IT'S NOT A RACE. IT'S A MISSION.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have questions that are not answered below, please email us.
JUMP TO:
REGISTRATION COSTS AND REFUNDS
PARTICIPTANT DETAILS AND ELIGIBILITY
COURSE AND OBSTACLE INFORMATION
GENERAL
Q: What makes Goliathon different from other obstacle course events?
A: Three things: 1. Goliathon is 100% for charity, 2. Goliathon was the first obstacle course event to tier its obstacles, and 3. Goliathon is not a timed event. Our sole purpose for creating Goliathon was to raise money to help those in need around the world. We're a non-profit organization with a management team and staff that are 100% volunteer. All proceeds go directly to projects to bring clean, safe drinking water to those in need around the world. We want everyone to join us in our mission. To encourage a wide range of participants to unite with us in our efforts, we created a course with tiered obstacles ranging from moderately easy to very difficult. We were the first obstacle course event to take this multi-tiered approach to obstacles.
Q: Is Goliathon a timed event?
A: No. It’s not a race. It’s a mission. However, to help ensure fairness for all teams regardless of when they start during the day, there is a 4-hour time limit. In order for points to count toward your final score, obstacles must be completed within four hours of your start time. But don’t worry – the average participant completes the course in just over three hours and 95% finish within four hours. If you do hit the 4-hour mark before you’ve reached the finish line, you should still finish the course and the remaining obstacles, but you will not accrue any more points.
​
EVENT DAY
Q: What if there is inclement weather?
A: The event will continue rain or shine. (We consider bad weather to be just another obstacle on the course.)
Q: What should I bring the day of the event?
A: Bring a signed copy of our participant waiver, your photo ID, $10 cash for parking, money for food after the event, good trail running shoes, grippy gloves, clothes that can get muddy, clean clothes to change into after the event, a desire to help others and a positive, can-do attitude.
Q: Can I bring a GoPro camera?
A: Yes! And when you share your amazing videos on social media, remember to tag them with #goliathon.
Q: When and where do I check in and/or collect my event packet?
A: Plan to arrive at the event one hour before your scheduled start time to allow for ample time to check in, check your bag, and warm up. After parking, follow signs to the registration tent to get checked in.
Q: Is there a bag check?
A: Yes – and it's free! However, we strongly encourage you to leave valuables at home or locked in your car.
Q: Do I need to register to be a spectator?
A: We welcome spectators who want to come out and watch their family members and friends compete on the course. But there is a check-in process, including a $15 per spectator fee, and rules that spectators must follow to ensure the event is safe and fun for everyone.. Read the new policy for 2023 events.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: We love dogs – just not on the course. We'd prefer you leave your pets at home, but we do allow well-behaved, leashed dogs at the venue. However, no dogs will be permitted on the course.
Q: Is there an age limit for spectators?
A: No, children of all ages are welcome to attend but must be supervised by an adult at all times. A $15 spectator fee applies to everyone over the age of two.
Q: Will there be showers to clean off after the event?
A: There are hoses for you to rinse off and a changing tent for you to use once you've completed the course.
Q: Will there be food at the event?
A: Yes, food is available for purchase.
Q: Will there be alcohol at the event?
A: No, the venue is a non-alcoholic venue.
Q: Is there a post party?
A: There is not a post party. However, there is a festival area with music, vendors, food available for purchase, and an opportunity for you to test your climbing skills by ascending a 50' rope. Hang out and stay awhile.
CHARITY
Q: What charity does Goliathon support?
A: Our featured charity is charity: water, a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries. All proceeds from the event will go directly to charity: water. For more information on charity: water, visit the Our Cause section of Goliathon.com or visit charitywater.org.
Q: How can I support the charity?
A: Your registration to the race directly supports this charity. You can also make additional contributions through the donate button at the bottom of Goliathon.com.
Q: Can I make a donation to the charity?
A: Absolutely. You can include a contribution during the registration process, via the donate button at the bottom of Goliathon.com or by sending a check to Goliathon at 1444 Delsea Drive, Deptford, NJ 08096. All contributions will go directly to charity: water and are tax deductible.
PARKING AND LODGING
Q: Where can I find hotels for the event?
A: There is a Courtyard Marriot six miles from the event.
Q: Is there parking on site?
A: Yes, $10 (cash) parking is available on site within walking distance of the starting line. However, we strongly encourage carpooling whenever possible.
Q: Do I have to pay for parking?
A: Yes. The cost is $10 cash per vehicle.
REGISTRATION COSTS AND REFUNDS
Q: How do I create a team after registering as an individual?
A: If you need to create a team after you've already registered as an individual, please contact us at info@goliathon.com.
​
Q: Do you provide refunds?
A: We do not offer refunds. However, we do understand that plans change and things happen unexpectedly. So we've developed a racer-friendly cancelation policy that you can read more about here.
Q: Can I transfer my registration to another person?
A: For a fee, we do allow you to transfer your registration to another person within your same age group. Please see our Cancellations page for details.
