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Races

Diamond Partners

THE

marathon

The marathon will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Donna City Square Park in Donna, Tx. The scenic 26 mile 385-yard course runs along Expressway Business 83 from Donna, Tx known as the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley to Harlingen, Tx known as the Capital of the Rio Grande Valley.

Course Time Limit
  • Participants will have 6 ½ hours to finish the marathon. Runners must keep a pace of 14:50 per mile.
  • A South Texas International Marathon Official will drive behind the last runner and open the roads to regular traffic.
  • If you are behind this vehicle, you must proceed on the road shoulders or sidewalks, and you are subject to pedestrian traffic laws of the cities and counties.
  • No race services will be available on the course for runners slower than the 14:50 pace per mile. (Here is a timetable for runners pacing at 14:50 per mile: 5K @ 46:07, 10K @1 hr. 32mins 6seconds, ½ marathon @ 3hrs 14 mins 27 seconds)
  • Race medals, finish times, and refreshments to runners finishing after 6 ½ hours are not guaranteed.
Full Marathon
  • Start time: 7am
  • Start Line- Donna City Square Park, S. Main St & Expressway 83
  • Time Limit: 6 ½ hours
  • Required Pace: 14:50 per mile
  • Age divisions are determined by the age of entrant on race day.
  • 5-Year Age Divisions: 19 & younger, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Marathon Divisions
  • Age divisions are determined by the age of entrant on race day.
  • Custom awards will be given to the top three finishers in the divisions listed below
  • 5-Year Age Divisions: 19 & younger, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Marathon Relay Divisions
  • 2 Person Relay: Miles: Leg #1: 13.1, Leg #2: 13.1
  • 5 Person Relay: Miles: Leg #1: 7.37, Leg #2: 5.65, Leg #3: 5:40, Leg #4: 4.68, Leg #5: 3.10
  • Divisions are determined by entrants.
  • Custom awards will be given to the top three finishers in the divisions listed below.
  • Divisions: Male, Female and Co-ed.
Relay Categories
  • Male
  • Female
  • Co-Ed
  • High School Boys
  • High School Girls

Marathon

2 Person Relay
  • Start time: 7am
  • Start Line: Donna City Square Park, S. Main St & Expressway 83
  • Time Limit: 6 ½ hours
  • Required Pace Per Runner: 14:50 per mile
DISTANCE & RELAY EXCHANGE LOCATION
  • Leg #1: 13.1 miles: Start line: Donna City Square Park, S. Main St. & Expressway 83
  • Leg #2: 13.1 miles: Relay exchange location: Mercedes HEB Park, 520 E. 2nd St, Mercedes, Tx 78570

Marathon

5 Person Relay
  • Start time: 7am
  • Start Line: Donna City Square Park, S. Main St & Expressway 83
  • Time Limit: 6 ½ hours
  • Required Pace Per Runner: 14:50 per mile
DISTANCE & RELAY EXCHANGE LOCATION
  • Leg #1: 7.50 miles: Start line: Donna City Square Park, S. Main St. & Expressway 83
  • Leg #2 - 5.65 miles: Relay exchange location: Weslaco East High School, 810 Pleasantview Dr, Weslaco, Tx 78596
  • Leg #3 - 5:40 miles: Relay exchange location: Mercedes HEB Park, 520 E. 2nd St, Mercedes, Tx 78570
  • Leg #4 - 4.68 miles: Relay exchange location: La Feria City Hall, 115 E. Commercial Ave, La Feria, Tx 78559
  • Leg #5: 3.10 miles: Relay exchange location: Stuart Elementary School 6701 US-83, Harlingen, Tx 78552

Event

Rules
Bib Number:

All South Texas International Marathon participants must wear an official bib number on the front of their body, pinned to their outer layer of clothing. Numbers must be always fully visible. Runners who run without their bib properly attached and displayed risk not having their finish time and split times recorded and not being listed in the results.

