Stort30

The route is mostly grassy trail or graded footpath with only the first half a mile on footpaths/tarmac and the last half mile on the way back.

The route is flat and mostly good underfoot with a mixture of graded gravel paths and riverside trail. If it’s wet, about 12 miles in total can be muddy/wet riverside trail that can be slippery.

You will run out for 15 miles and turn around and come back along the same scenic route.

Race numbers are collected on the day and you will receive a confirmation email the week before the event reminding you of some important info posted on this page.

Registration
0715 – 0830 collect numbers and route description at registration.

Briefing

Briefing at 8:45 outside/inside the building please ensure you listen to it.

Start Time
9am sharp.

Cut-off time at 15 miles (turnaround point) 12:30pm

Final Cut-off at 4pm – This will be enforced firmly.

Changing/Facilities

There are toilets, changing facilities and showers at the clubhouse. There is also baggage storage. There are no toilets on the route but Checkpoint 2 and 3 are next to pubs though we are not responsible for them being open or make any arrangements with them. There are lots of bushes on the route!

Post-race
Race medal for all finishers with the option to add which piece of race clothing you get at the finish when you enter. T-Shirt or Neck Tube. Late entries only get a Neck Tube as a purchase option.

There will be free tea and coffee and soft drinks after the race in the clubhouse and changing and showers.

The location of the start / finish / registration:
Bishop’s Stortford Running Club (Hockerill Sports and Social Club), Beldams Lane, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 5LG

Checkpoints are every 5 miles (approx.) with water, squash, basic sweets, snacks and maybe some cake or anything else I can find on offer!

Usually chicken bites and cocktail sausages and veggie bites also.

There will be veggie/vegan and Gluten free options but we can’t guarantee not having cross contamination for allergies etc. Please ask staff of the CP’s if you are worried and they can open fresh packets or check labels for you to ensure foods are suitable. Or bring your own supplies.

CP1/5 Location – 5.4 miles
Sheering Mill Lane, Sawbridgeworth, CM21 9PE

Please do not visit this CP as there is very limited parking in the area. ONLY visit if you are collecting an injured runner etc.

CP2/4 Location – 9.6 miles.
Burnt Mill Lane, Harlow, CM20 2QS
If you visit this CP then please park in the nearby pub location not on the road and do not obstruct the footpath or CP.

CP3 Turnaround Location – 15 miles.
Rye House, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 0EH
Please park in the Rye House pub car park and not on the road and please do not obstruct the busy CP.

Cut Off Times

The cut-off time is 3.5 hours at half way (15 miles) and 7 hours overall.

If you are over the cut off at turnaround you will be stopped and transported back to the Start/Finish.

Mandatory Kit

There is none as its a well supported signed course with good access for safety and the weather is still mild. Obviously bring clothing and footwear suitable for the weather, if it’s raining bring a waterproof jacket. If its sunny bring a hat. Some common sense is compulsory. Running naked is not allowed!

This event is CUPLESS so you need to carry a cup or other vessel to drink out of at the checkpoints. We dont believe in making you buy more plastic cups to save plastic so using your water bottle or softflask is ok by us. We will have Jugs of water/coke/squash on the tables for you to fill up with. You will NOT be allowed to drink from a jug!

We will sell some foldable cups at registration £5 each if you forget.

Headphones and MP3 players

If you wear headphones and cannot hear marshals or traffic, this is your responsibility. There are many other users on the footpaths such as cyclists walkers and other runners. Please ensure you can hear them and allow them to pass.

Headphones must NOT be worn on road sections or at road crossings and must be removed at checkpoints and before the finish.

Qualifying Criteria

We would expect that to have a realistic chance of completing this event you should be able to complete a half marathon in less than 3 hours, or a marathon in less than 6 hours.

If you have not done this its unlikely you will be able to finish the race.