Race Location
Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0FQ
Race HQ
The Race HQ and event village will be located close to the skate park in Central Park This will be where the start/finish line, registration desk, toilets, bag drop, trade stands and catering will be based.
Timings on race day
Race HQ & Registration opens: 07:00
Race Director's Briefing on the start line: 08:50
Race Start (marathon): 09:00
Race Start (half marathon): 09:30
Bag Drop
A serviced bag drop facility will be in operation. Please clip your baggage label (located on the bottom of your race number) to your bag and drop it at the numbered signage that corresponds with your race bag so that you can easily find it again after the race.
Facilities
Unfortunately, there are no changing facilities available at this site so we recommend arriving ready to run!
Parking
There is no parking at Central Park. Competitors and spectators should park in the extensive car parks around the City Centre. Please pay any relevant car parking fees.
Toilets
Portable toilets will be available at Race HQ by the start/finish area. Toilets will be available on the course at Writtle College, Fyfield Road and Pigstye Green Road
Headphones
Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event.
The start & finish
Both the marathon and half marathon start and finish in the same location and this is within the Race HQ.
About the course
Runners will head out towards West Park taking the same undulating paths that they know and love. Once again, the course will take you through Writtle University before sending you out on quiet country roads towards Roxwell. Just past mile 6, the course splits. Half Marathoners will turn left and head for home.
Marathon runners will continue onwards, turning right to head out towards Shellow Cross and Willingale where there can expect to embark upon a loop. After Mile 15, marathon runners will head towards Pigstye Green and back to Willingale before repeating the loop.
Upon completion of two loops, runners will turn for home and head back towards Radley Green where, at 22 miles, they may be re-joined by some half marathon runners before retracing their steps all the way back to Central Park.
Other route users
Please remember that, in some sections of the race, you will be sharing the route with other users. Please race with care throughout the event, remain aware of your surroundings and be 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
Water stations will be available on the course every three miles, approximately. Some water stations will also carry a supply of sugary sweets and cola. If have been using a particular type of gel throughout your training, then we would recommend you stay on plan.
Whilst we will ensure that our water stations are well supplied, runners should ensure that they are fully hydrated and we recommend that you carry your 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.
Medals & Prizes
There will be a bespoke medal awarded to all finishers.
Trophies will also be awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd man and woman, age category winners and top male and female team (3 to score).
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.