FAQ’s
What is the VIP Package all about?
Where do I park?
Where can’t I park?
Where do I pick up my race kit?
Are there aid stations? How many? What will they have?
Can I walk?
Can I push my stroller?
When is the race cut-off?
I heard there are people portaging canoes. Is this true?
I heard there are local Firefighters running with all their gear. Is there a fire or something?
Can I rock out to my iPod?
Where can I stay in Huntsville?
Where can I eat?
What kind of food will there be after the race?
What bands do you have playing?
How do I volunteer?
Where are some good locations to watch the race and High-Five the runners?
Where can I find a grand Taxonomy of Rapper Names?
Love this place. Are there other events here?
Who we are?
What is the VIP Package all about?
We’d like to treat YOU like a rock star for the day! As a VIP you will get:
- Access to a VIP tent for bag check, treats and sponsor gifts
- No line-up race kit pick up area
- A personalized bib with your name on it
- A personalized finisher medal with your name and time on it
All you need to do to be a VIP is register before November 15, 2012
There are many places to park that are close to the Start/Finish line.
Here’s a list in no particular order:
- Parking Lot at Caroline Street E / West Street N (1 min walk)
- Parking Lot at Minerva Street W / West Street S (5 min walk)
- Parking Lot across from Tim Hortons on King William Street (5 min walk)
- Parking Lot at Canada Summit Centre (10 min walk)
View Parking – Band on the Run in a larger map
Where can’t I park?
- Unless you are a really fast runner, please do NOT park on Main Street E or Main Street W – it’s only 2 hour parking!
- Don’t park in the lot at River Mill Park – this is for volunteers only and will be closed to all traffic during the race.
Where do I pick up my race kit?
Race kits can be picked up at FITT gym, 68 West Road, Huntsville the day before the race. Further details will be available closer to race day.
Are there aid stations? How many? What will they have?
Of course! There will be a total of 5 aid stations along the 1/2 marathon course (we’ve added a new one in 2013). Because the course is an out and back format, you may pass by them more than once. That means you’ll pass by 9 aid stations on the 1/2 marathon route, 3 stations on the 10k and 1 aid station on the 5k route. Where are they located? Here’s a map:
Aid Station #1: Haynes Road/Golf Course Road [All Races]
Aid Station #2: 10k Turn Around (Near Golf Course Rd/Muskoka Rd 3) [10k, 1/2 Marathon]
Aid Station #3: Muskoka Road 3 (Near Rivercove Dr) [1/2 Marathon]
Aid Station #4: Arrowhead Provincial Park Gate [1/2 Marathon]
Aid Station #5: Arrowhead Provincial Park Amphitheatre [1/2 Marathon]
Here’s what you can expect at each Aid Station:
- Water
- Electrolyte Drink
- Gels
- First Aid
- Enthusiastic Volunteers!
Yes, but you need to be quick about it 
Seriously though, for the safety of all participants, we have planned nearly 400 pylons to separate traffic from runners and have stationed OPP and/or traffic control volunteers at major intersections from 8:30am to 12:30pm (4 hours). That means the course will be closed and open to traffic at 12:30pm. So, you have until 12:30pm to complete the race that you have registered for. We recommend walkers participate in the 5km race route. If you are determined to walk the 10k or 1/2 marathon routes, you’ll need to either complete the course by the 12:30pm cutoff, or continue along the safest route.
Definitely! We understand completely. Getting your young ones out for fresh air on a beautiful run in Huntsville – we love it! We just ask that you be patient, give lots of space to the other runners and pay attention to any obstacles (curbs, sewer grates, pylons, etc.) as you navigate the course. I think we can agree that there’s nothing worse than getting your ankles bruised by a stroller, so we ask you be safe, aware and respectful. Make sure those youngsters are strapped in. If you need to stop to attend to your passenger, please pull off in a safe location at the side of the road.
Race cut-off is 12:30pm. We have OPP and traffic control volunteers directing traffic and monitoring your safety at major intersections along the course starting at 8:30am. This isn’t an easy job as you can imagine, so we let them go after 4 hours. If you find yourself still on the race course after 12:30pm, simply follow the sidewalks or shoulder of the roads until you get back to the start/finish area in River Mill Park. We’ll still be there to cheer you on!
I heard there are people portaging canoes. Is this true?
Yes – crazy eh? Don’t worry, they’ll be at the back of the pack. Please have patience and give them some extra space, as it’s seriously difficult to navigate the course with a canoe on your head. These guys are going to need a shoulder massage at the finish line! Hint: They’re looking for competition We’ve got a new race category just for canoe-heads!
I heard there are local Firefighters running with all their gear. Is there a fire or something?
Nope – no fire (fingers crossed). Members of the Town of Huntsville Fire Department have volunteered to demonstrate their mental and physical toughness by running with all of their firefighting gear (Oxygen Tanks, Fire suits, etc.) in the 5km race. Wow! These guys deserve medals and a huge pat on the back. They will also be there at the finish line with their full recovery system – think misting tents, first aid, and the like. All of this to help raise money for Hospice Huntsville.
Can I rock out to my iPod?
