TBBCF FAQ's

What are the routes for the full, super half and quarter marathons?: All marathons will start at Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook, CT at 7:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies will be at 6:30 a.m. Walkers in the full marathon will walk from Saybrook Point to Camp Harkness, Waterford, CT; super half marathoners will walk from Saybrook Point to Rocky Neck State Park, where they will walk through a balloon arch, have the option for a massage, and will be served lunch; quarter marathoners will start at Saybrook Point and will walk along the scenic route of the causeway to Old Saybrook High School. All quarter and super half marathoners are invited to join us at Camp Harkness for food and closing ceremonies.

The maps for all routes can be viewed on the website, www.tbbcf.org Click on Walk 2011 at the top of the page, and the map links will be under “About the Walk” on the left hand side of the page.
Why did the starts of half and quarter marathons change?: 2010 walk organizers received feedback that the quarter marathon seemed too late in the day. Every year we seek to make the walk experience even better, and attract even more walkers.

In addition, all walkers will be able to hear the Brodeur children speak at opening ceremonies, watch the sunrise, and enjoy the camaraderie of all the walkers as you prepare to walk. Because we needed to have the half marathon end at Rocky Neck State Park, we are calling it a super half marathon, because the mileage is now at 15 miles.
Is there an exercise warm-up before the start of the walk?: Yes, a warm-up routine will take place immediately following the brief opening ceremony. The goal is to start all walkers promptly at 7:00 a.m.
Is food served at Closing Ceremonies?: As in the past, food will be provided at Closing Ceremonies.
I have registered for the super half marathon, but now believe that I could walk the full marathon. What do I need to do?: If you decide to walk the full marathon, your fund-raising commitment will increase to $500. Please be aware that if necessary, you have until December 31 to meet your fund-raising goal. Should you decide to walk the full marathon, please let us know, and we’ll adjust your current status.
I’m not sure if I should walk the super half or full marathon. How can you help me make a decision?: The full, super half and quarter marathons start at Saybrook Point at 7:00 a.m. The super half marathon is 15 miles and will end at Rocky Neck State Park where they will walk through a balloon arch, have lunch and have the option of a massage. The fund-raising requirement for the full marathon is $500 and $250 for the super half marathon. Walkers must meet their fund-raising goal by December 31. When you register, you will receive a sample fund-raising letter that will help you in meeting your fund-raising goal and they can be found on the website.

Many of our walkers have never walked a full marathon before, but with proper training they can achieve their goal of finishing the 26.2 mile walk. If you go to our website www.tbbcf.org there is a sample training schedule which will give you an idea of the type of training we recommend and can be adapted to the super half marathon. There are also links to walking web sites that offer lots of tips about training, clothing, footwear, etc.
My friend and I are registered to walk the full marathon. Can I pick up my friend’s number at the Pre-Registration the night before the Walk?: You may pick up your friend’s number and t-shirt the night before the walk; however many walkers enjoy attending the Pasta Dinner that is held along with the Pre-Registration. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet other walkers and get into the spirit of the Walk.
Can I walk with a pet?: Due to safety concerns, pets are not permitted on the Walk route. Pets are more than welcome at Closing Ceremonies.
Can I walk with a child?: The minimum age for walking is 18. Children in strollers or under the age of 12 are not allowed on the Walk route due to safety concerns. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 may register to walk as long as they are accompanied by an adult (does not need to be a parent).
I usually walk wearing my headphones. Is this allowed?: For safety reasons, we strongly recommend you do not use headsets while walking. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in traffic, and this is difficult while wearing headsets.
Can we raise money as a group vs. individuals?: While you can raise money as a group, we are unable to process donations to teams. Many walkers who are training and walking together will raise funds as a group so that everyone has the opportunity to reach their fund-raising goal. If you elect to do this, it is important that checks/donations are clearly labeled as to whose account they should be applied to. It is suggested that you use the Sponsor Multiple Walkers form found on the website.

However, you can walk as a team, and we encourage team names and creating a team t-shirt. We will be hosting a t-shirt contest at our Pasta Dinner the night before the walk; so please join us for a great pasta dinner and a chance to meet other walkers and your walk team.
Is there a rain date for the Walk?: The Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut will take place rain or shine. Due to the complicated logistics of planning and executing the Walk, there is no rain date.
How will we be notified if the walk is cancelled?: Should there be strong predictions of a significant weather event such as a Nor’easter, hurricane or rain with significant flooding, the Walk will be cancelled. The Walk Co-Chairs will monitor the weather forecasts and radar; and should severe weather be predicted, they will make a recommendation to the TBBCF Executive Committee to cancel the walk. This decision will be made by 9:00 a.m. the Friday before the Walk. Cancellation announcements will be communicated via the website, radio and e-mail. There will be no rain date for the Walk.
Can you provide guidance on preparing to walk in the rain?: We will provide tips for preparing for walking in rainy weather and post them on the website.
Can I jog instead of walk the marathon?: This event is intended to be a walk but we recognize that some people may elect to jog parts of the route. You do need to keep in mind how we set up and organize the Pit Stops. The Walk is based upon walkers maintaining a 14-20 minute mile. We begin the day with the first four pit stops set up in advance of the walkers. Once the 20 minute mile walkers pass through a pit stop, it is packed up and moved ahead on the route. If you are faster than the 14 minute mile walkers, you may miss the pit stops.