run bristol

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any suggestions about the race or training topics, contact us

I think I have won a prize but have not heard anything !
Published results are provisional as awards need to be manually ratified and cross-referenced. It is anticipated that prize winners cheques / voucher payments will be made by the end of October but please check this site for updated information if you are expecting a prize and have not been contacted by that time. For any queries about the published results please contact our race agency and results service FR Systems on 01782 396 113

FOR INFORMATION on how to enter, updates, news and improvements for 2008 please regularly visit the official race website: www.bristolhalfmarathon.com

For any enquiries about registration or details about the race, please call the Race Hotline 01782 396113 or Email Bristol@frsystems.co.uk

The race hotline is often very busy so you may be asked to leave a message. Please be assured that we will respond to all enquiries.

ENTERING THE RACE

I’ve sent off my application, how do I know if I have been accepted into the race?
You can look up your name on the Entry Confirmation list which will be linked to this site. This list will be finally updated by mid July. You can also ring the race hotline on 01782 396 113 or email Bristol@frsystems.co.uk

What will I receive before the race?
Runners who enter online will receive a confirmation email. Information about the race, facilities for runners, details of the official charities, a sponsorship form and information from our sponsors will be published on the website.

In late August / early September all those who have been accepted into the race will be sent a Race Pack by post which will include important race information, a free T shirt, race number and Championchip.

What do I do if I haven’t received my race pack? If you have not received you race pack by Monday 3 September, please contact the race hotline on 01782 396 113.

I’ve entered but am unable to take part, can I get a refund or give my place to a friend?
We are unable to give refunds or transfer entries. Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to UK Athletics.

Can I walk or power walk the race? Please note that this event is a road race designed for runners, within which a limited number of walkers are accommodated. If you have not had recent experience of walking 13 miles in under three hours the race organisers strongly advise you not to enter the event. We also ask that on the day you line up at the rear of the main race, and that during the race you keep to the side of the road and allow runners to pass. We ask our supporters to respect this request as failure to do so could result in walkers and power walkers not being welcomed into the race in future years.

Do I have to raise money for a charity?
No, you don’t have to, but we hope that many runners will choose to raise funds for one of the official charities, or a charity of their choice. Many charities have gold bond places available.

Where can I find advice on pre-race training?
You can find training advice on this website and visit the Bristol University Centre for Sports Exercise and Health’s website for injury advice.

What is the course?
You can download a map of the course from this website. The start, finish and runners village will be located on the harbourside adjacent to At Bristol.

What accommodation is available near the route? Call Bristol Tourist Information on 0906 711 2191 (calls charged at 50p per minute) or please visit
www.visitbristol.co.uk

Runners Questions: RACE DAY

How do I find out which roads are closed?
Roads will begin closing for the race from 03:30 on Sunday 9 September 2007 and will reopen between 10:40-16:00. The Travel Information Leaflet will be published on this website.

What is the best way to get to Bristol by:
Car www.streetmap.co.uk
Rail www.nationalrail.com
Bus www.gobycoach.com
Local bus www.firstcityline.co.uk

Where do I park? Please see the Travel Information Leaflet published on this website, which gives details of car parks. We have also arranged a park and ride service from Long Ashton and Brislington.
Where is the start / finish?
The race start and finish is on the At Bristol site, off Anchor Road in the city centre.

What time does the race start?
The race starts at 09:30.

Do I need to bring anything with me on race day?
Please bring your luggage tag and race number. Don’t forget to bring safety pins to attach the race number to your front and ensure that you have completed the important information on the reverse of your race number. You may also like to bring some Vaseline or plasters to protect your skin from becoming sore during the race.

What should I do when I arrive on the day?
You should go to the Runners Village in At Bristol, which is located next to the start area. Limited changing facilities, bag storage and a race Information unit are all located here. You should then look for the appropriate time board for your estimated finishing time, and then enter that starting zone. It is vital that you get into the right time zone for your predicted time and ensure that you are wearing your own race number.

Are there any changing / shower facilities available?
There are very limited changing facilities, but no showers. Also please bear in mind that there are often long queues for toilets at the start, so if possible please try to use other toilets before you arrive.

Where do I leave my clothes / personal belongings?
You will receive a luggage tag with your race pack, please write your name and race number clearly and attach it to your bag before handing it in to the bag storage marquee. This service is free to all runners, but all items are left at your own risk, so please do not bring any valuables with you.

Will drinks be provided? Yes, bottled water will be available at approx 3 miles, 6miles, 8 miles, 11 miles and at the Finish. Lucozade Sport energy drinks will be available at approx 5 and 9 miles.

Can I walk part of the way?
Yes, but you should only enter the race if you know you can complete the 13.1 mile course in under 3 hours. If you are a walking participant, you will need to confirm arrangements for your participation with your charity or the race organisers and ensure that you are in the appropriate time zone at the start. If you are still on the course when roads are due to reopen to traffic, you will need to move on to the pavement. Please be aware that after 1:00, all course and medical facilities will close.

What happens if I can’t finish the race? If you need medical attention or are too tired to complete the course, please alert the nearest steward who will call for assistance. A sweep vehicle will follow the last runner and will collect anybody requiring assistance.

What catering services will be available on the day?
There will be food units serving hot and cold food in the Runners Village and there are many bars and restaurants along the harbourside.

What happens at the finish?
After crossing the finish line, please ensure you give your ChampionChip to the chip collectors. You will then pass through a ‘runners only’ area where you can pick up water, goodie bag, foil wrap and your medal. You will then exit into the Runners Village, where massage, physiotherapy and osteopathy will be available, along with first aid.

What do I do if I lose or forget to hand in my ChampionChip?
You will need to return it to the race agency, or you will be charged £10 for a replacement.

Runners Questions: AFTER THE RACE

How will I know my finishing time? A print out of the provisional results will be on display at the race information unit in the Runners Village. Provisional results will be posted on this website by Monday 10 September 2007.

The Bristol Evening Post will publish a souvenir Reebok Bristol Half Marathon edition with all race results in the week after the race. Every runner will receive a free copy as part of their entry. Details of how to obtain this will be in your Race Information Pack.

When will I receive my certificate? A certificate will also be sent to you in the post after the race detailing your time. Please ensure that you inform the race agency if you have moved as we are unable to issue duplicate certificates.

When will I receive my prize?
We will post prize cheques out to winners as soon as possible. Please be patient as all finishers have to be verified before we can issue prizes.

Winners of Reebok gift vouchers will be given details of how to obtain their prizes at the race.

How do I buy a photograph of myself crossing the finishing line?
Please visit www.marathon-photos.com and select ‘Reebok Bristol Half Marathon’. You can search for photos by surname or race number.

Finally
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or have any questions regarding your entry, please call the race hotline on 01782 396 113 or email Bristol@frsystems.co.uk