Gaylord Gauntlet

Can I run as an individual or do I have to be a part of a team?

You can run individually or as part of a team. We are encouraging teams of no more than five (5) as a way to share the experience and provide assistance to others during the obstacles, but to also maintain social distancing on the course.  This is not a requirement, just a suggestion.  

How do I form a team?

Decide on a team name and enter when you register. Communicate to each team member to sign up for that team and the same wave (start time).

Can I sign up all my team members together?

Yes. When you Register there is a drop down that allows you to choose how many people you will be registering in that transaction.

What if I want to join a team after I’ve signed up as an individual?

Email gaylorddevelopment@gaylord.org with your request.

Will there be a pre-race packet pick-up?

Yes. Emails will be sent in June when and where the packets will be available.

 I see a “Donate” section on the webpage; do I have to donate?

No, but this event is a fundraiser so participants are encouraged to donate or fundraise for their team. All proceeds from the event go to the Gaylord Sports Association to help their adaptive athletes. Some may choose to donate in addition to their registration fee and some people have donated that can’t attend.

How old do you have to be to participate?

 Racers must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult if less than 18.

Will there be a children's obstacle course this year?

No, not this year.

What do the participants get?

All racers will receive a quality, one-of-a-kind, Gauntlet t-shirt, along with a wristband and bib in their packet.  After the race, your wrist bracelet will entitle you to a free beer or beverage of your choice. Minors will receive their choice of bottled water or Powerade. Water will be given during the race at designated sections, and there will be a station in the festival area at your completion of the race. Parking is free. Secure bag drop and showers for post-event are also available. There are no hidden charges of any kind. Rankings will be posted on Race Day near the Finish Line and online after the race.

RACEDAY

Do you have directions?

 The Gauntlet will be held on the main Gaylord Hospital campus located at: 50 Gaylord Farm Road, Wallingford, CT 06492

Where is the parking and is there a charge?

There is no charge for parking. If you get here early, we recommend you stay in your car until ½ hour before your start time and then report directly to the Start area if you already have your race packet. If not, give yourself 45 minutes to get through registration and to the Start Line.

What will I need to do when I arrive at the race to get my packet?

After parking, follow the signs for Check-In. Remember to bring your government-issued or school photo ID. Check-in will occur in the Chauncey Conference Center. You will receive your bib with a timing chip, an official Gauntlet shirt,  and a non-removable bracelet. The bracelet will be necessary to be on the race course and to get your free beer in the Festival Area.

What should I bring to the race?

1. Government or school-issued picture ID.
2. Running gear- Please wear washable clothes and shoes. You will get wet and dirty, but there will be no need to throw out your gear after this race.
3. You will be able to do this race with shorts and shoes.
4. Gloves are an option, but not necessary.
5. Drinking water. As described below, drinking water will be provided, but depending on how you want to hydrate after the race, you may want to bring extra bottled water.
6. The Festival Area will be on the Gaylord Hospital South Lawn, overlooking the Farms Golf Course. Food vendors will be available, and the list of vendors will be posted before the event.
7.  Legal Tender. The Festival Area will have beverages and food supplied by food trucks which can only be bought with cash or some may accept credit cards.
8. No alcohol, drugs, or weapons can be brought onto Gaylord's property. In addition, the entire campus is non-smoking. Only those with proper ID showing their age above 21 will be allowed to drink beer and security will be on hand to enforce these rules.  All bags and coolers are subject to inspection.

 Will there be a Secure Area for belongings?

Yes, this will be located in Brooker Lobby.

What if I miss my start time?

If you miss your start time, we will make every effort to put you in a later wave, but only if there’s space remaining.  

Can I change my start time before the day of the race?

Yes, but by June 2nd and only if your desired wave isn’t already filled. Email your request to gaylorddevelopment@gaylord.org.

How are your events timed?

All runners have an RFID timing chip in their bib. Timing is provided by RaceWire and is very accurate to the point where the runner crosses the start and finish lines. Team times will be posted as the time of the last team member to finish. Results will be posted at approximately 3 p.m. on site and the following week on the Gaylord webpage. 

Will there be awards at this race?

Yes, this race does have an awards ceremony and custom Gaylord Gauntlet awards are handed out.

