Q: What is the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes?
A: Beat the Bridge is a local run/walk event underwritten by Nordstrom to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Northwest and their mission to find a cure for diabetes. The 2008 event raised over $1,3000,000 for diabetes research and research related activities. The event goal for 2009 is to raise $1,475,000 to help children and adults with diabetes find a cure!
Q: Where does the money go after it is raised and collected through this event?
A: Proceeds from the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge will be used to help children and adults with diabetes. JDRF is one of the most cost-effective charities with over $.85 of every dollar going to fund research and activities that support research. In fiscal year 2008, JDRF funded $156 million in diabetes research projects worldwide, bringing its cumulative dollar commitment to more than $1.3 billion since 1970. JDRF gives more money directly to diabetes research than any other non-profit, non-governmental health agency in the world.
Q: What time do the different events begin?
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6:45 a.m. Registration begins near tunnels 9-19 on the Husky Stadium West Concourse.
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7:30 a.m. Montlake Boulevard closes to all vehicle traffic
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8:15 a.m. 1-Mile Fun Run
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8:28 a.m. 8K Wheelchair competition begins
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8:30 a.m. First (green) wave of 8K race - click here for training tips -
8:35 a.m. Second (white) wave of 8K race
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8:40 a.m. Third (red) wave of 8K race
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9:00 a.m. University Bridge goes up!
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9:45 a.m. 8K Awards Ceremony inside Husky Stadium
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10:05 a.m. Diaper Derby
Q: Where do the different events start and finish?
A: All events start on Montlake Boulevard and finish on the field of Husky Stadium.
Q: How much is the entry fee?
A: The entry fee is $17 per participant, or $27 including an official Nordstrom Beat the Bridge T-shirt. On-site entry fees on Saturday and Sunday are $25 per participant, or $35 including T-shirt.
Q: Where can I get some pins for my bib?
A: There are extra pins in the center of the registration are near tunnels 9-19 on the Husky Stadium West Concourse. Volunteers will also hand them out near the starting line.
Q: I've registered in the second wave and I run a 7:30 mile. Am I in the right wave?
A: Yes. The first wave (green) is for runners who run a mile in 7 minutes or less. The second wave (white) is for runners who run a mile between 7:01 and 7:59. The third wave (red) is for runners who run a mile in 8 minutes or more.
Q: Why is it that the slowest people start last and not first in the 8K event?
A: The fastest runners start first as a safety measure. If the slowest runners started first, there would be a logjam of fast runners trying to get around the slower ones - which increases the chance of accidents. The runners in the first wave are also competitive runners who run in some cases to qualify for other races.
Q: What happens if I don't beat the bridge?
A: Getting caught at the bridge is actually a fun experience! There will be music, entertainment and prizes. The bridge is raised for only a few minutes, then let down so that runners may continue.
Q: What time does the University Bridge go up?
A: The bridge is at the 2-mile mark and will be raised exactly 20 minutes (approximately at 9:00 a.m.) after the start of the third wave of the 8K race.
Q: Can you explain to me in detail the 8K race course?
A: Detailed course maps will be found on the back of your race bib or by clicking here for the 8K, 4-Mile Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run.
Q: Will timing chips be used in the 8K race?
A: Yes. The 8K race will be timed using Winning Time chip technology. All timing chips must be returned at the finish line on the day of the race. Runners who fail to return their timing chips are subject to a $30 fee, refundable when the chip is returned.
Q: When and where can I get my 8K results?
A: Preliminary results will be posted near the finish line on race day. However, results for race day registrants may not be included due to data entry time limits. Unofficial results will be available at beatthebridge.org by 10:00 p.m. on the day of the event and results will be made official by May 25, 2009.
Q: What do I get if I win the race?
A: 8K Top-Finisher Prizes. Nordstrom will generously provide merchandise gift cards to be awarded to the first five male and female official 8K run finishers, plus the first male and female finishers in the wheelchair competition. There must be at least two or more competitors in each division for prizes to be awarded. Post-race ceremonies will be held in Husky Stadium at 9:45 a.m.
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First place $1,000 Nordstrom gift card
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Second place $500 Nordstrom gift card
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Third place $250 Nordstrom gift card
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Fourth place $150 Nordstrom gift card
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Fifth place $75 Nordstrom gift card
8K Age Group Competition. The first three finishers in each of the men's and women's age divisions will be mailed a commemorative award by June 17, 2009
The age divisions are as follows: 14 and under; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 and over. For the wheelchair competition, the age group categories are as follows: 18 and under; 19 and over.
Q: Will there be any street closures?
A: Yes. The race begins at Husky Stadium and runners head south across the Montlake Bridge. The specific street closures and times are as follows:
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Montlake Boulevard south of Pacific 7:45 - 8:45 a.m.
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24th, south of Roanoke - no closure
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Boyer, east of Lynn - no closure
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Montlake Place, 19th and Lynn, west of 19th 8:25 - 9:25 a.m.
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Boyer/Fuhrman, west of Lynn to Eastlake 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
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Pacific Avenue, from Brooklyn to Montlake 8:15 - 10:15 a.m.
