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Monster Mash 5K FAQ's Page

 

What does my registration fee pay for?

The generous support of our sponsors cover the cost of permitting for our venue, timing, and other hard costs. We unfortunately have no control over the processing fee charged by the third-party registration site vendor. 100% of net proceeds from registration will be directed to fund resources and programs in the areas of Academic Support & Enrichment, Behavioral & Mental Heath, Basic Student Needs, Teacher Grants, Dedicated Fine Arts, and Cultural Bridges for students attending all 27 ISD schools.

Do I have to be a runner to participate?

Not at all! All ages and participation levels are welcome. We encourage time-conscious runners who average a 5K time of 24 minutes (7:41 min/mile pace or less) to register in our Elite Runner wave. The waves are set 2 minutes apart and are intended to help you enjoy the race with others moving at about the same pace as you, but pick whichever wave you want. 

My child wants to participate. If I want to walk/jog with them, do I need to register myself?

Yes. Since space is limited on the course, we need all persons on the race course to be registered participants. Thanks for understanding!

How many people are you expecting and do I have other race options?

Due to onsite parking and trail limitations, registration will close at 425 onsite runners. For those who prefer to run/walk indoors or within their own neighborhoods, we also have a virtual race option available. Virtual racers who register on/before October 10, 2023 will receive the same technical tee and event medal that in-person racers receive and can pick these items up at early packet pickup on October 27, 2023, post-race at the Foundation, or pay for shipping their race swag to their home. Both in-person and virtual racers help us support the students in our community... thank you!

Is there a shorter-distanced, little-kid race?

There is not a shorter course, but the Monster Mash 5K is open to all ages and all fitness levels with the ability to complete the 5K (3.1 Mile) course. If you choose to bring smaller children, we recommend that you register for one of the later wave times (walkers or walker/joggers). Since East Lake Sammamish is fairly narrow and needs to accomodate two-way traffic, we discourage strollers. 

What’s the parking situation?

There is a generous, but limited, amount of on-site parking available at the Lake Sammamish State Park Boat Launch. We strongly recommend carpooling. This dedicated parking area is conveniently adjacent to the Monster Mash Start/Finish line and Registration/Packet Pick Up area. Since this is a Washington State Park, a Discover Pass is required to park onsite. Annual and Day Discover Passes can be purchased via local vendor with a small transaction fee, purchased at a State Park kiosk at the Boat Launch, or pre-purchased with your race registration without a transaction fee. If you choose to purchase a Discover Day Pass along with your race registration, your Discover Pass will be included with your race packet.  If you already have a Discover Pass, then you're all set and parking will have no cost associated with it for the race!

If on-site parking is full and/or you do not own a Discover Pass and do not wish to purchase a day pass, there is free parking available near the ISD Central Administration building, which is approximately 1 mile awayShould you choose to park at overflow parking at this location, extra time should be allotted for walking to Lake Sammamish State Park. The race start will not be held for late arrivals.

How early should I plan to arrive?

We generally recommend that you arrive 45 minutes to 1-hour ahead of time to allow for potential lines, parking, packet pick up (if you haven't already done so), stretching, and time to find your starting wave corral. Your packet will be available for early pickup the afternoon/evening before the race (October 27), which is a great way to avoid these lines and sleep in a little later on race day! If you do happen to find yourself with a little extra time on race day, soak up the sunrise over the lake, visit some booths, and snap some fun photos with your family and friends! 

What’s Included?

Registrations on/before October 10, 2023 includes a 2022 MM5K technical wicking tee in a size of your choosing and a unique event medal. Registrations received on/after October 10, 2022 do not include a guaranteed 2022 tee or medal due to production deadlines, for these items, unfortunately. Thank you for understanding.

How early can I pick up my packet and swag? Can I pick up another racer's packet for them?

Packets will be available for early pick up on October 27, 2023 at the Foundation office from 4-7 PM. You may pick up packets for other registered racers as well. Early packet pick up is a great way to avoid the day-of lines, and we strongly recommend this option. Each packet includes a linked racing bib/timing chip, but only those who registered by October 10, 2023 should expect to receive a shirt and medal. Late registrations may still receive race swag, if available, but this is not guaranteed. 

Festive seasonal dress is encouraged. What is this?

We encourage you to embrace the season and wear whatever feels festive and comfortable to you. This can be anything from a family-friendly costume to silly accessories like tutus, crazy socks, and hats. All festively dressed racers are eligible for a raffle for local gift cards and prizes! See pictures of last year's event.

How do I wear my bib?

Generally speaking, it works best to safety pin the bib to the front or back of your tee shirt. There is a timing chip affixed to the back of each bib that will be read as you cross mats that are located at the Start/Finish line. 

Will there be water available on the course? 

There will be water stops set up at the 1 mile and 2 mile markers. Thank you in advance for using the trash cans for disposal.

How is the festival area and course set up? 

Stay tuned! A video of the parking and festival areas and route are coming soon!

Are you accepting morning-of registrations?

Possibly, depending on race capacity. Since parking is limited and we want everyone to have a great experience, registrations will be limited. We will announce whether or not morning-of registrations are available on October 25th, 2022.   

Are dogs and strollers allowed?

While East Lake Sammamish Trail remains a public trail without restrictions, we strongly advise against dogs and strollers due to the high volume of runners along the narrow, two-way race route.  

How long does this event last?

Our first wave is scheduled to start at 10 AM. Our last wave is scheduled to start at 10:10 AM. One can typically expect the last walker to cross the Finish line about one hour after they start. If you run early and need to leave the area early, the exits to the park will be open, but please note that we will have traffic management in place and there is the possibility that you will be asked to yield to crossing runners.

Are there prizes?

Yes! There will be awards and prizes for fastest time in each age division as well as overall fastest male/female (1st, 2nd. 3rd place).  We anticipate announcing these awards around 11 AM.  Additionally, all those in festive seasonal dress are eligible for raffles prizes!

Are there any Covid-related restrictions in place for this race?

At this point, there are no King County Covid-related restrictions on public outdoor gatherings/events to be enforced. With this said, we encourage you to take whatever precautions you feel most comfortable with for yourself and family. There is also a virtual MM5K race option available that still receives a technical tee and medal, if this option is preferred.  

I own a business and would love to see my logo on the back of the Monster Mash shirts and on race signage...How does that happen?

Support from our generous sponsors allow us to cover our costs and pass along more funding directly to students in our community.  To learn more about Monster Mash 5K sponsorship options, please email: valerie@isfdn.org.The deadline to make the MM5K tee is October 6th, 2023. 

Are there volunteer opportunities available at this event?

Yes! Our event has a variety of ways for teens and adults to get involved. Volunteer signups are available at:  https://signup.com/go/gBBeuZi

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