FAQ Blackrod Scarecrow 10k Race – Event ID# 8976

Q. How can I contact the event organiser?

A. The event organisers contact details are displayed at the top of the event listing page.

Q. I can no longer run - can I have a refund?

A. Sorry, once payment is accepted, we will not allow refunds for this event for any reason. (This includes injury, illness, since booked a holiday, the goldfish escaped etc!) This is due to the large upfront costs associated with setting up the race which remain the same whether you take part or not. You will however be able to transfer your place to another runner. Details below.

Q. I can no longer run - can I transfer my place to another runner?

A. Yes - you can! Any financial transaction for the place must be organised directly between yourselves though.

To do so, the original runner will need to send an email to scarecrow10k@bookitzone.com.

Please provide the name of the person no longer running and complete the template below for the replacement runner. Advance transfers will be accepted until 4th July 23.59pm. After this time there will be the option to perform a transfer on the day at the registration desk.

RACE NAME: BLACKROD SCARECROW 10K

REPLACEMENT RUNNER:

Firstname:
Surname:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Postal Address (inc Postcode):
Phone Number:
Running Club (if applicable):
Membership number (If applicable):
Email Address:
Emergency contact name:
Emergency contact number:
Name of person no longer running:

Q. I am injured, can I defer my place to next years race?

A. This is the first staging of this race, and whilst it is hoped that this will be a huge success and become an annual event in the running calendar, a lot depends on how this first race goes and feedback from the race. Therefore, we are not allowing deferrals to a future event. You can however transfer your place to a friend/family/colleague/club member. See above.

Q. Where can I find a map of the course?

A. Please download the attached files for a map of the course and elevation profile.

Q. What are the parking arrangements?

A. THERE IS NO PARKING AT RACE HQ! As this event is part of a weekend long scarecrow festival, the village suffers from increased traffic. We do not wish to add to this issue. Please approach the parking area (download map below) via the A6 Blackrod by-pass and park on the upward slope on the left hand side of the road. Please avoid double parking and parking opposite houses in the area. This road is a bus route and we don't want to cause unnecessary issues (especially as this is our first event!) Thankyou for parking considerately. NOTE: Parking is a 10 minute walk to race HQ (Top of the hill - turn right). Please allow plenty of time to park, walk to, and register for the race.

Q. How, where and when do I register for the race?

A. Running bib numbers for all pre-entries will be available for collection from Hilltops Sports and Social Club on Hill Lane. The registration desk will open at 07.30am and close at 08.45am. Please pin your bib number clearly on your chest/stomach (i.e. not under your jumper, on your thigh, your back or any other body part)! If the race timers can't see your bib number as you cross the line, you won't feature in the race results and won't be eligible for any prize you may have otherwise have won. Race start is 9.00am PROMPT.

Q. Can I enter the race on the day?

A. We have an entry limit of 150 for the race. In the event that the race does not sell out in advance, entries will be available to purchase on the day priced at a flat rate of £20 - cash or (preferably) contactless card payments accepted. Please however pre-enter to avoid extra cost and possible disappointment - it makes our life easier too!

Q. What is the course surface like?

A. The first 30% is on tarmac footpaths/country lanes. The middle 50% is dirt tracks, canal towpath and uneven surfaces. The remaining 20% return route is back onto tarmac to the finish. If its a hot day, the course will be dry. Of course if it has rained, the course could be muddy, slippery and wet! Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions on the day. The offroad sections are on gravel roads and canal towpath. Please be mindful of uneven surfaces (potholes, tree roots etc).

Q. Do you have road closures in place?

A. No, you will be running without road closures therefore we ask that you adhere to the no earphones policy for safety reasons. Marshalls will be in place at busier T-junctions and at all (four) crossing points so please follow important guidance from them! You are reminded however that you alone are responsible for your own personal safety when crossing roads and at junctions. You should follow straight ahead and remain on footpaths (where available) at all times unless instructed otherwise by marshals or signs. Please be aware of road users and pedestrians/cyclists at all times who may be enjoying the route themselves. Please be courteous and considerate - paths, towpath and bridleways are shared spaces and you may encounter cyclists/dog walkers and the like!

Q. Is this a flat course? How would you describe it?

A. You will love the first 75% of the course which is downhill or flat! Perhaps not so much the last 25% which is a steady uphill finish. What goes down must come up! ;)

Q. What other activities will be on in the village?

A. The 10k takes place in the Sunday morning of the Blackrod Scarecrow weekend. We would encourage you to purchase a program and spend the day walking round the village to view the weird and wonderful scarecrows on display. Whilst we are not responsible for any other entertainment in the village there is usually a fun fair, childrens activities such as pebble painting, tombola stalls etc along with local shops which would appreciate your support.

Q. What prizes are available? Will I win?

A. Sure, somebody will win! We have kindly been donated oodles of prizes allowing for first 3 Male/Female finisher prizes, first 3 male/female local runners PLUS plenty of spot prizes to be distributed randomly (everyone is in with a chance). Maximum of one prize per leading runner. Prize giving will be on the day inside Hilltops Sports & Social Club. Approximately 30-45 minutes after the first finisher crosses the line.

Q. Are there refreshments at Race HQ?

A. Other than bottles of water for competitors at the finish of the race, there are no refreshments on site. Sweet Revenge (3 minute walk from race HQ) have agreed to open early for hot drinks, fruit etc and they also sell some lovely cakes!

Q. Can I run with my dog?

A. Sorry, for the safety of other runners we are not permitting dogs to run the race. Dogs are welcome to spectate with non runners - but no muddy paws please in race HQ!

Q. Is the course suitable for wheelchair users?

A. No - unfortunately not.

Q. Can I walk the course rather than run?

A. This is a 10k 'race' and marshals are giving up their time voluntarily to enable the race to take place. Without their support, the race simply could not go ahead. With consideration to the fact that marshals will have been on site from 6.30am in the morning, its only fair that we have a cutoff of 2hrs 15 minutes for the race - after which marshals (and race timing services) may be withdrawn.

Q. Why have you put on this new event?

A. Having lived in Blackrod all my life, I felt it was time to give something back to my local community by putting on an event in the vlllage and try to support some of the local shops and businesses in the area. Many of these businesses have been kind enough to sponsor the race and/or provide prizes for runners. It is hoped that runners from throughout the NorthWest (and further afield) will attend the race, bring their families, enjoy the race, then stay in the village to walk round and enjoy the scarecrow festival and help boost the local economy.

Q. Are you selling Scarecrow Festival Event programmes?

A. The village Scarecrow Committee will have a small table located at Race HQ with programmes for sale priced at £2 (cash only). Its great value and contains lots of information about what's on in the village over the scarecrow weekend, locations of officially registered scarecrows etc. It also contains entries to a prize raffle with a 1st prize £100. The sale of the programme contributes greatly to the running of the festival year on year and allows them to donate hundreds of pounds to local voluntary groups in the village.

Q. I am worried I will come last!

A. You won't be the last finisher as we have a tail runner! That said even those finishing towards the back are still lapping everyone sat on the couch!