Circular Logic Marathon: FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
(at least we thought someone should ask these things every once in a while...)

A loop course? Are you serious? Why?

Well, yes, we are serious. One mile laps. We do this to offer a low-cost, fun marathon available early in the spring in the Midwest as an opportunity both to do a marathon and/or to train for events later in the spring.

So how do I count my laps?

It's a chip-timed race...so each time you cross the start/finish line, we'll have a display showing your split and the number of laps remaining.
You can also count them yourself. Use the lap timer on your watch, bring 26 gummie bears and eat one every lap, bring 26 one-dollar bills and hand one to a fellow runner every lap; you get the idea.
But the chip count will be official. Not your gummie bears.

Yeah, but I'm slow. Do you have a time limit? Or an early start?

Yes, we have six hour time limit. Put another way, we start at 9:00am and we'll pack things up at 3:00pm.
So, we also offer two early start options. You can start at 7:00am or at 8:00am. The chip counting will work for you too. Run the "long" lap one time just past 9:00am when the pack of 9am starters run it. We'll have intrepid volunteers to help you out.
7:00am starters should note the sun will not yet be up at 7am. While the park is lit, if you are more comfortable with a light of your own, bring it along.
Early starters are eligible for Boston Qualification, and Age Group Awards. To win the race, though, you'll need to be in the 9am start group.

Or how about a relay?

Glad you asked!! Yes, we have a Marathon Relay! See the brilliantly-named "Marathon Relay" tab for details!

What happens if you sell out?

We have a limit of 165 marathoners and 43 marathon relay teams. We make this limit to keep congestion to a minimum on the loop.
If we hit that limit, we'll establish a waiting list.
Thus, if you can't make it, let us know, that will let someone else in.

What kind of food will there be?

We'll have water at the gazebo which is race day HQ. Depending on the total numbers, we'll have some other food...stay tuned.
We will not serve Gu or other specialized foods. So bring what every you like for fuel.
As a simple operation, we recommend you bring along whatever type of fluid you enjoy. We may not have just what you like.
We are also going to make this a "green" race, with a possible appearance by Al Gore for a couple of laps. Read our plan!
Seriously, we want to NOT have cups strewn all over the place, so we set up a method to avoid litter.

So, can I stash my stuff somewhere?

Absolutely. You can put your stuff along the loop, anywhere it suits you. It's a safe, open park. Bring own food, trail mix, fluids, towels, extra shirts, magic elixir, leftover Christmas fruitcake from your Aunt Betty; whatever you want, bring it along.

I'm not set for a full marathon. Do you have a half-marathon option?

Not officially. But, as they say in B-Grade war movies, "Ve do have our vays of lettink you run."
Go ahead and enter. Then just run the distance you'd like to run.
You'll get water and food. You'll get to run in a social event. You'll get timed results and splits.
You can also enter just to see how far you can run. Never run 20 miles? Wonder if you can? Here's a chance to try.
Remember: "You're Never Far From Your Car"

I'm coming from out of town...do you have hotels in West Lafayette?

Remarkably, civilization has indeed reached our fair city. There are two hotels within 2 miles of the race course, on differing ends of the price/amenity spectrum

Four Points by Sheraton, 765-463-5511
Prestige Inn, 765-463-1531

There are many hotels near the Interstate 65 & State Road 26 exit in Lafayette (exit 172), which is about 12 minutes away from the race site.
A simple Google search will reveal more hotel options for you

Can I take a shower before I drove home?

Might be a good idea if you have a long drive
We've arranged for free shower at the Faith West Community Center, about 2 miles from our race site
Address: 1920 Northwestern Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906
Just show your bib number at the desk. No reservations or other arrangements necessary. Bring your own towel and soap.

Is this race a Boston Qualifier?

Yes it is!! The Boston Athletic Association accepts certified courses in the USA as qualifiers and the Circular Logic Marathon is certified by USATF as course IN12034TDK, and you can find the official course map here.
If you plan to BQ at CLM, let us know. We'll do our best to help you hit the target time!

What Awards will you give out?

Trophies to top three male and female marathoners
Age Group winner awards to male and female, in ten-year increments.