Ashbourne Half Marathon Sunday 3rdth July 2016 Half Marathon Race Information Location and Start Time The race starts and finishes on the Ashbourne Recreation Ground, Cokayne Avenue, DE6 1EJ 08:00 - Registration opens 09:20 - Registration closes 09:30 - Start (course closes 12:00) 12:00 - Prize giving (approx time) Please note that due to road closures, the start is strictly 09:30, we cannot wait for late-comers. Parking There is a car park at the recreation ground for about 100 cars. You can park close by along Cockayne Avenue and in Shawcroft car park (190 cars) which is about 5 mins walk from the Recreation Ground. Parking fees may apply. See map below. Registration, Numbers & Timing Chips If you are entering on the day please arrive in good time to register. Those who have entered online simply have to pick up their bib number and timing chip. (Details on how to use the chip will be provided). Please go to the marquee in the middle of the Recreation Ground which is open from 08:00. There is also a place to leave your baggage for collection after the race. Whilst we will make sure the baggage is attended, we cannot guarantee it s safety and will accept no liability for any loss incurred, so please do not leave valuables in your baggage. We will supply a label with your bib number for your bag. You will need to show your bib number to retrieve your bag. Toilets and Changing There are toilets and changing rooms in the pavillion. There will also be some extra portaloo toilets provided nearby. The public toilets on the recreation ground will also be open, so no excuses for delays getting to the start! Please note there is a public toilet in Thorpe about half way around the course see course map.
The Route The start is at the zebra-crossing on Cokayne Avenue and it is a gun start. You will be briefed before being lead out to the start to coincide with the road closure timing. The roads are closed to normal traffic for the first 3 miles, but be aware that emergency vehicles have full access at all times and there may be some local residential traffic too. You are obliged to abide by the Highway Code. The route is fully marshalled and signed. The end of the race leads you back into Ashbourne. Please be very attentive to the traffic and the marshals as you cross the main roads in the centre of town. Just before the finish you must cross over the zebra-crossing you started at and follow the marshal s direction along the pavement to the car park entrance and into the recreation ground. Here there is a final 200m around the roped course to a downhill sprint across the finish line! See map below. Slow runners please note we have to close the course at 12:00. You are welcome to continue and we will be there to record your time. The issue is simply that we cannot guarantee safety cover for you after this, as our marshals, first aiders, paramedic and police officer will be off-duty from 12:00. Water stations There will be three water stations (four if it s very warm). A choice of water or energy drink will be available and it will be in cups. Please drop your cups in the bin or in a pile so it s easy for us to clear up. First aid and assistance As runners, it is your duty to look after each other on the course, please shout car to warn other runners around you when necessary. If you see an injured or stopped runner please ask if they need assistance and then report this to the next marshal you pass. Each water station has a qualified First Aider with food, shelter and transport, and there is a fully equipped paramedic active on the course who can be contacted by any marshal. There is also a first aider on the Recreation Ground based in the marquee. Race Finish Spectators are very welcome and there is a clear view of the last 200m of the race. Cheering and clapping will be encouraged by our commentator! Each finisher will receive a bottle of water (courtesy of Libradrinks) and a medal as they finish. When you hand in your chip at the marquee you will be given an exclusive 30 th Anniversary Souvenir mug.
Prizes The will be a prize-giving in front of the pavillion at approximately 12:00pm. Please stay for this if you can and create a celebratory atmosphere for our winners. Prizes will be awarded for: 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female 1st local male and female 1st MV40 and MV50 1st FV35 and FV45 1st 5km Run in the Park Post Race In our race village there is a food van Kelly s Kitchen, Barista Italia coffee van, a runner s shop Running Form who has also provided some prizes, and a massage/physio tent. After the race the Ashbourne Festival have a Picnic in the Park event with live Jazz in the bandstand; it s all free, so bring a picnic, relax and enjoy! Earphones The wearing of earphones during this race is not allowed. Most of you never question the issue of wearing earphones while racing. Yes, we know many people train with music, but wearing earphones can easily cause a real problem in a race. This race is not traffic free. If a car is behind you and you don t hear it, or the calls from the other runners, the worst case scenario is that you get hurt and we get masses of paperwork. If runners cause issues for drivers and they complain, then we may not get the necessary permissions and support from the local communities and the police to hold the race again. Running without music means you can concentrate on your form, your pace and and your tactics. You can have a laugh and a joke with your fellow runners, absorb more of the atmosphere, appreciate the beautiful surroundings, and hear marshal s instructions. Any runner spotted with earphones by a race official will be reported and disqualified sorry, but it is that important to keep this race safe.
Ashbourne Parking Areas Half Marathon Finish Route
Ashbourne Half Marathon Course Any questions etc. please contact me (Richard Bland) via info@ashbournehalfmarathon.co.uk