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General / Miscellaneous
When is the race?
The Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and EP5K will be held Sunday, January 17, 2010.
How long has the Houston Marathon been around?The first Houston Marathon was run in December of 1972. For a look at the Houston Marathon from its beginning, click here.
Which airport is closest to the start line and George R. Brown Convention Center?
Houston's two major airports are both a 30- to 45-minute drive from the start line and the George R. Brown Convention Center. George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport is located north of downtown on Highway 59 and is the larger of the two airports. William P. Hobby Airport is located south of downtown on Interstate 45. Contact your hotel to see if they offer shuttle service from either airport.
What is the Run For a Reason program?
The Run for a Reason program is a charity drive that happens in conjunction with the Chevron Houston Marathon. All money raised through the Run for a Reason program goes directly to the charities. To sign up for the program or to make a donation, please click here.
What if I lose something at the race?
A lost-and-found is located at the information booth in the George R. Brown Convention Center. Check the lost-and-found if you lose any items in or around the Convention Center. Items that are discarded along the race route will NOT be returned to the lost-and-found. Instead, they will be collected and donated to Star of Hope.
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Registration
How can I register?
Registration for all 2010 races will open at midnight (12:00 a.m.) CST on July 17, 2009.
Can I register on the day of the race?
No. Late registration for the EP5K, if available, will be held at the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute EXPO on Friday, January 15, and Saturday, January 16, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, if registration spots are still open.
How much does it cost to register?
There will be no entry fees increase for the 2010 races!
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Marathon |
Half Marathon |
| July 17, 2009 |
$90 |
$65 |
| August 1, 2009 |
$100 |
$75 |
| September 1, 2009 |
$120 |
$85 |
The EP5K will cost $20 from July 17, 2009 through October 31 and $25 from November 1 through Race Weekend (if spaces are still available).
Do you offer a military discount off the registration fee?
Military discounts are available. Please email us at marathon@chevronhoustonmarathon.com for more information.
Please note that military discounts will NOT be available for registrations obtained through the transfer system.
How can I check to see if I'm registered?
Registration for all 2010 races will open at midnight (12:00 a.m.) CST on July 17, 2009.
Why haven't I received an email confirmation?
Usually the problem is that your computer's spam filter has erased or blocked the email confirmation that was sent to you. Please make sure that marathon@chevronhoustonmarathon.com is on your "allowed senders" list so that your spam filter will not block your confirmation email.
Do you limit the number of runners in each race?
The marathon and half marathon will raise the combined cap from 18,000 to 22,000 participants. Of the 22,000 entries, 11,000 entries will now be reserved for each of the marathon and half marathon participants.
What happens if I register and then am unable to participate?
We do not offer refunds and entries are not transferable to future years. You are still welcome to pick up your packet and receive your participation t-shirt, though we are unable to mail packets. If you are injured but can still walk or jog, you may want to switch your registration from the marathon to the half marathon or the 5K. The deadline to switch from one race to another will be announced in Fall 2009. A request form will be available on our web site.
Can I switch my registration from one race to another?
Yes. Please check back in Fall 2009 for the deadline to switch between races. 5K runners are NOT allowed to switch to the marathon or half marathon if those races are sold out. Any runner who runs a race other than the one for which he or she is registered will not be scored.
Is there a waiting list of applicants who are added due to cancellations race weekend?
No. We know the approximate number of people who cancel each year and we accept more than enough entrants in anticipation of those cancellations.
Where does my registration fee go?
Your registration fee helps to pay for the necessary permits, supplies and personnel to put on the Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and EP5K.
The Houston Marathon Committee is a not-for-profit organization.
The online form tells me to "view shopping cart," but I don't see a shopping cart. What do I do?
This message is sometimes displayed if you've hit the "back" button on your browser during registration. To fix the problem, all you need to do is delete your browser's cookies, close the window, open a new browser window and complete the online registration form (being sure not to hit the "back" button on your browser).
Click here for instructions on how to delete the cookies from your browser.
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Packet Pickup
When is packet pickup?
Packet pickup will be held Friday, January 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute EXPO. The EXPO is located at:
Hall A3. Third Floor
George R. Brown Convention Center
(Click for Map)
1001 Avenue of the Americas
Houston, TX 77010
Can I pick up my packet on race day?
No. Packet pickup will be held at the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute EXPO on Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. If you do not pick up your packet at the EXPO, you will not be able to run in your race. Packets will NOT be mailed.
What is included in my packet?
Your race bib, timing chip and final instructions will be in your packet along with a fastener for your timing chip and safety pins for your bib. It is extremely important that you read the final instructions prior to race day. We will include only pertinent information to help you be more prepared for race morning. You are responsible for knowing the information that we provide to you in the final instructions.
What do I need to bring with me to pick up my packet?
Every participant will receive a final confirmation sent via e-mail and mail, if you provided a valid mailing address during registration. Bring photo ID and a printed copy of your confirmation to the EXPO to pick up your packet.
Can a friend pick up my packet for me?
Yes. There is a designated area on your final confirmation that allows you to release your packet to someone else. Your friend will need to bring a hard copy of the final confirmation with your signature in the designated area in order to retrieve your packet. Your friend must show his or her state-issued photo ID in order to pick up your packet.
When will I receive my final confirmation?
Final confirmations will be sent in early January 2010. A final confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address you provided on your registration form.
Please note that e-mails are sent in bulk and may be rejected by your spam filter if you have one. To ensure that you will receive your final confirmation e-mail, make sure that marathon@chevronhoustonmarathon.com is on your "allowed senders" list.
Why do I need my final confirmation?
You must present a printed copy of your confirmation e-mail to pick up your packet at the EXPO. We also ask that you review the information printed on the card for accuracy. This is the perfect time to let us know if your address has changed or will change and if your gender, age and wheelchair status is correct. This will ensure proper division placement for the official race results.
What if I don't receive my final confirmation?
If for any reason you don't receive your final confirmation you may email us for a replacement link or visit the registration area inside the EXPO. There will be designated stations where you will be able to get a copy of your final confirmation by presenting your state-issued photo ID.
I am planning to arrive in Houston on Saturday, January 16. Will I be able to pick up my race packet in time?
You're cutting it close, but as long as you have enough time to get to the EXPO before 6:00 p.m., you'll be all set. There is no race day packet pickup and no packets will be mailed. The EXPO is held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, about a 30- to 45-minute drive from either of Houston's two major airports. |
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Bib Numbers and Wave Start
How can I find out what my bib number is?
You will be notified of your assigned number when you receive your final confirmation in early January. Sorry, but bib number assignments are not available via e-mail and will only be released with final confirmations.
What is a wave start and why is it helpful?
A wave start is a start in which the runners are separated into two "waves" by their estimated pace per mile. The first wave will start 10 minutes before the second wave, alleviating the crowding that often takes place in the first miles of the race. The wave start helps to make the race a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved by improving the flow of traffic at the start and through the first miles of the race. Instead of having to weave through a forest of runners moving at a slower pace, faster runners have room ahead to run. Instead of constantly worrying about being hit by the speed demons out of the gate, slower runners can relax, find a comfortable pace and enjoy the first few miles of the race.
Please "seed" yourself within your designated wave by using your best estimate as to how long it will take you to finish. Runners at the front of the wave will be expected to run a faster pace than runners at the back of the wave.
My training has been going well and I think I can run a faster time than I predicted. Can I change my predicted pace per mile?
Congratulations on your improvement! For administrative reasons, we cannot change your predicted finish time or corral location. No matter where you are at the start, we will do our best to get everyone across the start line as quickly as possible.
My friend was placed in a different wave. Can we start together?
Yes, entrants who are assigned to different waves but wish to start together may do so. If your friend was placed in a wave behind yours, then you are welcome to forego your assignment and join them for the start in the later wave. Entrants may move back within the wave system but not forward. |
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Weather
What is the weather typically like on marathon day?
No predictions here! Just averages from previous Houston Marathons:
What happens if it rains?
