Rules, Policies & FAQs
Run Ready.
Run Aware.
The fastest way to a good race day is knowing the rules before you reach the start line.
Keep your pace, follow instructions from race officials and public-safety personnel, and review the policies that apply to your registration.
Race
Rules
These rules protect runners, volunteers, spectators and everyone sharing the roads on race morning.
Stay On Pace
Marathon and Half Marathon runners must maintain a minimum pace of 14:30 per mile. The course closes at 1:30 p.m., and streets reopen at 2:00 p.m.
Follow Official Direction
Participants must follow instructions from race officials, police, medical personnel and course volunteers at all times.
Restricted Items
Baby joggers, bicycles, skateboards and animals are prohibited on competitive courses. The family-focused 2K is the exception for baby joggers.
Hear Your Surroundings
Headphones are strongly discouraged. Athletes must remain able to hear officials, traffic and emergency vehicles and may be removed for ignoring instructions.
Course Support
Runners falling behind the required pace may be directed to a support vehicle. Transported participants do not receive a finisher medal or refund.
Use Your Assigned Corral
Submit a qualifying result during registration for proper placement. Athletes without one are assigned to the final corral.
Age
Requirements
Participants must meet the minimum age for their event by race day. Younger athletes may request approval to participate.
Younger Athlete Requests
Athletes below the listed minimum age may request permission to participate. Approval is not automatic and is granted after review by the Race Director.
2K Family Participation
The 2K is recommended for children ages 3–13, but adults may participate. Parents are permitted to run or walk with their children.
Refunds &
Deferrals
Race insurance is the only way to request a refund. It must be purchased when registering, and its fee is non-refundable.
Covered registration refunds
Percentages apply to the initial registration amount. Insurance and processing fees are not refunded.
Defer To Next Year
$40A next-year deferral may be purchased through Jan. 31 for personal circumstances.
Event-Wide Closure
If a government order shuts down the entire race, registrants may choose a fee-free next-year deferral or the virtual option.
What insurance does not cover
Adverse weather affected by police or government warnings, travel costs, associated expenses, or losses beyond the event purchase price.
Without insurance
No refunds are issued for personal issues, weather, Acts of God, public emergencies or government shutdowns. Refund requests must be submitted within 96 hours of the event.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Open only the answer you need. For changing race-week details, the linked information pages are the official source.
Race Weekend
Where and when are the races?+
All events take place in The Woodlands, Texas. The Marathon is Saturday, February 27, 2027. The 2K Fun Run & Walk is Saturday, February 20, 2027. Start times and start/finish locations vary by race.
View the current schedule →Where can I find course maps and parking information?+
Use the dedicated pages for interactive course maps, race-site maps, parking locations and road-closure guidance.
Can I walk my race?+
Yes, provided you can meet the published minimum pace and course time limit for your event.
Are pace teams available?+
Pace teams are offered for the Marathon and Half Marathon. Finish-time options and pace-per-mile information are listed on the Pace Teams page.
Meet the pace teams →What medical and course support is available?+
Ambulances and bicycle EMS teams support the course. Medical personnel can be accessed at water stations and designated red medical tents. Aid-station details are listed on each race page.
Registration & Packet Pickup
How do I register?+
Registration is completed online through Race Roster. Registration closes when the combined event capacity is reached, and race-day registration is not offered.
Register on Race Roster ↗Can I switch from the Marathon to the Half Marathon?+
Yes. Participants may switch races through February 13, 2027, based on availability, for a $10 service fee plus any applicable entry-fee difference. There is no refund of the price difference when switching from the Marathon to the Half Marathon. After February 13, the service fee increases to $40, plus any additional applicable fees. No exceptions.
To request a race change, email registration@thewoodlandsmarathon.com.
Can I defer or request a refund?+
Refunds are available only through insurance purchased during registration. A paid next-year deferral is available through Jan. 31 for personal circumstances. Review the full policy above before making a request.
Read refund and deferral policies ↑Is race-morning packet pickup available?+
Only if the limited race-morning pickup option was purchased in advance during registration. It cannot be added on race morning.
View packet pickup instructions →Can I add a discount code after registering?+
Generally, no. The exception is for athletes who later win a free entry or receive a sponsored complimentary entry after already registering.
Finish, Results & Awards
Do all races receive a finisher medal?+
Yes. Finishers in the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 2K receive a medal. Athletes who complete both the 5K and Marathon earn the Double Medal.
Where do Double Medal athletes collect their medal?+
After exiting the finish chute, visit the Double Medal tent near Bag Check at the top of Town Green Park.
Where can I find results and award information?+
Official results and the complete award structure are available on their dedicated pages.
Is prize money offered?+
Yes. The event publishes a prize purse across eligible Elite and Open categories. Current standards, purse amounts and application details are on the Elite Athletes page.
View elite information →How can I share feedback or ask another question?+
Email admin@thewoodlandsmarathon.com for general event feedback or registration@thewoodlandsmarathon.com for registration help.
