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Alderton 5k Run Race Guide and Frequently Asked Questions

We appreciate your support of the Alderton 5k Run. This guide provides all you need to know about the race. If you have any further questions our contact details are at the bottom.

Location

Race HQ is on Alderton Playing Field, Beckford Road, Alderton, GL20 8NL. 

Race HQ is open from 9.30am where you’ll collect your race number, find the playground and family entertainment, teas, coffees and cakes and post-race massage.

Parking

Parking is available from 09.30am next to Alderton Playing Field.

​Follow postcode GL20 8NL and parking is signposted. Please follow the directions of our marshalls.

Entries on the day

You can enter on the day but honestly we're not keen, it makes our lives more stressful. Online entries in advance help us manage numbers and reduces queues on the day of the race. 

Online entries - collecting your race numbers

What do I need to bring? 

Just bring yourself and your name. 

You do NOT need to print a copy of your entry confirmation or bring any ID.

You can use Eventbrite's app or show us your email confirmation if you'd like but it's not essential.

Race numbers and contact info

Race numbers are issued on the morning of the run on Alderton Playing Field from 09.30am until 10.50am.

Please leave enough time to collect your race number and warm up.
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Please ensure that you complete the contact details and health information on the back of your race number.

On the day - The Race 

The start

The finish 

The start line is at the junction of Beckford Road and Willow Bank Road in Alderton, just outside the Gardeners Arms pub and 150 metres from Race HQ.

​Ten minutes before the start we give a short race briefing and then walk together down to the start line. Everyone lines up where they'd like. Faster more experienced runners are normally at the front and those expecting to finish later, further back. 

Don't forget that the faster runners will start fast - don't try and go at the same speed as them if you can't keep it up!
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We'll start the race with a countdown from 3, 2, 1 and sound a hooter and you're off! 

The run enters Alderton Playing Field where you'll go up one side of the field, across to the middle of the football pich before finishing near the penalty spot. The run route is clearly marked at all stages.

Our volunteer small children will present you with your finishers medal and a drink of water.

Distance markers

Distance markers are provided at every kilometre.

Water

Water is provided at halfway at the turn and at the finish line. 

The course

​The race is an out-and-back course on scenic country lanes from Alderton. After the start you'll run up Beckford Road, past Race HQ on Alderton Playing Field and towards the hamlet of Great Washbourne.

You'll pass Great Washbourne, go around the corner and then turn 180 degrees and go back on yourself 200 metres before the A46.

​The run returns back along Beckford Road towards Alderton where it will finish on Alderton Playing Field. 

Course profile 

Pacing your run is important as the course has a small descent on the way out and a small ascent on the way back after the turn. 

​It will feel harder coming back so keep some energy!

Course map

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To view a full map including elevation or to download a GPX file please go to www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1195513756

After the Run

Provisional finish times will be published as soon as possible after the run on www.alderton5k.co.uk and www.facebook.com/alderton5krun

Presentations and prizes 

After the race please stay for the presentations which happen after the final runner has finished, usually after 45 and  50 minutes . Your support for the winners and presentations is appreciated.

All finishers receive a medal. Age category winners in the following categories will receive a prize:
Male / Male Vet (40+) / Male Junior (Under 16) / Female / Female Vet (40+) / Female Junior (Under 16)

Safety information

Road safety and traffic

The road on which the race is run is not formally closed. Our community informally agree to avoid the route and our marshalls at both ends of Beckford Road do their best to keep traffic away but we cannot legally stop anyone from driving on the road. 

In practice this means that the road will be substantially free of traffic but it is possible that the occasional car may enter the course. As such please take care and follow all the usual highway code procedures.    

In an emergency 

In the event of minor injuries we have qualified First Aiders available . However please note that we do not provide a St John's Ambulance or similar service and in the event of an emergency please call 999 in the normal way. 

Please ensure that you complete the information on the reverse of your race number and identify your emergency contact details and any illnesses or medication that we should be aware of. 

Under 16s

Under 16’s are welcome to run. Children under 10 should be accompanied on the run at all times by an adult. Our course is safety marshalled but neither Alderton 5k nor Alderton Acorns can be held responsible for the safety of Under 16's and they remain the responsibility of parents or a responsible adult at all times.

Headphones

You won’t be disqualified if  you choose to wear headphones but please ensure that you can hear fellow runners, instructions from marshals, other road users or the emergency services.

Useful information

Toilets
Toilets are provided in the Playing Field Pavilion. There will inevitably be queues, especially for the ladies, so please leave enough time. 

Bag storage
You can leave a bag with our entry marshalls. We’ll do our best to keep it safe but we cannot accept liability for any loss or damage.

Refunds or transfers 
If you can't run for whatever reason or want to transfer your number to a friend or family member then that's fine just contact us at mwjmail@gmail.com and we can help you out. 

Dogs
Dogs are welcome on the playing field and to run with you. If they're running with you please ensure that they wear an appropriate harness and be aware of the risks of dogs running on tarmac. 

Post-race massage
Provided by Becky from Gloucestershire Sports Therapy (www.glos-sportstherapy.co.uk) in exchange for a donation to Alderton Acorns. Becky advises that a post-event sports massage is designed to aid the athlete in recovering from their activity; flush out the lactic acid build-up, reduce post-exercise soreness and improve blood flow to tight muscles. 

Family fun, while you run
The Alderton 5k is family friendly with activities, games and refreshments available before, during and after the run. Alderton Acorns qualified staff provide a selection of outdoor games and activities for the little ones. Alderton Playing Field also has a small playground. 

Please note that as a condition of our insurance we cannot provide a childcare facility/creche while you run so children must remain supervised by an adult at all times.  

Teas, coffee & cake
We have a refreshments stall serving tea, coffee and cakes. 

Further information and contact details
All the information you need should be available at www.alderton5k.co.uk but if you have any other questions please contact Race Director Mark Watts-Jones on mwjmail@gmail.com or 07973 963539 at any time.
  
Last updated: 22nd August 2023

Alderton 5k Run is kindly supported by:

Grandbar snacks

Up & Running, Cheltenham

The community of Alderton

In support of:

100% of your entry fee goes to Alderton Acorns our much loved village PreSchool.  Registered Charity No 1052664.