The race will go on regardless of precipitation. The race will only be cancelled if weather conditions present imminent danger to participants. The Houston Marathon has never been cancelled in any of its 37 years. |
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Start and Finish Area
Where does the race start and finish?
The race begins and ends in downtown Houston, near the George R. Brown Convention center. The marathon start area will be on Crawford Street, in front of Minute Maid Park. The half marathon start area will be one block over, on La Branch Street. The 5K will start on Crawford Street after the marathon has started. Marathon and half marathon participants will merge at mile 2. From downtown, participants will run through the Heights and Montrose neighborhoods. At approximately mile 9, runners in the half marathon split off and return to finish at the George R. Brown Convention Center. All three races will finish on Rusk, next to the George R. Brown Convention Center and just south of the start areas.
A detailed map of the starting area, as well as instructions for race morning, can be found in the final instructions, which you will receive in your packet.
What time does the race start?
All runners should report to the start line at 6:30 a.m. The marathon and half marathon wheelchair start is 6:45 a.m. the remaining marathon and half marathon participants start at 7:00 a.m.; the 5K wheelchair start is 7:25 a.m. and the remaining 5K participants start at 7:30 a.m.
Where can I meet my family and friends after the race?
The easiest way to find your family and friends after the race is to have a plan beforehand. An easy place to meet up post-race is the Reunion Area in Hall C of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Reunion Area is marked with signs showing letters of the alphabet and runners are encouraged to ask their family and friends to meet them under the sign showing the first letter of the runner's last name.
Where should I park?
There are many privately owned parking lots close to the start and finish line. Expect to pay cash for all-day parking with no in-and-out privileges. A map of parking close to the start and finish area can be found online here, and also will be included in the Race Day Program.
What time should I get there on race day?
The George R. Brown Convention Center will be open at 5:00 a.m. We suggest that runners arrive at the convention center before 6:00 a.m. since the Houston Police Department will begin closing streets in and around downtown at 6:00. Please keep in mind that you may have to fight traffic and may have to park a few blocks away from the convention center. Give yourself some extra time to make sure you get to there on time!
Are shuttles available?
No, the marathon does not offer shuttle service on race day. Fortunately, there is plenty of parking available only a few blocks from the George R. Brown Convention Center and the start line, so you should be able to find parking only a short walk from wherever it is you need to be. You also could ask about shuttle service at your hotel.
If I leave the runners-only area of the Convention Center, will I be able to get back in?
Yes. Runners are allowed to enter and exit the runners-only area of the George R. Brown Convention Center (Halls A and B) through the entrance and exit located near the Finisher's Merchandise area. Please note that only runners are allowed in Halls A and B of the Convention Center on race day. Spectators, including family and friends of runners, are only allowed inside Hall C.
Can I page my family over the intercom system at the GRB after the race?
No. The intercom will be used only for official Chevron Houston Marathon announcements and for emergencies. We encourage runners to arrange to meet their family and friends in the Reunion Area, located in Hall C of the Convention Center.
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Baggage Check
What type of bag may I check?
You will receive a goodie bag with your t-shirt at packet pick-up. This goodie bag is the only bag you may check before the race. The bag is 17” x 21” in size and has a drawstring closure. No other bags will be accepted at baggage check.
Where is the baggage check located?
The baggage check is located in Hall B of the George R. Brown Convention Center. A map of the convention center can be found in the Race Day Program, which you will receive in your packet.
How do I check my bag and claim it once the race is over?
You will find a baggage check tag attached to the top of your race bib. The tag is printed with your bib number. Detach the tag and attach it to your bag, and bring your bag to the baggage check in the George R. Brown Convention Center.
An additional baggage claim ticket is attached to the bottom of your race bib. After the race, visit the baggage check area and present your baggage claim ticket to retrieve your bag.
What happens to my bag if I forget to claim it after the race?
The baggage check closes at 2:00 p.m. on race day and all bags must be picked up before that time. The Chevron Houston Marathon is not responsible for bags that are not picked up by 2:00 p.m.
How many bags can I check?
Due to space limitations, we are only able to check one bag per runner. Baggage check will only accept the goodie bag you receive as part of your race packet.
