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News Archive

March 2010

River Lee Country Park turned pink today (28 March) as 500 women got on their bikes for Breast Cancer Campaign.   The first Pedal it Pink event in the South East is expected to raise over £30,000 to help fund vital research into breast cancer.

Lee Valley’s Pedal it Pink, which was supported by Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton, attracted women from all over the county including local cyclist Frances Wooller from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, whose family has been touched by breast cancer in many ways. Frances’ mother had a mastectomy six years ago and was given the all clear last year and her grandmother sadly died of breast cancer in her early forties as her cancer wasn’t diagnosed early enough.  Frances’ grandmother’s sister was also diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago and her partner’s mother is now 10 years clear following a mastectomy. 

After cycling a full marathon at Pedal it Pink today, Frances said, “It was great fun and a really good route round the park.  Everyone was cheering each other on along the way.  There was such a lovely atmosphere out there with everyone riding for this important cause. I would definitely do Pedal it Pink again.”

Over 6,400 women and 40 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the South East and approximately a quarter of these cases will unfortunately be fatal.  Breast Cancer Campaign is currently funding an exciting research project in South Mimms, Hertfordshire worth over £190,000. This project could have a huge impact, not only on treatment but also screening and identifying people who are at high risk of developing the disease. These patients could be monitored regularly, ensuring early diagnosis and a better chance of survival.

Catriona Wright, Events Manager at Breast Cancer Campaign, said: “It has been a brilliant day, everyone’s been so enthusiastic and it was great to see so many people pedalling in pink while raising funds for vital breast cancer research. We hope to return to Lee Valley next year to make Pedal it Pink even bigger and pinker!”

Taking part today, Rebecca Massey, from Lee Valley Park Authority said, “It’s been a fantastic achievement and experience to be part of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s ‘Pedal it Pink’ team. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the day, had some wonderful views of the River Lee and raised money to help beat breast cancer.”

Pedal it Pink, sponsored by Santander, is now a nationwide series with events taking place in Liverpool, Nottingham and Edinburgh this year. Each event has three ride routes for you to choose between: a full marathon (26.2miles), half marathon (13.1miles) or family 5k lap, which partners and children can join in. All routes are completely enclosed within a park, so it’s always safe, traffic-free and suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. 

If you would like to help put the brakes on breast cancer keep your eyes out for the next Pedal it Pink events, which will be held in Liverpool on 18 April, Edinburgh on 16 May and Nottingham on 17 October. To join the pink revolution, visit www.breastcancercampaign.org, email pedalitpink@breastcancercampaign.org or call 020 7749 3700 to sign up.

Our Clients, 29th March 2010

Entries for the 17th Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride are now open. 

Taking place on Sunday 18 July this year, the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride will start at Old Haymarket, just outside the Birkenhead Tunnel entrance. The event will feature four rides this year:

• A challenge ride of 54 miles: Liverpool - Chester – Liverpool
• A community ride of 30 miles: Liverpool - Chester
• A family ride of 25 miles: Liverpool - Thornton - Liverpool ( Wirral Circular ), 25 miles
• And a sportive route of around 90 miles.

The Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride is the only event with exclusive access to the Mersey Tunnel, which will allow participants to travel underneath the River Mersey, something which is practically impossible on every other day of the year, due to the volume of traffic passing through.

This year, event organisers, Pennine Events want to see more participants taking part than ever before.

Mark Sandamas, Director of Pennine Events commented: ‘Over 2,200 cyclists took to Liverpool’s roads during last year’s Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride and we are hoping that even more people will feel inspired to get on their bikes and take part this year.

"Cycling is a fantastic way for people to have fun and get active and this event really does have something to suit all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a serious cyclist, or a complete novice, I’d encourage you to get on your bike this summer by joining in the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride."

Local Liverpudlian and pro-cyclist, Pete Matthews, will be taking part in this year’s Sportive Route. He was a rider in last year’s event, and is already looking forward to the ride this summer.

Pete said: "I take part in cycling events right across the UK, but the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool route is by far one of the best. It offers lots of off-road paths to allow cyclists to take in and enjoy the scenery, and the event is always really well manned, with marshals at hand around every corner, which makes a huge difference to the overall feel of the ride.

