purple signs with white letting

Be Cautious and Careful

Runner safety is our top priority and we spend many, many hours making sure the courses are as safe as possible. The LA County Sheriff's Dept. will be stationed throughout the course and the runner's lane is closed to vehicle traffic, however, no street is completely closed. The Sheriff's Dept. would like to pass along that anytime there are cones on the course, you need to run inside the cones in the runner’s lane. Please do not stray outside the cone line. You are running on active streets. Be very aware of your surroundings. You must assume responsibility for your own safety at all times.

Please note on Argos St. and Driver Ave., and the south portion of Chesebro Rd., the Chesebro Half and the 10K share these routes. The races have different routes and start times, yet there will be some overlap where the fastest 10K runners catch slower half marathoners. Slow runners please stay to the right and faster runners pass on the left. 

First Responders

If you feel so inclined, please thank the police, fire, paramedics, national parks, and search and rescue officers out on the course for their work on race day, because without them there would not be a race day. 

Leave No Trace

We can't overemphasize this enough. Please DO NOT DROP TRASH ON THE ROADS OR TRAILS. We must leave the roads and trails spotless. LEAVE NO TRACE! Please drop your trash at an aid station. 

 

Race Expo/Pick Up - Thu., April 3 & Fri., April 4

at ROAD RUNNER SPORTS THOUSAND OAKS

Pick up your bib, race shirt, and goodie bag before race day — and while you're at it, make a little event of it. 

We highly recommend you join us at the 
Race Expo and Pick Up

Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Road Runner Sports
1714 Newbury Rd., Newbury Park, 91320

Stop by Road Runner Sports for our Pick Up and enjoy exclusive VIP savings! 

Road Runner Sports coupon

Shop and save with Road Runner Sports during packet pickup hours! Join the VIP Family and enjoy $20 off your order of $50 or more on anything in store. Already a VIP? Earn Double Rewards Cash on your purchase. 

       *Some exclusions may apply.  See store for details.

Bonus: ASICS is in the house!

A rep from ASICS will be on-site with their newest and best-selling shoes. Try them on, take them for a quick test run, and feel the difference for yourself — light, cushy, and built to roll with you.

Try a pair, take a lap, and score a free gift from ASICS just for joining the fun.

Shoes. Swag. Vibes. Come hang.

 

With the amount of people expected to attend the Pick Up, we suggest if you are nearby, that you pick up on Thursday.

Parking is available in front of store or behind the store on the upper level. 

What do I need to bring with me to Pick Up?

In order to pick up your goods, you MUST present the QR code 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. 

Your Bib Number  Bib assignment is dynamic when you pick up. Bibs are not pre-assigned so no need to check for your bib number. Bib Pick Up is quick when you have your confirmation QR code ready to present.

How do I get one of those amazing Great Race goodie bags?

Goodie bag distribution starts at the Race Expo on Thursday, April 3 at Road Runner Sports. Goodie bags are provided as available to the first 4,000 who pick up a goodie bag starting Thursday. There are more than 4,000 of you registered. Goodie bags are not guaranteed to all entrants but generally we have enough for those who want one, but we don't like waste and intend to run out. So pick up early if you'd like a goodie bag.

If you purchased VIP Bib Mailout Service, your goodie bag and shirt will be waiting for you after you finish your run on Saturday--stop by the VIP Booth near the exit of the Finish Chute next to the Info Booth. You will need to present the tickets on your bib to pick up your goods. 

We have some amazing offers and goodies in this year's drawstring backpack. These look great! And wait until you see what is inside! Thanks to Nature Made for the vitamins!

Can someone else pick up my race packet and goodie bag?

IMPORTANT READ CAREFULLY: Someone else can pick up for you on Thursday or Friday, but please make sure your race waiver is signed. If your race waiver is not signed, you must sign your race waiver in order for someone else to pick up for you. You can sign your waiver in your Run Sign Up account. Go to Profile > Manage Registration > Sign Waiver. If your waiver is not signed, your designee will not be able to pick up for you. 

In order for someone else to pick up your goods, your designated person MUST present the QR code 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 QR code on the email ready to present (either digital or printed is acceptable).  Your designated person will be solely accountable for your goods.

Bring a friend and they can sign up to run any race that is not sold out at our Last Minute Registration.