Can I leave jewelry, computers or other valuables at the baggage check?
We strongly recommend that you leave your valuables at home. The Chevron Houston Marathon is not responsible for lost or stolen property, including any and all property checked at the baggage check. |
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Course
What are the time limits for the marathon and half marathon?
Participants in both races will need to be able to maintain a pace of 13:45 per mile in order to stay ahead of the streets being re-opened to vehicular traffic. No participants are allowed on the course when the streets are open to vehicular traffic.
The marathon finish line will close after 6 hours. Any marathoners finishing after 6 hours will not be scored as official finishers.
The half marathon finish line will close after 4 hours. Any half marathoners finishing after 4 hours will not be scored as official finishers.
Why is there a time limit?
In order to comply with the Houston Marathon's agreement with the City of Houston, streets comprising the route must be reopened to vehicular traffic on a set schedule.
What happens if my pace is slower than the allotted time?
If your pace is slower than 13:45 per mile, you may find that the course is closing faster than you are completing the race. If this is the case, you are free to complete the route, but the Houston Police Department will ask you to move off of the road. Keep in mind that as the course closes, the water and aid stations will also close. The finish line closes at 1:00 p.m. and no times will be recorded after 1:00 p.m. for the marathon or 11:00 a.m. for the half marathon. Finisher medals, mugs and t-shirts will be awarded only to those finishing within the allotted time limit.
What is the course surface like?
The course is a 50/50 mix of concrete and asphalt/blacktop, similar to the course composure of the Boston or Chicago Marathon.
Where are the water stations/aid stations/port-a-cans?
Water stations are located every 1.5 miles along the course, beginning at mile 2. Each water station will provide water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula to participants. Medical aid stations are located every other mile beginning at mile 5, and every mile from mile 19 to the finish. Port-a-cans are located every mile starting at mile 2.
What is not allowed on the course?
Many things are not allowed on the course. If you have a question about what is or is not allowed, email us at marathon@chevronhoustonmarathon.com. Here is a partial list of what is NOT allowed on the course: Runners going backward, runners not wearing a bib, animals, bicycles, baby joggers, strollers, roller skates, rollerblades, hand-crank chairs and wheeled vehicles other than wheelchairs. For our updated headphone policy, click here. |
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Chip Timing
How do I make sure I have the right chip?The number printed on your packet should match the number on your chip. Simply make sure these two numbers match, and you're all set -- no need for chip check!
What is chip time and how is it different from gun time?Chip time is recorded by an electronic chip that is attached to a runner's shoe. Your chip records the time at which you cross the start line, the finish line and several split times in between. Chip time is often shorter than gun time because chip time begins when a runner crosses the start line while gun time starts when the gun is fired; many runners don't cross the start line until several minutes after their official gun time has begun.
Why use chip timing?
Chip time is a more accurate measure than gun time of how long it takes a runner to complete the race. Gun time is only 100% accurate for the first row of runners, who cross the start line when the gun sounds. Runners who are farther back are "on the clock" before they even cross the start line, making their gun time longer than the time it actually took them to complete the course.
What happens if I lose my chip?
Your chip will be included in your packet, so make sure to be careful when opening the packet so that the chip does not fall out.
If you do lose your chip, you will not have an official time and will not be recorded as an official finisher of your race. This means that you will not be able to use your race time to qualify for other races, such as the Boston Marathon.
What if the chip gets wet?
The chip is completely weatherproof and will work regardless of rain, heat, storms, humidity or other inclement conditions.
How accurate is chip time?
Chip time is the most accurate form of marathon timing available because it measures the exact time between a runner crossing the start line and the finish line. Chip time also records several important splits, providing an accurate record of a runner's pace.
Will the chip interfere with my running?
In a word: no. The chip is about the size of a quarter, is extremely light and attaches to your shoelace. Once it's attached, you won't even notice that it's there. |
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Scoring
Is chip time or gun time used to determine prizes?
Per USATF rules, gun time is used to determine prize money winners and time bonus recipients. Chip time will be used to determine all age-group winners and other award recipients.
