FAQ
See our list of commonly asked questions below. Still can’t find an answer? Email us at [email protected]
Deferrals, transfers & refunds
How do I switch/transfer my distance?
To switch/transfer to another distance use this link or visit the “Solutions” table on race weekend.
Note: participants are responsible to pay a price difference to upgrade their distance. There are no refunds/price difference if you choose to switch to a shorter distance.
Can I cancel or get a refund?
Unfortunately, registration is nonrefundable. However the following alternative options are available:
Defer to 2026 here
Transfer to another person here
Transfer to participate remotely/virtually here
The last day to defer to 2026, transfer to another person or participate remotely is: Sunday, March 9th
I registered for the in-person event, but want to switch to the virtual run. How do I do that?
You can switch to a virtual distance via this linkÂ
Note: participant is responsible for any price difference from when initially registering. The deadline to switch to virtual is Sunday, March 9th
I initially registered for the virtual event, but want to switch to the in-person event. How do I do that?
You can switch to the live event via this linkÂ
Note: participant is responsible for any price difference from when initially registering. The deadline to switch to the live event is Sunday, March 9th
start location
When does the race start?
Eat. Learn. Play. Kids Fun Run presented by Kaiser Permanente – Saturday, March 22nd @ 11AM at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
Marathon presented by Kaiser Permanente – Sunday, March 23rd @ 7AM
Half Marathon – Sunday, March 23rd @ 7AMÂ
10K – Sunday, March 23rd @ 8:30AM
5K – Sunday, March 23rd @ 9AMÂ
Where does the race start?
The start location for all races besides the kids run is on Lake Merritt Blvd, right in front of the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, and is linked hereÂ
The Eat. Learn. Play. Kids Fun Run presented by Kaiser Permanente will start at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
When and where does the Eat. Learn. Play. Kid’s Fun Run take place?
At the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, (10 10th St., Oakland). The First wave is at 11am. Please arrive at least 30 mins before your child’s event starts for the warm-up and other fun events. Learn more the kids race here
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expo & packet pickup
Where do I collect my bib and race shirt?
The Expo/packet pickup will be held at: Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts (10 10th St. Oakland, CA, 94607).
Days of the expo and times can be found on our expo page here
Info on parking/public transportation to the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts can be found here: https://www.hjkarts.com/getting-hereÂ
I can’t make the Expo/packet pickup now. What are my options?
Your friend, colleague, or family member can pickup your bib & shirt for you! They will need your registration QR code and a photo of your ID.
Alternatively, you can purchase bib mailing or race morning packet pickup during registration, or after registration at the event store linked here
Can I have a friend/family member collect my bib number and shirt for me?
Yes! If you can’t make the Expo, a friend, colleague or family member can collect your bib & shirt for you. They will need your registration QR code and copy of your ID.
I did not receive an email with my bib number or QR code
This year we have moved to dynamic bib assignments, so you did not receive a pre-assigned Bib #. It will be assigned on race weekend or has been assigned if you received your bib in the mail.
Your QR code can be found by logging into your Race Roster account or from the Race Roster welcome email when you registered.Â
Do you offer shirt size exchanges?
Yes, but only after you finish the race. Shirts can be exchanged post race in the shirt distribution area in the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, while supplies last.
registration (misc)
When is the deadline to register for this year's Oakland Marathon?
Online registration will be open up until each race distance starts on the morning of March 23rd. You will need to register yourself online before coming to the Solutions tent race morning to collect your bib. Note: Your shirt size may be sold out. You may also register at the Expo.
I registered my child for the Eat. Learn. Play. Kid’s Fun Run - do I also need to register to run with them?
Nope! Adults do not need to register to run with their child in the Kid’s Fun Run.
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COURSE REGULATIONS
What is not permitted on course?
The following items are not permitted on the course:Â Dogs or any pets, skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, baby joggers, and any other type of vehicle (other than official Marathon vehicles). These regulations are for your safety and the safety of the other participants in the race. The Oakland Marathon reserves the right to disqualify and remove anyone from the course who has any of the above items.
Are trained service animals allowed on course?
Participants who require a trained service animal in accordance with California law are encouraged to email [email protected] so we can best support your journey.
Can I wear my headphones / earbuds?
To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, the Oakland Marathon encourages a headphone/earbudg-free environment during the running of all of our races. You must be able to hear any verbal instructions or commands from race staff.
Please be mindful of the other participants and respect the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.Â
