What is the Hot Mamas Run & Baby Parade all about?
We are the first women’s-only 5k race in Oklahoma! The Hot Mamas Run & Baby Parade is designed to foster a spirit of health, happiness, confidence, and empowerment for women and their families. Our festivities exist to celebrate you, whether you are a 20-something gal trying to find your way in this world, a stay-at-home mom who often puts herself last, or a cancer-surviving grandmother.
Do I have to be a mom to sign up?
Nope! “Hot Mama” is a mind-set! Whether you are young, old, single, married, have kids or not, you don’t have to be a mom to be a HOT MAMA! Any woman (12 years and older) can be part of our event.
Do I have to be a runner to participate?
Not at all! The 5k race is open to participants of all abilities. Whether you are a seasoned runner or have never entered a race before, there’s room for you at the Hot Mamas Run! If you’re unsure you would be able to complete the 3.1 miles comfortably, you’re welcome to register for the 1-mile Baby Parade, even if you don’t have children or they aren’t joining you for our event. If you’re unable to attend, choosing the “Hot Mamas Relax” option on our registration form earns you an official Race shirt in exchange for a $25 donation. We also have plenty of slots for volunteers!
Do I have to be a certain age to participate? Can my kids run with me?
The Hot Mamas 5k run is only open to ladies ages 12 and up. The Baby Parade is available to women of all ages, as well as boys and girls under 12, but it is a walking event, not a run. We currently do not offer a children’s run.
What is a Baby Parade, exactly?
The Baby Parade is an untimed, non-competitive 1-mile walk for women of all ages and children (boys and girls) under 12. Whether your children are 6 weeks old or 86 years old, they will always be your “babies,” and this is your chance to spend some quality time with them at our memorable event. Push a stroller, pull a wagon, or wear your baby in a wrap, sling, or carrier…however you show off your kiddos is fine with us, with one exception: please NO bicycles! Decorate your wagon or stroller or dress up in costume for a chance to win prizes, too! Learn more here.
Do you allow baby joggers/strollers?
Baby joggers, strollers, and wagons are only allowed in our 1-mile Baby Parade. Running or jogging while pushing a stroller is not allowed. There is no extra fee to register a child riding in a stroller. In fact, all boys and girls under 12 years of age are welcome to join in the Baby Parade for free if accompanied by a registered adult. Girls 12 years and older must register separately from their mother or guardian for either event.
Can I participate in the Baby Parade AND the 5k?
Absolutely! Our registration form includes the option to do both events at a discounted price. Please plan accordingly so you have plenty of time between events without feeling rushed, especially if you are bringing children to the Baby Parade and/or planning to participate in the Float & Costumes contest. Register here.
Can I run with my dog?
Sorry, animals are not allowed at our event.
How else can I be involved?
At both packet pick-up and race day, we will have drop boxes available to hold donations for the Food Bank’s Food For Kids School Pantry Program. The program is currently in need of certain high-demand items: peanut butter, protein-based soups, canned meat, boxed meals (i.e. Hamburger Helper, Macaroni & Cheese), canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice or pasta, beans (dried or canned), and cereal. Contributing these items is another way you can help give back to our community through our event.
Where will the event take place?
The 2013 Hot Mamas Run & Baby Parade will be held at beautiful Mitch Park in Edmond (Covell Road, between Santa Fe and Kelly). This event is sanctioned by USA Track and Field and run on a certified course OK13005DG. You can find a detailed map of the course and parking lots here.
Do I have to register online?
Pre-race registration is only available online until September 17. If you are planning to pay with a credit or debit card, you must register online by this date. We will have walk-up registration at packet pickup (9/20 and 9/21) as well as on race day until 15 minutes before the event. Because we cannot guarantee an official race t-shirt to those who wait until race weekend to register, we strongly urge you to sign up online no later than September 5. You can also save money by registering early, as the price goes up September 10th and again on Race weekend.
When does registration close?
Online registration closes at 11:59 PM September 17th, 2013 unless race reaches capacity first. We will have a limited number of walk-up registrations available at packet pick-up and on race day. Register early, don’t miss out!
How much is the registration fee?
*Before September 10 | $30 for 5k; $20 for Baby Parade; $40 for both
*September 10-17 | $35 for 5k; $25 for Baby Parade; $45 for both
*Walk-up Registrations (September 20-22) | $40 for 5k; $30 for Baby Parade; $50 for both
*Don’t want to run but would like to Volunteer or cheer? | That’s FREE! Sign up to volunteer here
How will I know my registration has been completed?
You will receive a confirmation email from SignMeUp Receipt <RegServices@signmeup.com>. The subject line will be “SignMeUp Receipt with Confirmation Details”. Check your junk folder if you do not receive this email. You may also have your confirmation receipt re-sent by entering your email address and the approximate date you registered. This link is: www.signmeup.com/confirmation/90289 If you can’t remember when you registered or think you entered an incorrect email address, you can email Support@signmeup.com with the first four AND last four numbers of the credit card or debit card you used to register and they will be happy to look up your registration and send you a new confirmation receipt.
