Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time do the races start?
A: The Kids' Run (~ ½ mile) starts at 8:15 am. The 10K starts at 9:00 am and the 5K starts at 9:15 am. The races will start on time! Please arrive early so you're not left behind!
Q: Is the Huffing For Stuffing Thanksgiving Day Run a fund-raiser event?
A: YES! Huffing For Stuffing will donate proceeds to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. We hope to improve upon last year's donation of $8,000 by 50% to $12,000! Please help us! What better way to show appreciation for our blessings on Thanksgiving than to join neighbors for a fun running event that supports our community? Please bring canned food donations to the Starting Line.
Q: How do I register for the Huffing For Stuffing Thanksgiving Day Run?
A: Download and complete a PDF Registration Form. Please write legibly and complete it entirely. The waiver must be signed. Also, forms can be picked up at Fleet Feet Bozeman, the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and the Museum of the Rockies. Submit completed forms to any of the above locations or mail to: HFS Race, C/O John Dudas, 1757 Highland Blvd, unit 1, Bozeman MT, 59715. Or, register online at Active.com. Race Day Registration costs $25 and is available from 7:00 am to 8:15 am SHARP!
Q: Where do I pick up my race packet?
A: You can pick up your race packet from Monday, November 24 to Wednesday, November 26 at Fleet Feet Bozeman (448 East Main Street) during normal business hours. On race day, packet pickup is at the Registration Table between 7:00 am - 8:15 am. Please come early!
Q: Is there Race Day Registration?
A: Yes. Race Day Registration opens at 7:00 am at the Museum of the Rockies parking lot. We will close Race Day Registration at 8:15 am in order to start the race on time. PLEASE COME EARLY !
Q: How much do the events cost?
A: The 5K & 10K events cost $20 pre-registration. We think you'll agree this is the best deal in Gallatin Valley ! Race day registration is $25 for either event. The Kids' Run is FREE with a canned food donation. Please bring food donations to the Starting Line area.
Q: What else should I know about the Kids' Run?
A: Legal guardians will need to grant permission, register and sign a liability waiver in order for the children to participate in the Kids' Run. The kids will have many laughs while running with our very own fun-loving costumed turkey runners and the costumed dinosaur. The course will be an out-and-back course (1/2 mile total) on South 7th Ave (south of Kagy Blvd ). The road will be closed to vehicle traffic. All kids will receive a prize as they cross the finish line. Sorry, no race shirts are available for the Kids' Run.
Q: What do I get for my entry fee?
A: Above all, the immeasurable satisfaction of participating in a 5K or 10K event to help the Gallatin Valley Food Bank serve our less fortunate neighbors on Thanksgiving Day. You will receive a terrific long-sleeve micro fiber race shirt, the support of on-course water stations, the chance to win a special hand-crafted pottery award and post-race raffle items donated by our sponsors, post-race food and beverages, socializing and music entertainment in our heated tent.
Q: Can I run with headphones and my dog? How about a stroller?
A: Sorry, no headphones or dogs. Insurance prohibits competitors from wearing headphones or having dogs on the course. This is for your own safety and those around you. Participants with strollers are permitted to line up at the back of the starting line.
Q: What does "Smoke the Turkey " mean?
A: Our very own fun-loving costumed turkeys (male and female) will run the 5K race. All participants who smoke (beat) the turkey will win a prize. Who knew our 6'4" Turkey would finish in 19th place last year (time 21:30)?! We promise to slow him down this year and we'll also add a Gal Turkey to challenge all the ladies!
Q: Where are the Start & Finish Lines? Where do I park my vehicle?
A: The Start & Finish Lines are at the Museum of the Rockies east parking lot (600 West Kagy Blvd). Parking is available at the MSU Football Stadium and the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse parking lot. Please note that South 7th Ave south of Kagy is part of the race course and will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Click here to view the 5K Map Click here to view the 10K Map
Q: If I am unable to participate in the run, can I get my entry fee refunded or transferred to another individual?
