01.09.18 - 02.09.18

PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS

CONTENTS03. Welcome

04. Overview

05. Schedule

06. Race Info

07. Bedford Twilight 10K Info

09. Bedford Half Marathon Info

11. Bedford Mini Miles Info

13. Runner Checklist

14. Race Packs

15. Event Village

17. Spectator Info

18. Medical Info

19. Hydration

20. Travel Info

21. Charity

22. Don’t Forget

23. Thank You

WELCOMEWE ARE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU TO THE BEDFORD HALF MARATHON WEEKEND ON THE 1ST AND 2ND OF SEPTEMBER. THIS YEAR’S EVENT WILL WELCOME OVER 5,000 PARTICIPANTS TO BEDFORD MAKING IT OUR BIGGEST EVENT TO DATE!

After the hugely successful Bedford Half Marathon & Mini Miles of 2017 we knew we needed to do more. We know that our runners are passionate about great events and we wanted to create an event that was more than just another running race.

This year we are proud to bring you the inaugural Bedford Twilight 10K, a new, fun, 10K that is a stepping stone for those who see the challenge of a half marathon a little too far.

It will be a full weekend celebrating all things running, fitness and of course, BEDFORD. Below is all the information that you will need to navigate your way to a new personal best!

On behalf of all the Bedford Half Marathon Weekend Team we would like to say THANK YOU for running with us and we look forward to welcoming you to Bedford in September.

Mark DraperEvent DirectorBedford Half Marathon Weekend

EVENT OPENS

RACE PACK COLLECTION

OPENS

STREET FOOD

MARKET OPENS

MUSIC STARTS

ON STAGE ENTERTAINMENT

STARTS

THE

STARTS!

INCLUDING FITNESS CLASSES

BY STUDIO 281

WARM UP WITH LIVE MUSIC

FROM OUR DJ

13:00

17:30

16:40

12:00

12:30

01.09.18

02.09.18

THE FIRST FINISHERS START TO ARRIVE

RECIEVING THEIR MEDALS AND T-SHIRTS

THE PARTY STARTS

BAR OPEN!

18:00

SUNSET

19:50

DAY 1 ENDS

21:00

07:00

WARM UP WITH LIVE MUSIC

FROM OUR DJ

THE

BEGINS

9:00

A TRAFFICFREE...

FLAT COURSE...

THROUGH STUNNING

BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE

THE FIRST FINISHERS START TO ARRIVE10:10

PICNIC PARTYSTREET FOOD MARKET

BAR OPENS

BEDFORD MINI MILES FAMILY RUN STARTS

DAY 2 ENDS

RECIEVING THEIR MEDALS AND T-SHIRTS

POST RACE CELEBRATIONS

BEGIN

LIVE MUSIC ON STAGE

12:00

RACE STARTS

12:30

14:00

15:30

EVENT OPENS

08:20

OVERVIEW

SCHEDULE

SATURDAY 1st September 2018 SUNDAY 2nd September 2018

There will be thousands of you making your way to the event on Saturday and Sunday morning so please plan your journey well in advance and allow plenty of time to get to the start.

12:00 EVENT OPENS

12:00 RACE PACK COLLECTION OPENS

13:00 FITNESS FESTIVAL BY STUDIO

16:40 WARM UP

17:10 PARTICIPANTS MOVED TO WAVE ZONES

17:30 10K RACE START – Wave 1

17:35 10K RACE START – Wave 2

17:40 10K RACE START – Wave 3

17:45 10K RACE START – Wave 4

17:50 10K RACE START – Wave 5

18:45 LIVE MUSIC STARTS

19:50 SUNSET

21:00 EVENT CLOSE

7:00 EVENT OPENS

7:00 RACE PACK COLLECTION OPENS

8:20 WARM UP

8:35 PARTICIPANTS MOVED TO WAVE ZONES

9:00 BHM RACE START - Wave 1

9:05 BHM RACE START - Wave 2

9:10 BHM RACE START - Wave 3

9:15 BHM RACE START - Wave 4

9:20 BHM RACE START - Wave 5

11:30 MINI MILE RACE PACK COLLECTION OPENS

12:00 LIVE MUSIC STARTS

12:30 BMM RACE START - Race 1

13:00 BMM RACE START - Race 2

13:30 BMM RACE START - Race 3

14:00 BMM RACE START - Race 4 - Family Fun Run

15:30 EVENT CLOSE

RACE INFORACE RESULTS: Results will be published on the BHMW website and on social media shortly after the race. If you provided your mobile number during registration, you will also receive a text message with your official race time.

