Mercer Surrey Half Marathon

This Half Marathon is one of Surrey's greatest annual events, attracting runners from all backgrounds and abilities. This scenic, single-lap event is set in the glorious countryside surrounding Woking and Guildford, and follows a fully closed route out from Woking town into the rural delights of nearby quaint villages. This picturesque race is made even more enjoyable by live music, and communities of local supporters.

A closed road 5k race is also available - fast and furious and boasting unparalleled PB potential. Runners will enjoy some of the best bits of the Half Marathon. And a kids' race, starting under the main half-marathon gantry, showcases running as a stand-alone sport in a fun and exciting environment

COVID-19 Mitigation

These measures, together with other Covid-related requirements at our events, may be subject to revision in response to any change in the current public health guidance issued by the government or regulatory bodies.

NHS Test and Trace will be in operation at our events. Participants will be required to complete a health declaration prior to arrival and to check-in where possible using the NHS COVID-19 app (available to download in advance for iOS or Android). Any information obtained will be held for 21 days after an event only and will not be used for any other purpose. Participants may not be permitted on site if they fail to follow this process, the full details of which will be communicated in the week leading up to an event.

One-way navigation and social distancing signage will be present on site to facilitate adherence to official guidance. Queue markers must be observed at all times and sanitisation stations used as frequently as necessary.

Unless there have been any changes following communication of the final pre-event information, there will be no event briefing on the day. Participants should read the communication thoroughly to familiarise themselves with the event details.

Participants will start individually at 10-15 second intervals to maintain social distancing, with a recommended 15-minute arrival window allocated and communicated prior to the event. Participants from the same household/bubble will be permitted to start together (if participating in the same distance/category) and should follow the relevant instructions to arrive and/or start at the later of any times communicated (if different). Whilst running, participants should only overtake when there is enough room (at least 1m) to do so.

Once finished, participants should continue moving and follow signage and marshal directions to keep the area clear for other finishers. Any post-event rewards (medal, water etc.) will be self-service (following hand-sanitisation) to ensure there is no contact amongst staff and participants.

Participants are asked to review the UKA Participant Code of Conduct prior to their arrival.
 

Event Details
The Routes are flat, on closed roads, and consist of an out-and-back via Westfield for the 5K, with an additional loop out past Jacob’s Well and Worplesdon for the Half Marathon.

Bib Numbers will be mailed to all participants that have entered by midnight on the Sunday prior to the event and have provided a valid UK address during registration. When a bib cannot be mailed due to an incomplete/invalid address - and in cases where it does not arrive - participants can collect a new/replacement bib at the event. Participants do not need to contact us with respect to non-receipt of their bib but should be prepared to show their booking confirmation on arrival if requested.

To be fastened to the front of your top using safety pins provided, your number should remain visible at all times. A timing chip is attached to the back of the bib and should not be removed.

Results will be uploaded live to our website (internet connection permitting) and communicated to all pre-registered participants within 24 hours of the event.

All finishers will receive a Medal on completing their event and, subject to a competitive field of participants, Prizes will be awarded to the top three places overall - and the top place in each of the veteran categories (V40/V50/V60/V70) - for both females and males at each distance. Winners will be notified by email by the end of the following week where a presentation is not possible on the day. This does not apply to the Kids Run for which alternate prizes/rewards may be offered.

Marshals will be present on the course throughout the event.

Course Markings, including arrows, tape, and distance markers, will be visible on the course where necessary.

Pacers will not be offered at this event.

Facilities
Photography will be provided at this event, a link to which will be available on our website and communicated to all pre-registered participants within 24 hours of the event.


Suitable Medical Cover is provided at our events in case of a medical emergency. Participants must provide, during registration, details of any pre-existing medical conditions, disabilities, medication, or allergies that may be relevant in the administration of any medical assistance. Participants should also provide the same information on the reverse of their bib number (where applicable) prior to starting their event, marking a large, red X (or other contrasting colour, using the pens provided at registration) to the front of their number to alert the medical provider to any such information.

Bag Drop will be available at this event. Whilst we recommend bringing as little as possible, participants can leave essential belongings with us while they run using the tear-off baggage strip on their bib. They can then present their number after the event to retrieve their item(s).

Water Stations will be available on the Half Marathon route approximately every 10K.

Toilets and sanitisation stations will be available around the event village for use throughout the event. Toilets will be available on the Half marathon route, with 1 or 2 at each of the water stations.

Refreshments are expected be available throughout the event from a variety of local vendors.

There are no dedicated Changing Rooms/Showers at this event.

Lost Property from an event will be kept for one month. If unclaimed, or ownership cannot be determined, lost property items will be donated to charity.
 

Other Information
As UK Athletics licensed events, the pushing of persons in any device is prohibited under the UKA Rules of Competition (including, but not limited to, a Wheelchair, Buggy, Pushchair, Stroller or similar). Such devices are permitted in the Fun Run only.

As part of our ongoing COVID response, to ensure the opportunities for social distancing are maximised, Spectators will not be permitted in the event village throughout the event. Whilst opportunities are available on the route and around the start/finish area, spectators are reminded that they should adhere to the appropriate social distancing recommendations at all times.

Participants must not be accompanied by a personally owned or controlled Dog during an event. Entries may be accepted from participants with medical assistance dogs, subject to them being correctly registered and identifiable as such, and subject to prior approval by the Event Director. 

This event is not suitable for Wheelchair Users due to restrictions relating to the road closure schedule.

Noise-cancelling Earphones/Headphones are prohibited and, whilst we discourage the use of other earphones/headphones for those competing in running events, participants choosing to use them should ensure they are set to a low enough volume that instructions from marshals and/or other event officials can be clearly understood. We reserve the right to disqualify participants who cannot hear instructions as a result of their use.

Although this event takes place on closed-roads, participants should remain vigilant of each other, spectators, marshals, support and emergency response vehicles, and other users of public footpaths and rights of way at all times.

With respect to a Time-Limit for this event, in order that we adhere to the restrictions imposed by the venue hire agreement and road closure schedule, it may be necessary for us to begin deconstruction of the course and/or start/finish area at approximately 12:30 to facilitate our departure from the premises - and re-opening of roads - by the agreed time. If participants are unable to complete their event by this time, they may be asked to end their participation early.

Road Closures
A schedule of Road Closures will be available approximately 6 weeks prior on the event website.