This is the information letter which is sent out to all runners
Thank you for entering the Roding Valley Half Marathon.
Chip timing
Runners will be issued with an electronic tag which they attach to their shoe. Due to the logistics and risk of loss, these can't be sent out in advance, so runners will need to collect their tag (and race number) on the day, or if you are local and to avoid queues on race day we will aim to have these available at the Woodford Green clubhouse between 6pm and 9pm on the Tuesday (21st Feb) and Thursday (23rd Feb) prior to the race. The clubhouse is at the Ashton Playing Fields - see the start/finish location on the race map and read the directions page if you don't know where it is. You can ask a friend to collect your number for you, but please make sure you don't mix them up. Note that we will require a £5 deposit for each chip collected in advance (refundable when we collect it after the race)
If you do need to collect on the day please allow plenty of time (doors open at 7:00am for the 9am start). There will be a series of tables to collect your number and chip and these will be arranged ALPHABETICALLY based on your FIRST NAME.
After the finish, an official will remove the tag from your shoe BEFORE you procede to collect your medal and goodie bag.
One benefit of the chip timing is that your result is available the instant you cross the finish line. You can access the race website via your Smartphone (subject to the mobile network!) to get your result.
On the day entries
We will be taking entries on the day, but these will cost £2 extra. There will be a separete desk for on the day entries.
The location and course are shown on the map on the website. Changing facilities are available at The Ashton Playing Fields and refreshments will be available in the Woodford Green/Essex Ladies Clubhouse within the Ashton complex. Directions for road and public transport are available via the buttons to the left.
The course starts and finishes at the Ashton playing fields and comprises one small lap of about 1 mile, followed by two longer laps of about 6 miles each. Since 2011 the start and finish are both on the track.
Water will be provided at the drinks stations around the 4, 7 and 10 mile points. Drinks will be available at the finish.
Toilets - very important
As the race has become more popular, and the field has become larger, we have seen longer queues at the toilets. In 2011 we hired Portaloos which helped considerably and we will have these again in 2012. Nevertheless - please allow enough time before the race to do what you have to do!
Race photography and Video
We have had a race photographer for many years and we also post film clips of the start and finish online after the race.
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE:
Marshals will be positioned around the course. At the far end of the course there is a section where you will be directed to cross the road. 3 or 4 marshals will be controlling the crossing point. Please ONLY cross where instructed and DON’T cross back over the road until you reach the second set of marshals and are instructed to do so. They are there to control the traffic for your safety. Anyone ignoring the marshals instructions may find themselves disqualified from the race.
Also please note that under UK Athletics rules, the wearing of personal stereos etc is forbidden due to safety considerations (so you can hear traffic/marshals).
I’m sorry if this sound officious, but the marshals are there for your safety. Please don't try and negotiate this with me as we are not allowed to have our race licence unless we comply with this rule. Last year we were scrutinised by our governing body and the scrutineer witnessed a runner with headphones run straight into a car at a side road having not heard a warning.
Some people feel they "can't run without their music" - why not try and enjoy the atmosphere of the race and the supporters instead?
Ultimately, you have to be responsible for
your own safety as you would be on a training run. It is impossible to marshal every little side
road, but we do have the major crossing points covered and plan to have even more marshals in 2012.
This year in accordance with UKA Licence requirements, all our numbers will have a form printed on reverse onto which you should record any medical information. Please ensure you leave enough time to complete this information and if it is particularly relevent to your condition we strongly advise you to collect your number in advance and to ensure it is filled in before travelling to the race.
Baggage drop
We will be introducing a manned baggage drop facility in 2012. All baggage is left at your risk.
Prizes will be presented in the clubhouse and the results will be instantly available on-line (and printed off in the clubhouse). You can also email me at dhollingworth@btconnect.com but if you need a printed copy please bring a stamped addressed envelope along to the clubhouse.
Many thanks to our sponsors, Ronhill and Haslers for their contribution towards the prizes and other support.
Good luck with the training – I look forward to seeing you on 26thFebruary.
David Hollingworth
Race Director
Woodford Green AC with
It is VERY important that you fix the tag so that it is flat against the lace area of your shoe. DO NOT tuck it into your sock or put it in your pocket as it probably won't register and you won't get a result.
You can see a clip of how to attach the chip here. It is very exciting, trust me!!!