BAG DROP: Bag drop is in the Event Village. In your race pack you will receive your race number. At the bottom of your race

number is a Bag Drop Label. Tie your label to your bag as indicated. Your race number will correspond with the bag drop queue to drop your kit.

HEADPHONES: The use of standard headphones is not permitted however, we do recommend earphones with bone conduction technology. It is important that you can hear what is happening around you, including any emergency services and marshal’s instructions.

LITTER: Please dispose of your litter and used cups in the dedicated bins located shortly after each water station. This will prevent people tripping over discarded litter on the course.

TOILETS: There will be toilet facilities on the course as well as in the Event Village.

COURSE MARSHALS: Volunteer marshals wearing high-vis vests will be positioned at regular intervals along the route and at key junctions and turning points. Give them a shout!

COURSE MEASUREMENT: The course is measured, certified and accurate along with being fully UKA licensed.

COURSE ENTERTAINMENT: Garden City Samba will be on course bringing you the best brazilian carnival rhythms helping you to that new PB!

TIME LIMIT: There is a 2hr cut off time limit for the Bedford Twilight 10K and a 5hr cut off time limit for the Bedford Half Marathon.

SPORTS MASSAGE: Pre and post-race massage, physio and treatments provided by The Orchard Clinic will be available in the Event Village

POST RACE PARTY!

FINISH

START

1

2

4

6

5

3

BEDFORD TWILIGHT 10K INFO01.09.18

SEE NEXT PAGE FOR MORE INFO...

KeyMUSIC

WATER STATION

MEDICAL

MILE MARKERS

Start Times & Waves Race Packs

There will be five wave starts at this year’s race. Runners will be split into waves based upon their predicted finishing times. This allows you to run with people of similar pace and reduce congestion along the course. Please join the wave that suits your own predicted finishing time.

RACE START 17:30 – Wave 1 – Sub 54:00

RACE START 17:35 – Wave 2 – 55:00 – 59:00

RACE START 17:40 – Wave 3 – 1:00 – 1:09

RACE START 17:45 – Wave 4 – 1:10 – 1:15

RACE START 17:50 – Wave 5 – 1:16+

Post

For those who chose to have their race packs posted: Packs are being sent out the week commencing 20.08.18. If you have any issues with your race pack contents prior to race day, or it hasn’t arrived by 31.08.18 please contact info@bedfordhalf.co.uk. Packs are being sent 2nd class royal mail so please allow time for delivery.

Collection

For those who chose to collect their race packs: Packs will be waiting for you at the ‘Race Pack’ tent inside our event village (see event village info later in these instructions). Below are the race pack collection opening times:

Sat - 01.09.18 - 12:00 – 16:30

We strongly advise anyone wanting to collect their race pack on race day to arrive early as queues will be expected!

BEDFORD TWILIGHT 10K INFO01.09.18 (CONTINUED)

BEDFORD HALF MARATHON INFO 02.09.18

SEE NEXT PAGE FOR MORE INFO...

START

FINISH

1

8

9

13

12

10

112

5

364

7

2 LAPS

KeyMUSIC

WATER STATION

MEDICAL

MILE MARKERS

Start Times & Waves Race Packs

There will be five wave starts at this year’s race. Runners will be split into waves based upon their predicted finishing times. This allows you to run with people of similar pace and reduce congestion along the course. Please join the wave that suits your own predicted finishing time.

RACE START 09:00 – Wave 1 – Sub 1:45

RACE START 09:05 – Wave 2 – 1:46 – 1:59

RACE START 09:10 – Wave 3 – 2:00 – 2:10

RACE START 09:15 – Wave 4 – 2:11 – 2:29

RACE START 09:20 – Wave 5 – 2:30+

Post

For those who chose to have their race packs posted: Packs are being sent out the week commencing 20.08.18. If you have any issues with your race pack contents prior to race day, or it hasn’t arrived by 31.08.18 please contact info@bedfordhalf.co.uk. Packs are being sent 2nd class royal mail so please allow time for delivery.

