Pulse Start

This year the DONNA Half Marathon, Marathon and Relay will continue to use a “Pulse Start” system as an improved plan to start large numbers of runners within a venue site of limited size. This system is possible due to the use of chip timing, that allows for all runners to receive an accurate time based on their crossing of the official start and finish lines. This logistics plan has received excellent industry-wide runner feedback from other races using a “Pulse Start” system.

Goal: to give every runner the best experience possible!

• This includes the ability to run from the Start with less congestion on the course.
• Runners are now able to run with whom they chose at the pace they want by lining up at the pace group of their choice based on an expected finish time.
• Pulse intervals within each finish time group are set at time intervals approximately 90 seconds to two minutes between, thus allowing for less congestion at the Start and along the course.
• Multiple pace signs will be posted along ATP Tour Boulevard to facilitate the 
positioning of runners.

What participants need to do!

This system is optimized by the cooperation of all participants.

• When lining up for the Race, runners should stage themselves at the pace sign of their intended finish time. Signs will designate both Half Marathon and Marathon times that equate to the approximate pace per mile (e.g. Finish Time Goal – Half:  1:45, Full:  3:00).  Each group will have multiple signs to accommodate large numbers of runners per each finish time.
• Runners will be directed by the race announcer and management of the designated time to proceed to their start area. Expect this to be approximately 30 minutes before start time, thus 7:00 AM.
• As each pulse is set off onto the course, runners will move up toward the Start as directed by race officials.
• The last pulse will occur at approximately 7:50 AM. The more runners who wait for the last pulse, the more congested that final pulse start will be. We encourage all runners to find the appropriate pace group to maximize an efficient and easy start.