Q: What are the key features of Huffing For Stuffing this year?
A: 1) 5K and 10K races are offered for runners who would like to compete. The Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk is available for people who would like to participate without competing. The Kids' Run is available to children 12 and under. 2) Team participation and awards. 3) Groomed (packed) Connector Trail just south of the Museum in the event of snowfall in order to significantly widen the trail and to improve footing - thank you BSF! 4) Packet Pickup and Event Expo will be held at the Best Western GranTree Inn (1325 N 7th) Tuesday and Wednesday during Thanksgiving week. 5) The Best Western GranTree Inn is the host-hotel for participants needing lodging. 6) The 5K and 10K events will be scored by CCR Timing using the chip timing Chrono Track D-Tag system. 7) Women's fitted micro-fiber shirts again this year (either style is optional). Sizes - Xsmall: 2-4, small: 6-8, medium: 8-10, large: 12-14, XL: 16, XXL: 18. Click here for detailed sizing information for women's fitted shirts. '8) The same expanded age-group divisions as last year plus Team awards for fastest team in 5K and 10K and most team members overall. Click here to see the complete list of divisions. 120 individual award winners and 3 team awards! 9) Two chances to win a special prize drawing from our sponsors! A) Register online. Everyone who does will be entered to win. B) Refer your family & friends who have not run Huffing For Stuffing before! Everyone who refers at least 2 people to register who have not run with us before will be entered to win! If you haven't run with us before - refer yourself! More newbie referrals means more of a chance to win! Winners will be announced during Awards Ceremony after the races. 10) Are you a 5-Timer? Everyone who has participated or volunteered all five years will receive a special award. Email huffingforstuffing@yahoo.com to let us know. 11) Huffing For Stuffing is on Facebook! Stay in touch with your friends and family and let them know about how you'll spend Thanksgiving morning. Better yet, encourage them to join you at Huffing For Stuffing!

Q: Why are you offering the Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk?
A: The untimed fun run is intended for less competitive runners and walkers who would like to participate for the sake of supporting our local Food Bank without the necessity and cost of being timed. Yes, untimed participants reduce our timing costs and enable greater flow-through of proceeds to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. If you would like to walk please join this event. Walkers in the 10K race will not be supported due to time constraints. Walkers will be fully supported for the Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk.

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. What better way to appreciate our blessings on Thanksgiving than to join family and neighbors for a fun event that supports our community? Our four-year cumulative total is $68,100 donated to our Food Bank! Thank you for your contribution to this total. Please bring canned food donations to the event.

Q: What time do the events start?
A: The Kids' Run (1K distance) starts at 8:00 am. The 10K starts at 8:50 am. The 5K and Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk starts at 9:15 am. Participants in the Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk will start at the back of the field behind the 5K runners, as a courtesy to these participants who are racing the 5K. The events will start on time. Please arrive early so you're not left behind!

Q: How much do the events cost?
A: The 5K, Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk & 10K events cost $20 before Thanksgiving Day. We think you'll agree it's the best deal in Gallatin Valley! Race day registration costs $25 for these events. The Kids' Run is FREE with a canned food donation. Everyone is encouraged to bring food donations.

Q: Can you help me train for the 5K or 10K race?
A: We are excited to announce that Matthew Parks, owner of Moving Forward, will host the official Training Program for the 5th Annual Huffing For Stuffing Thanksgiving Day Run in 2011! Matthew is a certified triathlon coach who offers performance coaching for many sporting activities. Click here for more information.

Q: Can you recommend lodging for out-of-towners?
A: Yes - we are excited to announce that the Best Western GranTree Inn (1325 N 7th) is the Official Host Hotel of Huffing For Stuffing '11. Packet Pickup and the Event Expo are located here, too, so you're in the right place! Also, you can look forward to HFS-related specials at The Club Tavern & Grill at the hotel. Be sure to mention Huffing For Stuffing to receive a discount when making reservations.

REGISTRATION FAQ'S

Q: How do I register for the Huffing For Stuffing Thanksgiving Day Run?
A: There are several ways to register: 1) Register online (click here). 2) Print and mail in the Registration Form (click here). Please write legibly and complete the Registration Form entirely. The waiver must be signed in order to participate. A separate Registration Form must be completed for each participant. Mail completed Registration Forms to: HFS Race, C/O John Dudas, 1757 Highland Blvd, unit 12, Bozeman MT, 59715. 3) Registration brochures can be picked up at Schnee's Boots & Shoes, Museum of the Rockies, Gallatin Valley Food Bank and various other locations around Bozeman. 4) Register in person during Packet Pickup at the Best Western GranTree Inn (1325 N 7th) from Tuesday, November 22 to Wednesday, November 23 between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. 5) Race Day Registration at the Museum of the Rockies is available from 7:00 am to 8:30 am. Come early!

