Half and Full Marathon Participant Instructions
Fall is in the air and I am back from my much needed hiatus!.
I truly hope this finds you healthy and ready for a beautiful run on the Silver Comet Trail on October 28, 2023!!!
The 23rd Annual Silver Comet Half Marathon and 12th Annual Silver Comet Marathon will be held October 28, 2023.
There is a change to the start of the race as we re-certified the courses this year. Both races will start and finish at the Silver Comet Trail head located at 4342 Floyd Road, Mableton. There will be no parking at the trail head so please note parking changes below.
Following is all the information you need for this year’s event. I thank each of you for your support and understanding as after 25 years of race directing and coaching I took a much needed break. I am excited about the changes to the courses and having a fresh start and fresh perspective about my events!
Here you go! Hopefully I have all your questions answered below!
Please read to the end!
Refunds/Deferrals: No refunds or deferrals as stated in registration waiver. Active.com does offer registration insurance at the time of registration.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO: – PLEASE make sure to legibly fill out the emergency contact info on the back of your race number.
Shirts/Medals: Yes, of course there will be shirts and medals for each participant of the Half and Full Marathon!
Registration: Online registration will close Tuesday October 24, 2023 at 11:59pm. I will accept registrations during the packet pickup times and race day (cash or check Half $100 Full $125), but no medal is guaranteed.
Weather: Wow! It looks perfect. Partly Sunny – low of 60 & high of 75!
Additional Waivers: ALL Participants running the official course race day must sign the Race Day Waiver, and bring with them to packet pick up.
Packet Pickup: We are offering 2 packet pick up times – Wed Oct 25 and Thur Oct 26 from 4:30 to 6:30pm outside Comet Trail Cycles 4342 Floyd Road Mableton (race finish location).
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THEM -( They are only hosting space for pickup and have nothing to do with numbers or times I will be there )- for all virtual & in-person participants. Packets will include a shirt, number (official course runners only), and other fun goodies! You may pick up packets for other participants but please bring waiver and copy of ID. Anyone coming in from out of town – please contact me to arrange pickup on Friday from my home or Saturday morning.
Start and Finish Line Addresses: The certified start and finish line address is: Comet Trail Cycles: 4342 Floyd Rd SW, Mableton, GA 30126. Please remember the bike shop is still operational and the trail is not closed.
Parking: As with all our races: Parking is available away from businesses at the Kroger / Publix parking lots which are approximately ¾ of a mile from start and finish line locations. Do not park in restricted spaces or block business parking. Do not park on the road leading into the trail head parking or you will be towed. Parking is not allowed at the Trail Head parking lot before the race start as we must leave the parking lot open to trail users.We recommend you be dropped off/ picked up at the end! There will not be shuttles to the start or back to parking this year but I DO anticipate adding shuttles back next year as post covid participation improves.
Police: As per the last 3 years – due to the limited race size there will be no police, no road or trail + road intersection closings (please see course / start line info next bullet!). You MUST obey all traffic crossings on the trail. You are responsible for running the course as you would if you were on one of your normal runs and running the trail on your own.
Race Course & Timing: Both Races will start at 7:45am on the trail at the finish line location 4342 Floyd Road Mableton. Runners should be in the open area outside the Comet Trail Cycles to line up and walk down to the start line. Finish line mat will be in place at the finish line until 1:30 pm.
Boston Qualification: YES, the Marathon Course (please see changes below) is certified and you CAN use your time for Boston Qualification. Each participant should save & send Garmin (or other GPS data) to us, for BQ verification and support.
Awards: Overall awards only (no age group awards this year) will be awarded to those who run the certified course, based on gun time.
Course Marking: I make apologies now that the miles will NOT be marked as the certifications are just being finalized. The half marathon turn around is between Old Lost Mountain Road Bridge and the Charles Harris overpass. The Full will turn around just past the bridge over the railroad tracks in Paulding. Yes, you now go past the waste water treatment plant and there are no turns. The Lucille Creek offshoot has been eliminated.
The turnarounds will be clearly marked with cones and chalk paint and signs!
Water Stops: Water stops have not been moved. We have our awesome South Cobb High School soccer coaches and soccer team members volunteering for each Half Marathon course water stop from 8:00 to 1:00. Please leave all cups and litter at the water stop for collection. Do NOT litter on the trail. All marathon water stops and the Turn around will also be manned. ( I am still seeking volunteers please have them contact Dana via email.) Please prepare to carry your own and supplements. Marathon ONLY: there will be 16oz water bottles available at two water stop locations – at Seaboard and Florence Road water stops – if you grab one, please hold the top and bottle until you reach a trash can! Please don’t litter and keep the trail as clean as possible.
Porta-potties: The trailhead bathrooms are open and available for use. The trailheads are marked on the course map.
Costumes: Are WELCOMED!!! It is Halloween, so let’s celebrate!
Finish Line: I, Dana, will be at finish line tents with the DJ. We will have bottled water, pretzels, bananas, and other goodies. Remember, shirts and packets are not available for pick up on race day – must be picked up at scheduled times.
Photographer: Photographers will be at marathon turn-around and the finish line. These photos will be uploaded HERE for free download after the race. Please take selfies and photos, and send them to us, tag us on Instagram and Facebook, since you may be running all over! Please follow us!
Spectators: You can direct your spectators as you so choose. Spectators should not congregate on the silver comet trail or crowd close to the finish line. There is an open area for lawn chairs and distance! Remember our photographer can’t get photos if spectators are crowding the finish line.
Super Excited to see you all on October 28th!
Happy Trails,
Dana Greene, Race Director
silvercometrace@gmail.com