FAQ
- All
- 2025 ATB Virtual Race
- Miscellaneous
- Spectators
- Volunteers
- Registration & Packet Pickup
- Race Week & Race Day
- Course & Post Race
- Timing Chip
Even though I purchased the Race Day Pickup option, could I or someone else pick up my bib and shirt at the regular Packet Pickup?
Yes, we gather all the bibs for those who purchased the Race Day Pickup option after regular Packet Pickup closes on Saturday because it is a common occurrence that people make arrangements or change their minds even though they have purchased the Race Day Pickup option.
All bibs are at Regular Packet Pickup until the close of Packet Pickup.
Do we have to take the shuttle buses to the 10K and 15K Start?
We highly recommend taking our shuttle buses so that you ensure arrival to the start line on time as there are several road closures and traffic delays.
However, if you would like to go directly to the 10K start, then you can get dropped off at LaSalle Park. Please be aware of road closures and traffic delays. Please do not park at LaSalle Park as we need the parking lot for the buses and volunteers at the water station. Kiss and ride if you are being dropped off. Please remember to wear your bib on the outside of your clothing.
For the 15K, the buses will be holding at the Centre for Inland Waters parking lot.
If you do not want to take the shuttle bus then you could get dropped off at the Centre for Inland Waters Parking lot and board the buses that are holding there until the start. Please be aware of road closures and delays.
Please remember to wear your bib on the outside of your clothing.
You cannot be at the actual 15k start line before the start time as there is still live traffic.
I ordered a personalized medal plate. When will it be sent?
Personalized medal plates will be sent by mail 4-6 weeks after the race.
What are the age limits for each race?
For the In-Person 30k and/or The Hammer Races — You must be at least 15 years of age on March 30, 2025 to participate.
For the In-Person 10K and 15K – You must be at least 12 years of age on March 30, 2025 to participate. For these race categories, we highly recommend an adult participate with registrants under 16 years of age.
There is no age restriction on the 5K. We highly recommend that children under the age of 12, participating in the 5K event, run with an adult.
What is the elevation for the 30K course?
Please click here for the 30K elevation chart.
Do Hammer Hybrid participants receive their jacket at Packet Pickup?
When you pick up your race kit, you will receive your Hammer jacket and Hammer bib. When you finish the race, you will receive your Hammer medal. There is only one medal for this race category. The long-sleeved race shirt is not included for this race category.
Can I change my corral?
Yes, but please place yourself in the appropriate corral to ensure the balanced flow of the race is maintained. Please see the Help Desk at the Packet Pickup to change your corral.
I bought the ATB+ Defer to 2026 option. Am I automatically deferred?
You are not automatically deferred to 2026. If you purchased the ATB+ Defer to 2026 option and would like to defer, you must email us by March 26, 2025 indicating you would like to redeem/exercise your option to defer. We can then remove you from this year’s race and confirm your deferral.
Complete details on the ATB+ Defer to 2026 Option Package here.
Can I still transfer? If so, how?
For the health and safety of all participants, it is important to have accurate information of actual participants and especially during emergency situations. Only official transfers during the transfer period will be allowed. A person who runs under someone else’s bib will be disqualified and may face suspension from future Bay Races.
The transfer period closed on March 9, 2025.
No race day transfers or registrations.
Complete transfer details here.
Can family and friends wait for me inside LiUNA Station?
Only finishing participants will enter LiUNA station to receive their medal and post-race snacks. Family, friends, and spectators will be not have access to LiUNA Station. This race will have an outdoor finish so family and friends can cheers along the route or at the finish outside LiUNA Station. There is no indoor waiting area for spectators this year.
I have the ATB+ Race Day Pick Up. Where do I go to pick up my kit on race morning?
- ATB+ Race Day Pick-up will be open from 7:30am-9:30am
- ATB+ Race Day Pickup Location: Bennetto Community Centre, 450 Hughson St. N
- One Packet Pick-Up per ATB+ package.
