I had trouble finding the official page as well but I finally did. But I imagine others will still be unable - because the official page is only on facebook! (Some people refuse to use FB.) To save you further trouble:
facebook.com/nwm26.2I expected it would make me sign up for some FB app (I avoid using FB apps for security reasons) but to my surprise, they're not using a FB app so I don't know why they're using FB. All the pain with no gain?
You didn't mention the price. It's $160! This sets a new record for HM price in the DC area - even surpassing the $138 VA Wine Country HM. Here's a link to my comparison of all DC area HMs:
www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_
individual.asp?blog_id=4733846 Congratulations, Nike!
I went through the lengthy application to find (I bet you could guess this was coming) a processing fee thrown in on the very last page. Total $166.60. The site also mentions a "limited number of $120 student fees" but it's hard to imagine students taking advantage of this offer given the DC area has 35 HMs less than that price. No other discounts offered (although the registration form does ask if you're a member of the military, your salary, and a lot of other questions).
Perhaps the high cost is justified by the assertion that it's "A Race to Benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society" however there is no explanation of how much of your race fee goes to the Society. (Benefits should give you a receipt showing the portion of your fee that is tax-deductible but their FAQ says nothing on this subject so I doubt they'll issue such receipts so there's no way of knowing if the race is truly a benefit or if it's just the runners who participate through Nike's Team-in-Training connection.)
Interestingly, registering early does *not* ensure you get in to the race. The registration period ends on December 6 at which point, registrants will then go through a random drawing process. Although there are potential benefits to this, there are also drawbacks.
Other highlights:
There is no expo but an "expotique". (That registration fee has to pay for something, right?) No picture or link or further explanation on what the "finisher's necklace designed by Tiffany & Co." really is.
There is no "designated" race day parking! (Parking garages and lots in that area of DC close on weekends.) Instead, the FAQ says to use the DC Metro. But the race starts at 7am and Metro doesn't even open until 7am on weekends.
No refunds for any reason. No transfers.
Each runner must pick up her own packet. No race day packet pickup.
"We are integrating participation with the Nike+ Running technology that will provide all participants with unique training and race weekend experiences." Translation: If you have a Garmin, you're a 2nd-class citizen.
Even though there's a checkbox to opt-out of marketing, their privacy policy implies you'll still get your info used for marketing purposes. ("We may share your information to NIKE Family service providers to conduct our business. For example, they may handle credit card processing, shipping, data management, email distribution, market research, information analysis, and promotions management.")
Anyone who still wants to read more should go to the facebook page. A fair number of people were not thrilled by other aspects of Nike's previous races in this series - ranging from disappointment at the expotique, disappointing food at the finish, too few portapotties and surprise last-minute fees.
Edited by: PASTAFARIAN at: 11/17/2012 (11:26)
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