CHILLY HILLY PRE RACE INFORMATION 2016
Course Information
The course is approximately 10 miles, covering some of the most scenic parts of the Isle of Wight. Most of it is on public footpaths which offer stunning views of Freshwater Bay, the Needles Alum Bay and Tennyson Down. There are several gates to negotiate, several hills to ascend, some narrow paths (especially through the Nature Reserve and on Headon Warren) and a few roads to cross. There are plenty of marshals, directional arrows and tape to assist you, so if you haven’t spotted any markers for some time, recheck your route to make sure you are on course!
Registration and Start
All entrants must register before the start in the Mountbatten Room at West Wight Sports and Community Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater, PO40 9XH, between 9.30am and 10.45am. The race starts at 11am in the field adjacent to the Sports Centre.
You will be issued with a number that must be attached to the front of your top. On the reverse of your number you must record any relevant medical information and your emergency contact details. Numbers must not be folded, cut or mutilated and must be clearly visible to marshals. This is for your safety.
All registered competitors will have a finishing time recorded. Results will be posted on the notice board in the Registration area during the race and on the website as soon as possible after the event.
For your safety, the use of headphones/earphones is prohibited and you will not be permitted to compete if you are wearing these at the start line. Runners seen wearing any during the race will be disqualified.
Dogs are not permitted in the race.
Facilities
There are toilets, showers and changing rooms at the Sports Centre. There will be a baggage storage area provided inside the Sports Centre as well as lockers which take £1. Smart Health will also be providing a pre and post- race sports massage service in their clinic in the Community Centre
Car Parking
The car-park at the Sports Centre is pay display. There is additional parking available in the public car park in Avenue Road (A3055), and some on-street parking available along School Green Road.
Kit Recommendations
Water will be provided just before the 5 mile point, but you may wish to take your own food and drink. You know your own ability, so if you anticipate a slower run be sure to take more fluids with you.
Note, however, that this is NOT a walking event
It is very likely that sections of this course will be muddy and slippery. You will probably find the use of trail shoes beneficial. As the route also uses some sections of road and pavement, cross-country spikes are not suitable.
It is highly recommended that you take a mobile phone with you. Should you get lost or run into any problems please ring the Centre on 01983 752168. First aid will be provided, but in case of serious emergency please do not hesitate to call 999. It is also recommended that you refer to www.runnersmedicalresource.com for sensible medical guidance when running.
If you have to pull out of the race you MUST let us know.
Checkpoints
There are 2 checkpoints en route:
Checkpoint 1 (also a water stop) appx 4.5 miles Needles Battery
Checkpoint 2 - appx 7.7 miles as runners turn off Turf Walk onto Madeira Road
At every checkpoint you MUST make sure that your race number is visible for recording. This is for your own safety and helps us to keep track of all runners.
The Finish & Presentation
After crossing the finishing line, your finisher’s memento will be waiting, along with refreshments. There is a cut off time of 1:30pm, after when your time will not be recorded, the course will be dismantled and medical assistance will cease. The Sports Centre café will close during the afternoon but all other facilities will remain open until at least 5pm. The presentation will take place at 1:30pm.
Prizes awarded to:-
1st 2nd and 3rd place men and women
1st Isle of Wight man and woman
Various Veterans prizes also presented on the day
The Countryside Code
Please make sure you keep your litter with you until you can dispose of it properly, and make sure you close all gates behind you. Please keep to the footpaths. You may also encounter livestock along sections of the route.
These are public footpaths and so you should be alert for dog walkers and pedestrians at all times.
Route Directions
Click here for Mapometer route
The course is marshaled at road crossings and obscure corners, and the course is otherwise indicated by use of arrows, signs and coloured tape.
The route crosses several busy roads where runners must exercise caution. There are no road closures for the race. Please don’t expect drivers to allow you to cross.
There are also additional hazards like slippery bridges and stiles, and cattle en route.
Shortly after the start of the race, the route passes in front of the car park entrance for a supermarket and also a recycling centre, where extra care should be taken.
The bridge through the Nature Reserve within the first mile can be very slippery.
As you climb the hill from Freshwater Bay please keep to the well-worn paths, to avoid straying too close to the cliff edge. Marshals will be present at several locations to ensure you keep your bearings.
The road immediately after Checkpoint 1 is quite a steep descent and yet again runners should take care.
Due to bridge improvements, the Madeira Road road-bridge from Turf Walk is not currently accessible. The route has been diverted onto Madeira Road using the Cliff Road junction. Marshals will be in place to direct you.
It is vital that runners listen to marshals’ instructions carefully.
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