- Baggage check items are dropped off at Bennetto Community Centre
- Items must fit in the clear plastic bag (16″ x 24″) provided. Luggage and other large items will not be accepted. Please leave valuables at home. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
- Bag check pickup closes at 2:30pm and is located at Liuna Station, 360 James St N
Is there a bag check?
Yes, $5 Cash only.
Bag Check Tickets can be purchased at Packet Pick-Up on
Fri March 28, 2025: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Sat March 29, 2025: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Bag Check Hours: 7:30am – 2:30pm
Baggage check items must fit in the clear plastic bag (16″ x 24″) provided. Luggage and other large items will not be accepted. Please leave valuables at home. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property.
Bag Check Drop off Location on Race Day: Bennetto Community Centre
Bag Check Pick up Location on Race Day: LiUNA Station, Main Level
Can I bring a stroller and/or my dog?
The following items are NOT permitted in any of the races: pets, animals, skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, strollers* and any other types of vehicles (other than official Race vehicles). These regulations are for your safety and the safety of the other participants in the race. Anyone on the course with items not permitted will be removed from the race. If you have any questions, please email info@bayrace.com.
*Strollers are only permitted starting at the back of the pack for the 5K only. This is with the understanding that participants with strollers are casual non-competitive participants. Participants with strollers who are racing competitively in the 5k will be removed from the course as they are potential safety hazards.
Pets are not permitted inside LiUNA Station. Service dogs are not considered pets. Please see our race rules section here.
Can my in person race be tracked with a mobile app?
Yes, download TRACX app.
When will bib numbers be assigned?
Bib numbers have now been assigned.
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At this time, you do not need to show proof of vaccination. Please see our registration and COVID policy recently updated in January 2023 here.
2025 Virtual Race FAQs
Virtual Race period is March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025.
Click button below to view Virtual FAQs.
Where do I get my chip?
Your chip is on the back of the race bib and can be picked up at Packet Pick Up — with your race shirt.
Where is my timing chip?
The timing chip is now on the back of the bib. The bib must be worn on the front of the participant with the bib facing forward on the outside of all clothing. Holding the bib in your hand, covered under your clothes, or elsewhere on your body may result in missed timing detections.
Are there finish line photos?
Marathon Photos is the official photographer for the Bay Race. Smile when you see our photographers in the bright yellow vests and make sure your bib number is visible.
When, where and what are the awards?
Finisher medals will be distributed to each participant upon completion of their in-person event. This will take place at LiUNA Station after you finish the race. Gold and Silver recognition will be sent by mail post-race. Click here for Gold and Silver 30K times.
Age Group Award Certificates will be distributed to the top three individuals in their age and gender category. The 30K categories are Female/Male runners 15yrs and over — 5 year increments up to 75+. Age Group Award Certificates will be mailed out to the Top 3 finishers in their category for the 5K race starting from 9 and under up to 75+ years old in 5 year increments.
Are there entertainment and bands on the course?
Various groups and individuals are along the course, some playing music, some in costumes to entertain as well as encourage the runners every year.
Where does my event start?
- 5K START: 8:30AM
- 10K/15K/30K START: 9:45AM
- Start line for 30K on Simcoe just east of John St – participants will run north on James St
- Start line for 15K near the Lift Bridge (Buses will take participants from LIUNA Station to the 15K start. Buses will start loading at 7:45am and the last bus will leave LIUNA Station at 8:30am.)
- Start line for 10K near LaSalle Park (Buses will take participants from LIUNA Station to the 10K start. Buses will start loading at 7:45am and the last bus will leave LIUNA Station at 8:30am)
- Start line for 5K at Simcoe, just east of John St – participants will run south on James St
Are the kilometres marked?
Yes, each kilometre will be marked along the route.
Where are the toilets located along the route?
Portable Toilets and aid stations at approximately every five kilometres on the 30K route.
