2023 Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon Race Day Information

Note: This page will be updated daily! Don’t see what you wish to know? Check the Frequently Asked Questions page, and feel free to send any questions you want answered to RaleighHalfMarathon@gmail.com 

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED AS WE GET CLOSER TO RACE DAY!

Latest updates: For the latest updates, make sure you follow the Facebook event page, our Twitter (@SirWalterRun), and our Instagram (@SirWalterRunning), as we’ll be posting stories from the course!

Important Things to know

1. Parking – Ample race day parking will be available by River Bend Middle School, the adjoining River Bend Park (5610 Wallace Martin Way, Raleigh, NC 27616) and River Bend Elementary School (6710 Perry Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27616).
2. Race Start – The Race Starts at 8:00am sharp on the track at River Bend Middle School. The timing mat will remain open for a few minutes for those that don’t make it on time, but don’t be one of those people.
3. Race Finish – The finish will be on the track at River Bend Middle School (the same place at the start).
4. Bag Check – We will have bag check at the packet pickup at the starting line at the River Bend Middle School Track. Please use your clear bag that you will be given at packet pick up. We will write your race bib number on it. You can pick up your bag at the finish, or the post-race party at Heyday Brewing.
5. Packet Pickup – See below for 3 options. We HIGHLY suggest your get your packet before race day.
   1. Thursday, November 30th from 5-7pm at Runologie (1614 Automotive Way, Raleigh, NC 27604)
   2. Friday, December 1st from 4:30-6:30pm at Heyday Brewing (5301 Tin Roof Wy, Raleigh, NC 27616)
   3. Saturday, December 2nd (Race Day) from 6:30-7:30am at the starting line on the River Bend Middle School Track (5601 Wallace Martin Wy, Raleigh, NC 27616).

Spectators

There are a few spots that will be ideal for spectators, with parking:

1. Trailhead Lane trailhead located at 198 Trailhead Ln, Raleigh, NC 27616 (1.1 & 12 mile mark)
2. Thornton Road trailhead located at 6100 Thornton Rd, Raleigh, NC 27816 (5.4 & 7.8 mile mark)

Aid Stations

There will be 3 aid stations that runners will pass twice (aside from the halfway), for 6 total. They will be located as follows:

1. Trailhead Lane trailhead– 1.1m & 12m hosted by Runologie (Water)
2. WRAL Soccer Park – 3.2m & 10m hosted by lululemon Crabtree (Water & Gatorade + portojons)
3. Thornton Road trailhead  – 5.4m & 7.8m hosted by Raleigh Distance Project (Water & Gatorade)

Additional Things to Know

1. Pace Groups – There will be pace groups for 1:20, 1:25, 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00. If you want to run with them, find them at the starting line.
2. Timing – The race is chip timed and your chip is on your bib. Do not peel it off.
3. Results – Live Results will be here
4. Course – Course Map is here. Please do your best to stay to the RIGHT of the greenway.
5. Swag – All competitors will receive a race t-shirt, koozie as well as a Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon sticker (while they last)
6. Refreshments – We will have complimentary bottles of water and Clif Bars at the finish line. Be sure and check out Heyday Brewing (they have food) afterwards.
7. Medals – All finishers will receive a 2023 Raleigh Half Marathon medal.
8. Awards – The Top 75 Men and Top 75 Women will receive a Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon Coffee Mug, as well as age group winners (1st) outside of the Top 75.
9. Photos – We will post an album on the Sir Walter Running Facebook page (make sure and “like” it).
10. No Dogs – You cannot race with your pets. Sorry.
11. Participants – A list of who’s running will be listed closer to race day.
12. Post Race Party – The Post Race party will be held immediately after the race at Heyday Brewing.
13. Lost and Found – Lose an item? Check the bag check. Otherwise, you can email us after the race at raleighhalfmarathon@gmail.com
14. Weather – Go here for the 10 day forecast. Note: The race is rain or shine. If there is thunder or lightning, we will follow proper safety protocols.
15. FAQ – Have more questions, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page
16. Summer of Miles podcast – There will be a podcast preview with information about this years event. Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts.