The course is 40% on high quality "bike path" type trail, 60% on solid sea wall. Road shoes will be absolutely fine.
Navigation is very simple and involves only three turns and we'll have sign posts up and as the venue is physically bounded by the sea, cliffs and a big sea wall you cannot go far wrong! We're able to use the "inside/out" areas at the structure they have so that'll be base camp, the start is just about from there and essentially the course is simply a zig zag of trail till you reach the sea wall, turn left, follow the arc of the sea wall all around to the other end where there will be a cone, turn around, go back the way you came and that's 3.75 miles. (You can view the route here)
For those that have run at Samphire Hoe before we're just going to slightly shorten the course by having a cone at the far end for the turn around which will be about 60 yards short of the cliff, so chopping off a little of each loop to bring marathon distance closer to 26.2 miles. We'll also have a Half Marathon option of 3 and a bit laps and a 50k option of 8 laps and a mini lap. Just remember the golden rules
Don't run in to a cliff
Don't be on a beach or in the sea.
Watch out for any fisherman on the sea wall, it's super wide so can't forsee any issues but just keep an eye out for any that are about.
Remember this is a timed event, not a fixed distance event. If you complete at least one lap, then you are an official finisher and will receive a Caucus Run medal, a goody bag and an official finish in the results. If you want to complete the marathon distance, then you'll need to complete 7 loops and an ultra is 8 loops..
You must have started your final loop by 6 hours 00 minutes after the start and as is traditional with ultra events, this is a strictly enforced time limit. As long as you are out of the base camp before the 6 hours 00 minutes limit you'll be able to complete that loop (even if you finish after the 6 hour threshold). There will be no mileage credit for partial laps. Finally you'll have to tell us when you're finished, not the other way around. As it's a timed event, if you wish you can stop, have a rest and continue, or you can just stop!
We'll have an “official finishers bell” for this purpose, (Rachel will be the keeper!) when you're done for the day, ring the bell and the goodies will be yours!
Lap Counting
At race registration you'll be handed a small laminated lap counting card, attach this to yourself with a safety pin or cable tie. At the end of each loop get this punched through by one of the hole puncher chaps or chappesses. So basically at the end of each lap, get your card punched, or ring the bell!
Weather
Looks like reasonable running weather, sun or light cloud, high 18C, bit of a breeze but nothing daft and all in all looking like a really nice day.
Vegans
We've got vegan goody bags for lots of you, If you'd like one and you haven't got a little "V" on your number please let us know as we have a couple spare or if we give you the wrong goody bag then please ask for a vegan one!
Coke
I know a few folk don't drink so if you are one of those and don't want the can of beer or cider in the goody bag then please say and we'll trade you for some coke, we've got a few cans tucked away for those that prefer that.
Celebrations
There will be two very low key 100th Marathon celebrations John Cooper & Rachael Everett.
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