Finish Area Gear Check:

THERE ARE NO GEAR CHECK SERVICES OFFERED AT THE START LINE.  Gear check services are provided in the FINISH AREA ONLY.  Any items taken on busses, shuttles, or to the start area will NOT be returned to you.  All items discarded at the start line or in the first 2 miles of the course will be donated to local charities.

If there are personal items or clothing that you want at the finish line after the race, you can use our Finish Area Gear Check service that is open to receive bags beginning on Saturday Dec. 2.

Finish Area Gear Check Info:

Location:
Harlingen Convention Center
701 Harlingen Heights Dr. Harlingen, Tx 78552

WATER STATION

INFORMATION

The South Texas International Marathon will have water stations approximately every 2 miles throughout the course, each with water and electrolyte drink and water stations at every relay exchange zone. Three of these will be with Gels and fruit. If you have any medical issues, medical personnel will be located at the far end of every Gel/Fruit station.

ROAD CLOSURE

SCHEDULE

For road closure information and closure avoidance we recommend using the STIM website to avoid complications.
The road closure grid below is based on a 14:50 min/mile pace for the slowest runners.

  • There will be large gaps between runners and intersections staffed by law enforcement may wave through traffic, when possible.
  • Slower runners might fall behind the re-open times shown below. In such cases, the runners become pedestrians responsible for following normal traffic laws.
  • Regular traffic will be allowed on the course by the law enforcement personnel re-opening the course according to the times in the table below.
  • Business 83 & S. Main St. to east of the start area is closed to through traffic at the intersection of Salinas Rd. beginning at 3:00am and reopening at 9:30am. Your bib will not get you through the road closure at Salinas Rd. All runners must take official buses to the start line. Only vehicles taking runners to the start will be allowed past the Salinas Road intersection.
  • The Texas State Troopers, Hidalgo County Sheriff, Cameron County Sheriff, Donna Police, Weslaco Police, Mercedes Police and Harlingen Police mandate the road closures and have ultimate authority on executing the closing and opening of the roads during STIM.
  • The road closure schedule below is subject to change on race day.

MARATHON & RELAY

REGISTRATION

Due to this marathon being pancake flat and fast, the South Texas International Marathon will be a local favorite event for first time marathoners, fitness runners, and especially for runners seeking a PR, or qualifying to the Boston Marathon.

2023 Inaugural South Texas International Marathon Registration
Refund Policy

I understand the South Texas International Marathon will NOT provide refunds or deferrals to registrants for ANY reason.

Race organizers will NOT provide refunds or deferrals for conditions, restrictions, or mandates that may exist in registrants’ own localities or their own lives including, but not limited to (injuries, illness, etc.) that may prevent their ability to travel to or participate in STIM. We do NOT provide any refunds for registrants that are unable to participate. If you register and are unable to participate, for ANY reason, NO refund will be granted.

Registrants should consider that certain event details are subject to change, and refunds will NOT be provided due to changes in the event details/amenities/services offered, including but not limited to spectator presence, start time and procedures, event transportation, on-course services, gear check, and pre- and post-race amenities and experiences.

Race organizers, in conjunction with public safety officials, reserve the right to cancel the event at any time related to ensuring the safety of participants, spectators, and the community. In the event of a race cancellation, refunds or deferrals are NOT guaranteed to participants; however, race organizers will consider the cancellation circumstances and may provide participants with some registration compensation options.

PACKET PICK-UP DETAILS:
  • All packets must be picked up at the STIM Expo. There will be no race day packet pick-up.
  • All runners will need to provide a government issued photo ID.
  • Relay teams only need the team’s name and the names of the runners.
  • One team member picks up the for the entire team. 
  • Relay packets will not be divided for individual runners.
  • Bring a copy of your photo ID

Bus

drop-off
Inaugural South Texas International Marathon Bus Drop-Off Zones

Location:  – Harlingen Convention Center – Runners Arrive: 4:00-5:00AM, bus loading begins: 5:00AM

RELAY LEG EXCHANGE

ZONES & DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Buses can only be boarded at the Finish Line.