Collection

For those who chose to collect their race packs: Packs will be waiting for you at the ‘Race Pack’ tent inside our event village (see event village info later in these instructions). Below are the race pack collection opening times:

Sat - 01.09.18 - 12:00 – 18:00

Sun - 02.09.18 - 07:00 – 08:30

We strongly advise anyone wanting to collect their race pack on race day to arrive no later than 8am as queues will be expected

BEDFORD HALF MARATHON INFO 02.09.18

(CONTINUED)

BEDFORD MINI MILES INFO 02.09.18

SEE NEXT PAGE FOR MORE INFO...

POST RACE PARTY!

FINISH

START

Start Times

Family Fun Run

Race Packs

Entries

There will be four races at this year’s Bedford Mini Miles. Races 1 - 3 are age group only races whereas everyone is welcome to join in the Family Fun Run.

BMM RACE START - 12:30 - Race 1 - 7 - 8 YEARS OLD

BMM RACE START - 13:00 - Race 2 - 9 - 10 YEARS OLD

BMM RACE START - 13:30 - Race 3 - 11 - 12 YEARS OLD

BMM RACE START - 14:00 - Race 4 - Family Fun Run - Ages 4 and above. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

We do encourage all participants taking part in the Family Fun Run to register for the run however if the adult is ONLY accompanying a youth under 7 then they will be allowed to participate. Please note, only finishers that have registered and have a run number will receive a finishers medal.

Race Packs for the Bedford Mini Miles are to be collected on the day. Packs will be waiting for you at the ‘Race Pack’ tent inside our event village (see event village info later in these instructions). Below are the race pack collection opening times:

Sun - 02.09.18 - 11:30 – 14.00

We strongly advise participants to collect their race packs no later than 1hr before your race as queues will be expected

There will be a very small amount of on-the-day entries. These will be available on a first come first served basis at the race pack tent inside the event village.

BEDFORD MINI MILES INFO 02.09.18

(CONTINUED)

RUNNER CHECKLISTTake time to run through this checklist in preparation for race day.

Before you leave the house... Race Pack (unless collecting on the day)

Running watch

Breakfast / Pre-race fuel

Vaseline

Sunscreen

Running socks

Running kit and trainers

Put in your kit bag... Clean / warm items of clothing for after the race

Money

Wet wipes

Mobile phone

Don’t put in your kit bag... Food items that can leak, squash or ruin other items

Sharp items such as scissors, razor blades or pen knives

Flammable devices or substances

Valuables or expensive items such as laptops, iPads, jewellery

Heavy items

On race day, remember to... Pin your race number to the front of your top

Pack your kit bag and attach the baggage tag from your number

HAVE FUN!!

RACE PACKSRace Number

Timeing Chip

Bag Drop Label

Your timing chip will be attached to the back of your number. DO NOT REMOVE. No chip, no result!

At the bottom of your race number is the Bag Drop Label

Your race number will correspond with the bag drop queue to drop your kit

Your finishing time will be calculated based on your chip time - chip time starts when YOU cross the start line, not when the first runner does. Timing chips are disposable therefore they do not have to be returned.

Remove this from your race number and attach to the bag you will leave at Bag Drop prior to the race. Make sure you keep your race number as the bag drop team will need to see it before returning your bag to you after your race.

EVENT VILLAGE

Bag Drop

FInish

FIRST AID Staff HQ

Race InfoRace PACK

CHARITY / PARTNER VILLAGE

Toilets

STAGE

STREET FOOD MARKET

Entrance / Exit

TOWN CENTRE

The finish line is where the party really starts! Invite your family and friends to cheer you home and then celebrate with them in style at our FREE quintessentially British Event Village. Enjoy live music, street food vendors and fully licensed bar.

