general information for run participants

the somersault run series
The Somersault Run Series is now in its 20th season. This year the Series includes 13 events. We invite other races interested in developing partnerships with us, to contact Terry McKinty at terry@somersault.ca.

The 2010 season kicks off with the 7th Annual "Orleans Half Marathon, 10, 5, 3, & 1Km Runs" and finishes with Ottawa's most successful autumn race, the "Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon, Half Marathon, 10, 5, 3, & 1Km Run".

race info updates
We will be distributing 3 weekly newsletters in the weeks leading up to each Somersault event. These information packages are important as they announce  changes, recommend race day procedures, and respond to your questions in the weeks leading up to the event.  Please be sure you have a valid email address on your entry form, if you wish to receive updated information.

awards and medals
We provide medals to finishers in every Somersault race. 

Participants finishing in the top 3 of each age, weight, or relay category receive a finisher's gold, silver, or bronze medal "Lanyards", which will be presented or can be picked up immediately after the awards are posted. The medal 'Lanyard' must be claimed at the event. It cannot be claimed after event day.

The first place male and female in each race (except Wylie Ryan Kids races) receive a merchandise prize. All participants are eligible for draw prizes at each Somersault event, but you must be there to be eligible.

awards not picked up on race day
Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, in all categories, will be presented in an award ceremony, or at the Awards Table. If you want your place medal "Lanyard", but didn't pick it up on race day, please send a self addressed, stamped envelope indicating your place, to: Somersault, 411 Lefebvre Way, Ottawa, K1E 2W5, and the medal "Lanyard" will be mailed to you.

certificates of performance
Each finisher in a Somersault race, can access and download a official performance certificate, as proof of your performance. It wil be avilable online on Wednesday after the race at http://www.somersault.ca/results.htm.

clydesdale and athena
In selected races we have Clydesdale (Men) and Athena (Women) categories in addition to age categories.  If you are a male weighing 200 lb or more or a woman weighing 150 lbs or more, you may enter these categories.  Weight will be determined at Race Kit Pick Up with a "weigh in". If you enter the Clydesdale or Athena category, you are not eligible for age category awards.

championchip timing and results
We will be using the Sportstats ChampionChip Timing System at all Somersault events. All participants in a race must wear the assigned "Timing Chip" Bracelet on their ankle.  

Pick up your chip bracelet at least 30 minutes before your race at the Sportstats Tent near the finish line. Races will not be held up waiting for those who forgot their bracelet.  You must return the bracelet immediately after crossing the finish line.

Participants are charged $40 for lost Chips - so be sure to return them.

Results will be posted at the event, and will be posted on our Web site the evening of the race.

your results and age category (Age is as of December 31, 2010)
Your personal results will be posted on our results board on site very soon after you finish the race.  Please check the results as soon as you can, to be sure they are accurate.  If  there are discrepancies, go to the Sportstats Van near the Finish Line and provide them with the information you think is right.

Participant ages are determined as at December 31, 2010. Your age on that day will determine the age category in which you will be placed. As long as you enter your birth date correctly when entering, there won't be any age mistakes on your results.

walk category
In response to growing demand, a Walk Category has been added to the list of Result Categories at most Somersault running races. There will be a Male and a Female category in walking events in 2010. If you enter a Walk Category, you are not permitted to run at any time during that event. An honour system is in place for the Walk Category. We do not offer Award Medal "Lanyards" for the top three finishers in the Walk Category due to the difficulty in determining whether each participant walked, and did not run, the entire race distance.

zoomphoto.ca photography
We are pleased to be able to offer a photo program for participants in the Somersault Run Series.  Zoomphoto.ca will be offering you classy photos commemorating your participation.  Just go to http://www.somersault.ca/results.htm the day after the event, to view and/or purchase your photo.

souvenir shirt
Our souvenir event T-shirts are popular.  If your entry is received by the last Sunday before the race, you receive one free with your entry. There are no exceptions to this deadline however, so enter early.  You may upgrade to a "Tech" shirt when you enter online, for an extra fee. 

Please Note: You are eligible for the souvenir shirt only if you attend at Race Kit Pick. If you (or a friend) do not pick up your race kit (which includes the shirt) there, you are not eligible to receive the souvenir shirt.  Please do not request a shirt after the event. 

food and refreshments
Modest refreshments will be offered to all finishers and volunteers after each race. You must have your race number or a volunteer shirt to be eligible for them.

courses and course measurement
All run courses are measured and meet generally accepted measurement criteria. 


Participants are responsible to know and to stay on the run courses at all times. The courses are described on the event web site information page, where a site and course a map may also be found. Course maps are not generally provided at race sites, so download your own if you require one on race day please download one from the event web site, and bring it with you.

aid stations on course
Water and eLoad can be found every 2.5Km or less, on all run courses. Half marathoners and marathoners will have additional aid station supplements at their aid stations.

volunteers
All events are dependent on significant volunteer support. We often offer donations to clubs or organizations who can bring a group of volunteers to the event. We also accept volunteers on race day, so if you would like to help out, contact us at info@somersault.ca. If you are accompanying a participant, it can be an interesting way to enjoy your event visit. Most races offer a souvenir shirt to volunteers.

entry fee conditions
Due to the nature of outdoor events and to the fact that entry fees fund race operations, Somersault does not provide entry fee refunds - for any reason. 

VISA, Master Card, cheques and cash are acceptable up to Sunday before each race.  Credit cards are accepted for online entries only. 

Entries received after the Sunday before each race can only be made at Race Kit Pick Up (cash only). Souvenir T-shirts are only included with your entry if you enter by the Sunday before each race - no exceptions. Late entrants do not receive a souvenir shirt, although in some instances, may be able to purchase unclaimed shirts at the end of the event.

rules and regulations
The event rules are set out in a separate section - click rules and regulations . It is every participant's responsibility to know and to adhere to these rules. Please take time to become familiar with them.

event day flow
It is important to become familiar with the flow of event before race day. Doing so will reduce your anxiety level and contribute to a smooth flowing event and your positive event experience. Here are some tips which will assist you on race day:

  • Arrive on site at least 1 hour before your race start.
  • Allow at least 15 minutes extra to use the toilets .
  • Pick up your race kit before race day if possible.
  • Plan your drive to. and parking at, the race site well ahead of time.
  • Read the event and rules information before race day.
  • When you arrive on site, go directly to the Race Kit Pick Up for your kit.
  • Bring cash to Race Kit Pick Up, because late entry is cash only.
  • Pick up your Timing Chip Bracelet early and be sure to wear it on your ankle.
  • Check out the race start area and plan your route to the start line.
  • Listen to the morning announcements for any race day changes.
  • Arrive at the start line 10 minutes early.

contact us
Contact us at info@somersault.ca if you have any questions.

 
© 2010 Somersault Promotions 411 Lefebvre Way, Orleans, ON  K1E 2W5