Bristol Half Marathon 2012: A guide for runners

More than 14,000 people are to pound the streets of Bristol on Sunday, as the city’s annual half marathon gets under way.

If you’re one of the dedicated runners, find out all you need to know with our handy guide:

When to get there

Bath Road Park & Ride bus services start at 7am, as do Long Ashton Park & Ride services. Baggage, catering and other Event Village services open at 8am.

Race Assembly areas open at 8.30am.

When you arrive, head to the Runners Village adjacent to At-Bristol or College Green (see instructions for your allocated race number) located next to the start area.

There you’ll find limited changing facilities, bag storage and a race information unit. You should then look for the appropriate coloured signs directing you to your start pen.

Race numbers and Wave Start allocation are coloured according to runner’s predicted times. Marshals will be present to ensure you’re in the correct colour zone at the start.

Ensure you position yourself in the right time zone, which will be clearly marked with your colour.

How to get there

For details of how to get to the half marathon, click here.

For information about road closures and car parking, click here.

Checklist

Whatever you do, don’t forget:

Your race number and timing chip: It’s essential you bring them to the race and that you have read the race start assembly information. This will tell you which wave you will start in and the location of your warm-up and assembly pen (corresponding to the colour of your race number).

Never swap your race number with any other runner, as this could create a dangerous medical situation. Anyone who does so will be disqualified from the race and reported to UK Athletics.

Your timing chip will provide you with an accurate race time and should be worn on your shoelace during the race. After the race, leave your timing chip in the bins provided in the Race Village and Bag Stores.

Safety pins: You’ll need to wear your race number on your chest, secured with a safety pin in each corner. You must ensure you arrive at the finish line with your race number intact - without it you will not get an official finish time, a medal or be able to retrieve your bag.

Don’t remove your number until after you retrieve your bag.

Fluids: Bring plenty of fluids with you and drink lots in the days before the race.

Vaseline or plasters: To protect your skin from becoming sore during the race.

Spare kit: But ensure new shoes are ‘run-in’. It’s essential nothing rubs and leaves you with sores or blisters.

To write details of any medical condition(s) and medication on the reverse of your number: It is vital you notify the race organisers of any conditions on 01782 396113 so it can be passed to the medical team prior to the event.

Write details of your condition and/or any medication you are taking on the reverse of your number (for example: asthma, diabetes, epilepsy).

Read all the information before taking part in the race.

To check the website before you set off: The event website www.runbristol.com will include important last-minute information and updates to the route, so check the site just before you leave home.

To fill out the labels provided: Your bag should be identified with your race number, name and address clearly written on the label provided in your race pack. Attach the label securely to your bag before handing it to the baggage stewards.

Secure bag storage for runners with white, blue, green and red numbers will be located in tents on the Amphitheatre in the Harbourside Runners Village. Secure bag storage for runners with yellow and pink numbers will be located in the Council House on College Green.

Your race number will be used as sole ID for the return of your bag, so do not remove it.

How to refuel

Water stations will be located at approximately 2.5, 5.5, 8.5 and 10.5 miles and at the finish line. High5 EnergyGel stations will be located at approximately 4.5 and 8.5 miles and at the finish line.

Qualified sports physiotherapists and massage practitioners from the University of Bristol Sports Medicine Clinic will be based in a marquee in the Harbourside Runners Village. They will be providing a free service to runners from 8am until 1.30pm.

After the race

At the end of the race you’ll be directed to the Finish Zone to collect water, a foil blanket, medal and race day t-shirt.

Leave your timing chip in the bins provided in the Race Village and Bag Stores.

Prize winners will receive their prizes in the post when finishing positions have been formally verified.

Race results will be available on the race website by 9pm on race day. There will also be a special supplement in The Post newspaper on Monday October 1.

An official Race Certificate and times will be sent following the race to each runner.

If you have any questions, call the race hotline on 01782 396 113 or email Bristol@frsystems.co.uk