Live Music

Street Food Market Saturday & Sunday

The Dance – 18.45 - 20.45 on Saturday

DJ Arvee – 12.00 - 21.00 on Saturday Little Chino – 12.00 - 14.00 on Sunday

Good Times Café - Coffee, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & bakes

Fried with Benefits - Halloumi Fries / Soft Drinks

Carpe Diem Pizzas - Artisan Wood Fired Pizzas

Ye Olde Hog Roast – Hog Roast

The Little Big Ale Company - Alcoholic beverages

Ye Olde Hog Roast - BBQ

Cloverfield Café - Ice Cream

What’s On

Fitness Festival by Studio 281 - Saturday

13.00 - 13.30 - Lower Body T with Georgia:A lower body workout to help strengthen and tone muscles to improve running.

13.45 - 14.15 - Lift with JoshA weighted class to improve muscle strength and conditioning. A high tempo, total body workout - pushing your body to your limits.

14.30 - 15.00 - Kettlebells with CharA class to improve power and strength. A high calorie burn class, to target every part of the body and give you a total body workout.

15.00- 15.30 - Circuits with JordA CrossFit style class using only your body weight. A class to challenge your body in a way you never have before.

15.45 - 16.15 - HIT with JoA fast-moving class to work on those tempo sections of your running. Lots of high intensity exercises back to back to build on that stamina and endurance.

16.30 - 17.00 - Yoga for Runners

What’s On (continued)

SPECTATOR INFO

Event Village

Charity, Run Clubs and Supporter Cheer Points

The Event Village in Priory Country Park will be open from 12.00 on Saturday and 07.00 on Sunday and it’s the prime spot for seeing the races start and finish. Bring your bells, whistles and your best cheer banners and work up your appetite for some seriously good street food! From here you will be able to see your favourite runner 3 times in both races. For the 10K you will see them Start, at mile 4 and at the Finish. For the Half Marathon you will see them Start, at mile 12.5 and at the Finish.

For our hard-core fans there are a few of our awesome charities and run clubs cheering runners on the Half Marathon route. Feel free to join, shout and wave with them.

Location

Mile 4 – Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice

Mile 7 – Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice

Mile 10 – Bedford Run Club

Mile 11 – Garden City Samba

Mile 12 – Access Bedford

MEDICAL INFOTake some time to run through this checklist to make sure you are in tip-top shape for race day. Better to be safe than sorry!

1. Please take care and listen to your body.

2. Make sure you train properly and follow a good training plan ahead of race day.

3. Consult your GP if you have any medical problems or are taking medications.

4. If you are feeling unwell before the race, DO NOT run.

5. If you become unwell during the race, stop and seek medical advice at the nearest first aid station or marshall.

6. DO NOT TAKE NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) medications (e.g. ibuprofen, high dose aspirin) / painkillers on race day.

7. Drink sensibly during the race and do not take on too much or too little fluids.

8. Consult the manufacturer’s advice on consuming energy drinks or gels.

9. If you feel unwell after the race, seek advice from your GP or a medical professional.

10. For more information, an excellent resource is: www.runnersmedicalresource.com.

HYDRATIONImportance of Hydration

Optimise Hydration During the Race

Water Stations – Half Marathon Water Stations – 10K

One of two main causes of fatigue during prolonged exercise is a loss of fluid (dehydration). It’s important to practice and experiment when you take on fluids during your training program to enjoy your run and achieve your best.

Dehydration greater than 2% of your body weight (which in an average female is as little as 1.2kg) may result in a decline in performance and is a risk to your health and safety, so ensure you follow the advice below to optimise performance on race day.

Listen to your body and drink to thirst.

Try to avoid taking on large amounts of fluid throughout the race. Drinking little and often is a much smarter way to keep hydrated during the race.

There are three water stations on the Half Marathon course, (one of which you will pass twice) and 1 at the finish.

The water stations are located at 4, 7, 10, and 12 miles into the race.

If you require additional energy gels or sports drinks, please bring your own.

There are no water stations on the 10k course, only at the finish.

If you require water, energy gels or sports drinks, please bring your own.

TRAVEL INFOThere will be thousands of runners and supporters heading to priory country park for the Bedford Half Marathon Weekend. Please plan your journey in advance.

Please arrive AT LEAST ONE HOUR before the race starts to allow time to collect your race pack (if needed), drop your bag at bag drop and to warm up. Please don’t wait until the morning of the race to decide how you are going to get to the start and always have a backup plan.

