How do I know if my online entry worked?

You will receive an email confirmation from Netbanx

 

When do I receive my race number?

Race packs, including your race number, timing chip, race guide and luggage tag will be sent to you at least 2 weeks before the race.

 

Am I able to have a refund or deferral if I am unable to run?
No, there will be no refunds once you have entered the race. Names cannot be changed on an entry and entries cannot be deferred.

 

When will I receive the T-shirt that I ordered with my race entry?
Your T-shirt will arrive with your race pack around two weeks before race day

 

When do entries close?
Entries close when we are full which is usually early January - check the website for updates.

 

Can I enter over the phone?
Yes - contact the events office on 020 8939 3215 or e-mail events@sweatshop.co.uk

 

Can you send me some entry forms?
Yes - contact the events office on 020 8939 3215 or e-mail events@sweatshop.co.uk

 

Can we pay / enter as a group / company?
Yes - contact the events office on 020 8939 3215 or e-mail events@sweatshop.co.uk

 

I have moved house/changed address since entering, can I change my contact details?
Yes - contact the events office on 020 8939 3215 or e-mail events@sweatshop.co.uk

 

Are there entries on the day of the race?

No

 

What happens if my race pack doesn't arrive in time?
You will be able to pick one up on Saturday or Sunday from the helpdesk see site map for location

 

What should I do if I lose my race number or timing chip?
If you lose your race number and/or your timing chip please come to the help desk on the race day to have another re-issued. The help desk is open from 7am until the race start. To have another pack re-issued you must bring proof of entry, this can be a confirmation email, bank statement, or a print out from the "check you're in" section of this website (available soon).

 

 

 

How does the race start work?

All competitors are issued with a colour coded race number that reflects their estimated finish time. You should only start in the allocated colour/time zone. This will help prevent you going too quickly or slowly at the start. Your time starts when you pass under the gantry so don't worry if it takes a while to get to the start line.

 

My trainings been going well/poorly and my estimated time does not reflect my current fitness levels should I start in a different zone?

No please stick to your colour zone but move to the back or front of the zone depending on your fitness level.

 

Are pace makers available?

There will be pace makers for runners wishing to run 1hr.30 and at five minute intervals until 2hr.30. Click here for more information

 

What refreshments are available out on the course?

We have water stations with bottled water at 3 miles, 6.5 miles, 7.5 miles and 11 miles. Lucozade is also available at stations 2 & 3.

 

Are there any first aid points on the course?

The British Red Cross medical services are located along the course (at every drinks station) and at the start and finish areas to ensure your safety.

 

How long is the course?

The half marathon course is 21K or 13.1miles.

 

Are toilets available on the route?

Limited toilets are available at the drink stations.

 

Is there a time limit on finishing the race?

Yes we will close the course at 1.30pm - 3.5 running hours.

 

Can I run in fancy dress?

Yes but we recommend practising in your costume before hand.

 

When and where will the results be published?

The results will be available online on 20th March on this website, they will also be printed in the Reading Evening Post on Monday 21st March.

 

 

 

What time does the fun run start?

8.30am

 

Can anyone take part in the fun run?

Yes, adults and children of all ages can take part in the fun run. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

 

How long is the fun run?

Its 2.8K or 1.75 miles

 

 

 

Will there be meeting points at the finish for family and friends?

Yes, alphabetical meeting points will be situated at the Madejski Stadium race site. A map of the Race Village with meeting point locations will be available soon.

 

Is there anywhere to leave my bags while I'm running?

On the race day a kit tent will be available; this will be situated at the Madejski Stadium race village. In your race pack (which will arrive 2 weeks before the event) you will find a kit tent label. Write your race number on the label and attach it to your kit bag, then hand it in. To retrieve your bag at the end of the race all you have to do is show your running number at the kit tent. (The organisers cannot accept responsibility for valuables left in the Kit tents)

 

Where can participants and spectators park on the race day?

Participants and spectators can park in several race car parks. These will either be walking distance from the start/finish area or linked by free shuttle buses. There is no parking available at the Madejski Stadium.

 

What is the nearest train station to the race?

The nearest train station to the start/finish area is Reading Station. This station is on the main line from London Paddington. FREE shuttle busses will run to and from the station between 7.00am and 2.30pm.

 

Are there showers and changing facilities?

There are no showers but each of the three kit tents has changing facilities and one is a dedicated women's tent.

Is entry for spectators into the stadium free?

Yes

 

 

 

What time do the roads start closing and when do they re-open?
A detailed road closure schedule is available in the "information section" of this website

 

Where can I book some accommodation?

Special accommodation rates are available here or Reading Tourist Information Centre can provide details of local accommodation for the race. They can be contacted on 0118 956 6226.

Can non-runners use the shuttle buses?

Yes

When will parking be available to book?

At the end of January 2010