For entrants in the Chesebro Half Marathon,  Old Agoura 10K & Deena Kastor 5K: If you pick up on Thursday or Friday, you can head directly to the start on Saturday and avoid race day pick up at Chumash Park.

United Track 1 Mile: If you pick up in advance, you can bypass the registration tent on Saturday.

Helpful Tip: On Friday, the Race Expo/Pick Up tends to be the most crowded at the opening. You might want to avoid the first half hour or hour if you can. 

 

Shop at our Race Expo on Saturday
 Bring cash or cards because you'll want to go shopping - you'll find some great buys, information and samples. Here are some of the great exhibitors:

The Weather

Let’s talk about the forecast for Saturday — and it's a good one! Race morning in Agoura Hills is shaping up to be absolutely beautiful providing ideal conditions for your run and to soak in the scenery. Saturday's forecast: plenty of sunshine and a high of 73°F.

Sunrise is at 6:35 a.m. — and with weather like this, you’re set up for a strong, enjoyable race from start to finish.

Here's what you can anticipate at the start times for each race:

If you plan to layer up, please be mindful when discarding clothing. You can drop layers at the start or at an aid station — not on the road or in yards. We’ll collect and donate all discarded items.

Important: If you intend on retrieving your layers, do not leave them near the start line — they will be picked up and bagged. Use Bag Check instead to stash your gear safely for post-race pickup.

With such favorable weather, it's shaping up to be a perfect day to chase your goals and enjoy the race!

Race Day Pick Up at Chumash Park

Race Day Pick Up for all races opens at 5:55 a.m. at Chumash Park. 

At Chumash Park, the Race Bib Pick Up Tent is at the corner of Parkheath Dr. and Argos Street. Race day lines do get long. Arrive early! Earlier than you think. Please allow plenty of time to park, to walk to Chumash Park and to check in. Most parking is at least a 10-20 minute walk to Chumash Park. The start line for the Chesebro Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is nearly a half mile uphill from Chumash Park. Do not underestimate the amount of time it will take you to park, pick up, get to the start line and get warmed up. Every year, we see dozens of runners running uphill to the start as the race is starting because they underestimate the time it takes to get to the start.

Please note the times on the Pick Up for each distance:

Chesebro Half Marathon must pick up between 5:55 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. 

10K must pick up 6:25 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. It's critical that you are clear of the Registration/Pick Up tent, out of Chumash Park and on your way to the start, prior to the 7 a.m. start of the Chesebro Half Marathon in order for you to reach the start area in time. 

5K must pick up by 8:25 a.m.

1 Mile must pick up by 9:40 a.m.

You must pick up for yourself on race day. 

In order to pick up your goods, you MUST present the QR code on your Registration Confirmation Email.  Be sure to have the QR code on the email ready to present (either digital or printed is acceptable). If you don't have the QR code, you'll need to present photo ID.

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.

Important: For those who purchased Bib Mailout - Race Shirt & Goodie Bag Pick Up

If you purchased VIP Bib Mailout Service, after you finish your run, stop by the VIP Booth to pick up your race shirt and goodie bag where your shirt and bag will be waiting for you. The VIP Booth is located near the exit of the Finish Chute. You will need to present the tickets on your bib to pick up your goods. Many forget this step and leave their goods unclaimed. Please remember to pick up after your run.

Bag Check

We are offering a free Bag Check for all races where you can check a small bag.

Bag Check is at Chumash Park near the entrance. Bag 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. 

Directions & Parking

Important information about race day parking, directions, street closures and maps can be found here.

See our Google Map Showing All the Different Parking Locations:
View Recommended Parking

There is plenty of parking available, however, it fills up fast and the later you arrive, the farther away you may need to park. ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME to park, walk to registration/pick up, warm up and get to the start line. Please read the parking information and view the map to find multiple options for parking in case you encounter full lots.

The parking lots at Agoura Bible Fellowship at 5564 Foothill Dr. and at Agoura High School at 28545 W. Driver Ave., are for half marathon parking and early arriving 10Kers and will close by 6:45 a.m. There are approximately 500 spaces in this area, and these will fill up. If you get to this area on the later end, you may find all spaces are full. PRO TIP FOR HALF MARATHONERS: The Agoura Bible parking lot is the easiest in and out on race day.

