Congratulations, the start line is finally in sight! Please read through this information carefully to minimise any potential race day stress. Entries are now closed and we are sold out at 500 runners in total. We are delighted to have so many runners tackling their first ever Half Marathon or Full Marathon. We are sure you will enjoy the challenge!
Who we are: www.amantani.org.uk We are Amantani, a small charity who manage educational projects in the Andes of Peru. The children we work with in Peru used to walk up to 8 hours daily to get to school. Now these children attend our Boarding Houses which give them access to an education they so want and deserve. This is our inspiration for the Grafham Water Marathon. On the 15th September we will have 500 runners who will be taking on this challenge for all sorts of reasons. We are incredibly privileged to have 95 runners all fundraising for Amantani to ensure these children no longer have to walk these vast distances across the Andes. Thank you for supporting our work!
Location and Car Park: Grafham Water Visitor Centre, Marlow Car Park, Grafham, Huntingdon PE280BH * Please note there is a compulsory 3 Car Park charge (unfortunately out of our control). A marshal will take payment on entry to avoid you queuing at the paying machines.
On day schedule: 8.30am: Registration opens 9.40am: Registration closes (prompt!) 9.45am: Race briefing 9.55am: Runners called to their starting gates 10am: First runners set off We will be aiming to hit these times, so please be aware of them as we cannot wait for you. Step 1: Registration. At the Registration Tent you will be asked your name. Then you will be given your timing chip and race number. Timing chip - This will attach to your running shoes and will record your exact running time. Race number - Please pin to the front of your running top. This must be visible at all times. Step 2: Race Briefing. This is compulsory for all our runners (Half Marathon and Full Marathon). We will be highlighting a few key things before you set off on your adventure. You will then be asked to make your way to the appropriate start gate according to your predicted running time. Step 3: Start. Each starting gate will be set off in intervals of around 60 seconds. This is to give you all more space on the route. So, if you are in the last few gates, please be patient as we are doing this to give you a better running experience!
Route: Multi Terrain! (see map below) Half Marathon - 1 Lap Full Marathon - 2 Laps This is an undulating course which will take you over all sorts of terrain (hard trail, tarmac roads and through fields). Please watch your footing, as it can be irregular. There are no major hills to worry about but this does not mean the route is completely flat! The route will be well marked with yellow arrows and you will also have marshals showing you the way. Please do keep your head up to see our signs and marshals. If you just follow the runner in front, you might find they are not part of the event and you may end up running home with them!.
IMPORTANT ROUTE NOTES! We all love this event and want it to live on long into the future. This can only happen if you (the runners) respect the following. PUBLIC PATHS. Please respect others on the paths and DO NOT push past anyone. The route should be quiet at this time in the morning but please take others into consideration. HORSES ON BRIDLE WAYS. If you come across any, please give priority to the riders and warn them that you are behind them. It is your responsibility to make sure you don t scare the horse or rider. We hope to not have any complaints by locals on this. You will be pulled out of the race if we hear of anything. DO NOT LITTER ON ROUTE. If you are seen by any of our many marshals on route dropping litter you will instantly be pulled out of the race. We love running in the countryside so please don t spoil it for everyone! ROAD CROSSINGS(@ mile 7.5 and just before mile 12). There are 2 road crossing which need everyone s attention. They will both be well marshaled but you still need to be vigilant! You will see a red flag at these points. We cannot and will not stop any traffic, but we will slow you down and ask you to look both ways before you cross. Cars will be warned that runners are on route, but unfortunately many cars still steam past at 60mph. Do not ask our marshals if it is clear as it is your responsibility to cross when safe. When you see the red flags, you now know what to do. BE SAFE!!
Water Stops: (See map below) Half Marathon runners will have 4 water stops. Full Marathon runners will have a total of 8 water stops (+ an extra water stop as you go through for your second lap) using the same stops you had previously. Please not these may change position slightly but we hope this gives you an idea of where they will be. All stops will have cups of water at the ready for you. At stop 1 and 3 you will have High 5 gels and drink available too. Please drop all rubbish as close to the water stops as possible. Remember to carry your own snacks if you are a hungry runner as our water stops are liquid only.
Your marshals: If you have a single calorie left to burn during or after the run, please do use it on a thank you to our marshals. They are all volunteers and this would not be possible without them. They are all very keen to make this a memorable day for all the right reasons, so please respect and thank them whenever possible. Spectators: All we ask is that you don t park along grass verges or in inconvenient places. The police will be strict on this and will fine those who do otherwise. Car Park B called Plummers Car Park (see map) on the other side of the Reservoir could be used as a good base to see runners on their travels. Catering: (www.mammallama.co.uk) Some delicious Peruvian food and soft drinks will be available at HQ throughout the day thanks to our friends at Mamma Llama. Massage: (www.thesportstherapyroom.co.uk) A post run massage will be available thanks to The Sports Therapy Room. All contributions will go directly to Amantani, so please be as generous as you can; Thank you! Medical Cover: We have ample First Aid and Medical Cover on route and at the finish. If you find yourself in any discomfort (more than the usual pains of running) then please let one of our marshals know and we will make sure you are properly looked at immediately. We are all here to help!
Results: You will be able to see your provisional results a few seconds after crossing the line. A final version will be sent to you all following the event. Photos: We have collaborated with Welcome Photography. Photos will be available here a couple of days after the event. Link - http://www.welcomephotography.co.uk/gallery.html
Our Sponsors: We are all incredibly lucky to have this support. They are all supporting the event to make sure you have a fantastic time! Click on the names to find out more! Andean Trails http://www.andeantrails.co.uk/ Buff Wear http://www.buffwear.co.uk/ Real Peru http://www.therealperu.co.uk/ Garden City Marquees http://www.gcmweb.co.uk/ Advance Performance http://www.advanceperformance.co.uk/ Mornflake http://www.mornflake.com/home.aspx The Sports Therapy Room http://www.thesportstherapyroom.co.uk/index.htm Anglian Water http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/
Contact: We will be working onsite from Thursday 12th, so please try and get any questions in before then. Contact details: Amantani Office - 01865 201 477 Race Director and Amantani - chris@amantani.org.uk or 07724242800 Second point of contact - fred@amantani.org.uk or 07523536623 Third point of contact - victoria@amantani.org.uk We look forward to welcoming you all on Sunday the 15th September! Kindest regards, Chris and the Amantani Team.