Q: What will I receive for my entry fee?
A: Above all, the immeasurable satisfaction of actively participating to help the Gallatin Valley Food Bank serve our neighbors on Thanksgiving Day. You will receive a terrific long-sleeve micro-fiber race shirt (first 2,500 people to register), a reuseable grocery bag from Rosausers that doubles as a runner's packet with race number, timing chip and fun inserts from our sponsors, race results using net-time scoring, the support of volunteers at on-course water stations, EMTs on site at the Museum and safety patrollers along the courses, the chance to win a special prize if you can "Smoke the Turkey" in the 5K race, hand-crafted pottery awards for the speediest runners, raffle prizes donated by our sponsors, pre-race and post-race food and beverages and socializing in our warming tents. Don't miss it!

Q: What payment methods will be accepted?
A: Payment can be made using cash (if you register in person), checks and/or money order. We cannot accept credit or debit cards.

Q: Do I need to register/pay for my young child?
A: The Kids' Run is FREE with a canned food donation brought to the event. Also, for the 5K, Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk and 10K events there is no charge for children in strollers or baby joggers. Children who are running or walking with their parents must be registered in the event.

Q: Is there race day registration?
A: Yes. Race day registration is available from 7:00am to 8:30am at the Museum of the Rockies. Cost is $25 for all events except the Kids' Run, which remains FREE with a canned food donation brought to the event. Expect traffic delays for parking on Thanksgiving morning. The races will start on time even if you are still on line waiting to register. Please come early!

Q: How does Team Registration work?
A: Teams are voluntary groupings of individuals who are recognized as a group and are eligible for certain prizes. Each individual must register on his/her own and select the team name. At least 5 people per team; no maximum. Join your family, friends and co-workers to run or walk as a team! You can register your team on the printed Registration Form or online. Team awards for fastest in the 5K and 10K and for most team members overall. NOTE that teams with members split among the 5K and 10K races are ineligible for awards for fastest time unless the team has at least 5 participants in either event.

Q: Where do I pick up my race packet?
A: Packet Pickup will be at the Best Western GranTree Inn (1325 N 7th) from Tuesday, November 22 to Wednesday, November 23 between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. Or, pick up your packet at the Museum of the Rockies on race day between 7:00 am and 8:30 am. Expect traffic delays for parking on Thanksgiving morning. Come early!

Q: Do I need my registration receipt to pick up my pre-registration race packet and packets for other people?
A: No. If you do not have your email confirmation and/or bib number(s) there will be alpha lists available at Packet Pickup for you to lookup your bib numbers prior to retrieving your race packet(s). This will take extra time. Although not required, we highly recommend you bring your registration confirmation to pick up your pre-registration race packet as this will get you in and out more quickly. Be sure that when picking up more than one TIMED race packet that the correct race bib is used by the correct person. Each pre-registration bib has a label on it that identifies the individual it has been assigned to by our system. If you register more than one TIMED person at Packet Pickup, our volunteers will write the names of the individuals on the back of the bibs as our system has assigned them.

Q: How can I be sure to receive the long-sleeve micro-fiber race shirt?
A: Be sure that you are among the first 2,500 participants to register for the 5K, Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk and 10K events. We will reserve shirts for the first 2,500 participants who register even if you do not pick up your race packet until Thanksgiving morning. We may or may not re-order shirts after Thanksgiving for late entrants. Don't risk being late and missing out!

Q: May I switch my race distance from 5K to 10K, or vice-versa?
A: Yes. Please email huffingforstuffing@yahoo.com before race day. Or, let us know during Packet Pickup or on Thanksgiving morning at the Registration Table to make these changes. NOTE: We discourage 10K participants from shortcutting the course by running the 5K course (bypassing the loop that returns runners to Wagon Wheel Rd the second time). However, if you choose to shortcut the course please tell the volunteer on this street corner your name and bib number so that the official results are not compromised.

