Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Coastal courses too challenging for first-time trail runners?
Can I get a refund or transfer my entry to another event?
Can I have my shirt mailed?
When is the entrant list activated on the event page?
Can I change distances?
Will I get lost?
How can I find out if an event might sell out?
Can I run as a bandit?
Trail Etiquette?
May I wear headphones?
Are dogs allowed?
Are baby joggers allowed?
Does Coastal have a telephone number?
Are outside vendors/parties welcome at Coastal events?
Are Coastal events fundraisers for charities?
Why is the Elevation Gain different on the Elevation Profile chart?

Are Coastal courses too challenging for first-time trail runners?
Although our courses are hilly and challenging, Coastal events are designed for the first-time trail runner. One of the great things about trail running is that you can hike the uphills and run the downhills. You don't need to be an experienced trail runner to enjoy our events. Just remember to bring a water bottle. Top of Page

Can I get a refund or transfer my entry to another event?
Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to future Coastal events. As you can imagine, it is very expensive and time consuming to organize and produce a trail running event. Most costs (finishers’ shirts, insurance, permit fees, park monitors, preparation time, etc.) have been incurred well in advance. Even a small percentage of runners requesting refunds or transfers would prohibit us from holding the event. Please see our Cancellation Policy. Top of Page

Can I have my shirt mailed?
Shirts are handed out at the event. Leftover shirts, if any, are given to event helpers. Top of Page

When is the entrant list activated on the event page?
Generally, more than 50% of the runners sign up within the last 2 weeks. We typically post the list for the first time about 10 days out and update it several times as the majority of entries come in. Top of Page

Can I change distances?
You can change your distance anytime before the event. Your bib number indicates the distance that you're running, so you must let us know what distance you’re running by runner check-in, at the latest. Please Contact Us if you'd like to change distances. Top of Page

Will I get lost?
We mark the course extremely well with bright ribbons. Very few runners get off course and, if they do, they realize fairly quickly that they missed an intersection. If you get off course, you should retrace your path until you find where you left the course and then continue along the marked course. Watch for our signature striped ribbons placed before an intersection indicating a turn to the same side. Review the course map, carry the course description, and read the run-day instructions. Don't follow other runners blindly. Top of Page

How can I find out if an event might sell out?
We post a message to the event page when there is a chance that an event will sell out. Top of Page

Can I run as a bandit?
Running as a bandit (not registering) in organized events is inappropriate even though you don’t consume drinks or food. The organizers expend a tremendous amount of time and money for permits, park monitors, measuring and marking the course, insurance, and publicizing the event. Registered runners would not be able to enjoy the group experience if these efforts and costs were not made by the event organizers. Top of Page

Trail Etiquette?
Please be courteous on the trail. If you're passing another runner or hiker, announce "on your left" as you approach. Top of Page

May I wear headphones?
Headphones are allowed on dirt road sections only. Please do not wear headphones on single-track trail, while crossing paved roads, when getting aid at aid stations, or while crossing the finish line. Top of Page

Are dogs allowed?
No dogs allowed on the course. Please don't leave pets in your vehicle. Top of Page

Are baby joggers allowed?
All of our "trail run" courses include sections of narrow trail and baby joggers aren’t allowed. Most of our "Zoom" courses are along wide, flat paths and baby joggers are allowed.. Top of Page

Does Coastal have a telephone number?
We try to provide all event information on the web site. Please Contact Us if you have specific questions regarding the event. Top of Page

Are outside vendors/parties welcome at Coastal events?
We maintain a low-key atmosphere at our events and outside vendors/parties are not present. Top of Page

Are Coastal events fundraisers for charities?
Coastal events emphasize the enjoyment of trail running and personal achievement with a low-key atmosphere. Although Coastal makes donations to charities and parks, we feel that organizing or promoting fundraisers would be inconsistent with Coastal's mission. Runners occasionally run to raise money for charities and they're welcome to do that, personally. Top of Page

Why is the Elevation Gain different on the Elevation Profile chart?
We use an altimeter to measure Elevation Gain when we're wheeling the course. The Elevation Profile chart gives a general visual idea of the major climbs/descents. Please disregard the elevation change info within the Elevation Profile chart generated using Topo! Maps. The elevation gain/loss has significant cumulative errors from manually tracing the course with a mouse using the topo software program. Top of Page