Q: What if I am injured and can’t run?
A: We do not offer refunds for any reason. However, we do understand that injuries happen. Our flexible cancellation policy allows you to defer your registration to a future event or transfer your registration to another participant. Please see our Cancellations page for details.
Q: How much does it cost to register for Goliathon?
A: Registration costs vary based on when you register. There is a different fee structure for Kids (ages 10-14) and Adults (ages 15+). Please see our Event Details page for details. The prices listed here are the total costs, inclusive of registration, insurance, and processing. There are no hidden fees!
Q: Are the prices per individual or per team?
A: The costs are per person.
Q: What is included in my registration fee?
A: The registration fee includes entrance into the event, insurance, and a standard processing fee.
Q: What do the different price levels mean?
A: The experience is the same regardless of your registration price. Tiered pricing is provided to encourage early sign ups.
Q: Since Goliathon is a non-profit organization, is my registration fee tax deductible?
A: No, registration fees are not tax deductible. IRS rules do not permit the deduction of registration fees since, in exchange for your fee, you are receiving entrance into the event.
Q: Why do I have to pay an insurance fee?
A: The insurance fee is a mandatory part of the registration, which accounts for your contribution toward the cost associated with the insurance provided by Goliathon for the event. Our provider requires every participant – even those who have their own insurance – to purchase insurance as part of registration. However, insurance is included as part of the advertised registration price; there are no hidden fees!
Q: Can I register by mail or phone?
A: No, you must register online prior to event day. Onsite registration is available the day of the event unless we sell out prior to event day.
Q: What is the deadline to register?
A: Online registration closes at 11:59 pm ET the Wednesday before the event. Onsite registration is available on event day (unless the event is sold out).
Q: Can I register at the event?
A: Onsite registration is available unless the event is sold out in advance. Please see our Event Details page for details.
START AND FINISH TIMES
Q: I didn’t get the start time I wanted, what can I do?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee start times. In some cases you may receive a start time that is different than what you requested when you registered. If your assigned start time presents a hardship, you may request a different start time by contacting us at info@goliathon.com. We will do our best to accommodate your desired start time, but again, there are no guarantees.
Q: I didn’t receive my start time, where can I find it?
A: You will receive an email with your start time about one week before the event. If it's less than a week from the event and you have not received an email with your start time, please contact us at info@goliathon.com.
Q: How long does it take to complete Goliathon?
A: The average participant completes the event in about three hours.
PARTICIPANT DETAILS AND ELIGIBILITY
Q: Do I have to sign a waiver to participate?
A: Yes! Obstacle course events offer great potential for injury as described in the waiver. We want you to fully understand the risks before you attempt the course.
Q: Can a journalist get free entry?
A: Yes. Email us at info@goliathon.com to gain entrance into the event.
Q: Is there an age requirement?
A: Yes, you must be at least 10 years old to participate. Participants who are ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a registered adult participant throughout the entire course.
Q: How fit do you have to be to participate?
A: Goliathon was designed to encourage individuals of all ages, athletic abilities, and fitness levels to participate in and be challenged by the event, which is why the obstacles are tiered. The novice or inexperienced participant who is able to run or walk four miles and briefly support his or her own body weight while hanging should attempt to complete G1 obstacles. The participant in good physical shape who can easily perform push ups and pull ups and run four miles should attempt G2 obstacles. The participant looking for an extreme physical challenge should attempt G3 obstacles, as they are designed to test a participant's overall muscular strength and endurance with some of the most challenging (and fun) obstacle combinations ever encountered in obstacle course events.
COURSE AND OBSTACLE INFORMATION
Q: Are there restrooms available? On the course?
A: There are porta potties available in the festival area and on the course.
Q: Are there water stations and snacks on the course?
A: There are 3-4 water stations on the course but no snack stations. You may bring snacks with you on the course.
Q: Is there medical staff on the course?
A: Yes. There will be a primary medical tent as identified on the map and roving medical staff throughout the course.
Q: Can I view the course in advance of the event?
A: A sample course map is posted on the website.
Q: Can I skip obstacles?
A: Absolutely. The obstacles are there for your enjoyment and challenge. If you wish to skip an obstacle, you may do so without incurring any penalty. However, even if you skip an obstacle, you must still get your wristband scanned at the obstacle.
Q: What is the difference between G1, G2 and G3 obstacles?
A: All 12 of our obstacles consist of three tiers so that you can choose the challenge that best suits your ability:
-
G1 obstacles are fairly easy and designed so that most participants – even those who have never before competed in an obstacle course event – are able to complete them with or without assistance.
-
G2 obstacles are fairly difficult and will provide a challenge to even those who exercise regularly and have competed in similar events.
-
G3 obstacles are extremely challenging and designed to test the limits of speed, balance, strength, agility, and endurance. The average person will find the G3 tier very difficult or even impossible.
To see these tiers in action, check out the instructional videos posted here. ​