the
somersault run series
The Somersault Run Series is now in its 19th season. This
year the Series includes 11 events. We invite other races looking for partnerships, to inquire about joining us. Interested parties should contact terry@somersault.ca.
The season kicks off with the 4th Annual "Orleans Half Marathon, 10, 5 & 1Km Runs" and finishes with Ottawa's most successful autumn race, the "Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon, Half Marathon, 10, 5, & 1Km Run". We anticipate more than 2000 particpants in this year end finale in 2008.
race info
updates
We will be distributing a minimum of 3 weekly newsletters for each of our events in 2008. These info 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 for finishers in all races - at the finish line.
Participants in the top 3 in each age, weight, or relay category receive a finisher's gold, silver, or bronze medal "Add On", which can be picked up from the Awards Table, immediately after the awards are posted. The medal 'Add On' must be picked up at the event. It cannot be claimed after event day..
The first place male and female in all events receive a merchandise prize. All participants are eligible for draw prizes at each event, but must be there to be eligible.
awards not picked up on race day
Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd will be presented in an award ceremony, or at the Awards Table. If you want your place "Add On", but didn't pick it up on race day, plese send a self addressed and stamped envelope to: Somersault, 411 Lefebvre Way, Ottawa, K1E 2W5, and the medal will be mailed to you.
certificates of performance
We are offering a certificate to each participant. You willl be able to access and download an official finisher's certificate with proof of your performance, on Wednesday after the race from our website. We are excited about this program because it is accessible to all of you, recognizing individual effort and performance.
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. 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 ChampionChip Timing System at all our events.
All participants must wear the assigned "Chip" Bracelet on their ankle (Anklet).
Pick
up your chip bracelet at least 30 minutes before your
race from the timing people 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 Website the evening
of the race.
your
results and age category (Age is
as of December 31, 2008)
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 Timing Van near the Finish Line and provide
them with the information you think is right.
Participant
ages are determined as at December 31, 2008. 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 mistakes on your results.
the walk category
In response to growing demand, a Walk Category has been added to the list of Award Categories at most running events. There will be a Male and a Female category in walking events in 2008. If you enter a Walk Category when you enter an event, you are not permitted to run at any time during that event. An honour system is in place for the Walk Category.
zoomphoto.ca photography
We are pleased to be able to offer a photo program for participants in the Ottawa Run Series. Zoomphoto.ca will be offering you classy photos commemorating your participation. Just go to www.zoomphoto.ca the day after the event, to view and/or purchase your photo.
souvenir
shirt
Our colourful event T-shirts are popular.
If your entry is received by Sunday before the race, you
get one free - even students. There are
no exceptions to this deadline, so enter early.
You may want to upgrade to a "Tech" shirt for an extra $15.
Please Note: You are eligible for the souvenir shirt only if you attend at Race Kit Pick Up to pick it up. If you do not pick up your race kit, you are not eligible for the souvenir shirt. Please do not request a shirt after the event.
food
and refreshments
There will be modest refreshments offered after each race
- for participants and volunteers. 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 entry information on the event website.
aid stations
on course
Water and Gatorade can be found every 2.5Km or less, on all run
courses. Half marathoners and marathoners will have additional
aid station supplements.
volunteers
All events are dependent on significant volunteer support.
We recruit volunteers locally, and also offer a donation
to clubs or groups that can bring a group of volunteers.
In addition we often accept volunteers on race day, to
replace those who didn't show up. 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
visit and get free refreshments. Most races also 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, there are no refunds for any reason. VISA, MasterCard, cheques and cash are acceptable up to Sunday before each race. Credit cards are accepted for online entries only. All entries received after the Sunday before each race may only be paid in cash at Race Kit Pick Up. Souvenir T-shirts are only included with your entry if you enter by Sunday, before each race - no exceptions.
rules and
regulations
The event rules and regulations
are set out in a separate section. It is every participant's
responsibility to know and to adhere to the rules. Please
take time to become familiar with these rules.
event
day flow
It is important to know the flow on event day. This will
reduce your anxiety level and contribute to a smooth flowing
event. Here are some tips which will assist you in planning
your day.