Priory Country Park,Barkers Lane, Bedford,MK41 9DJ

Bedford train station is on the Midland Main Line from London St Pancras to the East Midlands. The train station is located 0.5miles from Bedford Bus station and the town center. For more information call:

+44 (0)8457 484950 or visit the National Rail Journey Planner.

The bus service number 4, between Bedford Town Centre and Goldington, via Wendover Drive, stops close to the entrance to Priory Country Park. Approx travel time 10mins.

Taxis will be able to collect and drop you close to the start on race day but they won’t be able to drop you off in Priory Country Park. Local taxi company contacts:

Anglia Cars: +44 1234 320032Bedford Taxis Fastline: +44 1234 811811A1 Cars: +44 1234 364444

There are no drop offs in Priory Country Park. We recommend that you are dropped off at Aspects Leisure Park (MK41 9LN) and walk in. This will be a perfect warm up for your race.

Longholme Way (MK42 0BT)

Official event parking will be limited to 400 spaces. Please allow 20min walk time to get from the car park to the start.

Aspects Leisure Park (MK41 9LN). Parking restrictions may apply.

There are many other car parks in the town, a full list of which can be found here.

Getting to The Start - Event Village

Train

Bus

Taxi

Getting Dropped Off

Event Parking

Alternative Parking

CHARITYIt’s not too late to raise money for one of our amazing charities!

Taking part in the Bedford Half Marathon Weekend is a great way of raising money for good causes, and an extra motivation for you as a participant! There are no minimum fundraising targets so why not make the most of your race and raise some money for a great cause. Our official charity partners are waiting to hear from you:

Access Bedfordaccessbedford@outlook.com

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fundcharlotte.barmby@rafbf.org.uk

Sue Ryder St John’s Hospiceaimee.jepson@suerydercare.org

Tibbs Dementia Foundationsarah@tibbsdementia.co.uk

For more information please see our website: bedfordhalf.co.uk/charity

DON’T FORGET2019 ENTRIES: Entries for the Bedford Half Marathon Weekend 2019 will be open on race day! An exclusive discount for this year’s finishers will be available when you cross that finish line.

VOLUNTEER: Any community event like the Bedford Half Marathon Weekend cannot happen without the help of volunteers. Volunteer posts vary so even if you have a couple of hours to offer we would LOVE to have you! We have a wide variety of volunteer roles available. Roles include being part of the Start & Finish Team, course marshalls, Bag Drop or Race HQ.

ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL AND A T-SHIRT AS A SPECIAL MEMENTO AND A THANKS FOR THEIR HELP! SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER HERE.

SPORTS MASSAGE: Pre and post-race massage, physio and treatments provided by The Orchard Clinic will be available in the Event Village

RACE DAY PHOTOS: Get your race face ready! You will be able to purchase official photos of your race from Epic Action Imagery after the event.

BOOKING PROTECTION: You had the option to take out Booking Protection when you entered any of our events. If you took out cover and are unable to attend, then you should contact Booking Protect directly: www.bookingprotect.com

RUNNER SURVEYS: We are always looking to improve our runners experience and there is no better way to do this than to ask our customers - YOU! We will be sending out an online, post-event survey so you can let us know exactly how you felt about the event. We know that your time is precious so as a thanks, anyone who completes the survey will receive a discount for entries in 2019!

MERCHANDISE: We have a limited number and sizes of our 2017 finisher’s T-shirt that will be on sale at the Event Village. If you ran last year and want to replace your t-shirt these will be on sale for £5 each

THANK YOUTHANK YOU! OUR RACE IS ONLY POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE AMAZING HOST OF VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS, CHARITIES, LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANISATIONS WHO PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS AND GO THE EXTRA MILE TO PUT ON A RACE DAY TO REMEMBER!

To our sponsors and partners; Leaders, Fujifilm, James Lawler Financial, Lucky 14, Studio 281, Drink Baotic, The Orchard Clinic, On Running and Up & Running - thank you for all of your support in helping to bring the Bedford Half Marathon Weekend to life! To Bedford Borough Council, whose support has helped us create a unique running event for everyone - thank you!.

We would like to give a special thank you to all volunteers and volunteer groups that have supported the event this year. Without you, the event really wouldn’t be possible.

We hope to see you all at the Bedford Half Marathon Weekend in 2019!