"One of the main highlights of this event is the fact that participants get the opportunity to ride through the Mersey Tunnel, a five mile stretch which is otherwise closed to cyclists. This really adds a novelty factor to the day and makes it all the memorable, not only for first-timers, but for those of us who are used to these kinds of events".

The sponsors of this year's Bike Ride are Liverpool PCT, Active City, Merseytravel & Chester Cycling Demonstration Town.

Dr Paula Grey, Director of Public Health at Liverpool PCT is keen to encourage more local people to take part in this year’s event. She commented: "We are urging people to make a healthy change to their lifestyles over a long-term period. By signing up for the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride, people could begin an active pursuit that will last for the rest of their lives."

The Bike Ride is a fantastic way for people to have fun and get active and we’re delighted to be supporting it this year.’

Councillor Mark Dowd, chair of Merseytravel added: "The Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride has attracted tens of thousands of riders over the years and we want to help encourage lots of new cyclists to rise to the challenge and get into the saddle. This is a great opportunity to be part of something very special – either by taking part with other entrants or with friends and family."

Entering the Liverpool-Chester-Liverpool Bike Ride is simple. Just log on to www.pennineevents.co.uk to enter online, or to download an entry form for your friends, family and colleagues.

Our Clients, 23rd March 2010

With just over a month until the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon, there will be thousands of runners all over the country making their final preparations for race day and squeezing in that last bit of training.

One of the most vital things you can do to ensure success on the big day is have the right pair of running shoes on your feet. If you still haven’t got the ones you intend to wear at the event, fear not, help is at hand!

Next week technical running specialist New Balance and local running shop, Up & Running will be holding  promotional week to make sure all this year’s Marathon and Relay runners have the right footwear to help them go the distance.

From Monday 22 to Saturday 27 March New Balance brand ambassadors and Up & Running staff will be on hand in store to provide you with expert advice and fit you out with the perfect pair of trainers – plus there will be 10% off all New Balance products! 

Whether you are running alone or as part of a relay team, you will be able to access expert gait analysis at the shop (worth £20), to help determine the correct level of cushioning and stability needed in your shoes to optimise your running style.  Every pair of full priced New Balance running shoes purchased that week will include a free gift!

New Balance technical rep James Thexton said, “It is highly important to purchase your running shoes from a speciality store and have your foot type and stride pattern analysed.  Bring in your old shoes as well as we will be able to see from the bottom how your have worn them in.  You should look to bed in new shoes at least two months before the race.”
The Up & Running shop is located on Wellington Place (60-64) in Belfast City Centre, and is open on:
Mon-Wed 9.30 - 6
Thu 9.30-7.30
Fri 9.30-5.30
Sat 9-5.30

To contact Up & Running please call 02890 325151 or visit www.belfast.upandrunning.co.uk
For information on New Balance please see www.newbalance.co.uk
For more information on the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon please see www.belfastcitymarathon.com
Our Clients, 18th March 2010
Next month (April 10) Loughborough will play host to the UK’s first ever mass participation Les Mills group exercise event, with the arrival of “Unleashed”.
If you are already a fan of fitness classes and the ever popular Les Mills programmes, which include all time favourite classes BODYPUMP and BODYATTACK, then Unleashed could be your idea of heaven!

Unleashed will feature a full day of Les Mills classes, in a huge auditorium at Loughborough University; housing 350 people - all taking part in the same class at the same time!

This is how they do things in New Zealand, where Les Mills originates from.  Down there the gyms have super-studios that can facilitate hundreds of people taking a class at any one time. The feeling of moving together in unison to the same music with that volume of people sounds pretty intense, and if you ask the fanatics, they might say, magical!

With all your favourite Les Mills classes on offer, the price of a pass (£49) gets you as many classes as you can handle in one day. So, if you’ve never felt the endorphin rush of BODYSTEP™ or witnessed 200 people all dancing to the same beat in BODYJAM™, now’s your chance.

Shaun Egan, UK Head Trainer for Les Mills said, “We are thrilled to bring the Unleashed event to Loughborough. It will give people from the region a chance to experience the magic of Les Mills programmes in their most exciting format. 