Q: There is an Event Expo again this year?
A: Yes! We are excited to offer an Event Exposition to showcase our sponsors' terrific products, services and support. The Event Expo will take place during Packet Pickup at the Best Western GranTree Inn (1325 N 7th) from Tuesday (11/22) to Wednesday (11/23) from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Have fun browsing and sampling, socializing and people watching!

RACE DAY FAQ'S

Q: What are driving directions to Packet Pickup at the Best Western GranTree Inn and to the Huffing For Stuffing events at the Museum of the Rockies?
A: The Best Western GranTree Inn is located on N 7th Ave just south of the exit 306 interchange on Rt 90. The Museum of the Rockies is located on West Kagy Blvd, just west of the traffic light at Kagy Blvd and Willson Ave/South 3rd Ave. From Interstate 90: Take 19th Street (exit 305). Head south on 19th Street for 3.8 miles. Turn left (east) onto Kagy Blvd. The Museum is ahead on the right side of the road. Parking is permitted in both the MSU Brick Breeden Fieldhouse and Football Stadium parking lots on Thanksgiving Day. There will be heavy traffic arriving for the event. Arrive early!

Q: Where can I park my vehicle on Thanksgiving Day?
A: Parking is available at the MSU Football Stadium and the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. No parking is permitted at the Museum of the Rockies or on South 7th Ave to the south of Kagy Blvd. Kagy Blvd will be closed between South 7th and South 11th the same as during Bobcat football games. Traffic detours will be in effect in similar fashion. Click here to view a map of the area.

Q: Where are the Start & Finish lines?
A: The Start & Finish lines are at the Museum of the Rockies east parking lot (600 West Kagy Blvd). Click here to view a map of the area.

Q: Since the Starting Line will be crowded how will everyone position themselves as the race is about to start?
A: Signs will be posted at the Starting Line based on your anticipated running pace (speed) per mile with faster runners toward the front of the field. Competitors who will run a 6 minute mile pace should line up at the "6:00 / Mile" sign. They will be in front of those who will run a 7 minute mile pace who will line up at the "7:00 / Mile" sign, who will be in front of the 8 minute mile pace runners, and so on... Please seed yourselves accordingly as a courtesy to your fellow competitors. A "Strollers" sign will be posted toward the back of the field for participants pushing strollers. We prefer that walkers participate in the Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk and not in the 10K. As such, walkers in this event should line up at the back of the field behind runners racing the 5K and other less competitive runners in the Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk.

Q: Will there be water stations on the course?
A: Yes. One water station will be located on Wagon Wheel Road to support the 5K and 10K participants. Another water station will be located at the corner of Peace Pipe Dr and Graf St for 10K participants. There is also water, warm drinks and tasty treats at the Start/Finish Line area. Click here for more information about the race courses.

Q: Will port-a-potties be available?
A: Yes. Plenty of port-a-potties, provided by Big John's Portable Restrooms, will be located near the Start/Finish Line at the Museum of the Rockies.

Q: What else should I know about The Kids' Run?
A: Participation in The Kids' Run is FREE with a canned food donation. Legal guardians must grant permission, register and sign a liability waiver in order for children to participate in the Kids' Run. The children will enjoy many laughs while running with our fun-loving costumed turkey runners and the costumed dinosaur. The course is an out-and-back route (1K distance) from the Starting Line to South 7th Ave (south of Kagy Blvd) and will circle the MSU track counter-clockwise before returning to the Museum of the Rockies. All kids will receive a special shirt from our sponsors when they cross the finish line. Have fun!

Q: What does "Smoke the Turkey " mean?
A: Our fun-loving costumed turkeys (Dee & Rob) will run the 5K race with an eye and their wattles toward avoiding Grandma's oven! All participants who smoke (beat) the turkey will win a special prize. They're not track superstars nor are they push-overs. Think you can smoke them?

Q: Can I run with headphones and my dog? How about a stroller?
A: The use of headphones is discouraged but not prohibited. For everyone's safety and to comply with insurance requirements, no dogs, roller blades and bicycles are permitted along the courses. Violations of this policy will void the race insurance and make you personally liable for injuries you may cause or sustain. Participants with strollers are invited to line up at the back of the starting line.

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 event for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. We thank you for your donation!

