Here's a random list of things you need to know about Saturday's race:

* As evidenced by last year, the race goes on -- rain, snow, sleet -- nothing can stop it but lightening and thunder.

* Take advantage of the pre-race packet pickup and avoid the need to stand in any lines on Saturday! Packet pickup will be held at the Erie Times-News offices, 205 W. 12th St., on FRIDAY from noon to 1:30 and from 4 to 6 p.m.

* You CANNOT pick up your packet at any other times during the day (i.e. the front counter staff will not be able to hand out packets).

* If you pick up your packet & race number early, you need not check in anywhere...just report to the start line out front of the Rotary Pavilion before we yell “go” at 9 a.m.

* You must have your bib number and it must be pinned to the front of your coat, sweatshirt or pants. You must have a bib number to run/walk.

* We start at 9 a.m. sharp -- unless there's a giant backlog at the registration table, in which case we may wait 5 or 10 minutes for them to finish entering registrations.

* Bathrooms at the Rotary will be open! No porta-potties -- rejoice!

* There's plenty of parking at the cabins, at Beach 6 & at Beach 8 — both are less than .3 miles from the start. You will NOT be permitted to park in front of the Rotary Pavilion or in the lot next to it because it will interfere with the race (trust me…you will not be able to get in or out for hours).

* Day of Race registrants may not get a t-shirt on race day. We will, however, order you one and you'll have to pick it up at the newspaper in two weeks.

* DJ Kelly will be there to play all our favorite woman power songs!

* There will be a pre-race and post-race performance by “Common Ground” — a local diversity talent showcase formed by Cathi Mitchell. These talented ladies will sing, dance and, most of all, inspire you.

* SafeNet will be at the race selling their "You Can't Beat A Woman" t-shirts and other merchandise. Bring some bucks if you want to shop a bit.

* The course map is included in this packet of information. It’s a loop course leaving from the Rotary Pavilion, going onto the main road and circling back to the Rotary via E. Fisher Drive.

* We'll be starting the walk & run at the same time and using the same course. Runners will be asked to line up in the front, walkers in the back, please (so that no one gets trampled).

* I'll give a pre-race welcome and a few race instructions/rules before the race.

* If you are running, you will likely not need more than tights (pants) and a long-sleeve t-shirt and gloves. You may want to add a windbreaker, too (depends on how cold it is) -- you should be COLD at the start line. If you're comfortable, you are overdressed and will wish you weren't a mile into the race when you're sweating and feeling overheated. Bring a fresh, warm sweatshirt and a warm coat to change into after the race (especially if you're staying for the show/awards) -- when your sweat cools you will be unbelievably chilled — you will need warm, dry clothes.

* If you're walking, dress for the weather. Again, depending on the temps, bring a warm coat, gloves, hat, scarves -- whatever you feel you need. When you’re at the start line, you should be comfortable (not too cold, definitely not too hot).

* Do not go out too fast. This is the most often made mistake new runners make. Do not try to keep up with the front of the pack.. Pace yourself. Push yourself to do the best that you can do -- try not to pay attention to who else is around you or what they are doing.

* When you finish, you will go under the big clock and into the "chute" where the volunteers will tear the bottom portion of your bib number off -- this is how we compile results. It's imperative that you stay in line when you enter the chute (don't worry, the volunteers will remind you of this!).

* We have finisher's ribbons for each finisher. A volunteer will hand you one at the finish line.

* We have custom-labeled bottled water and we’ll have fruit and breakfast bars — courtesy of WEGMANS (thank you Wegmans!) in the Rotary Pavilion.

* The awards ceremony begins around 10:30 a.m. I will announce winners using the DJs sound equipment -- we will be outdoors if the weather provides. If you cannot stay to get your award, we will hold it for you at the Erie Times-News for you to pick up later.

* Run results will be posted as soon as they are printed. They'll also appear (top finishers in the age categories) in the Erie Times-News' sports pages on Sun., Oct. 14. The entire list of race finishers will appear in a Thank You advertisement in the Erie Times-News the following Sunday (Oct. 21) and will also be posted on-line at www.hertimes.com and at www.erie-runnersclub.org. We will not mail results.

* There will not be an ambulance on-site, but we will have a first-aid kit and most volunteers will have cell phones to call 911 if needed.

* The people who will be helping at the race are all volunteers -- from the registration line to the road marshals to the people cutting up fruit -- please be patient and courteous with all of them.

* If you have any complaints, problems, suggestions or compliments (yes, compliments are nice) after the race, please feel free to email them to me. Sometimes I overlook the obvious and if you see a way to improve the race or registration process, please share it with me.

* Babysitting will be located in the Rotary Pavilion. Weather providing…age-appropriate kids MAY move outdoors to play a game or watch the racers finish (with sitters). You must have signed up for babysitting in advance.

Any other questions I need to answer? Email me at heather.cass@timesnews.com or call me at 873-4742.