FAQs
the micro > frequently asked questions

FAQs

Questions about any of The Micro races?
Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions here.

The Micro - a marathon event

Race information

Does "micro" mean the race is not a full marathon?
No - all of our races are certified, 26.2 mile, full marathons! The term "micro" comes from the small field sizes. Our races originally began during the COVID-19 pandemic where there were strict limits on the sizes of group gatherings. We realized that a small field is actually advantageous for many reasons, so when we decided we would keep our field sizes small moving forward, the name "The Micro" stuck. Rest assured, you will be covering a full marathon distance and your finish time is official. You will be able to use it as an Olympic Trials qualifier, a Boston Qualifier, a World Championship qualifier, etc.
What is the deferral policy?

Registration fees are non-refundable. Deferrals to the following year are available for a $35 fee, pending race director approval. Request one through your RunSignup account under Manage Registration before the posted deadline for your race year.

If I'm not ready to break 3 on race day, can I still race?
Yes. We plan to have pace groups for 2:40, 2:50, 3:00, and 3:10 finishing times, but those pace groups are dynamic and shift as the field demands. Meaning, if we have a bunch of runners aiming for 3:15, we add a 3:15 pacer. Every year, we routinely have runners who register with a goal anywhere from 3:05-3:20, and we also have runners whose training did not go to plan and so they choose a different pace group than originally planned on race day. All of those runners are more than welcome, and they never run alone. Since the course setup is multiple 3-mile loops, it is also very easy to step off and stop early if absolutely necessary so it is a very safe environment in that regard as well. So don't feel intimidated if you're shooting for 3:10 this spring, and don't feel as though you can't show up if you're not in top fitness on race day. Sign up, and come join the party. Please do note that the course cutoff time is 3:25 - if you do not finish before the 3:25 mark, you will not receive an official finish time.
Can I transfer between events?

Event transfers between Breaking 3 and micrOTQ are available for a $35 fee, pending race director approval and field capacity. If you hit the micrOTQ standard after registering for Breaking 3, request the transfer under Manage Registration in your RunSignup account before the posted deadline.

What are the micrOTQ entry standards?

Men: 2:30:00 marathon or 1:12:30 half marathon. Women: 2:50:00 marathon or 1:20:00 half marathon, run within the posted qualifying window. Shorter-distance qualifiers are considered case by case with race director approval.

Do downhill courses count for qualifying?

No. Qualifying performances must come from courses with a net drop of no more than 3.3m per kilometer. Downhill race credits are not accepted.

If I'm not ready to run an OTQ on race day, can I still run?
Yes, though consider that the course cutoff time is 3:00 - if you do not finish before the 3:00 mark, you will not receive an official finish time.

You may consider transferring to the Breaking 3 marathon being held on Saturday which will have pace groups for 2:40, 2:50, 3:00, and 3:10.
Is there a pregnancy exception to the qualifying window?

Yes. If pregnancy interrupted your qualifying window, contact us to discuss your eligibility.

Are headphones/earbuds allowed during the race?
No. Due to the nature of the small looped course and lapping that can occur in the later stages of the event, headphones or earbuds are not allowed to be worn by any participant. This is for your safety. This is also in compliance with USATF and World Athletics rules.
Is there an anti-doping requirement?

Athletes who are currently serving, or who have served a USADA or WADA suspension in the past, are ineligible to compete.

Is the course certified for BQ and OTQ purposes?

Yes. The course is USATF certified and sanctioned (#NY26002JRG), and World Athletics certified. Times run at The Micro are valid for Boston qualifying and U.S. Olympic Trials qualifying.

What is the time limit?

Breaking 3: 3:25:00
micrOTQ: 3:00:00.

Finishers inside the limit receive official results and a finisher's medal.

How does personal bottle service work?

Every participant who plans to use personal bottles (and we hope that is all of you) will be required to drop them off at the aid station on race morning. There will be volunteers to assist you in getting your bottles to the correct table and location. You are allowed to have a friend or family member drop your bottles off for you.

You will be assigned a table number and position number where your bottle will be located. This will be emailed to you prior to the technical meeting. In the tech meeting, we spend quite a bit of time discussing the logistics of the bottle setup to ensure everyone knows what to expect on race morning.

If you don't want to worry about setting up your bottles on race morning, we do offer a VIP Bottle Service as an add-on to registration. With this service, you will bring your prepared bottles to bib pickup and we take care of it from there! .

What is VIP Bottle Service?

Every participant who plans to use personal bottles (and we hope that is all of you) will be required to drop them off at the aid station on race morning. There will be volunteers to assist you in getting your bottles to the correct table and location. You are allowed to have a friend or family member drop your bottles off for you.

If you would prefer to have us handle your bottle setup on race morning, we do offer a VIP Bottle Service as an add-on. This can help eliminate stress on race morning and gives you more time to get to the start line. With VIP Bottle Service, you will drop off your prepared bottles at bib pickup and let us do the rest! Your bottles will be waiting for you on course in your designated position.

Spots are limited - VIP Bottle Service is capped at 75 total participants.

Where do I park?

Lot 5 is the primary lot, with overflow in Lot 4. There are no parking or park entry fees. Participants will be given a map of the parking areas prior to race weekend.

Are there bathrooms?

Permanent restroom facilities are located on premises near the parking lots/start and finish area. There will also be porta-potties on the course loop. If you are jogging a warrm up, you will be able to use those prior to race start, as well as having them available approximately every 3 miles during the race.

Is there gear check?

No. Due to the close proximity of the parking lots and the start/finish areas, we ask you to simply leave valuables in your vehicle or with family or friends. Any unattended items left at the starting area will be disposed of.

When is bib pickup?

Typically you can plan on bib pickup taking place the day before your race - there is no race-morning pickup. Participants will be notified of the exact location and time as soon as those details are finalized.

Can I volunteer?

Yes, we would love to have you! Volunteer roles are posted for Breaking 3 and for micrOTQ. If you have any questions, contact us.