  • Marathoners & First Leg Location: (Bus/shuttle departs at 5:00am to START LINE.)
    Donna City Square Park S. Main St. & Business 83 Donna, Texas 78537
  • Second Leg Exchange Location: (Bus/shuttle departs at 5:30am to Weslaco East High School.)
    Weslaco East High School 810 Pleasantview, Dr. Weslaco, Tx 78596
  • Third Leg Exchange Location: (Bus/shuttle departs at 6:00am to Mercedes HEB Park,)
    H.E.B. Park 520 E. 2nd St. Mercedes, Tx 78570
  • Fourth Leg Exchange Location: (Bus/shuttle departs at 6:30:am to La Feria.)
    La Feria City Hall 115 E. Commercial Ave. La Feria, Tx 78559
  • Fith Leg Exchange Location: (Bus/shuttle departs at 7:00:am to Harlingen.)
    Mr G's Fireworks on Stuart Place rd and Bus 83
  • FREE busing provided by South Texas ISD and the Hidalgo & Cameron County Bureau.
  • In case of inclement weather, runners may stay on their buses to keep warm.
  • Your bib is your ticket on the bus, RUNNERS ONLY.
  • There is NO START AREA GEAR CHECK. Any items discarded at the start will be collected and donated. No items will be transported to the finish for participants. If participants would like personal items at the finish line after the race, they can utilize the FINISH AREA GEAR CHECK.

FINISH AREA

GEAR CHECK HOURS OF OPERATION
Accepting Gear Bags:
  • Saturday, December 2 — 10:00am-7:00pm
  • We recommend dropping off your bag on Saturday to avoid the rush and crowds on Sunday morning.
  • Sunday, December 3 — 4:00am-4:45am before loading bus.
Retrieving Gear Bags After the Race:
  • Sunday December 3 — 9:30am-1:30pm
Reminders:
  • Only official clear gear check bags provided at packet pick-up will be accepted.
  • Write bib number on bag with permanent markers.
  • Event is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Aid Stations:
  • There will be 17 water stations managed by volunteers from local schools, service clubs, and community groups.
  • Each water station will have water, sports drink medical personnel, and portable toilets every 2 miles.
  • Gels, fruit, and medical personnel will be provided every 4 miles at 3 locations on course.
  • Gels flavors will vary.
  • Medical assistance provided by Hidalgo & Cameron County First Responders will be available every 4 miles, at all relay exchange areas and aid stations as well as at the finish line.
  • Portable toilets will be located at every 4 miles and relay exchange zone along the course.
Finish Line:
  • The Finish Line will be in front on the Harlingen Convention Center adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn in Harlingen, Texas.
Awards Ceremony:
  • An awards ceremony will be held at the Harlingen Convention Center finish line. The top overall male and female finishers, along with all the other age category awards will be presented starting at 11:00 am.
Entry Rules
  • The South Texas International Marathon entry fees are non-refundable. Individuals involved in illegal transactions will be disqualified.
Race Rules
  • The South Texas International Marathon is organized and conducted under USA Track & Field rules. Entrants must comply with all applicable rules. Failure to comply may result in disqualification and/or a ban from future races.
  • The entrant must complete the entire official course to be considered an official finisher. Those who do not, or who are unable to finish, must NOT cross the finish line.
  • No unofficial runners are allowed on the course. No unofficial assistance of any kind may be provided to entrants.
  • The South Texas International Marathon reserves the right to disqualify any athlete whose support personnel interferes with another athlete, race operations, or does not follow the instructions of a race official.
  • The bib number must be always clearly visible, may not be altered in any way, and must be displayed on the front of the runner.
  • No early starters and no late starters! The starting area closes 20 minutes after the starting gun is fired, so do not be late for the start. The course starting area is monitored by the race personnel for illegal early and late starters.
  • There are no bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, inline skates, blades, skateboards, or strollers allowed on-course.
  • No animals are permitted in the event.
  • Prize money winners, Invited Elite Athletes are not allowed to wear electronic listening devices for safety purposes. For other runners, the use of headphones is strongly discouraged, and if directed by a race official to cease such use, the entrant must comply promptly.
  • Follow all directions from race officials and public safety personnel, including directions to stop, walk and remove headphones.
  • Failure to follow these directions is a hazard to you and other participants’ safety and may result in disqualification.
Disqualification Procedure for Rule Violations
  • The South Texas International Marathon is officially sanctioned by USA Track & Field, the governing body of road racing, race walking and track & field events. According to USATF sanctioning rules, USATF officials are on the course checking for rule violations and will also accept protests within 24 hours from official entrants who have observed rule violations. Race management also carefully reviews the preliminary results before declaring them official approximately 4-6 weeks after race day; credible reports of rules violations, missing times, mismatched photographs, and split time discrepancies are investigated thoroughly.

