Frequently Asked Questions
What is i-Race?
i-Race is Indian Institute of Technology's iconic running race.
It is usually conducted thrice a year --- March, August and December.
What is so unique about it?
The race is conducted in many cities and even countries around the
world simultaneously. In that sense, it's all one race. Every runner
competes against all others, not just in his city but also against
others around the globe
How can that be?
We use a mathematical model. The race computers adjust every runner's
performance to compensate for the performance change expected due to
age, sex (male / female), height, weight and the race distances in
different cities. See the model section for more details. Thus, any
two runners can be compared, making it one big global
race.
How are the winners decided?
The race computers calculate the best times achievable by each runner
given the inputs of age, sex, height, weight and the race
distance. The actual finish time will be a percentage of this. The
runner who scores the highest percentage, and thus comes closest to
his predicted best, is the winner.
What prizes can be won this year?
The race is meant to promote fun and fitness, with a quirky tinge. The
prizes, therefore, are a token part of the experience. There will be
five overall prizes as follows: Rs 1597, Rs 987, Rs 610, Rs 377 and Rs
233
Why are there such odd numbers for prizes?
Some of you might have guessed that the prizes are 18th, 17th, 16th,
15th, and 14th
Fibonacci numbers
respectively. Fibonacci numbers model many natural phenomena and thus
hold a special esteem in the scientific world.
Who can participate?
The race is open to all alumni, faculty (current and retired),
students, staff (current and retired) of all the different Indian
Institutes of Technology and their families and friends. That
basically includes anyone, provided he / she can eke out a connection,
however tenuous, with the world of IITs (An alumni's housemaid's
ex-boyfriend's second cousin is allowed.. you get the point.)
Youngsters (ages 5-14) cannot
be ranked as the model does not account for ages below 14 but they are
definitely welcome to participate. We insist that runners, who are
not physically fit or are untrained, choose the shorter route to avoid
health risks during running. They are also advised to check with their
physicians before undertaking the strenuous activity like racing.
Where are the upcoming i-Races?
In March 2009, the race will be conducted in Mumbai (India), Bengaluru
(India), Pune (India), Bay Area (California, USA). There might also be
affiliate races in Melbourne (Australia).
When are the upcoming i-Races?
The nearest i-Race is on Sunday, March 8, 2009 (Saturday, March 7 in the USA).
The one after that will be in August 2009 and then, another in December 2009.
What is the race distance?
Different cities have somewhat different distances, based on the
scenic routes available in the local area. Typically, the distances
are between 5 to 10 km (3 to 6 miles). Except Pune, the other 3 cities
have two different distances available. This is to accommodate casual
runners (shorter distances), and more serious runners (longer
routes). See the route details
(http://www.cse.iitb.ac.in/i-Race/route.html)
How do I register?
On the web only. See the Register link.
Do I have to give all the data asked?
The email ID is optional but useful as we give confirmation on that
ID. Age, height, weight and the race distance chosen is important for
calculations. You can choose to not enter any of the details but then
we cannot give you any global ranking nor prize. The personal data
entered at the time of registration will not be used for any
commercial purpose.
What is the registration cost?
Each city will have different amount based on the local logistics of
the race. In Mumbai / Pune / Bengaluru, the registration fee is
Rs. 50.
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration cost goes towards the logistics of the race, your bib
number, a race souvenir, light refreshments after the race.
When do I get my bib (chest number)?
You have to visit the designated location in your city the day before
the race to pick up the chest number and get your height and weight
entered into the computer. Although you may have entered your height
and weight during registration, it is mandatory that it is measured
before if you want to participate in the rankings. For example, for
Mumbai i-Race, you have to visit the IIT Bombay's Alumni Office on
Saturday 7th March between 4 to 9 pm. You have to pay the
registration fee at the time of picking up your chest number.
Can I send a representative to collect my bib and pay the
fees?
We cannot measure your height and weight if you send a
representative. In the worst case that you cannot come personally, you
will have to report at the starting point at least 1 hour before the
start of the race (and send a representative earlier at the time
mentioned). Such measurements will be stopped 30 min before the race
to allow time for entering data into the race computers. (In other
words, if you just want to run for run, and not worry about your
ranking, send a representative).
Do I need to carry any identification?
Any photo ID will suffice to ensure that you are the same person who
registered.
What is the race reporting time?
You have to report 30 minutes before the start of the race at the
starting point. For races in India, you have to report at 6:45 am IST.
Will there be parking facilities at the start?
Usually, the parking facilities will be near the start but at a
distance of few hundred meters from the start. Contact your city's
race director for more details. Allow a few minutes to reach the start
on foot. There will be no provision to transport you to the starting
line from the parking facility.
Will there be baggage check-in facility?
Currently, no. In future, as the number of runners increase, we will
definitely arrange such facility. If you still want to keep some
baggage for storage, request your city's race director. But even if
the race director acquiesces, please do not keep any significant
amount of money and valuables in your baggage.
What other facilities will I get at the start of the race?
At the start of the race, the race director will provide water and
directions to toilet facilities.
What facilities will I get during the race?
Each city will have different facilities. Look for details on the site
two days before the race. You can even contact your city race director
for information. At the basic level, you will get water, medical
first-aid, and mid-way pick-up (in case you decide to drop out during
the race).
What do I get at the end of the race?
At the end of the race, the race director will provide electrolytes
and directions to toilet facilities. Mumbai race will provide
refreshments at the finish (tea and biscuits).
When will the prizes be distributed?
We expect within 1 hour of the finish of the last race in the world.
When can I know my rankings?
The race results will be posted on the site within 24 hours of the
last race around the world getting over.
I can't participate. Can I volunteer?
Sure. Please contact the race director for your city listed on the
Contact Us page.
My city is not listed in your i-Race cities list. Can we organize an i-Race in our city?
Yes. Please contact Madhur Kotharay (details on the Contact Us page), the global race director for i-Race.
What will I need to do to arrange an i-Race in our city?
To start with, you can hold an affiliate i-Race. This race needs only
a few runners and no strict administration problems. You do not have
to provide accurate race markings, exact weight & heights of runners
and precise finish timings. You do not have to get the finish time
data fed into central race computers on-line. In that sense, this
becomes more of a fun run in your city. The downside is that your
runners do not get to qualify for the prizes and global rankings in
the final results. Once your city has the experience of an i-Race,
you can participate in the next episode of the i-Race as a
full-fledged city i-Race.