AFTER 6:45 A.M. THERE IS NO ACCESS IN TO PARK AT AGOURA HIGH OR AGOURA BIBLE FELLOWSHIP as roads are closed to get ready for the start of the race. After 6:45 a.m., exit the 101 Fwy at Kanan Rd. After 6:45 a.m. all participants should plan to park on one of the streets or lots off of Kanan Rd

WE CAN'T EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH, HAVE A PLAN WITH MULTIPLE OPTIONS OF WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO PARK.

DO NOT PARK in a posted no parking zone, a tow away zone, a time-limited space, a customer-only space, or on a red line, do not park at Taco Bell. Don't create your own parking space in an area that is not meant for parking. If you do, you will be towed. You don't want your trip home to take a lot longer than you planned. Use common sense and park in a legal parking space. If you find parking lots full, there is plenty of street parking available. Please allow enough time to walk to the start.

Timing

Your timing device is on the back of your bib. Please leave the tags on the back of your bib.

Please follow these instructions:

When you receive your race bib, please:

In order to receive an accurate time, please make sure your race bib is:

  1. Clearly visible on your front
  2. Unaltered and unmodified (Do not fold or wrinkle bib. Do not write on or remove timing strip.)
  3. Pinned to your front or attached to race belt
  4. Not covered (by jackets, runner belts, water bottles, etc.)

In order to receive an accurate time, you must

  1. Cross the start mat at the start line at the start of the race.
  2. Run the entire race on the race course.
  3. Cross the finish mat at the finish line.
  4. Keep moving through the finish chute, there is nothing to remove or return.

You are responsible for your timing tag: if you lose it or damage it prior to your race, it cannot be replaced. 

Tag timing is provided to calculate your net (personal) time. If you think you can win a prize or an age group award, we suggest you line up near the front at the start of your wave. The first person to cross the finish line is the winner. Please don’t line up in front if you have no chance of finishing in the top 50, you know who you are. You must cross the start mat and the finish mat in order to calculate your personal time. 

WHERE TO WEAR YOUR RACE BIB
Your race bib and number must be visible and fastened to the front of your body. Use a race belt or pick up 4 pins at Pick Up if you need some. Do not pin your bib to your back. Your race bib identifies you as a race participant to many parties including race officials, police, security, emergency personnel, timing officials, traffic control, course monitors and photographers. If you are not wearing a race bib, you will not be allowed to run the course.

You must be wearing your race bib visible on your front when you cross the finish line in order to receive a finisher's medal and redeem it with your medal tag. No bib, no finisher's medal. 

Start Times: Saturday, April 5

6:00 a.m. - Race Day Registration & Pick Up opens
7:00 a.m. - Sports & Fitness Expo opens

7:00 a.m. - Chesebro Half Marathon

7:28 a.m. – Old Agoura 10K Wave 1, LA Races 15K Combo, Cronies 10.3 Mile Triple Stack Challenge
7:29 a.m. - Old Agoura 10K Wave 2

8:00 a.m. -- Post Race Party begins

9:05 a.m. – Deena Kastor 5K Wave 1, LA Races 15K Combo, Cronies 10.3 Mile Triple Stack Challenge
9:06 a.m. – Deena Kastor 5K Wave 2

10:15 a.m. - United Track 1 Mile - 10.3 Mile Triple Stack Challenge entrants
10:16 a.m. - United Track 1 Mile - 6-12 year olds who wish to run solo
10:17 a.m. - United Track 1 Mile - everyone else

We strive to start exactly on time but cannot start a race until we receive the all clear from the Sheriff's Department.

Start Locations

The races start from two different locations.

Chesebro Half Marathon, 10K and 5K:
The starts are in a residential neighborhood on Carell Ave. Please be mindful of the residing neighbors who provide us the opportunity to start the races on their street. While you've been up for a while, they may still be sleeping.

There are no toilets at the start line. Toilets are in three locations: 1. In Chumash Park (on the opposite end of the park from registration), 2. On the way to the start at the corner of Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Argos St. and 3. On the way to the start at the corner of Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Carell Ave. (Tip: The toilets at Carell & Thousand Oaks have the shortest lines).

It's important that you arrive at the start line with plenty of time to hear last minute instructions. This start line is nearly a half mile uphill from Chumash Park. The good news is the start is downhill! Allow time to get up the hill and recover from the walk up.