What is the schedule?
Both events take place Sunday, September 22, 2013. Judging for the Baby Parade will begin promptly at 12:00 Noon, so please be in your places and ready to go if you are participating in the Float & Costume contest. The Baby Parade itself will take off at 1:00 PM, with Float & Costume awards at 1:30 PM sharp. The Hot Mamas Run 5k Race begins at 2:00 PM with awards starting at 3:00 PM. Both courses will officially close one hour after the start of their respective events.
What happens if I place in my age group or win a raffle prize and can’t stay for the awards ceremony?
You or a friend or family member must be present to accept the award on your behalf. Medals, prizes, and raffle items will NOT be mailed or delivered.
Is there a rain date?
No, the Hot Mamas Run & Baby Parade will take place rain or shine. In the case of extremely severe weather, the National Weather Service will notify us of the need to cancel. All registrations are non-refundable.
Can men enter the events?
Nope, sorry! We love you, but the Hot Mamas Run is for women and girls only. Boys under 12 may join their mothers for our 1-mile Baby Parade. Guys, if you’re just dying to be part of our event, we have plenty of areas for you to volunteer and you’re always welcome to cheer on the ladies from the sidelines. If those options don’t satisfy you, you’ll just have to be content to sit idly by, holding your lady’s purse as she competes.
What happens if I get sick, or I don’t end up attending the race? Can I give my entry to someone else, or get my money back?
For insurance and liability reasons we cannot transfer registrations. All entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions. However, you are welcome to pick up your race-day packet and t-shirt even if you cannot attend the event. Packets and tees will NOT be mailed or delivered.
Where and when is packet pickup?
Packets can be picked up at Elite Feet in Edmond (Kickingbird Square at Danforth & Bryant) on Friday, September 20 from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday, September 21 from 10 AM to 5 PM. We will have race-day packet pickup as well, but we strongly encourage all participants to pick up their packet prior to race day to avoid long lines, holding extra gear, or missing the start! The Hot Mamas Run & Baby Parade starts on time, no exceptions!
Can I pick up a race packet for someone else?
You may pick up packets for friends who registered online prior to September 17, but please make sure they know you are picking it up for them, so they don’t come in themselves and find it missing. Walk-up registrations MUST be completed by the participant themselves, as we require a signed liability waiver from each individual.
How soon before the event should I arrive?
If you have already picked up your packet, we recommend you arrive 30-60 minutes before your event. You’ll want plenty of time to get through the port-a-potty line, lock your valuables in your trunk, secure your bib and/or timing chip, and visit with the other excited participants. If you haven’t yet registered or picked up your packet, plan to arrive 60-90 minutes early, as race day pick-up closes at 1:45 PM. Those participating in the Baby Parade and waiting until Race Day to register should arrive no later than 11:00 AM, to allow adequate time to register and get in place for the Floats & Costumes contest.
Is there gear check?
No, we do not offer gear check. Please leave any valuables at home, with a loved one waiting for you on the sidelines, or locked in the trunk of your car. The Hot Mamas Run cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.
How do I find out my finish time?
Results will be posted online following the event. Check back on our site for a link after the race.
Who benefits from this event?
Everyone! Fitness and fresh air are essential to your well-being, making you a beneficiary of this event. Your loved ones also benefit from having happy, energetic, stress-free friends, wives, and mothers. We also donate event proceeds to Oklahoma-based organizations that serve women, children, and families. Our 2013 recipients are the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Food for Kids Programs and Oklahoma BirthNetwork.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably and appropriately for your chosen event. A good rule of thumb is “nothing new on race day,” which means, compete in the same clothes and shoes you wore during training. As for the Baby Parade, costumes are strongly encouraged and may earn you a chance to win prizes!
What medical information should I know before participating?
If you are new to exercise or just beginning a running program, please speak with your general practitioner regarding personalized advice. Listen to your body at all times, and let a volunteer know immediately if you aren’t feeling well during your event.
Are bathroom facilities available?
Yes, port-a-potties will be located near the Start and Finish lines. A diaper changing station will also be available for those with babies and small children.
How is the race timed?
The 5k race will be timed using disposable electronic chips attached to each participant’s shoe. These chips are yours to keep as a memento or can be returned to us for recycling.
Who is eligible for medals and awards?
5k Race awards will be given to the overall female finisher as well as the top three finishers in each age bracket. For the Baby Parade, awards will be given to participants showing the most creativity with their Floats & Costumes. For specifics, visit our Baby Parade page.
Is there an official race photographer?
We will have several photographers buzzing around, taking plenty of pictures. There will be a link on our website within a few days of the race. We also encourage all participants to upload their own pictures to Facebook and tag the official Hot Mamas Run page.
What if I have a question not answered here?
Please email HotMamasRun@gmail.com and we’ll get it answered!