Ample portable toilets will be near the 30K start line at James and Strachan, outside LiUNA Station, and near our warming stations. Portable Toilets will also be at the 10K and 15K Starting points. Washrooms will NOT be available to participants inside LiUNA Station at all during Race Day.
Where are the aid and water stations?
Portable Toilets and aid stations at approximately every five kilometres on the 30K route.
Ample portable toilets will be near the 30K start line on John St, outside LiUNA Station, and near our warming stations.
Portable Toilets will also be at the 10K and 15K Starting points. Washrooms will NOT be available to participants or spectators inside LiUNA Station at all during Race Day.
What is the 30K course like?
Course map and description here.
The first third is fairly flat with an on ramp that has some incline to it.
The middle part of the course is along the Beach Strip so it is often very windy but lots of residents out to cheer you on.
The last third of the race has many rolling hills and of course the big one at Valley Inn Rd which will test your hill training.
30K Elevation here.
Is there parking?
Parking options here.
When should I arrive?
You should arrive at least an hour before your start time to do any last minute things, i.e. warm-up, washroom stop, etc.
Please factor in the road closures and the time it will take to find parking.
Please see Race Day Details page for info on parking options and where the warming stations are located.
Are there Pace Bunny times? What are the times?
Yes, thanks to the Running Room, we will have 30K pacers this year. Pacer times from 2:10 to 3:35.
What are the starting times and road closure times?
5K START: 8:30AM
10K/15K/30K START: 9:45AM
Please click here for road closures.
The course time limit for the in-person 30K including walkers is 4.5 hours from the start of the horn at 9:45am. Participants must reach the 15K point by 12:00pm and the 20K 12:45pm to continue.
At the discretion of the POLICE, due to traffic control and runner safety, participants may be asked to walk along the sidewalks and obey traffic rules.
Official results posted for participants finishing within the course time limit.
The finish line will be taken down at 2:15pm.
Where and when do I turn in my Charity pledges?
Please contact St. Joseph’s Healthcare at info@stjoesfoundation.ca
Is there a pasta dinner?
The Sheraton Hamilton is hosting a pasta dinner. Details here.
Is there an expo? When? Where?
We are not hosting an Expo this year but several of our sponsors will be at Packet Pickup including:
- Kintec
- XACT Nutrition
- MERIT Brewing
- Marsquest
- SURGE Activewear
Can I pick up my friend’s run packet? Can someone pick up my packet?
You or a friend can pick up your packet (Bib and Shirt) at Packet Pick Up on Friday March 28 or Saturday, March 29.
To avoid the wrong packet being issued, please bring one of the following:
- A copy of the confirmation email OR
- Photo ID
If picking up for someone, please have their bib numbers ready.
No Race Day pickup unless participant purchased the ATB+ Race Day Pickup Package.
When & where can I pick up my race packet?
Location: LiUNA Station, 360 James St N, King George Ballroom
Enter from John St. to lower parking lot – Free Parking on Friday and Saturday for Packet Pick Up
NO PARKING at LiUNA Station on Race Day!
Packet Pick Up Hours
Fri March 28, 2025: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Sat March 29, 2025: 10:00am – 5:00pm
THERE WILL BE NO RACE KIT PICK-UP ON RACE DAY UNLESS YOU HAVE THE ATB+ Race Day Pickup PACKAGE.
What am I picking up at Packet Pickup?
There isn’t a packet anymore but you will be picking up
- your bib number which has the chip attached to the back
- your race shirt if you registered for the 5K, 10K, 15K, or 30K or your running jacket if you registered for the Hammer Hybrid
*Remember, you need to bring your BIB to participate on race day.
Virtual participants will be mailed their race shirt or running jacket 4-6 weeks after the virtual race period ends as we will be waiting for your personalized medal plate.
Can I defer my entry to next year?
You can only defer your entry if you have purchased the ATB+ Defer Option Package and then sent us an email to exercise your option to defer by March 26, 2025.
