Help Center

Yes! If you're not ready to choose an add-on when you register, you can opt in later up to a month before your race date.

Log in to RunSignup.com and modify your registration for your upcoming event.

We offer discounts to military personnel and their families. Personnel can claim their discount as part of the registration process in RunSignup. Check out instructions and eligibility requirements on the policy page.

We offer discounts for members of the Native American tribe whose lands we cross during specific races. Currently, this applies to the Glacier Half (Blackfeet Nation) and Antelope Canyon Ultras (Navajo Nation). Please contact is directly to claim your discount!

At this time we do not offer any additional discounts. However, we encourage runners to volunteer at an event ($50 credit towards a future race) OR consider fundraising for a charity bib to support local communities and waive your registration cost.

We understand that things happen! If you can't make a race, you have three main options: Transfer you bib, defer to a future race, or request a refund.

Refunds are available during early and regular registration periods ONLY minus a $10 fee. Check the "register" tab on your race page for registration schedule.

All of these options are managed via your RunSignup account. However, you are responsible for finding a new runner to take your bib.

We have no age restriction to register for our races. Young and old alike run with us as part of our community! 

Minors are welcome to run our half marathons. We just ask that the minor's guardian reads through the race info and feels confident that they can complete the course.

You can withdraw from the race for a refund via your RunSignup.com account. Refunds are ONLY offered during the Early and Regular Registration periods of your race. There is a $10 processing fee.

NO refunds: During Late Registration period, due to inclement weather, or for items that have already shipped. 

Once the race Late Registration period starts, we can no longer allow refunds. Late registration typically starts 2-4 months before the race day.

Exact dates can be found in the registration tab on each race page.

You should receive your refund within 7-10 business days. If you have not received your refund after 2 weeks, please reach out to us below.

While we cannot guarantee refunds in the case of an unforeseen event cancellation, we will always do our best for our runners! 

If your race is cancelled, your race director will send you an email with options.

You can transfer your bib to a different race or event via your RunSignup account. This is allowed up until the race expo OR once your bib packet has been shipped (if you choose that option).

Upgrading to a Double or Quad? Each Double/Quad is treated as a standalone event. You can follow the standard transfer process in Run Signup and choose your Double/Quad from the list, paying the difference at checkout.

DO NOT try to purchase each half marathon or 5K separately - you will not be eligible for the swag or medals associated with the Double/Quad.

NOTE: If you deferred into this race or transferred from another race your race credit will be $0 and we will need to help you upgrade your event. Contact us at info@vacationraces.com.

You can transfer your race via your RunSignup account. 

You can complete the transfer as a gift ($20 fee and no refund) or in exchange for a refund. After the new runner successfully registers at the current registration price the original registrant will receive a refund of their registration fee (minus a $10 transfer fee).

NOTE: Bib transfers can be done online until one week before the race. After that point the transfer will need to be done in person at the expo. Only the new runner needs to be present, with a copy of the original runner's confirmation email.

If you completed the transfer via RunSignup, you can pick up your bib at the race expo (Friday before the race) or choose to have it shipped to you if you still have more than a month before race day.

If the transfer was less than a week before the race - head to the Bib Pick-up tents at the race expo or race morning. Bring your ID and a copy of the original runner's confirmation email.

NOTE: If you are picking up your bib on race morning, make sure to give yourself extra time!

If you transferred into another race (also called a deferral) - Depending on the price of the race you transfer into, you will receive a credit or pay the difference at checkout. 

If you transferred to a runner as a gift - there will be no refund and you will be charged a $20 processing fee.

If you transferred for a refund - your refund will be processed minus the $20 processing fee AFTER the transfer recipient has completed their registration in Run Signup. If they do not complete the transfer, no refund is issued and the original runner may still use their bib.

You can defer your race under My Registered Races when you log into RunSignup.com. This is allowed up until the race expo OR once your bib packet has been shipped (if you choose that option).

Your deferral credit must be used within 1 year of the date your defer or it will expire.

