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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions that were not answered, please email Anne Mahlum at anne@backonmyfeet.org


Is the course USATF certified ?

Yes - the 8.42 mile loop has been certified by USATF



What are the official rules and regulations?

We ask that you respect the following rules while participating in the event:

  • Your race bib must be worn on the front and outside whatever clothing you are wearing. If scorers cannot see your number they cannot score you. It is the runner's responsibility to ensure that each lap completed is recorded.
  • Pacers are welcome to participate for the Lone Ranger Category.
  • While running a lap, stay on the designated course. Any racer that cuts the official course will disqualify their team from placing.
  • While running at night, racers must either wear some piece of reflective gear visible from both the front and back. It is recommended that runners carry a headlamp and cell phone during the evening hours. The course will be well lit with much more light than 2008.
  • Use of headphones is not allowed on the course after sunset.
  • Federal, state and county laws and ordinances must be followed at all times. There is only one road crossing, which will be manned, however there are some parking lots along the path. Watch out for cars entering/exiting parking lots. Obey all traffic laws.
  • Official protests can only be made by team captains and must be made directly to the Race Director.
  • The Race Director has the final say in any ruling, including rulings made by the co-director.
  • Medical personnel will be on hand throughout the race. They will be checking runners throughout the race for their health and safety. Medical personnel have final say on stopping an individual’s participation when continued participation is judged as a risk to their health. ALL Lone Rangers will be weighed before starting the race and we will taking your weight throughout the 24 hours.
  • If a runner on a relay team becomes injured, an alternate runner may replace the injured runner.
  • In the case of unforeseeable circumstances due to weather or other extenuating circumstances that prevents the safe continuation the race, race officials may interrupt or end the race at any given time. Results will be based on team's placement at the time race officials determine. This rule will be implemented in the most extreme cases for the safety of the runners or officials.


Can I participate in both the Relay Challenge and Midnight Madness Run?

Yes, but you must register for both categories and you may not count your midnight madness lap as one of your laps for the relay.



What if my relay team only has four people?

All teams must consist of five people and we encourage you to have an alternate on hand as well. If you looking to either join a team or find a someone to join your team, we can help. Please visit our message board to post a note.



Do you have to stay at the event the entire 24 hours?

No, you do not have to be on site the enter 24 hours of the event. For example, if you and/or your team finishes at 4 pm on Saturday, you are more than welcome to leave and come back if you wish for the breakfast and awards on Sunday morning at 10:30 am.



Do you have to register all five team members at once?

No, the team captain must creates the team on active.com The team captain chooses a team name and invites his or her teammates to join - all teammates must be registered before July 12th, 2009.

You are encouraged to fundraise instead of paying the registration fee and 100 percent of the profits go back to Back on My Feet


If we register for one relay category, but feel like we can run more on the day of the race, are we allowed to switch our categories? (i.e. go from silver to gold)

Unfortunately, no. This would complicate things from a logistical and organizational standpoint and we want to make sure the 20in24 is an extremely positive and organized experience for everyone involved.


Does the team captain have to pay the entire registration fee for the team?

No, each team member pays for him or herself when they join the team. We are encouraging everyone to fundraise in lieu of paying your registration fee.



Can I fundraise instead of paying my registration fee?
Absolutely, in fact we encourage you to fundraise and 100 percent of the profits go to Back on My Feet. Please visit our fundraising page for more information.


Is online registration the only way to register?
Yes - we use active.com and the process is safe and easy - Registration Now Open


When does registration close?

Registration will close on July 12th, or when the categories fill it up.



What do I get for registering?
In addition to a fully supported event with food, beverages and entertainment, each participant will receive great 20in24 memorabilia from Nike, which includes a dri-fit shirt, a hat and much more.


Do all members have to check-in, or can one member check in for the whole team?
While one team member may check-in for the entire team, we recommend all team members be at Lloyd Hall by 9 am on Saturday morning to make sure they don't have any questions. We will be using a speaker system to notify teams when their runner is 20 or so minutes away from the exchange area. It is each runner's responsibility to be on site when it is his or her turn to run as the clock will not stop.


Where do we go when we're not running?
When you are not running, all Lone Rangers and relay teams will have access to Lloyd Hall for the entire 24-hours. This facility will have all the amenities to make your 20in24 experience fun and enjoyable - they include, entertainment, food, beverages, sleep stations, access to showers and more. In addition - we will have showers outside this year.


Is there a place to store my stuff?

Yes - there is a baggage check inside Lloyd Hall, which will be monitored for the entire event. You may put your stuff outside on the lawn, but we are not responsible for items not kept in the baggage check area.



What kind of food and beverage will be available?

We have a variety of food on the course for our runners, especially those running very long distances. Items include fruit, Clif bars, GU, chips, pretzels, boiled potatoes (ultra-marathon request), water, coke, an electroyle drink and more.

There will be more substantial food at Lloyd Hall, including sandwiches, pizza, etc.



Can I bring food and water to have on the course?

Yes, if you want to bring your own replenishment on the course, you must have it at Lloyd Hall by 9 am on Saturday morning. We will drive it out to half-way point around the Loop and you may also store stuff at Lloyd Hall. PLEASE make sure to put your items in an easy identifiable bag or container with your name on it.



How can I volunteer?
Please visit our volunteer page for more information


Can I have pacers run with me?
Lone Rangers may have pacers and we will have a support team constantly looping the course.


What does the race course like?
The route is flat and runs along the Schuylkill River. There is only one road crossing but a few places where you cross the entrance to parking lots. The route is on asphalt and concrete surfaces. However, there are many areas you can run on the grass next to the path. There are many trees shading the path but also open areas. View the course map here


What will be used to mark the route?

Directional arrows will mark the route at every turn. At night, the signs will be marked with blinking red lights (like bicyclists use). We will also have individuals patrolling the course in the darker hours.



How will the hand-off work to the team member waiting to run?
Incoming runners will be spotted by a volunteer who notifies the exchange area volunteers. Teams will be centrally notified that runners are coming into the exchange area. Teams are responsible for having their next runner ready to go.


How dark is the route going to be at night?
The route will be lit by street lights and we will be bringing in more lights. When running at night, it is required that you have on some sort of reflective gear (vest, tape, etc) and we recommend you carry a cell phone.


How safe am I going to feel?
You should feel very safe all along the route during the whole 24 hours. We will have re-energizing stations every 2 miles on the course and at night, the course will be well lit and we will have marshals and EMS support patrolling the course on foot, bike and car.


Do I have to be a runner to participate in this event?

You do not have to be a runner to sign up for the 20in24. A team of walkers who can maintain a minimum pace of 34 minutes per mile can sign up as a bronze level team. Walkers should be courteous to the runners and stay to the right-hand side of the sidewalk path while participating in the race.

You can also participate in a variety of ways by becoming a volunteer. Please visit our volunteer page to learn more about available opportunities.