“The day will be run by our top presenting team, giving you the expertise and experience of the world’s top fitness instructors. If fitness is your religion, these guys are its gods.  Unleashed will guarantee you a super-sized showcase of all the motivation, mass participation and fun of Les Mills group fitness.

“This is your chance to be part of something big and – I guarantee – something you’ve never experienced before.”

Those wishing to be a part of Unleashed will need to be of a decent level of fitness to get the most out of the day (especially if they want to do more than one session), and they’ll also need to self-certify that they’re in good health. Water/drinks will be provided, there will also be regular breaks for participants to rest/ have snacks, etc.

For those of you that are thinking of becoming a fitness instructor yourself, FitPro – the largest association of fitness professionals in the world – will be there promoting a new qualification that they will be offering – the FitPro Group Ex Award – which will qualify people to teach Les Mills classes quickly and with ease.

Where: Loughborough University
When: Saturday April 10, 2010 – 9am-5pm
How much: £49 for a day pass
Which programmes: BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, BODYATTACK, BODYJAM, BODYCOMBAT, BODYSTEP classes will be on offer throughout the course of the event.
How to sign up: Visit www.fitpro.com/unleashed or email events@fitpro.com

Pre event media opportunity: Les Mills instructor training session on Saturday 20 March at Enderby Leisure Centre in Leicester. Head UK Trainer Shaun Egan will be available, as will two of the instructors that will be hosting Unleashed.  Two instructors that made it in to the top 10 top Les Mills instructors in the whole world will also be there, as will lots of local instructors.

Unleash your passion on April 10th!
Our Clients, 18th March 2010
Yesterday (Tuesday 16 March) just under 2,000 school children from 149 schools across the UK, descended on London’s Battersea Park to take part in the biggest ever National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC).

The youngsters, aged between 11 and 18, were competing against each other head to head on 80 Concept2 rowing machines, which you may recognise from your local gym. The atmosphere at the Battersea Evolution centre was electric and it was clear the pupils and schools were there to make their mark on the sport.
 
The teenagers taking part are the cream of the crop in junior indoor rowing;  many having qualified for this national event through regional events. 

At least one British Record was broken at NJIRC after Sebastian Adams, a year 7 at the Royal Liberty School in Havering, rowed 580metres in just two minutes.  Sebastian’s school is part of the Row East London initiative run by London Youth Rowing, designed to help improve the health and well being of young people in the 10 East London Olympic and Gateway boroughs.

GB Olympic rower Tom Solesbury was there to support the next generation of rowers, he said, “I didn’t get in to rowing until I was at university and there was never an option to try rowing at my school or in my local area.  I think today’s demonstrates how much the sport has developed and to speak to some of the children here you can tell how enthusiastic they are about it.  They have access to Concept2 rowers in their schools now, which are the same ones we use for training, and they are following the pathways in to local clubs and making the transition in to boats – it’s great to see!”
 
Tom Kay, Head of Education at Concept2 commented: “This year’s NJIRC has again proved incredibly exciting for the world of indoor rowing. More young people than ever took part in 2010, demonstrating that indoor rowing actively engaging youngsters of all ages and abilities. The largest event entry was for the Year 8 girls - an age when many girls are dropping out of PE. 

“Indoor rowing is an enjoyable and safe way to increase participation in physical activity and to show youngsters that exercise is fun; which is one reason why it is becoming more and more popular in schools across the UK at a time when we’re trying harder than ever before to promote active, healthy lifestyles.”

NJIRC, which is organised by London Youth Rowing in partnership with Concept2, takes place every year in London and sees youngsters from all over the UK gather to race against themselves, their competitors and the clock.

In addition to the indoor rowing, youngsters and spectators gathering at Battersea Evolution were met with a plethora of alternative activities to keep themselves entertained, including a graffiti wall, climbing wall, basketball, football, boxing, brush boarding, cycling, street games and The Rowing Academy talent ID.

To see a list results for NJIRC, go to www.londonyouthrowing.com/events/njirc
For tips, advice and indoor rowing training programmes, visit www.concept2.co.uk.
Our Clients, 18th March 2010

Entries for the 29th Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride, organised by Nottinghamshire County Council in partnership with NHS Nottingham City, have opened today following a launch at County Hall.