Here’s the thing, Safety is our number one concern. It can be really dangerous to listen to your iPod with headphones while running! You may not hear cars approaching from behind, or other racers and race officials and someone could get seriously hurt. So officially, we do NOT allow iPods with headphones on the race course. It’s a drag to be sure. On the bright side, we have plenty of entertainment along the course to keep you motivated and having fun. If you are really keen to have music with you, try plugging in a portable speaker like this one, or using the built-in speaker of your iPod or cell phone. Alternatively, run with someone else and start up a conversation. You’ll be amazed at the number of like minded people you’ll meet and how fast the time goes by.
Where can I stay in Huntsville?
Lots of great places to stay in Huntsville and we recommend that you do. Check out our accommodation page for some options.
Great question! There are tons of great restaurants in Huntsville and the area. Here’s a couple resources:
TriMuskoka
Explorers’ Edge
Thompson Real Estate Brokerage
and some of our favs:
That Little Place By The Lights
La Dolce Vita Trattoria
Soul Sistas Wellness Kitchen
Mr. Sub
What kind of food will there be after the race?
Yes – absolutely! We’re still finalizing the details and will confirm here when we’ve got it figured out. You can expect things like fruit, bagels, etc.
What bands do you have playing during the race?
Let’s just say it’s a surprise. We’ve got full bands, individual performers and lots of variety spread out along the course. We think you’ll love the entertainment. Be sure to let the performers know how cool it is to have them out rockin’ your world! Feel free to stop and take in a song or two – unless you want to win of course, in which case get to the finish line as quickly as you can. Want to hear more from that great performer you saw on the course? New for 2013, we’re hosting a Music Festival all afternoon! Grab a shower and some lunch and then come back to River Mill Park for live musical entertainment from selected local bands and Canadian headliners.
So glad you asked! This race could not happen without dedicated volunteers. Many hands make light work. Having volunteered at many other sporting events of the years, we can tell you that being a volunteer can be really fun! We intend to make it a blast for all our volunteers. Even if you only have a couple hours to share, we could use your help. All volunteers get a Band on the Run T-Shirt and lunch generously provided by Mr. Sub on race day. Some of the positions/tasks we need help with include:
Covert Pylon Deployment / Retrieval Squad
Covert Race Course Sign Installer / Removers
Aid Station Enthusiasts
Traffic Control Roadies / Motivational Cheer Team
Assistant MC Hammer / DJ Spinmaster / Artist formerly known as…
Stage Technician / Roadies / Assistant to Mr/Mrs Rock Star
Tent Hustlers / Demolition Squad
Rockin’ Mobile Cheer Squad
Hip Race Kit Stuffers
Medical Mosh Pit Managers and Band Aid providers
Don’t let the titles throw ya, these are all serious positions 
Check out our Volunteers section for more info.
Where are some good locations to watch the race and High-Five the runners?
So many great places – where do we start? The spots for the 10 and 5k routes work great for the 1/2 marathon too!
1/2 Marathon Course:
- Arrowhead Provincial Park Amphitheatre – you can park right at the amphitheatre and kick back and take in an awesome local rock band playing all morning while the runners come in. Entrance to the park requires a vehicle day pass ($10.75 incl Tax), but you can stay all day and enjoy the great hiking trails and go for a dip in Arrowhead lake.
- Arrowhead Provincial Park Gate – lots of parking at this location beside the windy Big East River and the entrance to the park.
10k Course:
- The 10k turn around on Golf Course Road. Parking is sketchy at best here, so do everyone a favour and park on Williamsport Road at Muskoka Road 3 North and walk down Golf Course Road to Aid Station #2/ 10k turn around point. Cheer loud and proud from here…and maybe hand out a few cups of water
5k Course:
- The G8 Flag Park, on the corner of Centre Street and West Road. What better way to say “Go get ‘em!” than under the flags of the G8 Muskoka Summit. Plenty ‘o parking in the Fitt Gym parking lot at 68 West Road.
- Haynes Road / Golf Course Road Intersection (Aid Station #1) – this is where all the race course action will go down. All racers pass by this aid station at least once and for the 5k racers it’s about the highest point of the route (they’re going to need a little cheer!). We’ve got a great two piece local band playing playing right there too. Parking is at a premium, so please be mindful and park along Haynes road. Do NOT park on Golf Course Road or on the marked race course.
Where can I find a grand Taxonomy of Rapper Names?
It’s right here!
Love this place. Are there other events here?
Absolutely. From Triathlons, Trail Running Races, Adventure Races and Mountain Bike Races. There’s always lots to do in Huntsville. Check out these great races:
The Big East X Paddling Race
The Limberlost Challenge
The Muskoka River X Paddling Race
The Muskoka Mud Run
The Muskoka Grind
TriMuskoka Race Listings
We are Melissa Key, Tim Cantelon, Justine Brown and Rob Horton. 4 local Huntsvillians who love outdoor sports and have always wanted to have a 1/2 marathon road race in Huntsville. As individuals, we work hard and play hard and try to keep life interesting. As a group we’re close friends who share a passion for the community of Huntsville and making it the great place that it is.
Did we miss something? Let us know!
