FAQ

Q: If I cannot run the race can I have a refund of my race fee?
A: No.  There are no refunds or exchanges for this event. Feel good knowing that your registration funds go directly to the A Christmas Story House Neighborhood Restoration Project and will help do amazing things in Tremont!

Q:  If I cannot pick up my packet may someone pick it up for me?
A:  Yes! Please provide them with a copy of your driver’s license or ID and your written permission.  We will not mail out packets.  They may only be picked up in person by you or your authorized representative.

Q:  Can I transfer from the actual race in Cleveland to the virtual race?
A: Yes! Transfers are available through November 29, 2020. NOTE: Virtual Switches before November 15, 2020 are guaranteed BEFORE race day. Virtual Switches AFTER November 15, 2020 are guaranteed by December 25, 2020. Just go to your EnMotive.com Account and purchase a Virtual Race Switch and we will mail your packets to you.

Q: Can I transfer from the virtual race to the actual race in Cleveland?
A: Yes! Transfers are available through November 10, 2020. There are no extra fees for transferring to the Cleveland race. Once the virtual packets are mailed out after November 10, 2020, the materials are delivered, and the transfer option is not available. 

Q:  I registered for the virtual race.  Can I wear my bib and run in the actual race in Cleveland?
A:  No.  The race is certified for a limited number of participants, and we are expected to sell out.  Any additional participants can risk the safety of those on the course.  The race bibs will be marked to distinguish between the virtual/actual race.  Virtual runners who attempt to sneak in will be escorted off the course immediately by law enforcement/security personnel.

Q:  If I signed up for the actual race in Cleveland but wish to do a different distance than I signed up for, can I do that?
A:  Yes! We allow a free transfer from 5K/10K distances.  You will need to manage that yourself using your EnMotive.com Account. Since we have 2 finish lines, we need to have a count for medals at each finish line.  You may not change your distance during the course on Race Day, because your medal will be at the original finish line that you signed up for. For instance, if you signed up for the 10K but choose to stop at the 5K finish line, you must return to the 10K finish line to receive your medal.  ALL BIBS are COLOR CODED.

Q: How do I know if I am signed up for the race?
A: To check if you are registered for the race in Cleveland, or the virtual race, you can view the participant list at  https://achristmasstoryrun.enmotive.com/events/lookup/2020-a-christmas-story-run

Q: Will there be race day sign-ups?
A: No (Cleveland Race). If the race is not sold out, we can take registrations through Friday, December 6, 2020, whichever happens first.

Q: Can I purchase an extra medal or race shirt?
A:  No. These unique medals and shirts are one of a kind and are exclusive to the A Christmas Story Run.  The only way to receive these “Major Awards” would be to purchase a race registration.

Q: How do I get my complimentary pass to tour the A Christmas Story House & Museum? (Cleveland participants only!)
A: Any runner who has on their race bib on race day will be allowed access to the A Christmas Story House & Museum. However, if you are wanting to avoid the race day crowds, you may use your bib tab for admission from December 2, 2020 (first packet pickup day) to December 31, 2020.  Each bib will have a tear off tab that can be used once for admission.

Q: Can my pet participate in A Christmas Story Run?
A: Yes! any Bumpus Hound can participate!  All canines Must be registered to participate in the race. Specific rules for dogs are located under the “Bumpus Hounds” tab on the main page. All rules must be followed for participation and will be enforced. No dogs will be allowed to participate if not registered. This is for the safety and security for all.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

Q: Tell me more about the Bumpus Hounds and how it works if I want my dog to participate?
A: There are 400 slots total available for dogs to participate with their owners! Only one (1) canine per runner on race day.  In the Virtual Race, participants can register themselves and their canine friends (multiple dogs). Refer to the “Bumpus Hound” tab on the main page for specific details and rules.

Q: Can I order multiple packets for my dogs?  I have more than one dog.
A: Participants for both the Cleveland Race and the Virtual Run can order multiple packets.  In the Cleveland race, only one (1) dog per runner is allowed. If you have more than one dog that you want to participate, there must be another person accompanying each dog.  Refer to the “Bumpus Hound” tab on the main page for specific details and rules.

Q: Are small children allowed to participate?
A: Absolutely!  A Christmas Story Run is a family-friendly race, so feel free to register the whole gang!  Children must be registered in order to receive the race gear and medal.  If your child is in a stroller, we ask that you kindly stay to the back of the starting line, as not to interfere with our competitive runners.



ANSWERS TO THE BUMPUS HOUNDS!