NOTE: A deferral is a two-step process. Once you defer a race, you will need to choose a new race to defer into. You may need to wait until registration opens for a future race to complete this step...come back to Run Signup anytime to finish your deferral!

You have three options for getting your bib packet before a race. Choose your method when you register. -

Race Expo (recommended) - Race expos are held the Friday before the race. They typically run 5-7 hours, allowing you to get your bib at your convenience. This is your best chance to meet fellow runners, pick up new merch, and ask our staff your questions before race day.

Race Morning - We typically open early morning bib pickup when the parking lots open before a race between 4-5am. We'll have limited capacity and don't recommend waiting until the day of the race, so treat this as your plan B!

Shipped before the race ($30) - We offer to mail your bib and race shirt as a convenience for runners who don't want to get to the area early. You can add a shipped bib to your registration until one month before the race by logging into RunSignup, clicking Manage Registration, and Add Ons. Bib packets ship approximately one month before your race.

We ship bib packets to you two weeks before the race date via Priority mail. Expect to receive your packet one week before the event. 

If you have not received your packet - don't fret. Let us know of the issue and we'll get you taken care of before race day!

You can edit your method of bib delivery up until one month before your race date! After that time, we will have already shipped out bib packets to runners. 

Log into RunSignup.com, and modify the registration on your event to view and edit your bib delivery options.

Yes! Save your group some hassle and send one person to pick up the bib packets. 

Just make sure you have a copy of each person's ID (digital is fine) to show our volunteers.

We understand that things happen! We typically have early morning bib pickup available either at the start line or the shuttle pickup area beginning at 4-5pm until 30mins before the race.

Check your race page or pre-race email for the exact time and location. Remember to allow for extra time in the morning, as race days may cause some traffic congestion. 

We typically start our races just after sunrise, between 6:00am and 7:00am. Check your race page for a start time and race day schedule.

The exception is night races (run beneath the stars at Zion and Joshua Tree!) and some ultra marathon distances. 

All our half marathons have a 4-4.5 hour window for runners to reach the finish line, depending on the difficulty of the course. That's an 18.5 minute mile - plenty of time for runners (and walkers) to pace themselves and reach the finish line...all while seeing some stunning views along the way!

If at anytime we deem it unsafe, we may decide to pull a runner off the course. We hope for your understanding and immediate cooperation. Failure to comply will result in being banned from future events.

Shuttles are a race-specific offering. We will often provide free shuttles for runners when a race is remote, has a different start and finish line location, or requires multiple parking areas.

Check your race page, pre-race emails, and race guide a month before the race for full details on any shuttles and parking that we provide for that specific event.

Yes! We will have port-a-potties available at both the start and finish line, as well as at all aid stations along the course.

Please be courteous of your fellow runners and keep the facilities clean.

We do not cancel races in the event of rain. If there is a lightning storm or other extreme weather event, it is our policy to delay the race hour-by-hour until it is clear that we cannot hold the race.

We suggest opting in for race day emergency texts when you register and keep an eye out for emails from us if a major storm is expected.

It's true that our races won't take you inside the National Parks, but to their doorsteps - offering stunning glimpses of what the parks can offer.

The National Parks are protected, federal land. It is very difficult to hold private events inside the parks in order to prioritize public access to the area - and rightly so! Having said that, we work to offer your courses that highlight the unique aspects of the area.

Please turn in any lost items to the Race Info tent (at the expo) or deliver it directly to a staff member (wearing marked 'STAFF', 'CREW', or 'MARKETING' shirts) or aid station volunteer.

We will announce lost items like keys, wallets, or phones over the loud speakers. After the event, we'll hold onto lost items and unclaimed gear check bags for 1 week following the race. After that time, they are no longer guaranteed and may be donated.

For unclaimed Ultras drop bags, we will hold onto these for 2 weeks following the race.

Please email info@vacationraces.com to inquire about your missing item.

Definitely - you can expect 6 aid stations on most half marathon courses at around mile 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12. A medic will be stationed typically at the aid station at or near mile 7. Keep in mind, the exact location of each aid station may vary from race to race. 

Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies, and sometimes more. They are staffed by our awesome volunteers - give them a high-five as you run by!

All stations are cup-free so plan to bring your own hydration solution or request a free HydraPouch when you register.

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact.

All of our races are cup-free. We will provide coolers of water and Gnarly Hydrate, but will not have cups on course or at the start/finish line. We ask runners to bring their own bottles. 

You can do your part by bringing a reusable drinking system - your favorite bottle, a refillable hydration pack, or a reusable running cup! These are lightweight, foldable cups that can be tucked into a waistband or pocket. You can order a Nathan reusable cup for FREE at registration or purchase at the expo for $10.

We hope for the best and plan for the worst at VR.

We usually have a medic at the aid station at mile 7, but all our aid station volunteers will be able to radio the race staff to come and collect you if you're injured or unwell. 

We are also incredibly proud of our runner community - don't hesitate to ask your fellow runners for a hand (and please help out others when you can!)

Many of our courses are trail runs, which aren't safe for strollers.

Each race page will tell you if strollers are allowed in the Quick Info section. However, our paved courses are your best bet:

Zion (the half marathon, not the ultras!), Glacier, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Great Smoky Mountains, Mt. Rushmore)

Coming with a stroller? We're happy to have you! Please be courteous to other runners and we ask that you begin your race in the last wave. Please familiarize yourself with the race course and make sure you know what to expect and that you are comfortable managing a stroller on course.

Unfortunately our event insurance does not cover furry friends on the course :(

However, they are welcome to join you at the expo or greet you art the finish line unless otherwise noted on the race page!

You can view your starting wave by logging into RunSignup.com and viewing your registration online. It should also be listed in your confirmation email/

Unless otherwise stated, you can feel free to switch waves based on your pace or wanting to run with a friend. 

You don't need to inform us :)

Your starting wave is based on your anticipated run time. Many of our courses are on trails and may have narrow stretches. Others are remote with limited traffic flow. Starting runners in waves helps us to avoid bottlenecks on the course or traffic jams in the parking lot - neither of which is our idea of a good time!

Last but not least, staggered or rolling waves helps us provide a safer experience as we continue to limit crowds at the start/finish line due to Covid-19.

For all Half Marathon events:
Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group.

Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older. As of yet, we do not offer non-binary age group awards.

There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.

For all Ultras events:

Place medals will be given to the top 3 overall male, female, and non-binary runners.

All runners who finish the race will receive a finisher medal, buckle, or specialty award in keeping with Ultras tradition. Exact finish line awards depend on the distance run.

We use two different methods to calculate runner times. You'll see both times listed in your results, but only one will matter depending on what you are competing for:

Gun time - Gun time calculates all runners times starting together at a set moment. Traditionally with a gunshot or when we yell "go!". It does not take into account when runners actually cross the start line. 

We typically use gun time for overall and masters top finishers.

Chip time - Chip time calculates runner times by starting the moment each individual runner crosses the starting mat. 

We typically use chip time for age-group and team awards.

While results are live on Run Signup the same day as most races, it may take us a few days to verify results with our timers and you may see rankings change as a result. 

If you have questions about your placement or results, please email timing@vacationraces.com.

Yes - our race events all have different cut-off times depending on the distance and technical difficulty of the course. 

Most of our half marathons give runners 4-4.5 hours to complete the course. 

Ultra marathon events vary - you can find your cut-off times in the course descriptions section of each ultras page and detailed info on time limits in the details section.

If you see that you placed, but didn't stick around for the awards ceremony, no worries! You can request to have your place medal shipped to you.

After a race, it will take us time to assess inventory and update the online shop. You can expect it to be available on the site within 2 weeks after that years race.

NOTE: We typically only sell online what we had remaining from the event merchandise booth. If you do not see an item online, it is because we sold out at the race. 

While you are guaranteed a shirt, our shirt order depends on what runners requested in registrations from before the final price jump (late registration period). This means we cannot always guarantee your ability to swap for a different shirt size.

That being said, you can always head to the race shirt tent at the finish line once everyone has claimed a shirt to ask about size availability!