If not, you can ask what the award is. If you would like to have the award, you can say you want the award. In any case, you will need to fill out the card, give it to the start table personnel along with money for the award if you are getting it. They will number the card and return it or part of it for you to carry with you. Before you leave this table ask them what color markers to look for.
Some clubs use red, blue or yellow tape markings, streamers, and arrows.
Some clubs provide you with a map or written directions of the trail. Before you start on the trail, take time to look around the start area. This is where you will turn in your start card when you finish. There might be a table with sales items on it. These could be club T-shirts, pins, patches, and books.