City of Trees Marathon

Race Week Details!

First, we'd LOVE to thank Blue Circle Sports and the Ulmer clan for allowing us to continue the City of Trees races. The Ulmer's ran this race for 20 years and maintained a home town Boise feel to a world class event. In 2021 and with much dismay, the Ulmer's decided to no longer produce events. In October 2021, we reached out to them and asked if we could continue on this wonderful race which has become a Boise tradition. We are super appreciative of them and honored to create a new chapter in the story of the City of Trees Marathon and we hope to do them proud. We know we will not be able to initially "fill their shoes" and we apologize for that. However, it is our goal to celebrate the history, create a new chapter and continue the same family first organizational feel to all COT races as we continue on.

For more information about who the current race directors are, scroll to the bottom.

LET'S GO!!!

Please let us know if your questions is not answered!!! Email jonathan@cityoftreesmarathon.org or jamie@cityoftreesmarathon.org or use the Contact Page on this website.

Q: Where, when and how do I pick up my bib and shirt?
A. Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Fleet Feet Meridian from  3 - 6 p.m. (3573 E Longwing Ln STE 105, Meridian, ID 83646)
A. Thursday, Oct. 12 at at Shu's Idaho Running Company from  3 - 6 p.m. (1758 W State St, Boise, ID 83702)
A. Friday, Oct. 13 at at Payette Brewing from  Noon - 8 p.m. (733 S Pioneer St, Boise, ID 83702)

Q: Is there a course preview??
A: Maybe. Let us get closer to race day and see what happens.

Q: Where do I park on race day?
A: There is free parking just about everywhere. Please plan on arriving 45 minutes to 1 hour in advance of your race time in order to ease any frustrations with traffic and parking availability.

Q: Where is Payette Brewing?
A: 733 S. Pioneer St., Boise, ID 83702. MAP LINK

Q: Where and when do I pick up my bib and shirt on race day?
A: Please know we do not offer race day packet pickup unless it's an extreme circumstance. In that case, we're happy to accommodate. Just email jamie@solekids.org and let her know.

Q: Where, when, and how do I check my gear? (1/2 and Full Marathon Only)
A: Your cars will be nearby so this shouldn't be too much of an issue. However, you're welcome to check your gear at the RED SoleKIDs table. Please place clothing only (NO VALUABLES) in the bag and give it to the Coach Denise. When you finish the race, head back over there to collect your finisher's award and your gear.

Q: What time should I arrive at the race site? (Please note that we recommend being early to avoid parking and/or typical race morning confusions and therefore a min. of 45 min prior to race start.)
A: Marathon - 7.15 a.m. in order to stand in the portapotty lines. (Plan for 150 runners)
B: Half Marathon - 8.15 a.m. (Plan for 400 other runners)
C: 10K - 8.45 a.m. 
B. 5K - 9.15 a.m.

Q: Where are the start lines?
A: In the parking lot of Payette Brewing. (We used to put them directly on the Greenbelt, but the normal foot traffic can be a bit much when added to our race, so we're tucked up beside Payette Brewing!!!

Q: When do the races start?
A: Please memorize these start times:

• Full Marathon - 8:00am,
• Half Marathon - 9.00 a.m.
• 10K - 9.30 a.m.
• 5K - 10.00 a.m.

Note: Sunrise is expected around 7.58 a.m. so marathon runners might need a headlamp at the parking and start. The ambient light from the sunrise along the Greenbelt marathon should be spectacular as you race towards the sun.

Q: When will the eclipse be and how will I know.
A:

Q: How will the courses be marked?
A: The courses will be well marked with PINK City of Trees Marathon flags and directional arrow signs (yard signs) at each turn. In addition, key turns on the Half and Full Marathon course will be marked with cones so runners can easily navigate the course. We will have many monitors on the course. However, please follow the sign/cone markings and signs before asking a monitor for directions.

Q: Where are the Aid Stations?
A: Full and Half Marathon - 12 Aid Stations (Porta Potties will be at each aid station in addition to the normal Parks and Rec facilities.)
A: 10k - 2 aid stations (Roughly miles: 1.5, 4.5)
A: 5k - 1 aid station (Roughly miles: 1.5)

Q: Where are the toilets?
A: Full and Half Marathon - Start and Finish and approximately 2 miles (with one except around Mile 4) along the course.
A: 10K - Start, Mile 3 / Finish
A. 5K - Start / Finish

Q: Where is first aid?
A: Course monitors will have first aid kits, emergency contact information and will be on the course with even more direct access to emergency medical help. In case you see someone on the course who needs urgent medical attention, call 911, stop to assist the individual if they are not already being assisted, tell fellow runners to immediately contact a course monitor or police officer and stay with the individual until help arrives. Saving a life is more important than finishing a race.

Q: Will you have a timing mat at the start (chip start)?
A: YES!!! The timing company will have timing mats at the start/finish line for the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. In keeping with USATF standards, the half-marathon awards will be based on GUN TIME. If you are a competitive runner, please start close to the front if you are competing for an award in the Overall division. The TOP finishers for the marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K will receive an award.

Q: When will you post results?
A: The timing company will post live results, so you'll be able to see your UNOFFCIAL finish time almost immediately on your smartphone. Official results will take longer to process and post, since the timer will need to resolve various issues which are bound to crop up.... we think that's how it's supposed to happen.

Q: Where and when are the Awards Ceremonies?
A: Payette Brewing on the stage at 11:00 a.m.

Q: Is the City of Trees a Boston Qualifier?
A: Not yet. We're working it and plan on it being so. 

Q: Can I run with a baby jogger, or can I walk with a stroller?
A: Absolutely! We pride ourselves in family friendly events but please be mindful of how you may negatively impact other runners. No different than the folks who run 4-wide and block the route.. or the walker that gets in the front of the start.. or the dog walker with the 20 ft long leash.. etc. Just be kind out there.

Q: Can I run with ear buds?
A: While we wouldn't, to each their own and we're here to support you. We adhere to normal Greenbelt rules and there is no rule pertaining ear buds. Please be careful of bicycles that zip along as they are moving fast. Also, the thought of enforcing that rule is gross as we don't touch ear buds. 

Q: Can I run with my dog?
A: Absolutely! But please keep your pet under control at all times and make sure they get enough hydration along the route. We'll put out some water bowls at the aid stations but please, please, please clean up after your pet. See the above disclaimer with strollers as the same applies to you.

Q: Who are the race directors of this event?
A: Glad you asked. SoleKIDs, INC. is a 501c3 qualified public charity that began in the Spring of 2017 by Jamie and Jonathan Stevens. Since SoleKIDs' inception they have hosted numerous 5K events, fun runs for schools and community fundraisers. Some highlights include helping raise more the 25K dollars for local area schools in the Boise, West Ada and Nampa School Districts. In Spring 2020, SoleKIDs received an award for being Idaho's top non-profit. In the Fall of 2021, SoleKIDs raised 10K dollars to help the fight against children's cancer. SoleKIDs founders are great believers in giving back to the community and that healthier communities are better communities. In Fall of 2021, the Ulmer family gave us their blessing to continue on the legacy of the COT races.