Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is the purpose of this race?
• To get people, especially children and youth, excited about being active. We want to create an environment where people can see that staying in shape and incorporating exercise into their life can be enjoyable as well as beneficial.
• Who should enter?
• Everyone. Regardless of your skill level or age, this race is for you. If you're a walker then you'll love the beautiful course and the fun encouraging atmosphere. If you're a speedy semi-elite stud then you'll love the flat/fast course we've set up. While everyone is invited, we do hope that you won't come alone. The purpose of this race is to introduce children and youth to exercise. So bring your son, daughter, grandchildren, whole family, neighbor's kid(s), church youth group, high school group, soccer team, etc.
  

• Where does the name "chaplains' challenge" come from?
• This race originated when several of the chaplains of Georgia-Cumberland Academy began to brainstorm ways to get kids active and involved in healthy habits of exercise. The chaplains decided to challenge the kids to a race. The first such event occurred in 2007. They told the kids that whoever could beat the chaplains at a running race would receive a free trip to Taco Bell. The highschool kids that participated thought it would be a cinch. They were wrong. Only two students collected the prize trip to Taco Bell. The race was deemed a success and a tradition was (hopefully) born.
  
• What is the race course like?
• Georgia-Cumberland Academy sits on 500+ acres of land on the outskirts of the chattahoochee national wilderness. The 5k course will be run on a flat and fast section of a much larger trail system. This no-pavement cross-country course is ideal for people wanting a low-impact alternative to running on hard surfaces. The race course trail will go through woods, around cornfields, and along a river. The degree of muddiness will depend on how much it rains in the days prior to the race. The trails are well-maintained and are kept groomed and free of debri. This however, does not remove the possibility of stray roots and occasional holes. Be prepared.

• Is this race really FREE?
• Yes. The whole point of the race is to get as many people involved as possible. We don't want any obstacle or excuse to get in the way of someone deciding to incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle. In order to keep costs down to zero we don't offer any prizes or t-shirts. We believe the greatest prize anybody can receive is a hard-earned sense of accomplishement, the knowledge that they are setting an example for others and the pleasure of fundamentally changing their own future health. This production is also made possible through generous donations from people who have a burden for the health and future of our kids. If you are one of those people, feel free to contact us and let us know how you'd like to help.
  
• Do I have to register?
• Not necessarily, but we will have all participants sign a liability waiver before starting the race. So I guess you do have to sign something.
• Will it start on time?
• Well, the official published race start is at 9:00am. We're guessing that most people, especially if they haven't run a race before will think they need to show-up at 9am. We are happy to have newbies join us and will therefore try and be understanding of latecomers while still being as respectful to the punctual people as we can be. Remember, you get what you pay for :)
• How will the course be measured?
• Course measurement will be professionally determined using state-of-the-art laser surveying equipment in conjunction with satellite imaging technology. Really? Nah... None of that is true. We'll be measuring the course with a wheel measuring thingy from Home Depot. It will, however, still be very accurate.

• Where can I get a flyer to post on my own?
• Email me and I'll send you a pdf version.