Launch attendees lined up along the river to cheer on some of Nottinghamshire’s finest sporting stars and home-grown talent as they went head to head to compete in a Wattbike challenge, whilst members of Bulwell based Nottingham Outlaws BMX club wowed crowds with their jump and stunt demonstration.

Kevin St Pierre and Ross Dalgleish from Nottingham Panthers took on youngsters from Bulwell based Nottingham Outlaws BMX club in a knock-out style competition, whilst representatives from Sport Nottinghamshire competed against players from Nottingham Rugby team and Nottinghamshire County Council officials to launch the annual Bike Ride.

Rugby players, Matt Parr and David Jackson, from Nottingham Rugby Club were keen to show their support for the bike ride. Matt commented: “The Great Notts Bike Ride is a fantastic event for our region. With a variety of routes, there is something for everyone to get involved in and I’d encourage everyone to get out there this summer and give it a go”.

David added: “Nottinghamshire is a great county with lots of countryside and scenery to enjoy and the Bike Ride is the perfect way of exploring it”.

Taking place on Sunday 20 June this year, which is also Father’s Day, the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride will mark the start of National Bike Week and Nottinghamshire County Council is encouraging people to make the most of this and use cycling as a way of spending time with the family.

Starting and finishing at the National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, this year the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride will feature a 5k family lap challenge, an 18 mile Community Ride, a 50 mile Challenge Ride and a Sportive route of around 75 miles.

This year, event organisers want to see more participants than ever before taking part. Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Culture and Community, commented: “Over 4,000 cyclists took to Nottinghamshire’s roads during last year's Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride and we are hoping that even more people will take part this year. 

“This year’s launch aimed to encourage Council employees and the Nottinghamshire public to enter and to take up cycling on a regular basis by reminding them of the health, environmental and financial benefits."

NHS Nottingham City is the Bike Ride’s main partner this year, demonstrating its support in encouraging people to get fit and active.

Dr Chris Packham, Director of Public Health at NHS Nottingham City, is keen to encourage more local people to take part in this year’s event to mark the start of the Decade of Better Health Campaign. He said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride again. It’s a fantastic way for people to have fun and get active. The shorter, 5km lap challenge is on a flat course at Holme Pierrepont and is ideal for families and people of all ages. Whatever your level of cycling proficiency, there is a route that will be suitable for you.

“NHS Nottingham City is committed to improving health and encouraging residents to take up physical exercise – and as the spring approaches, what better way than to take up cycling?”

The Big Wheel is also a partner of the 2010 Bike Ride. Helen Hemstock, Marketing and Communications Manager commented: “The Big Wheel is delighted to continue its support for the Great Notts Bike Ride.  The event has attracted tens of thousands of riders over the years and we want to help encourage lots of new cyclists to rise to the challenge and get into the saddle.  This is a great opportunity to be part of something very special – either by taking part with other entrants or with friends and family.”

This Big Wheel is keen for participants to start their training for the event now. Helen added: “We think the Big Track 10 mile waterside circuit is a perfect way to get into training for the event.  It's completely car free and is a great way to start notching up the miles”. 

Signing up to the Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride is simple. Either visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/bikeride, call 08449 808080 or pick up an entry form from your local county library.

For more information about the Big Track, including interactive map and free podcast downloads, visit www.thebigwheel.org.uk/bigtrack
Our Clients, 17th March 2010

Olympic swimmer and medallist, Steve Parry joined over 100 delegates at Sport Nottinghamshire's annual conference yesterday (Friday 12 March) at Southwell Racecourse.

Steve provided a unique insight into life as an Olympian as well as looking at how we can create a significant 2012 legacy in Nottinghamshire.

He commented: 'The 2012 Olympics in London will really make a difference to sport in the UK, providing young people and future generations with the opportunity to see that anyone can get involved in sport with the right support networks around them.'

'A key focus for Nottinghamshire between now and 2012 is to look at what we're doing to really make a difference. The athletes are often too focused on their training and development to say this themselves so it’s up to us to ensure they have the encouragement, motivation and resources to achieve big things for Nottinghamshire and the UK.'

