Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CUIMC Team Relay Marathon?
The CUIMC (Columbia University Irving Medical Center) Team Relay Marathon is a relay race event for teams of 2-8 runners. Runners take turns to run a combined 26.2 miles on The Armory’s world-class, 200-meter indoor track. That’s 211 laps in total!
When is the race?
The 2024 Team Relay Marathon is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17th through Saturday, April 20th. Your team will choose one time slot within the 4-day period: 6:30 PM on Wednesday, 1:30 PM or 5:30 PM on Thursday, 2:30 PM or 6:30 PM on Friday, or 8:00 AM or 12:00 PM on Saturday.
NOTE: If your team expects to take longer than four hours to complete the event, we recommend that you register for the later session on either day. This will help ensure that every team is able to finish 26.2 miles while keeping the event on schedule.
The event is nearly sold out, only Thursday at 1:30 PM and Saturday at 8:00 AM still has space remaining for more teams. Register ASAP!
How many people can be on a team?
Relay teams must have at least 2 runners and a maximum of 8 runners.
Can you register before you have a team?
Yes! In fact, our recommendation is to sign up as a team captain for your desired time slot (before it fills up), then use the time leading up to race day to find teammates. Then, they can register as your team members.
How do you create a team?
Each team consists of a captain and team members. The first person to register is the captain. On our registration page, the captain selects the day/time the team will run. The captain follows the registration instructions to create a new team…with a team name! Finally, the captain selects a division for the team. (Divisions include Financial Services, Law Firm/Professional Services, Medical & Healthcare, Media, Athletic Club, College/University/School, and Open. Open is other or a combination of the aforementioned divisions.) Your race division will help us rank your team’s results among other teams similar to yours.
How do members join an existing team?
Runners looking to join a team should ask the team captain to share the team name they registered. Then, runners should sign up on the registration page and follow directions to join an existing team. When they enter the name of the team they would like to join, it should appear, and that should be the selection.
How can I view my team after I have registered?
You can view a list of all registered athletes HERE. Simply type your team’s name into the search box on the upper right hand corner of the page, and it will display everyone who has currently signed up for that team. If your organization has multiple teams registered, and you would like to move runners from one team to another, please contact owen@armorytrack.org.
Can co-ed teams compete?
Yes. Any mix of genders may run as a co-ed team. To be eligible for awards, each gender must complete a minimum of 100 laps (of the 211 laps total). If rankings don’t matter to your team, feel free to divide the mileage as you wish!
How much does it cost to register for the relay?
Registration supports The Armory Foundation’s Armory College Prep programming. The cost to register early is $125 per person, and it will increase to $150 on March 1st, and then $175 on April 1st. Be sure to register early before prices increase!
Do all team members need to register and pay before race day?
Yes. All members of the team must be registered as part of a team before race day to be guaranteed a racing bib, timing chip, and prize pack.
Can you run the marathon as an individual instead of with a team?
Individual runners are not eligible to run the indoor marathon. All relay teams must have a minimum of 2 runners in order to compete.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes! Spectators are more than welcome, and there is no admission fee.
What should teams know about arrival on race day?
All team members must arrive no later than 30 minutes before the start of your race. When you check in, you will receive a packet that contains your bib numbers and timing chips for your team. At check-in, teams may also pick up their participation t-shirts. Race bibs should be pinned to the front of your racing shirt. Timing chips should be strapped around your ankle.
Where can teams put their bags, jackets, and belongings?
Teams can keep their items that are not in use on any of our bleachers on the 3rd and 4th floors of the track arena.
How does the race work?
One member from each team will start the run, and substitutes may enter the track at the completion of any lap. Each runner can take 3 turns on the track during the marathon. That is, after they first step off, they are allowed to complete their mileage by stepping back on the track up to 2 more times.
Do I have to run all of my laps consecutively?
No. You can run as many laps as you wish, tag a teammate, and come off the track. After stepping off the track once, you may re-enter the oval up to 2 more times to complete your mileage. For the highest fun quotient, we recommend devising a plan so that each team member runs 3 times and can catch their breath before their next “shift”…while cheering teammates on!
Where on the track can I come off and tag in my teammate?
You can exit the track and exchange the with another teammate inside the marked exchange zone at the finish line. If this sounds like “track talk,” don’t worry: we will explain and demonstrate this before the start of your run.
How do I know how many laps are remaining for our team?
Scoreboards around the arena will count down (and up) the number of remaining laps.
Can runners wear headphones?
Runners are prohibited from wearing any headphones for safety purposes. (Don’t worry; we will provide the soundtrack! Feel free to send us your musical requests ahead of time.)
What happens after the race?
First, you will be congratulated for completing the Team Relay Marathon! That’s no easy feat. You will head to the check-in table and pick up your medal and prize. Then, pose for a photo with your teammates in front of our screens that will have your team name and official time. Stick around for a brief team interview that will be posted for the world to watch. Most importantly, there will be replenishments and libations to recover and celebrate.
What is the easiest way to get to The Armory?
You can take the A, C, or 1 train to 168th street, and then walk one block to Fort Washington Ave. For those who wish to drive, there is parking available at the parking garage on 165th & Fort Washington, as well as street parking.