Some Changes you may notice to our Running Festival
Only 4 more nights to Race Day
We strive each year to improve both the runners and spectators experience.
There are several small and a few big changes you may notice this year.
Goody Bags and t-shirts. And Number Collection.
We have listened to feedback and are thinking long-term about trying to do our bit for the environment by reducing the carbon footprint of holding the event.
As you know we are not giving out goody bags this year. However, at the finish you will find water, energy drinks, Tribe and Mars bars when you collect your medals.
There are Half Marathon shirts for runners but 10k shirts were available to order online with your entry. There will be 10k shirts available at the Running Bear stall if you didn’t order one but would now like to have one.
Number collection.
This year your number can be picked up from the Running Bear Shop until Friday. all day Saturday and Sunday Morning it is from Race HQ at the Wilmslow Rugby Club.
The course has changed. Not for the first time. There have actually been four different routes .The original route from 1984 went past the 'Bird In Hand', Frozen Mop, David Lewis Centre, Nether Alderley, Alderley Edge, Kings Arms Roundabout, Chapel Lane and finished on the Rugby Club Pitch. But increased numbers in both runners and cars meant Alderley Edge was lost. And now last years course will have a change.
But it is the smallest course change to date. This year both the start and finish have been pushed back by about 84 yards. This will allow the race to finish on the road – where previously you hade to bear right onto a gravel road to finish.
At the Finish.
We will have a small village with Silk FM and various stalls: Running Bear, Remedy on the Park serving Juices; Bach 95 Craft beer, Coffee Pod, Ice Cream and Altius Physio.
Prize giving is also at the finish for all three events. Who will climb onto the Podium? Could it be you?
Saturday
The Race Headquarters opens a day earlier than previously. On Saturday. There’s a lot more than just collecting your race number. Personalisation of your run number. Food and drink. Running gear and t-shirts available from the Bear stall. Lucy Bear and Stretching. A chance to listen to and ask various experts about running, motivation and keeping fit.
If you are visiting Wilmslow for the weekend the Artisan Market is on in Town that day.
Sunday
The Festival Village has got even bigger and better. Food and Refreshments, Stalls , local radio and Music too.
Next Year
Looking forward to next year we will be testing out the capability of our race for Wheel Chair racing. Ex-swimmer and para-athlete Steve Bloor will race in his wheel chair. He will set off 30 seconds before the mass start. Some 10k runners may see him after they turn at the turning circle and head back.
Stuart in action.
