Sydney - Parramatta Frequently Asked Questions

PARRAMATTA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When do entries close?

  • Early bird entries close: NOW CLOSED
  • Online entries close: 9.00am Friday 11 May 2012
  • Mailed entries close: 5.00pm on Friday 4 May 2012
  • Large team entries paying in bulk are now closed. You can still join a team paying as an individual (refer to Teams below for more details).
  • Late entries: In person at Parramatta Park. Arrive early to avoid queues.
    • New in 2012: registrations now open 2.00pm - 5.00pm Saturday 12 May
    • Also available on the day from 6.30am. Arrive early to avoid queues.
  • Enter by 9.00am on Friday 4 May 2012 to have your event information kit mailed to you before the event.
  • Please note, if you enter the event after 9.00am on Friday 4 May 2012 you must collect your race number on the morning of the event from the number pick up marquee located in the assembly area at Parramatta Park.

I have sent my entry in but haven’t heard anything - has my entry been accepted?

Race kits will commence to be sent out on week commencing Monday 19 March 2012. If you enter before this date please allow 2 – 3 weeks for your pack to arrive. If after this time you are concerned about your entry, call the Event Hotline on 1300 762 241

What is included in my event information kit?

Your event information kit will include a race bib (with timing chip attached for runners), participant information booklet, and tribute card (if requested during registration).

I registered online after 9.00am on Friday 4 May 2012 – how will I get my race kit?

If you entered online on or after 9.00am on Friday 4 May 2012 you will need to go to the number pick up marquee in the assembly area at Parramatta Park to pick up your race kit on the morning of the event from 6.30am onwards or alternatively between 2.00pm - 5.00pm on Saturday 12 May.

I am a runner, will my timing tag be sent to me with my event information kit?

Your timing tag will be attached to the back of your race number, as per the 2011 event.

I am entering a large team and making ONE bulk payment for all team members. What do I do to enter?

Please note that team entries (where you are paying for all team member registrations in one bulk payment) are NOW CLOSED. So what do you do now? Refer below:

Please click here to register using the standard online system, also note that you can enter up to 10 adults and 10 children during one transaction. Just ensure to add your team name as instructed below!

If you are entering as part of a team and each member is paying individually, please enter via the online registration system. The first team member to register (usually the team coordinator) will be required to create the team during registration. Once this is done (and the individual who is creating the team has made paid for their registration) the team name will automatically appear in the team drop down box when “team” is selected by new team members when they are registering. Make sure you give all potential team members the name and correct spelling of the team you have set up. Please ensure your team members select your team name when prompted to do so. It is imperative that this is done during the registration process.

Can I change the event I am in?

Yes, but you must let us know via email at parramatta@starttofinish.com.au or phone on 1300 762 241.  If you decide to change your event on the day, please go to the number pick-up marquee in the assembly area at Parramatta Park so they can record the change. See below for requirements of changing events.

Changing from walk to run

It is imperative you let us know as you need to be issued with a new event number and a timing tag. You will be charged an additional $9 for your new race number and timing tag (please note it is mandatory that all runners wear a timing tag).

Changing from run to walk

Please let us know as we will need to update our records, however you will keep the same race number even though it has a timing tag attached to the back.

Changing distances only

Run – It is imperative you let us know as we will need to update our records. You will retain the same race number and timing tag.

Walk – No need to advise us, just depart at the correct walk start time and complete either one or two laps of the course, according to your distance chosen.

What if I lose my race number or timing tag?

Walkers - Please collect another race number from the number pick-up marquee in the assembly area on the morning of the event or Saturday 12 May between 2.00pm - 5.00pm for an additional fee of $5.

Runners – Please collect another race number with timing tag attached from the number pick – up marquee in the assembly area on the morning of the event or Saturday 12 May between 2.00pm - 5.00pm. There will be an additional charge of $9 total for replacement of the race number + timing tag.

 All participants must wear a race number. Anyone without a race number will not be permitted to start the event.

Can I run in the Domain event with a Parramatta race number or vice versa?

No. If you want to switch venues you will need to call 1300 762 241 to see if you can swap over.

Why have I received my event information kit but not my merchandise?

Event information kits and event merchandise are sent separately. For merchandise queries, please refer to the merchandise contact details here.

What will the registration appear as on my credit card?

Your credit card statement will show ‘WIS Mothers Day Clc’.

Can I enter on the day of the event?

Yes, on day registrations open at 6.30am or alternatively on Saturday 12 May between 2.00pm - 5.00pm at Parramatta Park. Please head to the registration marquee in the assembly area at Parramatta Park to enter on the day or Saturday 12 May.

* Please note that the early bird entry fee ends at 5.00pm on Wednesday 11 April 2012.

What time does the event start?

6:30am                 On-the-day registration opens
7:05am                 Memorial minute of silence: runners
7:07am                 Aerobic warm-up commences for 4km runners
7:30am                 4km run starts
7:47am                 Aerobic warm-up commences for 8km runners
8:10am                 8km run starts
8:20am                 4km run presentations and spot prizes awarded
8:45am                 Memorial minute of silence: walkers
8:47am                 Aerobic warm-up commences for walkers
9:10am                 4km and 8km walk starts
9:15am                 8km run presentations
10:30am               Team presentations and spot prizes awarded

What should I wear?

Walkers - Normal street clothes and a comfortable pair of shoes.
Runners - Comfortable running gear and shoes.
Please remember to dress according to the weather – i.e. hat and sunscreen or rain jacket, etc.

What happens on the main stage?

A number of delegates, celebrities and sponsors will be giving brief talks on the main stage. The main stage will also be used for the memorial minute of silence, warm-up aerobics and award presentations.

What time will the aerobic warm-ups start?

