Expo & Packet Pick-Up
Bib, shirt and swag bag pick-up is at the Run for the Dream Expo. Each 8K participant will also receive a free two-day historic area pass for Colonial Williamsburg, and 20% off coupons for family. We’ll have a great array of vendors offering sports and fitness apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories, and the Expo is free and open to the whole family!
Expo & Packet Pick-up Hours for the 8K
Friday, May 31: 12PM – 8PM
* If you cannot make it to the Expo in person to pick up your packet, you have two options.
You may send someone else with a photocopy of your picture ID and signed authorization that they may pick up your packet. We will also have race day packet pick-up available at the start area before each race. Please plan to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to the start time to pick up your materials and check your gear.
Parking & Shuttle Information
Race start is 8:00 sharp! Runners should park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, located at 113 Visitor Center Drive. Signage will direct you there from Interstate 64, and it is adjacent to the Woodlands Hotel. Shuttle buses will transport runners from the Visitor Center and the Governor’s Inn from 6:00 AM until 7:20 AM. You must arrive at the Visitor Center no later than 7:00 AM if you plan to ride the shuttles.
Shuttle Sign-ups
You must sign up for your shuttle time at the expo when you pick up your packet. Shuttle slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis on site – we anticipate 6:30-7:20 AM will be the most popular slots. If you are planning to pick up your packet on race morning, you do not need to reserve a slot ahead of time, but you must be on the bus no later than 5:00 AM. This is to ensure a smooth pickup process and a safe, on-time race start.
Runners may use the Colonial Williamsburg transportation system for rides back to the Visitor Center or other Colonial Williamsburg hotels following the race. The Bus Stop is conveniently located just blocks from the Post-Race Bash, and there will be clear signage directing you there from William & Mary’s campus. Walk to the east end (away from the runner entrance) of the Sunken Garden towards Colonial Williamsburg, head one block down Duke of Gloucester Street and turn right at North Henry Street. The “Tickets & Information” building will be on your left.
William & Mary’s campus will be closed to spectator parking, so spectators should plan to park in the Prince George Parking Garage at 230 North Henry Street or Colonial Williamsburg lots throughout the downtown area.
Gear Check
Gear check service will be available at the school buses located at the Start on Phi Beta Kappa Circle. Stow your gear in your Run for the Dream backpack and drop it off at the bus window labeled with corresponding bib number. Use the tear-off label attached to your race bib as your gear tag, and affix it with a cable tie. The buses will move to the Finish Line once the race starts. The service is available starting at 5:30 AM, and the buses will depart the Finish at 12:00 PM. If you plan to use our Gear Check Service, please use a closeable bag, such as a small duffle or backpack, with a zippered or drawstring closure. Please keep the bag size to 16” x 20” or less. Due to limited space, the Gear Service cannot accept suitcases or large bags. Please do not check valuables. We are not responsible for clothing or personal items left or forgotten. All unclaimed items will be discarded after the race.
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area Tickets
The first 6,000 Run for the Dream registrants and all Wounded Warriors will receive a free single-day ticket to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. You will receive your ticket at the Expo when you pick up your bib, along with a 20% discount code to purchase additional tickets for friends and family!
Busch Gardens Discounts
Busch Gardens is offering a 15% online-only discount on park passes for runners and their friends and family on race weekend (Friday–Sunday). We will share this discount code with registered runners closer to the race.
Hotel Information
Colonial Williamsburg is the host of our Official Race Hotels. Special rates are available for race participants and their families – click here for more information and access to the group booking site.
Post-Race Bash
Plan to join us after the race for a Post-Race Bash in the Sunken Garden at William & Mary featuring live music, great food and a beer truck!
Salute to the Nation
Be sure to plan on attending Colonial Williamsburg’s exciting Saturday night program, featuring live music and fireworks! Check back for more information.