The award categories are broken down as followed:

• Top 3 male and female Adaptive Athletes – Mobility Impaired
• Top 3 male and female Adaptive Athletes – Visually Impaired
• Top 3 male and female Adaptive Athletes – Wheelchair Division
• Top 3 male and female overall
• Top Team- Top 5 placing members on the team
• Top 3 males and females in the following age groups:

1. 1. 1. 19 and under
      2. 20-29
      3. 30-39
      4. 40-49
      5. 50-59
      6. 60-69
      7. 70+

THE GAUNTLET

How does the race start?

Waves of runners leave every 10 minutes to help prevent back-ups on the course, starting at 8 a.m. Waves are limited to between 30-40 people to decrease backups on the course. Runners should report to the Start area about 15 minutes before their starting time.  

How long will it take to complete the course?

The course is just over 5K (3.2 miles) with 23 obstacles. Your finish time will depend on your athletic ability and preparation. Top times are generally in the low 20s. Most people will finish within 400 to 60 minutes.

How do I train for this event?

The breakdown for muscle use for the Gauntlet is 75% lower body, 25% upper body.  It might be a good idea to get some open field and trail running experience.

Will there be pictures taken of me along the course?

There will be amateur photographers stationed throughout the race trying to capture as many participants as possible and posting the pictures on our webpage within two weeks of the race. There will be no charge to download pictures. We encourage you to bring your family and friends and have them cheer you on at the start and finish of the race. Photos will be posted on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GaylordGauntlet. Make sure to tag us in your photos!!

Does the course involve swimming, total body immersion, hypothermia, or electricity?

 No. There will be water and mud, but no obstacle will have deep water, ice or electrical shock. The course will require you to crawl through mud.

Is there a course/obstacle map?

Yes. It will be posted in May on the webpage under Event Downloads. Have fun figuring out the obstacles from their name :)

What if I don’t want to do an obstacle?

All runners should assess each obstacle as they approach it to determine if their physical prowess and fitness level will enable them to complete it without injuring themselves or others. All obstacles will have the space to be circumvented if desired. Teams in competition for time should be prepared to help any teammate struggling with an obstacle.

Will there be drinking water during the race?

There will be two stations on the course with bottled water and again at the finish line. Runners may want to bring water to hydrate before the race, but otherwise, beverages will be available to all for purchase in the Festival Area.

Can I run barefoot?

This is not recommended. Just over half of the course will be on wooded trails and there is a good chance of injury from rocks, roots, sharp objects, etc., in addition to splinters.

Will it be “COVID safe”?

Every effort will be made to keep the race safe from COVID.  It will not occur if DPH determines this type of event is not safe this summer. Waves will be released in smaller groups at more frequent time intervals to allow for greater spacing and fewer waits at obstacles. Some obstacles have been eliminated and others modified to avoid higher-risk contact.

AFTER THE RACE

Will there be showers?

Yes. There will be an open shower area near the finish line to rinse off. 

Will there be a changing area?

Yes, we will have a smaller changing area set up. Please note that this is a unisex changing area.

What if I sustain an injury?

There will be hospital staff available at a First Aid area for minor injury help and EMS will be onsite. Staff will decide what can be safely evaluated and initial treatment rendered vs referral to a local Urgent Center or Emergency Department. Please note that Gaylord Specialty Healthcare does not have an Emergency Department.

FESTIVAL AREA

What kind of beer will be sold at the race?

Each participant 21(+) will receive either a free beer or cider after the race. The bracelet you received in your registration packet will be cut once at the tent to redeem your free beverage. The beer this year has generously been donated by: TBD

Are pets allowed?

No. Unfortunately, due to the crowd size and potential for disruption, only service pets will be allowed.

 What else will be in the Festival Area?

Food trucks for varying appetites and tastes will be at the finish line. Spectators may bring water, but otherwise, beverages will be available to all for purchase in the Festival Area. Music will be provided and we invite our runners to stay and enjoy the day outside in a safe atmosphere.

MISCELLANEOUS

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?

No. Unfortunately, all registrations are non-refundable and will be considered to Gaylord as a donation. Did you know we are a non-profit and every dollar directly supports our patients?

 You can, however, transfer your registration to someone else but that will need to be done before June 2nd.

What happens if it rains?

Rain or shine, the Gauntlet goes that’s just part of the deal. There is no Rain Date. The course and obstacles have been devised with the potential for inclement weather. The race will be halted should lightning occur or any serious weather event (ex. tornado).  Should this happen, runners will be directed to the nearest shelter by Volunteers.