Ashford Striders Charing 10k

Race Location
Charing Playing Fields & Recreation Ground, Charing, Ashford, TN27 0JJ

Race HQ
The Race HQ is located on the Charing Playing Fields & Recreation Ground. Please follow the race signage from the car park.

Timings on race day
Race HQ & Registration opens: 17:00
Junior Run Start: 18:30
Race Director's Briefing on the start line: 18:50
Race Start: 19:00

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
Please note, car parking will NOT be on the sports field at the back of the school this year. Instead, parking has been arranged in a field close to Race HQ and will be available from 17:00. Please follow signs and marshal instructions.
What3Words Location: covenants.avoid.fries
Parking will cost £1 on entry.
Please ensure that you have the correct change available.

A reminder that there will be NO PARKING ALLOWED on The Moat.
If you park elsewhere in the village, please observe all parking restrictions. Please park considerately and do not block junctions, pedestrian areas or driveways.

Toilets
There are toilets situated within the Race HQ.
Please note, there will be no toilets available on the course. 

Headphones
Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event.

 

Race Start
Last year (2024), this race enjoyed a new start location from previous race editions and, due to some excellect feedback, this will remain the same for 2025. The race will, once again, start from the Charing Playing Fields & Recreation Ground and we look forward to cheering all of our runners across the start line at the sound of the claxon!

About the course
This single lap looped course is run along quiet country lanes with a stretch along the Pilgrims Way. Flat or slightly undulating for most of its route, there is a tough hill at 4/5k that will prove a test for most, but don't be put off as most of the last portion of the race is flat or downhill. You'll enjoy super support & great views.

Due to the trail section along Pilgrims Way, this course has not been accurately measured but is as close the organisers can manage with the best GPS technology available. 
Please note that this race takes place on tarmac roads that will remain open for the duration of the event. Please race with care, remaining alert for traffic and with your own safety and that of other runners in mind. Keep an eye out for uneven, slippery surfaces - and pot holes!

Other route users
Please be aware that you are sharing the roads with other users, many of whom live locally. We ask that you race with care and remain courteous at all times.

 

Recommended Kit & Footwear
We recommend your favourite road running shoes for this event. Please keep an eye on the forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions, bringing a spare set of clothes (and socks!) if needed.

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
There will be a well-stocked water station at the finish plus a water station between 6km & 7km, at the top of the hill where runners turn left onto Pilgrims Way. 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.
There will be two junior races which will take place at 18:30, before the main race.
4 - 10 years: 400 metres
11 - 14 years: 800 metres

While these races 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 10k and trophies for 1st, 2nd & 3rd male and female winners and for 1st male & female age cat winners 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.