Q: How long will the courses remain open?
A: The courses will remain open and supported until 10:30 am. That equates to a 15 minute pace per mile for 10K participants and 23 minute pace per mile for 5K participants. Huffing For Stuffing welcomes walkers and we strongly recommend that you consider walking the Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk event in order to be fully supported by the event staff. Volunteer course patrollers for the 10K will sweep behind the last 10K runners. Walkers on the 10K will not be supported due to time constraints. Walkers will be fully supported for the Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk. Thank you to our Volunteers, Bozeman Police and the City of Bozeman for supporting our event!

Q: What kind of weather can I expect?
A: Well, this is Montana so anything is possible. But, remember that Bozeman averages ~300 days of sunshine each year and does have 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! You can stay warm in our heated tents before and after the race. Remember the adage, "there's not poor weather, just poor choice of clothing!"

Q: How do I find out about event changes due to inclement weather?
A: We offer a hearty congratulations to everyone who braved and smiled your way through single digit temperature last year! In all likelihood the events will go on as planned as rescheduling the events is not an option. Only with extreme precipitation or extremely arctic temperatures will race changes be made. You can visit our website to see if any last minute updates have been posted by race morning. Remember the adage, "there's not poor weather, just poor choice of clothing!" This is Montana!

Q: What will the post race festivities entail?
A: The post-race festivities offer an opportunity for friendly socializing with your neighbors and fellow participants. Food and warm beverages will be available. Moose Radio personalities will be there to emcee the event. Race awards and raffle prizes will be presented. Heated warming tents will be on site. Please check the race results to see if you won an award. If so, be sure to pick up your award before leaving or risk missing out on our terrific hand-crafted pottery awards.

TIMING AND AWARDS FAQ'S

Q: How will the events be timed?
A: The 5K and 10K events will be scored by CCR Timing using the chip timing Chrono Track D-Tag system. It is wise to allow the speediest runners to start at the front of the pack. There is no need to fret about lost seconds before crossing the starting line! Also, we expect quick posting of race results leading up to the Awards Ceremony.

Q: How do I attach the timing chip to my shoe lace? Do I need to wear my race bib number?
A: When you pick up your race packet and bib number, the paper D-tag timing chip will already be attached to the bib. You will need to peel off the tag and attach it to your shoelace. Click here for video instructions. Click here for printed instructions. It is important that each participant in the 5K and 10K events wear both: 1) the bib number pinned to the FRONT of your outer garment, and 2) the paper D-tag timing chip attached to your shoelace by looping it through a lace on your shoe with the number showing on top and joining the sticky ends together. Be careful not to wrinkle, bend or damage the chip embedded in the tag as this can result in inaccurate timing results. Be sure to use the tag on the bib assigned to you in order to receive your correct timing result. The timing chips will not be collected after the race. They are your to keep, recycle or throw away. Participants in the Untimed 5K Fun Run/Walk will receive a race bib number that must be worn on the front of the outer garment but will not receive a timing chip.

Q: How will my race time be recorded?
A: There are two separate starting times: the 10K starts at 8:50 am and the 5K starts at 9:15 am. Computer timing mats at the start and finish line will be used to determine your net time running along the course. In order to receive an accurate time you must cross over the mat at both the start and finish line.

Q: What are the race divisions for awards for the 5K & 10K?
A: We are excited to award beautiful hand-crafted pottery awards again this year by talented Bozeman artist, Ona Meyer. We are continuing with the same expanded age group divisions (click here for details) as last year. 120 individual award winners total! Awards are non-duplicative meaning that overall winners will not also win their age group - more individual winners! Also, Team awards for fastest in the 5K and 10K and for most team members overall. NOTE that teams with members split among the 5K and 10K races are ineligible for awards for fastest time unless the team has at least 5 participants in either event.

VOLUNTEERING / OTHER

Q: If I don't care to run or walk Huffing For Stuffing, how else can I get involved?
A: Please consider volunteering! We need more than 200 volunteers to make the event run safely and smoothly. Whether helping with advance preparations tasks during October and November, during Packet Pickup from Tuesday 11/22 to Wednesday 11/23, during the events on Thanksgiving Day, or even with post-race wrap-up duties, you will be part of all the excitement, you will receive the same micro-fiber race shirt and race goodies, and you will receive lots of thankful appreciation from the event organizers, participants and the community. Also, all volunteers will be entered to win terrific top-prizes from our sponsors!

Q: I still have a question. Can you help?
A: Absolutely! Email: huffingforstuffing@yahoo.com, or Contact Us.