Q:  What is a Bumpus Hound Run?
A:   This is the second year for runners/walkers to participate with their dogs.  Register your canine!  They get some amazing treats including a “doggie participation medal,” bandana, official Bumpus Hound bib, dog treats and transportation.

Q:  How do I register my dog?
A:  When you go the website, after you register yourself, there is an option to also register your dog. You can also add this on post-event through your EnMotive.com Account

Q:  I have more than one dog, can I register more than one dog?
A:  This is a complicated answer.

  • Virtual Race:You can register multiple dogs and tag them to your registration.  It’s that easy!  You can run with your dogs on your favorite course in your home town!
  • Cleveland Race:Registration in Cleveland is a 1 to 1 ratio. That means one dog per runner.  If you have 2 dogs and you would like both of them to run, another runner will have to sign up and then sign up your second dog with them.

Q: What if I want to sign up for the Cleveland race, but I have a dog that cannot run/walk the distance, but I still want them to be a BUMPUS HOUND and get the goodies?
A: Sign yourself up for the Cleveland Race and during that process sign up your dog also by selecting a VIRTUAL DOG during your registration process.

Q: What if I am one of the 500 participants that have already registered and I want to add my dog to the event?
A: Cleveland Participants:   Go to the registration email you received and return to the registration website to manage your registration.  You can add your dog.

  1. Virtual participants:  Go to the registration email you received and return to the registration website to manage your registration.  You can add your dog.  We will link them to your registration and not charge you extra shipping.

Q: Can I register just my dogs and not run?
A: No, the dogs would need to run with their owner.  We cannot have them running off and stealing the neighbor’s turkey on Christmas Day!

Q: If I am registered for the Cleveland Race and am unable to make the trip to Cleveland on race day, can I have my packet and my dog’s packets mailed to me?
A: Yes you can!  Just go to your EnMotive.com Account for A Christmas Story Run.  There, we have an option to switch you and your dog to virtual runners!  Switch by November 10, 2020 for guaranteed delivery before Race Day on December 7, 2020.

Q:  If we are signed up for the Virtual Run and decide to run/walk in the Cleveland race, can we do that?
A:  No, there are a limited amount of dogs allowed in the actual Cleveland race.  For that reason both the Virtual Runner bibs AND the Virtual Dog Bibs are color coded differently.  This ensures the safety and security of everyone involved.

Q: What comes with the Bumpus Hound packet for my furry friend?
A: Each Bumpus Hound receives:  A Dog tag (miniature replica of the runner medal), dog bandana, 6ft festive leash or collar and a bib. The dog shirts are an extra item that can be purchased at an additional fee.

Q: I am thinking about ordering the extra Bumpus Hound shirt for my dog.  What are the sizing ranges and how much are they?
A: The shirts are $15 each.  The sizing parameters are as follows:  S (5-10lbs) M (11-23lbs) L (24-45lbs) and XL (46-70lbs) and 2X (71-85lbs) ** for dogs that have a larger chest area, purchase one size up from weight range.

Q: Will there be assistance for my dog if for some reason he/she has a medical need before, during or after the race in Cleveland?
A: Yes!  We will have Veterinarian Medical personnel available at the Starting area, designated water stops and the finish area at the A Christmas Story House just beyond the finish line.  They will be at the first tent at each finish area and designated with the signature “Red Cross” sign.

Q: If my dog needs a clinic for medical attention, will there be an option?
A: Yes!  Gateway Animal Clinic on West 19th street which is on the race route have committed to meeting your needs for emergency services on race day.

Q: Tell me more about my dog needing a muzzle or neck collar on the bus ride.  I may not be comfortable with that.
A: The 5K is a point to point race (starting line and finish line are at different locations).  That means participants and their dogs will be riding the busses back to the starting line in an enclosed space for a 20-minute ride.  Our insurance company and bus company are only covered with these safety precautions in place.  Thank you in advance for your understanding and safety of all participants.

Q: How will the busses work with participants with dogs and just participants?
A: After you finish with your Bumpus Hound, receive your Major Award and have your post-race refreshments, you can board the busses!  There will be separate transportation for participants with dogs and participants only.  This will ensure proper procedures are followed.  Please ensure your dog is muzzled or it will not be allowed on the bus.

Q: If dogs needs to relieve themselves during the race festivities?  Will there be areas available for them?
A: Yes! There is a nice large grassy area on the NORTH side of Public Square.  It has been designated for our furry friends.  The Doggy race packets will a bag and pooper scooper so owners can be responsible out on the course!  There will be containers along the course for disposal as needed.