Frequently Asked Questions
By popular request we have now updated the FAQ with all the latest information. Enjoy!
- Is the course USATF Sanctioned?
- Distance?
- Start Times
- Is there a non-profit benificiary associated with this race?
- What is the best way to enter San Pedro for the Race?
- What is the situation for parking?
- Is there a place to check a bag?
- Tell me how the timing strip works?
- How is finish time recorded and awards determined?
- What's the deal with the grates on the Bridge?
- Is There Race Day Registration?
- Can We Fax Registration Forms?
- Can I run with my dog or with my baby stroller/jogger?
- Can I pay for registration on my credit card?
- Shirts
- Individual Age Divisions?
- Teams Special Division
- Mile Markers
- Please explain how the Race will be run over the Bridge?
- What About Water Stations?
- Course Records
- Walkers Permitted?
- Who organizes the Race?
- Are bikes, rollerskates, inline skates, carriages of any kind or strollers allowed on the course?
- How do I find out more about the Vincent Thomas Bridge?
- Race Results
- Race Information
- Is the course USATF Sanctioned?
Yes it is.
- Distance?
CONQUER THE BRIDGE is a 5.3 Mile Race (according to GPS timing from last year's race). Participants can either run or walk the event, or both. However, Caltrans requires that the Vincent Thomas Bridge must be re-opened no later than 11:00 am. Accordingly, participants that are still on the Bridge at 10:30 am will be picked up by a van and taken down to Harbor Blvd. to finish the Race. This is mandated by Caltrans, and is not negotiable!
- Start Times:
8:05 AM PST
- Is there a non-profit beneficiary associated with this race?
Yes there is. We are pleased to announce that the LAPD Harbor Area Booster Club is one again the Official Non-Profit for 2011. A portion of the proceeds from this race will benefit the numerous youth programs administered by the LAPD Harbor Division Cadet Program.
- What is the best way to enter San Pedro for the Race?
In order to do this race properly, and to receive permission to close the Vincent Thomas Bridge, there have been considerable efforts to do so without interrupting the residents and businesses in the area. The HARBOR BLVD. exit off the 110-Harbor Freeway must be closed at 5:00 am. Participants are encouraged to exit at Gaffey Street, TURN LEFT, and take Gaffey to either 5th, 6th, or 7th Streets, and turn left and go down towards Harbor Blvd. to park. The beauty of computers is you can locate anything...
We will update soon with a map if enough people request we do so. You are encouraged to follow all posted traffic signs, and where LAPD is stationed it is advisable that you obey their traffic coordination. They know what they are doing and we need them to do this race properly.
- What is the situation for parking?
Great question! Because the Race is on a Labor Day, a National Holiday, there will be more than ample parking above Harbor Blvd. between 5th and 7th Streets. There are several parking lots which will be vacant for you to use as well. You will be able to also park in the Ports O' Call lots which can be entered at 6th Street up to 30 minutes before the Race. It is strongly suggested however that you park ABOVE Harbor Blvd.
- Is there a place to check a bag?
No, that would probably be best left in your car, or with family or friends who join you for the race.
- Tell me how the timing strip works?
The running of the CONQUER THE BRIDGE RACE is now timed using the new B tag disposable timing system. All participants receive their timing device on the back of their bib number. The timing strip is attached to the bib and MUST REMAIN ON THE BACK IN ORDER TO BE TIMED. Pin your bib number to your chest if you want to be timed.
- How is my finish time recorded and awards determined?
Electronic timing is the most accurate timing system available and allows your time to start when you reach the actual starting line mats, instead of when the Mariner's Bell goes off. Age group awards are determined by strip timing device time.
Sorry, but NO RUNNING NUMBER ON THE FRONT, NO TIME! Again, make sure you wear it and cross the start and finish time mats. There is no alternative timing system.
- What's the deal with the grates on the Bridge?
There are 8 expansion grates on the Vincent Thomas Bridge. On race day, in conjunction with the San Pedro HOME DEPOT and Caltrans, they will be covered with a new compressed rubber matting system, and covered with outdoor carpeting as well, that will allow for runners to safely cross over the grates. There will be cones, and a volunteer that will direct the runners and walkers over the mats. This new system is a first and was created by really smart people who were concerned about your safety first and foremost.
