Kent Christmas Cracker

Race Location
Betteshanger Country Park, Sholden near Deal, Kent, CT14 0BF

Race HQ
The Race HQ will be located up on the tarmac cycle circuit. Please follow signage from the car park.

Timings on race day
Race HQ & Registration opens: 08:30
Junior Run Start: 10:00
Race Director's Briefing on the start line: 10:20
Race Start (5 Mile & Fun Run): 10:30

Bag Drop
You are welcome to leave your bag at the unmanned baggage drop at Race HQ, however, this is done at your own risk and discretion. The team will not handle your bags and you will be responsible for labelling them clearly.

Facilities
Unfortunately, there are no changing facilities available at this site so we recommend arriving ready to run!

Parking
Parking is available on site. You will be directed to the overflow car-park and signage will direct you to the race start. Please note that there is a charge to park your car.
Please find out more at, https://www.betteshanger-park.co.uk/plan-your-visit/
Please note, Betteshanger do not operate the carpark itself and so if payment is not made in advance (see the website) or on arrival, the managing company will apply a parking fine. 

Toilets
Public toilet facilities are available at Betteshanger, located close to the car park. There are no toilet facilities on the course.

Headphones
Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event.

 

The start & finish
Both the main race and fun run start and finish in the same location. The start and finish are in different locations, a short walk from the Race HQ. 

About the course
The 5 Mile course comprises of one small clockwise loop followed by two full clockwise loops. The fun run is a distance of 2 miles and starts at the same time as the main race and consists of one complete big loop.

Both races take place use the virtually flat tarmac cycle path within the country park. The course utilises the upper cycle circuit and can feel exposed in bad weather. Please look out for slippery or icy conditions and uneven track. 

Other track users
Whilst the track is closed for the event, please beware of cyclists that may make their way onto or across the course. The site often has other events using other areas so there is sometimes a cross over. When this happens we will ensure that we have marshals in place.

 

Recommended Kit & Footwear
We recommend your favourite road shoes for this event. Although the course uses the tarmac cycle track, please be careful of any uneven surfaces or standing water on the track (which could possibly ice over). The race location can feel exposed in bad weather; please dress appropriately for the conditions.

Litter
Please do NOT drop litter. Bins will be provided, so please dispose of any litter correctly or take it home with you.

Water Stations
As well as a water station at the end of the race, there will be an additional water station at approximately 3 miles. Whilst we will ensure that our water stations are well supplied, runners should ensure that they are fully hydrated and also consider carrying their own water.

Going Green
To help reduce the carbon footprint of this race, we would like to encourage all our runners to bring their own camel packs or reusable cups for this race. Our teams at the water stations will be happy to fill any receptacle that you might bring with you so that you stay hydrated and racing fit! If you are able to car share, then this would be wonderful!

Your route & marshals...
Your course will be clearly marked using large route arrows and directional cones, as well as being marshalled throughout. Please listen and obey all marshal instructions given. There will be a sweep marshal which will follow the last runner to make sure that no one is left on the route. All marshals will remain in place until stood down by the sweep marshal.

Spectators
We always welcome anyone that would like to cheer on our runners and join the good spirit of the race by lending their encouragement and support.

 

We are proud to invite our junior racers to the start line for their very own dedicated event so that they can experience the thrill of race day for themselves.

The race will take place at 10:00, before the main race. The out and back 1k route will take place on the track.

While this race will not be chip timed, all runners will receive a finishers medal. Race numbers are only available for collection on the day. 

Parents are responsible for collecting their children at the finish line. And, if parents are accompanying younger racers then no additional entry is required. However, participating parents will not receive a chip time or medal.

We hope that you will join us in supporting our young runners with uproarious cheers as they cross the finish line!

 

Medals & Prizes
There will be a bespoke medal awarded to all finishers of the 5 mile.

Trophy with e-certificate & £5 voucher prize for 1st, 2nd & 3rd male & female winners (5 mile only) 
E-certificate and £5 voucher prize for 1st male & female age group categories (5 mile only)
Dress to impress Santa with a special prize to the best dressed runner!

Weather permitting, the presentation will take place approximately 45 - 60 minutes after the first runner has crossed the finish line and when all the prize winners have arrived home.

Please listen for announcements from your Race Director.

Results
Live and provisional results will be available on the Nice Work website asap after the race. If you have any questions regarding the live results, please ensure that you have emailed this through to us by midday on the following Thursday. Any changes submitted after this time will not be included in the final results.