How do I register for the races?
Please visit active.com to register online. Or click here for a paper registration form. Mail the completed form with payment to:

          Manchester and the Mountains Chamber of Commerce
          5046 Main Street
          Manchester Center, VT 05255

Paper registrations MUST be postmarked no later than September 5th, 2009

Registration is capped this year at 1,000 runners/walkers for both races combined. Early registration is encouraged!

How can I register for the Jay Hathaway Memorial Team Challenge presented by Paraco Gas?
This is how the Team Challenge works: Teams of four runners and/or walkers will compete for the Hathaway Team Challenge Trophy in either the Half Marathon or in the 5 K races. All four participants’ finishing positions in their race will be added together, with the lowest cumulative total being declared the Team champion. Each runner/walker will go the full distance in their event (i.e., not a relay event.) One champion team will be crowned in each event.  For more information and to register, click here.

When does online registration close?
Online registration closes at 8:59 p.m. on September 4, 2010.

Can I register on race day?
Registration is capped this year at 1000 participants. If we have space, registration on race day will take place from 7-8:30am on Satuday, September 11th. We can't guarantee a t-shirt for race-day registrants, but you'll still have fun. Check our website frequently for the latest update in registration numbers. We'll make our final decision on race-day registration Thursday, September 9th. Why not play it safe and register online?

Are walkers allowed in the half-marathon?
Walkers are welcome for the half marathon, but we have a noon"ish" time limit on water stops and the timing company. We have determined that you would need to walk at least 4mph to reach the finish line in time. After noon we will have limited bike marshal escorts. There are no separate registration or awards categories for walkers, but all finishers will also receive a race medal. Walkers will start at the same 9am start time as the runners for both the half-marathon and the 5K.

Does every participant receive a t-shirt?
Yes, every participant receives a high-quality, 100% cotton t-shirt in your race packet.

Is there an age limit for the races?
There is no age requirement for either the 5K or the half-marathon. If you are prepared to go the distance, and if you're under age 18 you have your parent's permission, you are allowed to participate.

How many participants do you expect?
Registration will be closed at 1000 total for both races combined.

What does the entry fee include?
The entry fee includes participation costs. Additionally, participants will receive a 100% cotton t-shirt, unique and highly coveted race medal, and a gift bag courtesy of sponsors. Refreshments will be available for all participants after the races.

Will there be on-course photographers?
Capstone Photography at www.capstonephoto.com will once again take pictures of racers on the course as well as at the finish line for purchase after the race. Get ready to smile!

When can I pick up my race number, timing chip, etc?
You'll be able to pick up your race number, timing chip, and race packet on Friday, September 10th at the Dana Thompson Recreation Center from 3-6pm, or on race morning from 7-8am. We strongly encourage you to stop by on Friday evening to pick up everything, so you're ready to go on race morning.

Where can I park?
There is plenty of parking at the Dana Thompson Recreation Center where the races start and finish. Be sure to give yoursef plenty of time on race morning as traffic increases after 8am. The entrance road into the Dana Thompson Recreation Park will close by 8:45am for the runner's safety. Arrive early and enjoy the fun atmosphere at the park!

What can my family do while I'm running the half-marathon?
The Dana Thompson Recreation Park has an outdoor pool, playground, ball fields, an enclosed dog park, and a 1-mile walking path. All facilities will be open on race day.

Do the Maple Leaf races benefit a charity?
Yes! Over years the Manchester Lions have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Manchester area charities, which include aid for medical expenses, educational projects for adults and children, youth recreation, and student scholarships.

Is there a way I can communicate with other participants?
Join us on our Facebook page, Maple Leaf Half Marathon and 5K run and fun walk in the sports & recreations outdoor sports group section.

Do you have any training routes on the half-marathon course?
Sure do! Check out several routes that utilize much of the half-marathon course here.

Where are the best places for spectators to watch the runners?
For the 5K, the best spot is at the corner of Route 7A and Memorial Avenue in downtown Manchester, near the Manchester Elementary and Middle School.

For the half-marathon, there are 3 great spots.

At the 1 mile mark, at the intersection of Route 7A and Bonnet Street near the Northshire Bookstore, where runners turn right onto 7A.
At the 2.5 mile mark, at the Mark Skinner Library, the intersection of Route 7A and Manchester West Road, just south of the Equinox Resort.
At the 11 mile mark, the Manchester Town Hall, on Route 7A.

Are there port-a-potties on the course?
We have plenty of restrooms and port-a-potties at the start and finish of the races. We'll also have one port-a-pottie on the half-marathon course, at approximately the half-way mark.

What will the weather be like on race day?
This is Vermont - the weather changes faster than you can finish a 5K. Typical early September weather at the start will be sunny, cloudy, overcast, or rainy - but we promise there won't be any snow. Expect a temperature range from the mid-40's to the high 70's, with the average in the mid-50's. Bring sunscreen and a rain hat - you never know.

Are wheelchairs or handcycles allowed?
Definitely! Please remember the rolling course travels over some dirt and loose gravel roads, and plan accordingly.

Are baby strollers allowed?
No. Our race insurance doesn't allow baby strollers. There race starts and finishes at the Dana Thompson Recreation Center, which has playgrounds and a pool to keep the family busy.

Where are the water stops, and is there sports drink available?
Water stops are staffed by enthusiastic volunteers at 8 stops on the half-marathon course, and at 1 stop on the 5K course. Gatorade sports drink will be available at half of the water stops. The course map identifying water/Gatorade stops is here.

When will the awards ceremony take place?
Awards for the 5K will start at 10am, and awards for the half-marathon will begin at 11:30am.

What if I need medical attention?
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and the Manchester Rescue Squad provide onsite trained emergency medical staff.

Are any roads closed on race day?
Route 30 from the Dana Thompson Recreation Center to the intersection of Route 7A (the first mile of the half-marathon) will be closed from 9-9:45am. All other roads are open to traffice, and we encourage both runners and drivers to exercise extreme caution on race day.

How hilly is the course?
This is Vermont, land of the Green Mountains. We don't call anyone not from Vermont a flatlander for nothing. That said, Manchester is in a valley, but you have to expect a few hills. The half-marathon course elevation map is available here. The 5K course map is here.

Where can I spend the night before or after the race?
Click on our lodging page to find the list of local inns and restaurants that are offering special prices for Maple Leaf participants.

What is there to do in the area over the weekend?
Click on the Chamber of Commerce logo on our website home page for local information. The Chamber also has several coupons for local businesses on their website.