- Is There Race Day Registration?
Yes there is. However, it is strongly suggested you sign up prior to race day for your own convenience if nothing else. Your Race Day experience will be greatly enhanced if you can just arrive, visit with friends and other runners, and not have to stand in lines when you could be enjoying the best of San Pedro. For pre-race registration and packet pickup, call RoadRunner Sports in Torrance at (310) 326-8530 (extension 2) for days and times. RoadRunner Sports is located at 25359 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505, in the Torrance Towne Center across from Mimi's Restaurant.
- Can We Fax Registration Forms?
That would be NO.
- Can I run with my dog or with my baby stroller/jogger?
That would be NO due to extreme risk to other runners and your dog. We do not allow participants to run/walk with dogs or with strollers. Please respect this and have your child and babysitter be your #1 fans at the race. Caltrans has also stated that we cannot allow either dogs or infants on the Bridge. Sorry.
- Can I pay for registration on my credit card?
If you would like to pay by credit card, you may do so, but ONLY on race day, or please register through www.active.com.
- Shirts:
There will be a three day packet pick up. Visit Road Runner Sports Torrance on Friday, Sept. 2 from 11am-6pm, Saturday, Sept. 3 from 10am-6pm or Sunday, Sept. 4 from 11am-5pm to pick up your race packet. All race participants will receive a 10% shopping discount (20% if VIP) during those times.
- Individual Age Divisions?
Medals will be awarded as follows:13-and under; 14-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals Female/Male will be awarded.
There will also be a Champions Trophy given to the overall Female and Male winners at approximately 9:30am at the Presentation stage at the Start/Finish line.
There will be a special table for all Winners to pick up your medals in the staging are. Make sure you pick them up on Race Day as mailing them is a hassle.
- Teams Special Division:
None at this time.
- Mile Markers
We have received permission from Caltrans this year to place mile markers on the bridge.
- Please explain how the Race will be run over the Bridge?
OK, excellent question! The LA City Fire Department has requested that ALL runners and walkers use the RIGHT LANES only when crossing the Bridge. The 8 grate coverings for safe passage will be placed in the right lanes, and will be marked by cones and a volunteer. Once you begin your descent down towards the BUONO'S PIZZERIA WATERING HOLE, the course opens up. After making the U-turn back up towards the Bridge and San Pedro, your final ascent will take you back up to the well-marked RIGHT LANE to cross the Bridge to the Harbor Blvd. Exit.
RUN IN THE RIGHT LANES on the Bridge and enjoy the amazing views, they are fantastic!
- What About Water Stations?
Last year there were a few complaints from runners about there not being any water stations along the actual bridge itself. Unfortunately Caltrans prohibits us from doing so, so we will continue to have the BUONO'S PIZZERIA WATERING HOLE at the turnaround area at the south side of the bridge.
- Course Records:
The 2010 Men's Champion was Juan Valencia who set a course record with a time of 28:22. The 2010 Women's Champion was Veronica Alaniz who finished in 34:57. The 2009 Women's Champion, Cambria Damico still has the course record of 34:55.
- Walkers Permitted?
Yes of course! Go back up to "Race Distance" for more information regarding the "pick up" time for participants who are taking a little too long to get back across the Bridge.
- Who organizes the Race?
CONQUER THE BRIDGE LLC, and a cast of dozens and dozens of great volunteers. In fact, if you know somebody who would be interested in volunteering to assist in the production of the race, have them e-mail us at info@conquerthebridge.com
- Are bikes, rollerskates, inline skates, carriages of any kind or strollers allowed on the course?
No. Due to extreme danger to other runners/walkers we do not allow these.
- How do I find out more about the Vincent Thomas Bridge?
Google, Yahoo Search, Wikipedia to name a few sources. There are some amazing photos, and very interesting history about the building of the Bridge. If you have never experienced it, just wait until you are driving in on Race Day and see it off to the left of the 110 freeway...
- Race Results:
Race results will be posted at the finish line as they are processed after the race. For 2010 Race Results click here.
2011 Race Results will be posted here.
- Race Information:
If our FAQ's don't answer your questions you can email us at info@conquerthebridge.com
We will e-mail you back with the best answers we can.