What are the age groups for awards?
Awards are given to the top three finishers in each of the following age categories: 11 and under, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.
Will there be an awards ceremony?
This year, there will be no awards ceremony.
What happens if I run a different race than the one I'm registered for?
Runners with 5K bibs will not be allowed into the marathon or half marathon start areas, and runners with half marathon bibs will not be allowed into the marathon start area. Runners who complete a course other than that of the race for which they are registered will be disqualified. Runners can only receive finisher items for the race for which they are registered. |
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Boston Qualifying
Can I use my Chevron Houston Marathon time to qualify for the Boston Marathon?
Yes, you can. The Boston Marathon accepts qualifying times from the Chevron Houston Marathon. Qualifying times for the Boston Marathon vary by age group and a complete breakdown of qualifying times can be found here. The Houston Marathon will send a complete list of finishers to the BAA about a week after the race.
How do I submit my time to the Boston Marathon?
When registering for the Boston Marathon, enter your finishing time, finishing place, the race name and location and the date of the race in the section entitled "Qualification Information." Be sure to indicate if the time you enter is gun time or chip time.
Will the Boston Marathon check to confirm my time?
Yes. The Boston Marathon automatically receives a list of all official finishers of the Chevron Houston Marathon and their chip and gun times. The time that you put on your Boston Marathon registration will be checked against the official time that they have on file.
For any other questions concerning qualification for the Boston Marathon, please contact the Boston Athletic Association.
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Runner Goodies
How do I get my finisher items after the race?
Finishers' merchandise will be handed out in the GRB after the races. All finishers in all races will receive a medal at the finish line. Marathon and half marathon runners will use the "finisher shirt" ticket attached to the bottom of their bibs to claim their finishers' shirts. Marathon finishers will also receive a glass beer stein.
Will I be able to purchase race merchandise on race day?
Yes. There will be a booth at which runners can purchase merchandise inside Hall C of the GRB.
Besides the chance to run in one of the nation's premiere marathons, what do I get for my registration fee?
Runners in all three races will receive a registration shirt. Marathon and half marathon finishers will receive finisher shirts, a medal and a hot meal courtesy of HEB. Marathon finishers also get a glass beer stein. Runners are also invited to attend the two-day Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine EXPO on the Friday and Saturday before the event, at which many vendors give out free samples and branded items.
Can I have an extra t-shirt for my husband/wife/son/daughter/friend/cousin/dog?
Sorry, we can only provide one t-shirt per registered participant. |
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Spectators
How can I find out if a runner has finished?
The Houston Marathon offers an Athlete Alert messaging service for all marathon and half marathon participants. This service allows athletes and race spectators to receive cell phone text messages and emails during the race as their favorite athlete passes by various race checkpoints. Participants may sign up for this service on our website and at the EXPO before the race. During the race, LIVE Searchable Results are available at www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com. You can look up a runner's status on the website using the runner's last name. Internet kiosks will be available inside Hall C of the George R. Brown Convention Center. After the race, results will be posted on our website.
How can I find out if someone has dropped out of the race or is in the Medical Area?
Check at the information booth inside Hall C of the GRB. The staff at this booth will have access to a list of all runners who have been admitted to, discharged from, and transferred from the Medical Area.
What are the best places to watch the race?
Mile 2 - The Elysian Viaduct
Miles 3 & 4 - White Oak Drive
Mile 10 - Main Street
Mile 12 - University Boulevard in West University Place
Mile 13 - University and Wesleyan
Mile 16 - Post Oak and San Felipe
Mile 17 - Tanglewood Road
Miles 20 & 21 - Memorial Park
The start line, finish line and all water stations
A map of these locations can be found in the Race Day Program in the race packet, or you can find them on the course map.
What time will the first runners be coming through my area?
Below is a chart showing the approximate times that the first runners will arrive at each mile marker. Keep in mind that these times are approximate and showing up at the time listed does not guarantee that you'll get to see the first runners as they streak by. |
| Mile 1: 7:05 a.m. |
Mile 10: 7:50 a.m. |
Mile 19: 8:34 a.m. |
| Mile 2: 7:10 a.m. |
Mile 11: 7:55 a.m. |
Mile 20: 8:39 a.m. |
| Mile 3: 7:15 a.m. |
Mile 12: 8:00 a.m. |
Mile 21: 8:44 a.m. |
| Mile 4: 7:20 a.m. |
Mile 13: 8:05 a.m. |
Mile 22: 8:49 a.m. |
| Mile 5: 7:25 a.m. |
Mile 14: 8:09 a.m. |
Mile 23: 8:54 a.m. |
| Mile 6: 7:30 a.m. |
Mile 15: 8:14 a.m. |
Mile 24: 8:59 a.m. |
| Mile 7: 7:35 a.m. |
Mile 16: 8:19 a.m. |
Mile 25: 9:04 a.m. |
| Mile 8: 7:40 a.m. |
Mile 17: 8:24 a.m. |
Mile 26: 9:09 a.m. |
| Mile 9: 7:45 a.m. |
Mile 18: 8:29 a.m. |
Finish: 9:10 a.m. |
Run for a Reason
What is the Run for a Reason program?
The Run for a Reason program is a charity drive that happens in conjunction with the Chevron Houston Marathon. All money raised through the Run for a Reason program goes directly to the charities. Once registration opens on July 17, 2009, runners will be have the option to donate to an Official Chevron Houston Marathon charity during the registration process or they may donate by visiting the Run for a Reason page to select a charity and make a donation.
Participants may create their own fundraising pages, they may donate to someone elses donation page, or they may make a donation directly to the charity of their choice from the Run for a Reason page.
How do I raise money?
The best way to raise money in the Run for a Reason program is to create an online donations page. Using this page, you will be able to set a fundraising goal, email potential donors, keep track of your donations and send thank you emails.
To create your personal donations page, go to our Run for a Reason page and click on the logo of the charity for which you would like to raise funds. Select "Become a Fundraiser" from the menu at the top of the page, and then select "Fundraise as an Individual." Enter your information to complete the process and create your fundraising page.
Is there a way for my business to get involved with the Run for a Reason program?
Companies and organizations that would like to support charity through the Run for a Reason program can do so via our Sidewalk Squad program. The Sidewalk Squad is a unique program that gives companies exposure in, involvement with and recognition at Texas’ largest marathon in exchange for a donation to one of the Chevron Houston Marathon’s official Run for a Reason charities. More information on the Sidewalk Squad can be found here.
How do I find my personal donations page?
You will receive an email with a link to your Personal Donations Page after creating it. If you lose the email or cannot access your Personal Donations Page through the provided link, go to www.activegiving.com and log in to view your Personal Donations Page.
Can I raise money for a charity if I am not participating in a race?
If you do not plan to register for any of our races, but still want to set up a Personal Donations Page, simply go to the Run for a Reason page, click on the logo of the charity for which you wish to fundraise and select “Become a Fundraiser.”
How can I view my online donations?
Access information is sent in a confirmation email. For easier access, you should bookmark the page link that is sent. Within your Campaign Center, find the link that says “View Reports.” When you visit your personal Campaign Center and you are logged in, follow the “View Reports” link. If you are not logged in when you visit your page, you will not see the inside of the Campaign Center. You may log in at www.activegiving.com.
How do I modify my personal donations page?
When you visit your Personal Donations Page and you are logged in, a navigation bar will appear with a “Customize My Web Page” link. If you are not logged in when you visit your page, you will not see the inside of the Campaign Center. You can login at www.activegiving.com.
Who do I contact if I’m having problems with my personal donations page or online fundraising?
If you have any questions concerning online fundraising, you can contact Active.com at 888-543-7223, ext.4 or support@active.com Please include "Houston Run for a Reason" in the e-mail subject line.
Pasta Dinner
Will there be an official Pasta Dinner this year?
No, there will not be an official Pasta Dinner. However, many downtown hotels and restaurants offer pasta specials during race weekend. Check back in January 2010 for a list of these restaurants.
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Why are you running on January 17, 2010?
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