What questions do you have?
When is the Race?
Saturday October 10th, 2009. There is no Husker football!
Where is the Starting Location and what path does the course follow?
The starting line is at 11th and Jackson Streets in the Old Market in Omaha. The finish line is in the Haymarket in Lincoln. Please visit our Course section with interactive maps of each segment of the course.
What is the entry fee per team?
The registration is $400 per team. Registration page for more details.
How do I register?
You can register here or at Active.com.
What time does the race start?
There will be multiple starting times. If you get into the race you will be assigned a starting time a few weeks in advance. It could be as early as 6:00 A.M. or as late as 7:00 A.M.. We will not be able tell you which starting time you will have until closer to the race date. The first starting times will be released at the beginning of October.
What are the duties of the team captain?
The captain is in charge of organizing the team and will receive any pre-race day information via mail. The captain is also in charge of making sure that everyone is aware of all rules, safety guidelines and race day changes. Team captains will also sign the official team scorecard at the end of the race.
When and where is the team captains' meeting?
A short captains’ meeting will be held at the Staging Area/Exchange Point 2 to highlight any additional changes or to answer any questions.
When and where is Packet Pick-up?
Traffic Control and Police Assistance?
Please read over the rules for many race policies involving vehicles and any traffic issues that runners may face.
The majority of the race will be run on residential streets, trails and back country roads. Runners should face few traffic problems. However, in certain areas of the course, there will be police assistance, especially in Omaha and Bellevue. Runners will need to obey all traffic laws and run facing traffic if running on streets.
How long will the race take?
It depends on how fast your team runs. The fastest teams will finish under 9 hours. Teams who average only slightly faster than a 10-minute mile pace will take closer to 14 hours to complete the course. Teams with a slower-than-10-minute mile will be encouraged to drive ahead to the finish line and will not have an official time.
How many miles will I run at a time?
Please refer to The Rules for a course breakdown for 6-, 7-, and 8-person teams.
How many miles will I run throughout the day?
Please refer to The Rules for a course breakdown for 6, 7, and 8 person teams.
What are the prizes?
Teams winning will receive an automatic entry into next year’s Market To Market Relay. There will be both team and individual prizes for the winning teams. Each member of the winning team in each division (both regular and special) will receive a special trophy and their award will be presented at the Shindig.
What is the running surface of the course?
The running surface will vary depending on the leg. Throughout the day, a runner might be running on pavement, brick streets, crushed limestone, gravel or dirt. Please refer to The Stages for specific surfaces of each stage.
Can we have a team with less than 6 or greater than 8 runners?
No. See Team Roster Changes Policy.
I only have X people (less than 6) right now and the lottery is beginning today. Can I sign up?
Yes you can but it is completely at your own risk. The minimum number of runners per team is 5, so if you do not have at least 5 runners on the day of the race you will not be allowed to compete. Please make sure that you read all of the rules. Also we do not offer any refunds for the event, so if you sign up with less than 6 and can't find additional runners it is at your own risk.
Any changes after September 9th will cost $25. Please view the Team Roster Change Policy
What is included in the race fee?
Team entry includes: race shirts for all participants, parking for official team vehicles at the Lincoln Haymarket finish, awards for winners, bagels and coffee at the beginning of the race, snacks along the way, police and safety support, free items from our sponsors and an awesome day of running.
Can I get a receipt for my extra donation to support the local trail systems?
Yes, but only for extra donations. The race fee is a "tangible product" and thus the IRS will not view it as a donation.
What is the "baton" ?
The "baton" is anything you like that you exchange from one team member to the next.
Who do I call in case of an emergency?
Please call the safety coordinator or 911 in case of an emergency. There will be a series of EMTs or advanced medical personnel throughout the course, positioned to act swiftly, and the Safety Coordinator will have all important emergency contact information. The Safety Coordinator’s name and number will be published in the race day guide book.
Can we change runners in the middle of a leg?
Yes, but if your team is competing for awards, you must follow the substitution rule.
Can we change runners after we turn in our entry form?
Yes, your captain will be given an email with dates and times for changes.
Can we substitute runners the day of the race?
Yes. However, a $25 fee will be assessed and the new runner(s) must complete a waiver. All race day substitutions must be done at the Staging Area and a new runner cannot be your Runner 1. See Team Roster Changes Policy
How do team vehicles work?
Please read over The Rules policies regarding vehicles and traffic issues.
Teams are allowed only one vehicle, unless the team average is less than 43-minute 10K. Vehicles are not to follow runners. Please follow the driving directions included in your race day packet to avoid runner-car contact as much as possible. Do not stop in odd places. Obey the volunteers. Obey all traffic laws. Cross railroad tracks only if you can get completely over them.
How do teams get from one Exchange Point to the next if they are not running?
Where can we park extra cars?
In Omaha, you can park for free at Rosenblatt Stadium Staging Area. In Lincoln, the lot in the Haymarket across from the Shindig (8th and T, east side of 8th) is $2 a day and across from the Expo.
Can we leave cars overnight?
Yes, cars can be left overnight at both Rosenblatt and the Haymarket Lot. Market To Market Relay is not responsible if any theft or damages occurs at either of these locations.
Are there Water Stations on the course?
Runners/Teams will be in charge of their own water throughout the day. There will be some refilling stations at various locations on the course, which will be highlighted in the race day packet and at the meeting before the race.
Are there Aid Stations on the course?
Each Exchange Point will have a first aid kit, and about every fourth exchange point will have an advanced medical volunteer.
Will there be food available on the course?
There will be some breakfast snacks at the staging area. Food vendors will be located throughout the course with a special refuel lunch zone. Food vendors will also be at the Post Race Shindig. Details will be in your race day packet.
What will be available at Exchange Points?
[1] At all exchange points: parking, volunteers, first aid kits
[2] At some exchange points: EMTs, food for purchase, water, bathrooms, entertainment, non-profit organizations
[3] Will not be at any: trolls (with the exception of runners in costume)
What will the weather be like?
The average temperature in Lincoln, NE for October 10 is a high of 69 degrees and a low of 43 degrees with .06 inches of precipitation. However, be prepared for warmer, colder, wet and windy weather. Carry extra clothing in your official vehicle.
If the weather is bad, will the race be cancelled?
The race will not be cancelled unless conditions are deemed dangerous for the runners or for vehicles, which is unlikely. If the weather is cold or rainy, the Post Race Shindig may be moved to an alternate location.
Will we run in the dark?
Oct 10, 2009, the sun will rise at 7:34 a.m. and will set at 6:52 p.m. All runners will start in the dark and some runners may finish in the dark. Head lamps/flashlights are not necessary but can be useful. We recommend carrying at least one flashlight in each official vehicle. Reflective clothing is required (most running shoes have reflective strips - you are encouraged to wear more since you will be running with/against traffic).
Are there shower facilities?
Yes - at the University of Nebraska.
Where is the Post Race Shindig?
At the finish line, near 8th and T Street in Lincoln, NE. If there is bad weather, there may be an alternate indoor location.
What will be at the Post Race Shindig / EXPO ?
A huge party to celebrate your accomplishment, including beer, food, wine, live music, vendors, volunteer groups, a team picture area and an aid station.
Can anyone come to the Post Race Shindig?
Yes! Adults old enough to drink will have to show valid ID for alcohol, but everyone is welcome at the Shindig. There is no admission charge, but food and drink will be for purchase.
Where can spectators watch the race?
There are a number of great spots to watch the race. We ask that spectators do not park their vehicles in Exchange Point parking lots – these lots are reserved for team vehicles, except Exchange Points 2, 4, 9, and 21 which should have plenty of room.