He was joined by other top speakers including Steve Grainger, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust; City and County Partnership Development Managers, Nick Robb and Liz Roberts; Adam Blaze, Relationship Manager for Community Sport at Sport England; and Chris Rolle, Sports Development Manager at Nottinghamshire County Council. Each provided their own perspective on current key topics in the sports industry.

The seminar, titled 'Partnership & Legacy', also saw some informative workshops which gave delegates the chance to get involved in discussions on the future of sport in Nottinghamshire. They included the 2012 Torch Relay, the 2012 Inspire Mark and the Structure and Delivery of Disability Sport. 

Simon Starr, director of Sport Nottinghamshire said: 'We're delighted with the turn out today and I hope that the delegates have taken as much from it as we have. It’s really encouraging to see so many of our stakeholders showing a vested interest in sport and its progression in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.'

One of the key highlights of the day was the 2012 Torch Relay workshop, a creative session enabling stakeholders in the county to get together, hoping to make the Nottinghamshire leg the best in the country.
 
Simon added: 'The 2012 Torch Relay workshop in particular has proved really popular amongst delegates today and quite rightly so. We are hoping that the Torch will travel through Nottingham and Nottinghamshire on its route to London, providing the chance for local people to see it and carry it.'
 
'The only certain factor is that the Olympic Games Torch will arrive in the Olympic Stadium in London on 27 July 2012. What happens prior to that, cannot be predicted at this stage and whilst we are really keen for Nottinghamshire to feature in the route, we'll just have to keep everything crossed.'

Aside from the workshops, delegates had plenty of health and fitness related activities to keep them occupied with Nottingham based Concept2 running a challenge on their rowing machine. In addition to this, Wattbike, which is also Nottingham based ran a challenge on their revolutionary cycle, the only realistic feeling static bike endorsed by British Cycling. Mini health checks were also available for delegates on the day, courtesy of Newark & Sherwood District Council.

For more information on Sport Nottinghamshire or to watch video clips from the seminar, please visit www.sportnottinghamshire.co.uk.

Our Clients, 13th March 2010

Brisk temperatures failed to discourage just under 11,000 runners from pounding the pavements of Bath today in the annual half marathon. Bright sunshine lit up the sandstone of Great Pulteney Street as the nation’s darling, and home grown hero, Amy Williams sounded the horn to set the runners off at 11am.

 
Just over an hour later, the men’s race was won by Ezekiel Cheruop from Kenya in 63.03, with Ethiopian born Salford runner Thomas Abyu in second place.  Third place belonged to 2009’s winner Simon Tonui, also from Kenya.   Great Britain Olympian Dan Robinson came in fourth place in a time of 64.43.

After the race Ezekiel commented, “There was great support all along the course and I feel I could have gone faster were it not for the cold and wind.  Bath is a lovely place to run.”

Victory in the women’s race went to 38 year old Stoke runner Michelle Ross-Cope who completed the 13.1 mile course in 72.07.  Hot on her heels was Leeds runner Susan Partridge, with last year’s winner, Kenyan Joyce Kandie claiming third place.

Speaking just before the medal presentation, Michelle said, “I knew there was a good field out there today with the Kenyan winner from last year and I just came here to get a good time, whilst in training for London.  I didn’t expect to win but lead from the first mile in.  I am really pleased with my
run today; it was a brilliant feeling to come down the home straight!”

Aside from the elite field a total of 10,910 half marathon runners and around 30,000 spectators turned out to enjoy Bath’s biggest sporting event, each for their own reason.

Faye Reynolds from Bath was running for the Brain Research Trust, she said, “I have really enjoyed myself today. The weather has been great and we were provided with plenty of drinks along the course which was much needed. It’s fantastic to see so many people getting involved and running for so many different charities. I would definitely do it again!”
 
The 1.5 mile Family Fun Run, which is held in support of the Royal United Hospital’s Forever Friends Appeal, attracted 750 runners and was won by 14 year old Taro Sherabayani from Weston in Bath.

Now in its 29th year, the Bath Half Marathon is one of the biggest fundraising events in the South West; raising £1.3million in 2009, with an annual target of £1.5million from this year on.  The lead charity of the event this year was local charity Dorothy House Hospice, with other official charities including Royal Lifeboat Institution and Bath Cats and Dogs Home. 