A: The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huffing For Stuffing is a fund-raiser for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. We thank you for your donation!
Q: May I switch my race distance from 5K to 10K, or vice-versa?
A: Yes. Please email huffingforstuffing@yahoo.com before race day to change your race distance. You may try to do the same on race morning at the Registration Table but we cannot guarantee enough time before the events start to process your change.
Q: What are Clydesdale & Athena divisions?
A: Clydesdale & Athena divisions are optional voluntary divisions based on the individual's weight. Clydesdales are men who weigh 200+ lbs. Athenas are women who weigh 150+ lbs. The Clydesdale and Athena first place winners in the 5K and 10K will win an awesome handcrafted pottery award!
Q: How will the events be timed?
A: The events will be timed by locally owned, Perfect Timing, using gun time only. Computer chips will not be used. Awards are based on gun time.
Q: What are the race divisions for awards for the 5K & 10K?
A: Huffing For Stuffing will present special hand-crafted pottery awards again this year to the top males and females for each race as follows: Overall winners (3 deep); Open Division (<39 years; 3 deep); Masters' Division (40-59 years; 3 deep); Super Masters' Division (60+ years; 1st place). Also, the top Clydesdale and Athena finisher for each race will win an award. Awards are non-duplicative, meaning that overall winners will not also win their age group, which allows for more individual winners! See the Awards page for a look at last year's fabulous awards.
Q: How long will the courses remain open?
A: The courses will remain open and supported for 90 minutes. That equates to a 14.5 minute pace per mile for the 10K. Huffing For Stuffing welcomes walkers and perhaps they should consider the 5K distance in order to be fully supported by the event staff.
Q: How do I find out about event changes due to inclement weather?
A: We offer a hearty congratulations to all of you who braved and smiled your way through the single digit temperature last year! Visit our website for any last minute updates on race morning. In the event of moderate rain, snow or even zero degree temperature like last year, the events will go on as planned. Only with extreme precipitation or extremely frigid temperatures will race changes be made. This is Montana !
Q: Will there be water stations on the course?
A: Yes. One water station will be located on the corner of Westridge and Graf and another on Peace Pipe and Graf to support the 10K participants. Since the courses are lollipop out-and-back routes, all participants will pass the water station on Westridge/Graf twice. There also will be water and good eats at the Start/Finish Line area.
Click here to view the 5K Map Click here to view the 10K Map
Q: Will port-a-potties be available?
A: Yes. Port-a-potties, provided by our sponsor - Big John's, will be located near the Start/Finish Line at the Museum of the Rockies .
Q: What will the post-race festivities entail?
A: The post-race festivities provide an opportunity for friendly socializing with your neighbors and fellow participants. Food and beverages will be available. Moose Radio will provide music entertainment. Race awards and raffle prizes will be presented. Heated warming tents will be on site.
Q: What kind of weather can I expect?
A: Well, this is Montana, so anything is possible. But, remember that Bozeman has ~300 days of sunshine each year and some mild winter days. Average temperatures on Thanksgiving morning range from 25 to 32 degrees. Quite comfortable for a run! We offer a hearty congratulations to all of you who braved and smiled your way through the single digit temperature last year! What luck that race morning was the coldest morning of the season to date...and you still came out! Like last year, we will have heated tents available after the race.
Q: When will race results be available?
A: Race results will be available shortly after the race events and will be posted near the Start/Finish Line area. Results also will be listed on the race website and will be printed in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
Q: If I don't want to run or walk Huffing For Stuffing, how else can I get involved?
A: Please consider volunteering on race day. We need 100 volunteers to make the event run safely and smoothly. You will be part of all the excitement, you will receive a long-sleeve micro fiber race shirt and race goodies, and will receive lots of thankful appreciation from the event organizers, participants and the community. We need you to make Huffing For Stuffing happen! A hearty "Thank You" to all our sponsors last year who made our event a success!
Q: I still have a question. Can you help?
A: Sure. Email: huffingforstuffing@yahoo.com, or call John at 406-599-6283.