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Montlake Boulevard, both directions, north of Pacific 7:30 - 10:00 a.m.
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45th Ave NE - no closure
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Burke Gilman Trail from 44th to University Hospital - Extremely congested 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Please note that, throughout the event, two-way traffic along NE Pacific Avenue will be controlled by Seattle Police, with only one lane available in each direction. Because of the closure on Montlake Boulevard north of Pacific, however, it will be quite congested in this area and residents should allow plenty of time if using Pacific. On Thursday, May 14, you'll find "No Parking" signs posted along Boyer, West Montlake Place and Fuhrman which will inform drivers of street closures during the event.
Q: Will there be a place to check my clothes at the event?
A: Yes. Look for clothes check at tunnel 19.
Q: Are strollers and baby joggers allowed in any of the events?
A: Yes, strollers and baby joggers are permitted only in the 4-Mile Family Walk. For safety reasons, strollers are not allowed in any of the running events.
Q: How do strollers and wheelchairs access the field?
A: Take the path between Hec Edmundson Pavilion and the registration area, and enter the field where walkers finish.
Q: I have this really cool scooter. Can I compete in the 1-Mile Fun Run with it?
A: No, wheeled devices such as bicycles, roller skates, in-line skates, scooters and skateboards are prohibited in all events.
Q: Can my dog run with me in the 8K?
A: No. For the safety of all participants, pets are prohibited in all events. However, assistant and guide dogs are allowed.
Q: What are the requirements for the Diaper Derby?
A: This is a non-competitive event for kids 3-years and younger. Pre-registration is required and participants must check in on the day of the event. Registration is located under the reader board in the Husky Stadium West Concourse until 8:00 a.m., and then on the field adjacent to the Diaper Derby course in a tent. There is no entry fee; however, each child is issued a bib number. The Diaper Derby begins at 10:05 a.m. on the east end of the field.
Q: How many division are there in the Diaper Derby?
A: There are four divisions: crawlers; walkers up to 24-months; 2-year olds; and 3-year olds.
Q: My friend is in a wheelchair. Where can we park for easy access?
A: Lot E17, just in front of Husky Stadium and south of Hec Edmundson, is designated for disability parking.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Parking is available in two lots on east campus; E12, just south of Husky Stadium, and E1, the large Montlake lot north of Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
Q: Will there be an organized warm-up?
A: Warm-ups will be provided at 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. outside Husky Stadium on the northwest side, just south of Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
Q: Where is the nearest restroom?
A: Participants are welcome to use the restrooms near the registration area and near the tunnels on the north grandstand of Husky Stadium. In addition, the restrooms between tunnels 4 and 33 will be open. There are also a few restrooms available near the softball stadium near the field.
Q: Where is the nearest ATM?
A: There is one at the UW Medical Center, just across the street.
Q: Where can I find coffee?
A: Nordstrom baristas will sell espresso drinks and pastries for $1 in a concession stand across from tunnel #9. All proceeds benefit JDRF.
Q: What if I fall and hurt myself?
A: There are EMT volunteers with radios and bicycles that follow the runners on the course, as well as an AMR ambulance. There is also a medical tent staffed by Group Health in the stadium on the field.
Q: Where is the medical tent?
A: The Medical Tent provided by Group Health is the large striped tent on the northwest side of the field at approximately the 30-yard line.
Q: I have type 1 diabetes, will there be glucose tablets available?
A: Yes. Glucose tablets will be available along the 8K and 4-Mile Walk routes. Tablets will also be available at the medical tent near the finish lines.
Q: Where do I drop off my pledges for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation?
A: Near tunnel 19, at the registration area in the Husky Stadium West Concourse. The JDRF table is located under the "Pledges" sign. Pledges can also be mailed in to the JDRF office at any time. To be eligible for prizes, all pledges must be received by June 5. Please use a collection envelope to turn in your pledges so that JDRF can track them appropriately. You may download a word version of the envelope here: collection envelope
Q: Can I purchase an event t-shirt without registering?
A: Yes, if you would like to order an event t-shirt prior to the race for $10, please contact beatthebridge@jdrf.org. They can also be purchased on Saturday, May 16 from noon - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 17 from 6:45 - 8:30 a.m. near tunnels 9-19 on the Husky Stadium West Concourse.
Q: Where is the Lost and Found located?
A: On the field at the JDRF booth just to the left of the main stage at the east end of the field.
Q: How long is clothes check open?
A: Until 10:30 a.m. After 10:30, all remaining items will be brought to Customer Service at the downtown Seattle Nordstrom and can be picked up there.
Q: How can I locate a lost child/parent?
A: Lost children/parents should report to the JDRF booth just left of the main stage.
Q: Where is Media/Press Check-in?
A: Media representatives can check in at the JDRF booth next to the main stage on the field or at a table on the south end of University Bridge.
Q: Who should I call if I have more questions?
A: Contact JDRF at 206.838.5153 or email beatthebridge@jdrf.org.