SOUTH TEXAS INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

SECURITY PROCEDURES

At the Inaugural South Texas International Marathon, safety is our top priority. The Public Safety Committee, which consists of race staff alongside representatives from eight local public safety organizations and agencies, have implemented the following policies:

Start Line:
  • All runners will get to the Start Line either on a bus to the Start Line from the designated locations throughout or via a Runner Drop-off by family at designated locations within a few blocks of the Start Line.
Course Security:
  • To be identified as an official participant runners must clearly always display their unaltered bib on the front of their body. There are no unofficial runners allowed on the course. No unofficial assistance of any kind may be provided to entrants. There are no bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, inline skates, blades, skateboards, or strollers allowed on-course. Follow all directions from race officials and public safety personnel, including directions to stop, walk, change course (including off the pre-announced course), and remove headphones. Failure to follow these directions is a hazard to your and other participants’ safety and may result in disqualification.
Finish Champions Garden Checkpoints:
  • The Finish Champions Garden will open to the public at 9:30am on race day. All attendees are required to pass through one of the designated Security Checkpoints. As part of Security Checkpoint procedures, all bags entering the Champions Garden are subject to inspection. Prohibited items include:
  • Firearms
  • Explosives
  • Knives with blades longer than 3.5”
  • Drugs and alcohol
  • Signs larger than 30″ x 30″
  • Signs on stakes
  • Amplified sound devices (speakers, megaphones, etc.)

Finish Champions Garden entrants found to have a prohibited item will be given the option to return to their car/hotel room/house with the item and then return without it or surrender the item and enter the Champions Garden Festival. Firearms will not be accepted as surrendered items and must be returned to entrants’ car/hotel/house before they enter the Champions Garden Festival. Surrendered items will not be returned.

Please remind your loved ones to arrive early, bring a bag that won’t require them to stop for inspection–or, better yet, forego a bag altogether–and thank them for their patience.

Lastly, if you see something that looks out of place, please say something to the nearest race official, and thanks for doing your part to keep STIM safe! All STIM security processes are designed to keep our participants, volunteers, and the surrounding community safe, so we thank you for your compliance.

POSSIBLY

THE FASTEST COURSE IN THE SOUTH
Certified Course -Boston Qualifier ○ Scenic 5 Historic Cities ○ Pancake Flat
  • This is the first ever point-to-point marathon in the south! It’s pancake flat and with few turns, this might turn the Inaugural South Texas International Marathon a crowd favorite! You will run through 5 cities, two counties, and 8 high schools! Be part of history and join us in what we think will be not only a good solid course but a great experience! We will have approximately 8 mats for splits and real time tracking! If your goal is to run your first marathon, this is it. We have a 6 ½ hour limit! That’s a 14:45 pace per mile. This is doable for all first timer marathoners. If your goal is to qualify to the Boston Marathon and pacing is your game, well here it is. No hills and few turns. If your goal is to have a huge PR, here it is too! If you can’t run a full marathon, then get your relay team ready!