Coffin Race
1PM Check-In + Inspection
2PM Race
Griffing Avenue
GPS address: 1 Court Street
Halloween Fest begins with crowds lining the sidewalk to cheer on Ghoulies (5-12 years) and Zombies (12+) as their teams of five race custom-made “coffins” to the finish line. Racers compete in multiple heats and the winning team of each age group will receive a $500 cash prize.
REGISTER TO RACE
COFFIN SPECS
All Coffins must meet the following specifications. Coffins will be inspected prior to the race. Coffins not meeting specifications will be disqualified at time of inspection.
1. Coffin Specifications: • Size - minimum of 2 feet wide by 5 feet long • Size - maximum 3 feet, 10 inches wide (46 inches), INCLUDING HANDLES, by 8 feet long • There is no minimum or maximum height specification for the coffin or handles.
2. Each coffin must have 4 firmly attached wheels, attached in such a manner so that the coffin will roll on all 4 wheels when propelled down the racecourse. Wheels are not to exceed 8” in diameter, including tires. Wheels must be within the overall dimensions of the coffin. Casters may be used. For safety and steering ability wheels or casters may rotate or swivel!
3. Ropes used for pulling coffins will not be permitted. Four handles must be securely attached to coffin. A push bar on the front & rear of the coffin instead of 2 handles will be permitted.
4. Functional steering mechanisms are prohibited.
5. Decorative projections will be allowed, not to exceed the maximum width and length of the coffin. Decorations may extend up without limitations. Themes and costumes are up to the individual teams and may be of any theme you choose.
6. All coffin riders must wear a helmet during the race. Protective gear for runners is recommended but not required.
7. The registration number MUST BE VISIBLE ON THE FRONT OF THE COFFIN. SAFETY IS IMPERATIVE! Coffin race officials may disqualify any coffin if they feel it is dangerous. If you have any questions, please contact admin@downtownriverhead.org
PRINT COFFIN SPECS
RACE RULES
1. Each participating team shall provide a coffin conforming to specifications. Race officials will inspect all coffins at 1PM. Coffins that do not pass inspection will not be allowed to race. Any questions or disagreements will be forwarded to the event official.
2. There are 2 classes to enter your coffin into. A single coffin may run in multiple classes based on appropriate team members: - Ghoulies (Youth) 5 team members ages 5-12 - Zombies (Open) 5 team members, Rider must be over 12 years old
3. Each participating team will provide FOUR RUNNERS (pushers) to propel the coffin. At least three of the four runners must be in direct contact with the coffin at all times during the race until the coffin has come to a complete stop after crossing the finish line. Any coffin that has less than three runners in direct contact with the coffin during the race will be deemed “out of control”: and will be immediately disqualified. Changing runners or drivers during or between a heat is prohibited. In case of injury, a race official shall be the authority to allow a substitute.
4. During the race, runners will keep their coffin in their own lane. Runners and/or coffin interfering with another runner and/or coffin as a result of leaving their own lane will be immediately disqualified. There is a yellow line in each lane. ANY coffins that cross over the yellow line are automatically disqualified. You may touch the yellow line with your feet but your coffin CAN NOT cross over the yellow line!
5. Each participating team shall provide ONE RIDER to ride in their Coffin. All rider’s must wear a helmet during the Coffin Race. All runners are encouraged to wear protective gear as well. Costumes must be deemed safe for racing - i.e. masks cannot obstruct vision and no long material that could cause a safety hazard. Full costumes may be worn prior to and after the race. Please be appropriate in attire as this is a family event.
*Veteran's banners will remain in place through November in honor of Veteran's Day. On the posts with banners, we will install corn stalks and pink/orange decor in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Riverhead BID reserves the right to reassign lamp posts, deny inappropriate submissions and remove any decorations that are offensive or not being maintained. If your preferred location is not available, one will be assigned to you. For more information please contact admin@downtownriverhead.org
6. Each participant (runners and riders) must sign a “Hold Harmless Agreement” (an agreement which holds the Town of Riverhead, The Riverhead BID and the Riverhead BIDMA and any sponsors harmless for any accidents or injuries) on the day of the race. Forms will be available during check-in.
7. All coffins, runners and riders must be registered and in the staging area by 1:45PM to compete. If you are NOT registered by 1:45PM you will be considered a “No Show” and your spot will be given to the next wait list team. Coffins, your entourage and riders will be judged from the stage during the parade. However, judges will be reviewing your team prior to the races in the staging area. It may be necessary to arrive earlier in order to prepare your coffin for the parade and judging. Participants are responsible for transporting their coffins to and from the race.
8. A Driver’s Meeting will be held for all contestants immediately prior to the parade start (1:45PM). Attendance is mandatory for at least one member from each team. The rules, regulations and parade procedures will be reviewed.
9. COFFIN PARADE: You must line up in the reverse order of your registration number, so the last team number is first starting, this way when you return teams 1 & 2 will be in the front of the staging are ready to race. The Event Director will begin the parade at 2PM SHARP!
10. Protests can only be made by the race competitors. Protest must be directed to a race official within 10 minutes of the completion of the heat in question. Protest must be logical, reasonable, and based on sound evidence. Decisions of the race officials will be final.
11. Each heat will be run with two coffins. The coffin crossing the finish line with the fastest time will be designated the winner of that heat and move on the next round of eliminations. The winner of all heats will be the overall winner of the event.
12. Every entrant and participant shall conduct themselves according to the highest standards of behavior and sportsmanship.
13. The race is approximately 400 feet.
14. Every entrant and participant shall conduct themselves according to the highest standards of behavior and sportsmanship. 15. NO alcohol is allowed in the staging area. Open containers are prohibited by law.