Frequently Asked Questions
Online registration is the preferred registration method. Participants may register in-person at packet pick-up locations and on Race Day for a limited time. Race Day registrations are not guaranteed a race shirt.
Parking for the Harrisburg Mile is similar to other large events in Harrisburg such as Artsfest and Kipona. There is not one centralized location for parking. Options commonly used are parking at City Island, parking garages, and along city streets.
Parking is available on the streets surrounding the YMCA as well as between the start and finish line areas (throughout the course between Maclay & Forster Streets). Parking is also available on City Island as well as various garages around Harrisburg. Please be aware that these parking locations other than City Island may have a fee.
A portion of Front Street will be closed starting at approximately 3:00 PM. Please plan your arrival accordingly.
The Harrisburg Mile is a rain or shine event, so come prepared! If there happens to be a natural disaster or severe weather issue, participants will be notified the following ways:
- Participants can check the event homepage. All information concerning the race will be updated throughout the day.
- Follow us on Facebook for up-to-date information on race day, as well as information leading up to the event.
Yes, that's what the Fun 1-Mile Run/Walk is all about! The Harrisburg Mile brings together an eclectic mix of participants, ranging from competitive runners to families and active seniors. The Fun 1-Mile Run/Walk heat starts at 5:15pm and will not be timed.
The Elite Mile is the most competitive heat of the Harrisburg Mile. The qualifying time for ages 39 and under is 4:40 for men and 5:30 for women. The qualifying time for Elite runners 40 years of age and older is 5:00 for men and 6:00 for women. The Elite Heat is the main event of the Harrisburg Mile and starts at 7:45pm. This is the final heat of the evening and features a competition of qualified runners.
For timed heats, the bib race numbers will already have the timing chip attached to them and will be in your packet when you pick it up. If you do not wear your bib race number for your heat, your time will not be recorded.
The chip is already attached to your race bib, you just have to make sure you wear it. You must wear your bib race number on the front of your shirt or shorts in a visible location. Safety pins are provided to secure your bib. Please do not fold the number because it may damage the transponder.
Each bib and chip will be assigned to individual heats. For example, if you were to run in the Corporate Challenge heat at 6:30pm and then again in the 40+ heat at 7:30pm, you will need two different bibs and chips. Once you cross the finish line for the Corporate Challenge heat, your official time has been recorded for that bib number. You must then switch to the second bib for your second heat. Do NOT carry the second bib in your pocket.
Special electronic mats will be placed at both the start and finish lines. As each participant crosses the starting line mats, their individual time is recorded. Then, their time is also recorded as they cross the finish line. The finish line computer system then subtracts the starting time from the finish time and creates a new "net time" or "chip time." The chip timing method compensates for any lost time that runners in the back of the starting pack experienced at the starting line.
Corporate Challenge teams can have less than 5 members, but they will not be eligible for awards. Only full teams of 5 will be eligible for awards. The winning team will have the best combined time for all 5 members. Corporate Challenge teams must have five (5) participants to qualify for awards. Teams with fewer than 5 members will not be eligible for awards and will be scored as an incomplete team based on how many participants they have on their team.
That is fine, but make sure you do not wear your race bib with the timing chip during the Fun Run or the Half Pint. Timing chips are "one and done," meaning that once they are triggered by crossing a timing mat, they will not record again. If you cross the starting line and/or the finish line during the Half Pint with your bib, then it will not register when you complete your age group heat, so please be aware of this.
We would always rather you be with your child during the Fun Run/Walk and Half Pint! The support adds to their victory and the pictures are always adorable.
Yes, we do allow bib transfers. Please see the Deferrals and Bib Transfers section for more information.