IMPORTANT: Please be mindful and respectful of the residents who are gracious enough to allow us to start the races in front of their homes. Please stay off their yards and driveways. Please discard your trash, bottles, layers appropriately in a trash can, at an aid station, or at the start line. Please do not leave your trash or clothing on any of the neighbors’ yards. If you leave clothing near the start, we have no idea if you are coming back for it or not, but we must remove it. We collect all discarded clothing and donate it. If you want to keep your discarded layer, it’s best you check it at Bag Check at Chumash Park prior to heading to the start.

United Track 1 Mile:
The 1 Mile starts on Driver Ave. near the Agoura High School gym. To get to the 1 Mile start from Chumash Park, cross Argos St. at Parkheath Dr. only, which is near the main entrance to Chumash Park and the Race Expo. Wait for guidance to cross. Argos St. is a live race course. Be mindful of runners sprinting down Argos to the finish. Please do not impede any runner's progress by cutting in front of them when they are running. The closest toilets to the start of the 1 Mile are located at the opposite side of Chumash Park. There are no toilets at the 1 Mile start.

Finisher Medals

You will find a medal ticket on your race bib. After you cross the finish line, continue until you see the medal booth. You will need to present your MEDAL ticket to redeem your finisher medal. 

There are 4 different finisher medals:

1. Chesebro Half Marathon

2. Triple Stack Challenge

3. 15K Combo

4. 10K, 5K, 1 Mile

For those in the Challenge Events: the 15K Combo and the 10.3 Mile Triple Stack Challenge, you will collect your two medals after your last race. 

If you are in the 15K Combo, pick up your medal after the 5K. If you are in the Triple Stack Challenge, pick up your medal after the 1 Mile. 

Finisher Food

At the exit of the finish chute, you will find Arrowhead Water and DryWater. After you walk by these two booths, please exit the finisher's area. Outside of the finisher's area at the Race Expo in Chumash Park, you will find booths with complimentary pancakes, fruit, bagels, juice, burritos, drinks and coffee. You will find a pancake ticket on your race bib which you need to redeem your pancake plate. Triple Stack Challenge runners: you get a Triple Stack of pancakes! Please take a moment to thank them all for providing food for you.

Food Providers

 

Meet Running Phenom Sadie Engelhardt

We are excited to announce that Sadie Engelhardt, the national high school record holder in the mile and 2024 Olympic Trials qualifier, will be joining us at the Nature Made Great Race. Sadie, a senior at Ventura High School, was named the 2024 Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Player of the Year and High School Girls Athlete of the Year by Track & Field News. She will be available for photos and autographs at the United Track booth from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., and will serve as the honorary starter for the United Track One Mile at 10:15 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of the brightest young stars in track and field!  

 

Great Race Shop

Visit our race store at the Race Expo and on Race Day and check out our brand new, 2025 limited edition stylish Great Race Trucker Hats and Hoodies plus other great shirts, jackets. etc. 

 

     

 

Expo & Post-Race Party

Get ready to go shopping when you walk through the booths at our Expo. Tip: Bring a card or cash with you on race day. You will want to take advantage of the expo offerings. 

Check out the great race day deals, the services and gear from many excellent exhibitors. 

Be sure to refuel after your run and hit the Recovery Zone. Plus enjoy the music.

Results & Age Group Awards

Unofficial race results for the Chesebro Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 15K Combo, Triple Stack Challenge and 1 Mile will be available at the Results Tent and available on your phone live here.

Due to the unique nature of this event with 6 concurrent timed races, it is challenging to provide complete and accurate official results at the event. After the results become official, we will award 288 age group awards! We don't have an award ceremony or award pick up. If you win an award, we will ship you an awesome personalized age group award in about 8-10 weeks. (Yes, it takes that long to finalize results, produce customized awards and ship them out). If you finish in the top 3 overall, we will be in touch about how to get your prize.

Age group awards are awarded for the Chesebro Half Marathon, 10K and 5K only. No age groups awards for the 1 Mile, Triple Challenge or 15K Combo.

 

Be Social

Social Coverage! You trained hard, now it's time to show the world your achievements! Take your selfies and your group shots, show us your post-race party dances and your medals and post them all for everyone to see. Use hashtag #GreatRaceLA on your social media accounts! Follow us on  Instagram, Facebook and X @GreatRaceLA 

Take 'em, tag 'em and share 'em