Deferrals are not automatic if you have purchased the deferral package. Complete details on the Deferral Option Package here.
I’m injured. I can’t make it anymore. What are my options?
- Purchase the ATB+ Defer to 2026 Option. Details and info on the ATB+ Defer Option here.
- Request your shirt and medal to be sent by mail and run virtually at your convenience. If you are taking this option. Please confirm shirt size and mailing address in your registration profile is correct . Please include suite/apt/unit number if applicable. Email info@bayrace.com with your request.
Click here for our Registration Policy.
Do you need volunteers, and how do I sign up to volunteer?
Yes, with a new venue and new race routes, we need you more than ever. This historic race could not be “run” without so many great volunteers.
If you have any friends or family who would like to help out, please feel free to invite them to volunteer with you.
We will be recruiting volunteers in January 2025.
If you do not have a Race Roster account, you will need to create one with an email and password to register as a volunteer.
When and what streets are closed?
- Please see road closures here.
Where are the best places to watch the races?
5K Start: 8:30am
30K, 15K, and 10K Start: 9:45am
- Where: Beach Blvd — Near the Lift Bridge
How to get there: From Downtown Hamilton, head east on Main St. to Wellington St., turn north, follow to Burlington St. then east on Burlington, to the cut off for Woodward Ave. north on Woodward, which changes to Eastport Dr. Follow Eastport to the Lift Bridge area. Note: You should leave for this area prior to the race start. - Where: Lasalle Park (Burlington)
How to get there: From Downtown Hamilton, head west on King St. to Hwy 403 Toronto cut off. Proceed onto the 403 and follow to Waterdown Road in Burlington. Turn right then follow Waterdown road to Lasalle Park (approx 1.3km). - Where: Dundurn Castle (York Blvd. at Dundurn St.)
How to get there: Follow the course backwards on York Blvd. Parking available at Dundurn Castle but please arrive before 9:45am and it will have controlled access so as not to interfere with the races in progress. - Where: Bayfront Park: (Bay St N and Strachan St W)
How to get there: Enter Bayfront Park from the north on Bay St and enter park at Harbourfront Dr. - Where: LiUNA Station (360 James St N)
How to get there: Recommend parking at Jackson Square or at any downtown parking lot and walking to LiUNA Station
How can I help keep the course clean?
We greatly respect the residents that allow us to host this historic race through their neighbourhoods and communities. We strongly encourage you to please hold onto your gel packs, tissues, and other unwanted items until you reach a water station where our volunteers can collect them in designated garbage receptacles.
Where can I view past results?
Please visit our Results & Photos page to view this year’s and previous results.
Is there a specific 30K training schedule I can follow?
Yes, please see our Training page.
Do you have a walking section for the 30K?
There isn’t a separate walking race category. Participants are welcome to walk if able to complete the 30K within the 4.5 hour course time limit.
The course time limit for the in-person 30K is 4.5 hours from the start of the horn at 9:45am. Participants must reach the 15K point by 12:00pm and the 20K 12:45pm to continue.
At the discretion of the POLICE, due to traffic control and runner safety, participants may be asked to walk along the sidewalks and obey traffic rules.
Official results posted for participants finishing within the course time limit.
Who receives medals?
All participants who finish within the course time limit will receive finisher medals in all race categories. Please click here for 30K Gold and Silver times.
Is this event a Boston qualifier?
No, The Around the Bay Road Race (since it is not a Marathon distance) is an excellent warm up for the Boston Marathon but it is not an official qualifying race.
What kind of weather is typical for the race?
Be prepared for any type of weather because the Bay Race has had it all. We can always count on a windy day especially down the Beach Strip. Layering is always a good idea. The average temperature on race weekend is a pleasant 4°C. Average rainfall for the month is 51mm.
When is next year’s race?
TBD
What are the in-person race categories?
- 30 K race category is really 30KM
- 15K
- 10K
- 5 K
- Relays are not offered this year.