Race Director, Andrew Taylor from Running High said, “It has been one of our best years in terms of overall success of the day.  We have put a lot of hard work and planning in to ensuring things ran like clockwork for all the runners today, and I believe it has paid off.  Parking worked well, roads were clear, there was minimal congestion for people or traffic, the emergency services had a quiet day and the sun was shining – what more could we ask for?

“We’d like to thank all the event team, volunteers and sponsors for working so amazingly hard, as they do every year to make the event what it is.  But as always, the Bath Half was made special by the thousands of people who have taken part, pushed themselves to the limit and raised a lot of money for charity.  They make the event one of the country’s top half marathons and we thank them for their continued support.”

Male results:
1st          Ezekiel Cherop (Kenya/Birchfield)    63.03
2nd         Thomas Abyu (Salford Harriers)       63.48
3rd         Simon Tonui (Kenya/Birchfield)         64.29

Female Results:
1st         Michelle Ross-Cope (Stoke City AC) 72.07
2nd        Susan Partridge (Leeds City AC)        72.45
3rd         Joyce Kandie (Kenya/Birchfield)         75.12 

Our Clients, 11th March 2010
Credited to Mark Epton at Revolution Images
James Cracknell was amongst the athletes at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire this weekend (6th March) gunning for a place in the British team for the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships in September. The double Olympic gold medallist topped the bill, but it was Eimear Mullan and Daniel McCarthy who claimed the top spots and left as National Champions.

The Clumber Classic Duathlon attracted a high class field and some exceptional racing. The lure of National titles, National Ranking points as well as European and World qualifier slots attracted some of the biggest names in the sport.

Eimear Mullan held off multiple World Age Group Champion, Emma Dews, to take the British title in 2hours 01.51seconds. The Team Milton Keynes athlete finished with a one and a half minute winning margin after the two fastest runs of the day. She also had the second best cycle leg for a strong all round performance. Emma Dews finished in 2:03.21 and Esther Evans claimed 3rd place with 2:05.18.

Daniel McCarthy from Tri Sport UK in Fleet, Hampshire, took the win in the men’s race in 1hour 49.37. A fast opening run, followed by a blistering bike leg, which was bettered only by second placed Wayne Smith, set him up for a one minute win over the former National Champion. Smith did, however, take the victory in the highly competitive 35-39 year age group with his final time of 1:50.46. The final podium spot was taken by Lee Piercy in 1:51.54.

Double Olym

Our Clients, 10th March 2010
For many of you, this coming weekend will be the culmination of months of training and hard work, pounding the pavements in preparation for this year’s Bath Half Marathon. The finishing touches of the event are being put in place - the road closure signs are up, the runner’s village is being established, and according to the weather forecast (at the start of the week) we have clear blue skies for race day!

Each year the Bath Half Marathon strives to get better and better, meeting runners and local residents needs; to try and deliver the best experience possible. As with every mass participation event of this size, problems can occur, but event organisers, Running High, have put together some advice to help the big day go as smoothly as possible.
Arrive early:
If you are driving in to the city please try to arrive as early as possible to ensure you get a car parking space. After 8am they tend to fill up pretty fast.  The Park & Ride capacity has been increased 30% this year, with additional buses services being organised by the council on all routes plus additional spaces at Bath Racecourse (weather dependent as on grass). Bath Racecourse are also organising a separate pre-bookable premium car parking service with reserved parking & separate buses at www.bath-racecourse.co.uk /01225 424609. Once the Park & Rides are full there will be plenty of spaces in the city centre car parks including Charlotte Street & Avon Street (within walking distance of race start).  The new Southgate Shopping Centre is doing a special parking deal for Bath Half runners (£5 for full day parking).  Despite all these measures, there are still only 3,000 (maximum) places for 15,000 runners and 30,000 spectators so be prepared for queues and try to car share or take the train in if you can – First Great Western are running additional services - see event website for details of additional services.

