FAQs
Why is The Cannonball Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K the premier race in Greensboro?
This historic event features four distances including the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Dash AND a bonus challenge option. The 10K, half and full marathon use the gorgeous A & Y Greenway in Greensboro, NC. This scenic, paved rail trail is a favorite to both race and train on. The 5K, Kids Dash and start/finish for all events take place in Country Park, Greensboro's running Mecca. Whether a veteran to distance running or a relative newbie, this event is a MUST DO for the course, the schwag, the glory, and the PARTY!
What is the Double Barrel Challenge?
Back for a fifth year, the 5K will be offered on Friday! Again, the opportunity to run the Double Barrel where you run the 5K Friday and the 10K or Half/Full Marathon on Saturday! The Friday night 5K allows the unique opportunity to race in the evening AND opens up the challenge of participating in either the 10K, half marathon or marathon on Saturday. Double Barrel Challenge participants receive two shirts and two custom finisher medals (one for each event), PLUS bonus bling for completing the Double Barrel Challenge. Not to mention extra beer and bragging rights!!!
What's included with my registration?
All race participants will receive a custom finishers medal (Kids dash will not receive a medal or shirt, but their own "goodies'), runner shirt**, snacks, beer (21 and up), and a meal! Everyone, friends and family, can enjoy the post-race celebration with live music, awards ceremony and activities.
**You must register 2 weeks prior to event to guarantee a shirt.**
Where is the best place for spectators, friends and family?
If you'd like to cheer on your favorite runner (Mom, Dad, friend, co-worker, etc.) what better way than to volunteer and get a front row seat! Bring your cow-bells and amazing spirit along the course and give them the much needed encouragement to cross the finish line! Visit our volunteer link here! Volunteers receive the same perks as participants....volunteer shirt, food, beer (21 and up) AND a discount to a future race with us!
Can friends and family track my progress during the live event?
Live Phone Tracking, GPS Progress Alerts and Cheers! We are providing you with RaceJoy as part of the official race experience for The First Horizon Bank Cannonball - Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!
Can I register on race day?
Race day registration is available if participant cap has not been met.
Can I pick up my friend's packet early and/or race day?
Yes, you can pick up friends, family and coworker's packets. Our only exception is if you are running the marathon (Boston Qualifier event), you must pick up your packet with a CURRENT photo identification (Driver's license, passport, etc.).
What can I expect on the course?
The Cannonball Marathon is one of the longest running endurance events in North Carolina. The addition of the Marathon in 2016 makes it the Triad’s “go to” race. We’re happy to offer the 2024 Marathon as a Boston Qualifier again this year. We have seen blazing fast times in previous years for the half, but don’t be fooled the course isn’t a walk in the park. The race is also perfect for the beginner runner because of the gorgeous scenery. The backdrop for the race is Country Park and the beautiful north Greensboro countryside. Country Park, with the Greensboro Science Center next door, is a great place for the family to hang out and listen to our live band while you run. The course is open to the general public; please be mindful of others who may not be running the event.
Can friends and family track my progress?
Yes! Use the RaceJoy app for advanced tracking of participants and show your support with cheer sending. Participants set up for tracking in RaceJoy and carry their phone as they complete the course. Spectators track participants’ actual location in a map view and can send audio cheers. GPS-based progress alerts are typically issued at every mile along the course. Participants need to opt-in for spectators to track them in RaceJoy. Download the RaceJoy app here.
Will there be water/aid stations?
YES! Check out the water/aid station link HERE. Hydration and nutrition (half and full marathon participants only) will be available. We are asking the running community to help us reduce our use of water cups. If you are able to bring your own hydration vessel, our water stop volunteers can help with refills.
Can I create/join a team?
We all know everything is better with friends. BONUS, teams that are 10 or more individuals (5K) each receive a $5 refund off their registration FEE! Teams of 10 or more get a reserved space to set up on race day for party in the park! Team "Captain" can create the team and ask others to join! Find your team's name under the TEAMS tab.
Will gear check be available?
Yes! We will keep your personal items safe while you race! Once you've finished your epic finish, show us your bib and pick up your gear!
Can I walk the event?
Yes, we love our walkers! All participants must meet the requirements of completing the half or full marathon in 6 hours or less (13:44 min./mile pace). If you cannot finish within time limits, we can't guarantee course support—which is paramount for your safety. Aid stations, medical support, portable toilets, and road closures will become unavailable to participants. The local police and race organizers will ask you to reroute to a shorter version of the course or move up onto the sidewalk where you will be required to obey regular traffic laws.
Where are the aid stations?
See Water/Aid station info under "Course Info" tab HERE
Who can direct me along the course?
We strive to ensure a safe and well-marked course for all participants. Course monitors and local law enforcement will be present at key intersections and turns. However, course monitors are the only volunteers with course info. Law enforcement WILL NOT have course info.
What is a pacer? And do I have to pay to run with a pacer?
The role of a pacer is to support you in reaching your goal finish time by keeping to their assigned pace. Pace Groups are FREE.
What is a sweeper?
In a race it's the sweeper's job to stay at the back of the pack and make sure everyone running finishes or, if they drop out they get back to the start safely. Obviously, this means running at a pace as slow or slower than the last runner, which can sometimes mean walking part of the course.
How do I know who the pacers are? How do I find the pacers?
Pacers are available for the half and full marathon distances. Pacers designated by an official pacer shirt, will wear shirts and hold pacer flags indicating race time. You can meet the pacers pre-race 30 minutes prior to the race or look for their signs at the start line.
What are the pace groups for the half and full marathon?
Half Marathon
1:45 (8:01 per mile)
2:00 (9:10 per mile)
2:15 (10:18 per mile)
2:30 (11:27 per mile)
2:45 (12:46 per mile)
3:00 (13:44 per mile)
SWEEPER (any pace is acceptable, but must meet course cutoff of 6 hours)
Marathon
3:30 (8:01 per mile)
4:00 (9:10 per mile)
4:30 (10:18 per mile)
5:00 (11:27 per mile)
5:30 (12:46 per mile)
6:00 (13:44) SWEEPER (You must be ahead of the sweeper to meet course cut off time at 1:45PM)
Are strollers allowed?
Unfortunately, strollers are not allowed. The 5K will be an evening early event and sighting may be limited. Our 10K, half and full marathon courses have limited space along the greenway. This is to ensure runner safety and comply with liability insurance policies.
What is your race day cancellation policy?
In the event the race should be canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Race Director or Race Committee (inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions; local, state or national emergency), refunds will not be made, but race packets, including race shirts, will be available at a location to be determined. The race has a NO WORRIES race registration guarantee so you can feel confident that you will NEVER lose the value of your race registration. You can also choose to add on a no questions asked refund to your race registration for a small fee. Visit our website to review our "Race Protection Policy" tab for more details.
Can I run with my pet? Can my pet come to the event?
No, we do not allow pets, bicycles, inline skates or any means of transportation other than running, walking or wheelchairs. Race Director reserves the right to reject any entry or to remove any participant from the race course without explanation. Handcycles are permitted.
How can I check to see if I am registered participant or on a team?
For individual participants, click "Race Information" tab, select "Track A Participant" and enter your name. For a team member, click "More" and select "Group/Teams".