The aerobic warm ups will commence at 7.07am for 4km and 7.47am for 8km runners, and 8.47am for all walkers. The warm-up will take place in front of the main stage in the assembly area at Parramatta Park.

How long will it take to walk the courses?

4km     about 40 to 55 minutes
8km     about 80 to 120 minutes

Can I bring my pet dog to walk the course with me?

No. For safety reasons, animals are not permitted on the course.

Can I ride my bike alongside my friend who is running?

No. For safety reasons, bikes, scooters and rollerblades are prohibited on the course.

Can I bring my pram?

Prams are permitted on the course, however entrants who bring along a pram will be required to start at the back of the group.

I have a toddler, do they have to pay?

Children under 4 are not required to pay the entry fee. However, it is a fundraising event and money raised does go towards breast cancer research.

What time does the event finish?

The event usually finishes around noon, but many people stay around and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Will there be trophies and medals awarded?

  • All participants will receive a MDC medallion in their show bag.
  • Trophies will be awarded to all male and female place getters (1st, 2nd & 3rd) in the running events.
  • Age category winners’ medals will be posted in the mail two weeks after the event.
  • Spot prizes will be randomly handed out to participants at the event.

Trophies will be awarded in the following categories:

  • Largest school team
  • Largest tertiary (uni)  team
  • Largest gym/personal fitness/wellbeing  team
  • Largest corporate team - small <100 employees 
  • Largest corporate team - large >100 employees 
  • Largest family and friends team    
  • Largest community groups and clubs team
  • Largest government department team

What time are the award presentations?

The run presentation ceremonies will be held on the main stage at the following times:

  • 4km runners at 8.20am
  • 8km runners at 9.15am
  • Team awards from 10.30am

Can I pick up my show bag before I walk or run?

Participants can only collect their show bag after they have completed their walk or run.

Where can I leave my bag?

Clothing storage has changed to a bag drop area this year, for storage of your clothing & bags during the run/walk. 

Participant clothing will be placed in separate storage bays during the event. Participants should attach their tear off strip from the bottom of their race number to their backpack or bag, by looping one end of the tag through the hole.  Plastic bags will be available at Bag Drop to store your clothing, but please try to bring your own, already labeled, to speed up the process.

When you drop off your bag, a volunteer will write the bay number on your race number so you know where to collect your bag from post run/walk. You will need to keep your race number post event as proof to collect your clothing bag.

Mother’s Day Classic will take care, but not responsibility, for valuables that are lost or damaged.

Where can I leave my bike?

Bicycle racks will be located in the assembly area. Please bring a lock – we will not be responsible for the security of bikes.

Where can I park?

Parramatta Park will be closed for parking until after 1.00pm on race day. There is off-street parking available nearby, and also in the O’Connell Street Car Park, near the eastern side of the Park.  

Limited free parking is available at Parramatta Stadium.  Enter via Victoria Rd & O’Connell St.

To avoid traffic congestion, please try to arrive early. If parking on the streets, please adhere to parking guidelines. Where possible, please car pool to the event.

What public transport options are there?

There are two train stations located near the park, Westmead Station (200m) and Parramatta Train Station (600m). Please contact the Transport Info Line on 131 500 or visit www.131500.com.au for detailed timetable information.

There are several Hills Bus Routes that will drop you within walking distance to Parramatta Park. Please visit www.hillsbus.com.au for detailed information.

Please note: public transport will run on a Sunday timetable on event day – be sure to check your service times to ensure you arrive in time for your run or walk start.

Where exactly is the site located?

The Parramatta Park assembly area is located at West Domain, near the Queens Road Gatehouse on the ‘Westmead’ side of the Park.

Where will the toilets be?

Toilets will be located in the assembly area of Parramatta Park.

Where will the first-aid stations be located?

Medical personnel are located on the course and at the finish area. Please notify a marshal if you have any medical difficulties and they will call for assistance.

Where will the drink stations be?

Water will be provided at the assembly area, on the course, and at the finish line.

Is there a baby change / feeding area?

Yes, there will be a baby change and feed marquee in the main assembly area.

Where do you pick up the MDC medallion and other event goodies?

Once you have completed your event, please return to the assembly area to collect your Mother’s Day Classic medallion, show bag and event goodies, kindly donated by our sponsors.

Where can I find out my results?

Results will be available for the Parramatta event on the Mother’s Day Classic website on Tuesday 15 May 2012. Remember, only runners will be timed.

Can I get a tribute card if I didn’t order one?

Yes, you can pick up your tribute card on event day from the information marquee in the assembly area. You can also download one from the website by clicking here.

Are there any food vendors?

There will be a range of food vendors located at Parramatta Park to purchase snacks and coffee throughout the morning.

What charity do the proceeds go to?

All proceeds from the event go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  Any donations of more than $2 are tax deductible (entry fee is not a donation).

How much of the money raised goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation?

Every dollar that you donate or fundraise and more than two thirds of your registration goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This is used for research projects aimed at improving the detection, treatment and outcomes for those who are affected by breast cancer.

Because there are costs associated with managing and staging the events across Australia, part of your ticket price together with support from our corporate sponsors goes towards their payment.

 In 2011 your combined efforts and the generosity of our sponsors enabled us to give $3 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) for its research programs. That made it a cumulative total of $10.8 million since the event began in 1998.

If I cannot attend the event can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for the event.

Is my registration tax deductible?

Donations and funds raised from sponsorship are tax deductible (if over $2), but your registration is not tax deductible.

While the majority of your registration payment goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, you are participating in an event and thus receiving a service. This means that event registration does not qualify as a tax deduction.

The Mother’s Day Classic is a morning to get together and do something healthy with family and friends and to celebrate and support those who have been affected by breast cancer.  It’s also about raising money for the research that will defeat it.

Prize for top fundraiser