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RACE INFO
The Half Marathon Start
DATE AND TIME
Date: Sunday 12 April Time: The race officially starts at 06h15, with the Elites and Batch A going off first, followed by the rest of the batches in alphabetical order down to Batch Y, departing two minutes apart. All runners have 3 hours 30 minutes from your batch start time to complete the race to be recognised as official finishers.
START VENUE
Main Road, Newlands, at the Newlands Swimming Pool.
SEEDING BATCHES
To ensure a smooth and safe start, runners will be seeded into 23 batches according to your qualifying time, and divided into two groups. Batches will start at two-minute intervals, to ensure safety and a comfortable run for all participants. The letter on your race number denotes which pen you should enter. Enter your pen where you see the signage for your seeding letter, and then move towards the front of the pen.
Group One( Batches A – P)
• Start chutes open at 04h30 and close at 06h00.
• If you are not in your start chute by 06h00, you will be required to load behind Batch P( at Dean Street), and your official race time will begin with the gun time of Batch P.
Group Two( Batches Q – Y)
• Start chutes open at 04h30 and close at 06h20.
• Batch Q will line up at the Dean Street intersection.
• Batches Q – Y will begin moving forward shortly after 06h20.
• If you are not in your chute by 06h20, you will be required to load behind Batch Y, and your official race time will begin with the gun time of Batch Y.
Blue Number Club Start Batches
• Blue Number Club runners have been seeded into two batches: Batch L( qualifying times between 2:15 and 2:30) and Batch S: qualifying times slower than 2:30.
• Blue Number Club runners with qualifying times faster than 2:15 have been placed into earlier batches( A – K) according to their times.
• If you are seeded in Batches A – K but prefer to start in the dedicated Blue Number Club batch( L), you may move back. Your official race time will then begin with the gun time of Batch L.
Please note: You may start in a seeding group behind yours, e. g. if you would like to run with your partner or a clubmate, but not in a batch ahead of your seeding.‘ Jumping’ a batch may lead to disqualification and / or a future ban from the event.
TIMING & CUT-OFFS
Official race timing is gun-to-mat( your time starts when your batch starts). If you move to a later batch, your time will be based on that batch’ s start. Net( mat-to-mat) times will be available online for personal reference, but only gun-to-mat times count for official results. All medal cut-offs and the final 3:30 cut-off are based on your batch gun start time.
For Both Races
TOG BAGS
A free Tog Bag Facility will be available on race day, with drop-off facilities at the Start and collection facilities at the Finish. The drop-off point will be just after Dean Street, at Great Westerford. On arrival, you will be issued two bands – one for your bag and the other band for you to use when claiming your bag at the finish. Make sure the tag is securely fastened around your arm, as no bags will be released without a matching armband.
Bags can be dropped off from 03h30 before the Ultra, and from 04h30 before the Half. Please ensure you remove all items you need before handing in your bag – once submitted, bags cannot be retrieved due to the high volumes. Take note that bags must be collected after the race by no later than 15h00( Ultra) and 13h00( Half) at the Finish.
TOILETS
In the interest of water conservation, chemical toilets will be utilised at the start( as well as on the route and at the finish). Please leave toilets in the same state that you would like to find them. Please do not use front lawns or gardens as a‘ bathroom.’ Runners who foul properties at the start and along the route could face disciplinary action.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
• The staggered start system is designed for fairness and safety, so please respect it.
• Starting in an earlier batch is not permitted and may result in penalties or disqualification.
• You may move to a later batch, but your time will reflect that batch’ s start.
• There is no parking at the start. Please use event trains, drop-andgo zones, or pre-paid parking within walking distance.
• Arrive early to avoid being moved to the back.
• Security personnel and marshals will be positioned along all access routes.
• Follow all instructions from marshals for smooth and safe movement.
• Spectators are not allowed in the start area.
• Toilets and tog bag facilities are available at the start.
• No toilets are available inside the chutes, so please plan accordingly.
• Batch entry gates will be clearly marked – entering the incorrect batch is not permitted.
• You must present your race bib to access your assigned batch.
• Access to the chutes is from the M3 / mountain side only. A pedestrian crossing at Dean Street will assist movement from the Newlands Cricket side.
• Entry gates are located at the back of each chute – please move forward once inside.
• Place discarded clothing or plastic bags outside the chute to prevent tripping hazards.
Please study the Start map on the next page, so you have an idea of where you need to be before you arrive at the start venue.
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