Folkestone Half Marathon

Race Location
Outside The Grand, On The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2XL

Race HQ
The Race HQ will be located on The Leas in front of The Grand Hotel. 

Timings on race day
Race HQ & Registration opens: 08:00
Junior Run Start: 09:30
Race Director's Briefing on the start line: 09:50
Race Start: 10:00

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
We would encourage car drivers to park at the Leas Cliff Hall car park approximately 1/4 mile from Race HQ. There is limited car parking available in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. 

Toilets
Portable toilets will be available at the start/finish area. Please note, there are no toilet provisions on the course.

Headphones
Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event.

The start & finish
The race starts and finishes in the different locations and this is close to the Race HQ.

About the course
This accurately-measured course passes through the town and then heads towards the promenade and out to Hythe before returning towards the finish along the same route. This route includes again a cheeky hill thrown in on the return.

There will be mile markers along the route and it will be fully marshalled. Lead cyclists will precede the first runner and follow the last runner. Please remain aware of any other promenade users throughout the race as we do not have exclusive use. 

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

Recommended Kit & Footwear
Your favourite running shoes should be fine for this race. 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
As well as a water station at the end of the race, there will be additional water stations along the route at approximately every 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 out and back 1k race will take place at 09:30, before the main race.

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 the half marathon and there is a cash prizes for 1st male and female winners and £100 bonus for breaking the course record. Also on offer; spot prizes and trophies for leading runners and age categories. 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.