Race Guide

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Last updated: 20/8/24

Alderton 5k Run

Race Guide & 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 please contact Race Director Mark Watts-Jones on [email protected] or 07973 963539 at any time.

Location & parking

Location
Race HQ is open from 9:30 on Alderton Playing Field, Beckford Road, Alderton, GL20 8NL. At Race HQ you’ll collect your race number or enter and find the family entertainment, toilets, refreshments 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 marshals.

Disabled parking is available on the main field. Speak to the marshall on the gate.

Entries

I've entered in advance, 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.

Entries on the day
You can enter on the day but honestly, we prefer it if you enter online in advance as that makes our lives easier and yours. Just imagine what it's like having 200 people all turning up within forty five minutes of each other. It gets a bit frisky and anything we can do to reduce queues is helpful.

That said, it's all money for a good cause and we accept cash or contactless card payments!

Race numbers

Race numbers are issued from 09.30am at Race HQ on Alderton Playing Field. Please leave enough time to collect your race number and warm up.

Emergency contact information
Please complete your emergency contact details and any illnesses or medication that we should be aware of.

Attach you race number to your jersey
Safety pins are provided to attach your race number to the FRONT of your jersey.

On the day - The Race

The start

Ten minutes before the start we'll give a short race briefing on the Playing Field and then walk together down to the start line. Everyone lines up where they'd like. 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.

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! We'll start the race with a countdown from 3, 2, 1 and sound a hooter and you're off!

The finish

After the turning point you'll come back down Beckford Road towards where you started and the Playing Field. The course turns left and enters Alderton Playing Field where you'll go up one side of the field, across to the middle of the football pitch before turning and finishing near the penalty spot.

The finish line will be clearly marked with a FINISH banner. As you head towards the finish line you'll be funnelled until as you cross the line you'll be down to a single file. Please stay in your finishing positions and pass through the funnel.

Please stay in the order that you finished.

Disclaimer/Terms & Conditions of entry

By participating in Alderton 5k Run you agree to the following disclaimer:

You are medically fit enough to enter this event, are running entirely at your own risk and you will take all steps to ensure your own safety.
You waive any claims against the organisers including, but not limited to, damage, loss, injury, death whether caused by your participation in this event.
The organisers are not responsible for your vehicle or your property or the safety of your vehicle or property when parking and/or leaving it unattended for your participation in the event.
Neither Alderton 5k Run or 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.

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.

Please run up the right hand side of the road.

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 turns into Alderton Playing Field for a lap of the field before finishing between the goal posts.

Course profile

Although fast the course is a little undulating with a small descent on the way out and a small ascent on the way back after the turn. Pacing your run is important and it will feel harder coming back!

Course map

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

Finish line and funnel
At the end of the funnel we'll take your race number and use it for your finishing position. This will be very familiar to anyone who has run in a Park Run. One you exit the funnel you'll be presented with your finishers medal and a water by our young volunteers.

Presentations and age category winners
Please stay for the presentations which happen after the final runner has finished, usually after 45 minutes. Your support for the winners and presentations is appreciated.

Age category winners in the following categories will receive a prize:

Female
Female Vet (40+)
Female Junior (Under 16)

Male
Male Vet (40+)
Male Junior (Under 16)

Race results
Provisional results will be published as soon as possible after the run on www.alderton5k.co.uk and our social media channels at www.instagram.com/alderton5krun and www.facebook.com/alderton5krun . This is usually around 14:00.

Final results are typically published by 19:00 on the day of the run. If you've got questions about your final result let Mark know on [email protected]. If we've made a mistake we can cross-check it against our finish line video.

British Athletics Power of 10
Results will be uploaded the Power of 10 https://www.thepowerof10.info/

Finish line photos/video
Finish line photos and videos will be published over the weekend. If you'd like your photo to be removed please let Mark know on [email protected].

Refreshments
We have a refreshments stall serving tea, coffee, cakes and bacon baps run by Alderton Acorns.

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.

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 an emergency firstly please call 999. Then advise your nearest race marshall to call the Race Director. There is a defibrillator on Alderton Playing Field.

First aid
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.

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.

Under 16s
Under 16’s are welcome to run. Children under 12 should be accompanied on the run at all times by an adult. All under 16's remain the responsibility of parents or a responsible adult at all times.

Dropping out/Not finishing
Should you feel unable to complete the event, please inform a one of our marshalls. If you need assistance a marshall or our 'sweeper' will escort you back to the Race HQ.

Useful information

Distance markers
Distance markers are provided at every kilometre.

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

Toilets
Toilets are provided in the Playing Field pavilion. New for 2024 we'll also be providing portaloos. There will inevitably be queues so please leave enough time. Additionally The Gardeners Arms have kindly offered use of their toilets. The Gardeners Arms is 150 metres from the Playing Field and 10m from the start line.

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 [email protected] 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 (e.g. canicross) and be aware of the risks of dogs running on tarmac. Please keep dogs under control at all times.

Running with a buggy/pushchair
In line with British Athletics rules, if you're running with a pushchair or buggy please start at the rear of the field so as to not cause any additional risk to other runners.

Escorted runners
Escorted runners are welcome to run.

What's on

Family fun, while you run
If you’re running the Alderton 5k then bring your small people to enjoy our free children’s activities including making a flower crown, a bubble wand and exploring mud art, as well as a BBQ, homemade cakes and drinks.

Every pound we raise goes to support Alderton Acorns, our much loved village Pre-School and Toddler group.

Alderton Playing Field also has a playground that will be open throughout the run.

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.

Alderton 5k Run is kindly supported by:

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.