FAQs
General Questions
What time should I arrive on race day?
We recommend arriving at least an hour prior to the start time. You want to give yourself enough time to park, pick up your race packet if you haven’t already done so, warm up and find your way to the start line worry-free!
Where is the best place to park?
BEFORE 5:30PM: Because of another event at the LJVM Coliseum, Race Participants and Volunteers arriving before 5:30p will need to park in the Shorefair Parking lot on the east side of Shorefair Drive. After parking, enter the fairgrounds through East Gate #7.
Shorefair Parking Lot of Winston-Salem Fairgrounds:
2879 Shorefair Dr NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
AFTER 5:30PM: Parking for Race Participants and Volunteers will be in the parking lot for the LJVM Coliseum. After parking, enter the fairgrounds through the Northwest Gate.
LJVM Coliseum Address:
2825 University Parkway, Winston Salem, NC 27105
Parking is free for race participants and volunteers.
What type of weather should I expect?
We don’t call it Beat the Heat for nothin’! July is hot here in North Carolina, but that doesn’t mean we stop running! The average temperatures are between 71°F and 89°F. The race start time falls in early evening, so make sure you hydrate as you get excited to run!
Is there a bag drop?
There is no designated bag drop at Beat the Heat. Parking is close by, so access to vehicles is convenient.
Registration Questions
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are allowed until 3 weeks before the race date. See the refund policy here.
Can I defer my registrations.
Deferrals are not available for Beat the Heat races.
Can I transfer my registration to another runner?
Transfers to another runner are available up until 5 days before the race. More info here: Transfer to Another Runner Instructions
General Race Information
Will spectators be able to view the finish?
Yes! The start/finish line is gated off so spectators may line the edges. If you prefer, there is a large open space in the just beyond the start/finish line that you may walk out to in order to get a glimpse of runners going out and as they come back in.
Where are the main areas to spectate along the course?
The 5K course heads out to Shorefair Dr. and then along Reynolds Blvd. A good spot for spectating if you don’t want to stay by the start/finish would be at the intersection at Shorefair Dr. and Reynolds Blvd. as racers will cross this intersection 3 times.
What times do the races start?
6:00 PM: Family Fun Run and One Mile Youth Race
6:15 PM: Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5k Walk (for those wishing to get a 15 minute head start on the 5k runners)
6:30 PM: Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5k Run
7:30 PM: NC USATF 5K Championship- This is a separate race for elite runners and serves as the NC USATF 5K Championship. To be eligible for USATF awards and prize money, athletes must be a current USATF NC member and a 12-month resident of North Carolina. Elite runners may participate as award ineligible participants.
Are there waves for the 5k?
There are no waves for the 5k. As it is chip timed, your time starts when you cross the start line. However, we highly suggest placing yourself in a position based on what you may expect your finish time to be. Allow faster runners to be closer to the starting line.
Are walkers, jogging strollers, or pets allowed on the course?
Walkers and jogging strollers are allowed in the Cook Medical Beat the Heat events, including the fun run and 5K walk/run events. We ask that strollers begin in a position where they do not impede faster runners or walkers. Participants planning to push a child in a stroller are required to declare this at the time of registration and/or packet pickup and add the child’s name to the race waiver coverage, accepting responsibility for injury up to the death of the child. Waivers can be found under race info on the race website here.
No dogs or pets are allowed during the race or in the start/finish line area of the race
Am I allowed headphones during the race?
To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, Twin City Track Club encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of Beat the Heat events.
We believe your race experience and those around you will be greatly enhanced by leaving the headphones at home or in the car. Running headphone-free allows opportunities to develop camaraderie with your fellow runners and to enjoy everything the race has to offer.
Is there a virtual option for the race?
Yes! Participants can register for the Virtual Beat the Heat 5K using this link: Register for Virtual 5K
Will there be an awards ceremony?
Yes! Sort of. An awards ceremony will be held as soon as possible following the Elite race. To keep things moving, we ask that age group winners pick up their awards prior to the awards ceremony. Results will be posted online to determine your finishing place.
What are the award categories?
Beat the Heat provides several overall and age group awards depending upon the event. See all awards information here.
Does Beat the Heat provide finisher medals?
In order to keep registration fees as low as possible, we do not provide finisher medals for the Beat the Heat 5K. What we do provide a fantastic runner experience. Finisher certificates can be viewed and downloaded from the results page. All One Mile finishers receive a finisher ribbon.
Will the race be held if there is inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, the race may be postponed or cancelled. Announcements will be made on the PA system and communicated by messaging to Volunteer Captains. For rain only conditions (no apparent risk of lightning or high winds), we will continue with the schedule. Absent an announcement to the contrary, the races will proceed as scheduled. See the Race Safety Plan Here.
Click here for additional Awards Information.
Packet Pick Up
Is there race day packet pickup?
Runners can register at packet pickup on Friday before the race at Fleet Feet Winston-Salem between 3pm and 7pm or on Saturday at the Race Site from 5:00pm to 6:00 pm to allow time for data entry prior to race start.
The address for Friday night’s packet pickup at Fleet Feet Sports Winston-Salem is:
278 Harvey Street
(next to LA Fitness on Stratford Road)
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
336.722.8477
Is someone else able to pick my packet up for me?
You may pick up the packet for somebody else either during Friday pickup or Saturday before the race.
