Timed Race
How the Free Bird 5K Timed Race Works
Interval Start
The difference between the FREE BIRD 5K and a normal race is that runners will leave the start line individually at not less than 20 second intervals in order to create natural spacing. This will be accomplished with a linear starting queue where runners will get in line (at least 6 feet apart) and individually move to to the start line. If you've ever participated in a sprint triathlon, this is the same way they start the pool swim. After finishing the race, runners will be kept moving through the chute and into a field where they can disperse and maintain social distancing.
Timing Sessions
The FREE BIRD 5K timed race will offer 10 timing sessions with a maximum of 25 runners per session. Five of the timing sessions are in the evening and five sessions are in the morning. Each timing session is subdivided into two start groups. Start group #1 is for runners with last names beginning with letters A -K and start group #2 is for runner's with last names beginning with L - Z.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of your group, so you can pick up your bib. Since there is construction going on adjacent to GTC headquarters at 1619 East North Street, please use the parking lot across the street. We will start lining up start group #1 promptly at the assigned time, and start group #2 at the assigned time. As mentioned previously, the timing session has been structured to maintain social distancing but it is your responsibility to abide by the 6' minimum spacing protocols. We will have cold bottled water at the finish, but there will be no water stops on the course.
Choose a Session
Note: Sessions are capped at 25 runners each
Session #1, Thursday June 18 (evening)
7:00pm, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30pm, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #2, Friday June 19 (evening)
7:00pm, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30pm, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #3, Saturday June 20 (morning)
7:00am, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30am, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #4, Sunday June 21 (morning)
7:00am, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30am, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #5, Thursday June 25 (evening)
7:00pm, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30pm, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #6, Friday June 26 (evening)
7:00pm, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30pm, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #7, Saturday June 27 (morning)
7:00am, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30am, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #8, Sunday June 28 (morning)
7:00am, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30am, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #9, Friday July 3 (evening)
7:00pm, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30pm, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Session #10, Saturday July 4 (morning)
7:00am, Start group #1, Last name A - K
7:30am, Start group #2, Last name L - Z
Standings, Final Results and Awards
We will post results from each timing session so participants can see their times, but these will be for reference only, The final results and awards for the FREE BIRD 5K timed race will be determined by combining ALL TIMING SESSIONS. The final results/awards will be posted on Sunday July 5th at 8am and awards will be available for pick up at RUN IN, 1942 Augusta Street, Greenville 29605 on July 7th. The awards divisions consist of top three male and female, Overall, Masters (40-over), Grandmasters (50-over), and Age Groups 9-under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-over.