Starting on time:
The race is scheduled to start at 11am, with road closures in place from 10am on the course.  Organisers will begin moving runners to the start line on Great Pulteney Street from 10am onwards and it could take up to 30mins to move from the runner’s village to the start due to the volume of people. Study your race pack to see which colour start bay you are in.  Every measure has been taken this year to ensure that the race will start on time and there will only be one start for all runners – no wave start. 

Moving around the race site:
To ease congestion on Great Pulteney Street and in the runner’s village there will be a one way pedestrian flow this year – for entry to the Runners Village, competitors and spectators will be directed to use the Sports Centre gate via North Parade Road (or the turnstile entrance via Edward Street). The Riverside gate and Grove Street will be exit only. Stewards will be in place to assist.  The start bay is 30% bigger and the finish area has doubled in size.  Race numbers are at capacity (15,000); they have not increased from last year.  Familiarise yourself with the race site before you are called to the start line and check out the Runner’s Village which will house the New Balance retail tent and Shoop-la, Lucozade Sport Performance Zone, charity marquees, CBS bus, information stand, first aid, baggage storage, pre and post race massage (for Fire Fighters Charity and Dorothy House Hospice) and food/drinks stands. 

Fun Runners:
The Fun Run starts at 11.15am from the same start/finish area on Great Pulteney Street. Runners need to assemble on Edward Street before 11am. You will be able to watch the half marathon start from here.  Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.  Parents of older unaccompanied children must take them to the start line and meet them at the finish. 

Spectator spots:
If you are coming to spectate the race be warned that the start and finish area does become very crowded so those who struggle with intense crowds and families with pushchairs may want to seek alternative spots on the course such as Victoria Park.  If you are intending to meet competitors after the race, make sure you arrange a spot somewhere in the runner’s village beforehand. 

Fitness and medical issues:
If you have any questions of this nature, to do with nutrition, hydration and medical problems, please consult the website www.runnersmedicalresource.com for advice.  If you feel at all unwell on race day or are unsure if you should take part, seek assistance and if in doubt don’t run.

See yourself on the big screen:
BBC Bristol is providing the race with huge TV screen, which will be filming runners on the home straight down Great Pulteney Street, so make sure you smile for the camera! The screen will be placed by the Museum. 

See your name in the paper:
Don’t forget to claim your free copy of the Bath Chronicle on March 11, which will contain the full race results and photos from the day.  Simply take the voucher in your race guide in to a stockist.

And finally:
Make sure you enjoy the day! Running a half marathon is a huge achievement and you should congratulate yourself on all your hard work getting to the finish line! To take home a lasting memory of the day, why not get your medal engraved in the runner’s village.
Our Clients, 3rd March 2010
Nearly 1000 running and cycling specialists will descend on North Nottinghamshire this Saturday, 6th March, aiming to qualify for the Great Britain Team for the Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships in September. The event also acts as the National Championship and a further opportunity to qualify for the British team for the European Championships.

The Clumber Classic Duathlon is the first opportunity to secure places for the GB Age Group Team and competition is expected to be fierce with many local athletes targeting qualification.

The Clumber Park event, sold out well in advance of the closing date. They'll cover a 10km run, 40km cycle and 5km run, exactly the same distances that will feature in Edinburgh. The top four finishers in each Age Group will be considered for selection as long as they have finished within a certain percentage of the winners time in their Age Group.

Simon Starr, Director of Sport Nottinghamshire commented: "Nottinghamshire has top class facilities, making it a fantastic location for hosting high-profile events like this. Running and cycling provide a low-cost way to get fit and are accessible to everyone. I'd encourage everyone who doesn’t already to get out there and give them a go".

There are still places in the sprint race, although entries will close today, Tuesday 2nd March.

The run sections take place within Clumber Park on a private tree lined road, which is fully closed for the race. The bike course takes place on long rolling roads around the Sherwood Forest area, with a few short challenging sections to test early season fitness.

Racing starts at 9am on Saturday 6th March. Entry to the park is free to National Trust members, and is charged at £5.20 for all other visitors. All events are expected to be completed by 12pm.

Bike course map: http://www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/docs/maps/clumberclassic10bikemap.pdf

For more information on the 2010 Edinburgh ITU Duathlon World Championships and Age Group selection see http://www.edinburghduathlon2010.com.

Our Clients, 2nd March 2010
 
     

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