Tue 13-Jul-2010

Meet between 6:30pm & 6:45pm, race at 7pm

This is now a confirmed date.  The Track is booked on that day so there will be no track training.

Please note that this event is a closed event for Spectrum Striders club members and invited guests only.

The 5k Handicap is usually run on a summer Tuesday evening when the track is not available for our track training.  It is sometimes followed either by a visit to the pub or by a more formal social event.  We normally meet at 6:45pm (latest) in the car park at Birchwood railway station so that we can get the numbers issued, before the first runners go off at 7pm.

How it works

For those who have not done this race before, the slowest runners start first followed at regular intervals by faster runners with the fastest runners starting last.  If the handicapper gets it right, everyone will finish at almost the same time!

If you think you might run, drop Julian or another committee member a note so your handicap can be worked out in advance of the night.  A recent 5k or 10k time would be useful to help work out your handicap.  The route was properly measured during the 2000's and can now count for club 5k records.

Even if you are a "back of the pack" runner, do give it a try.  It's your chance to actually win a race!  There is a trophy for first man and first woman, and they are rarely won by the quicker runners as they get fair (but challenging) handicaps.

Race route

The route goes along the pavement from the Birchwood Railway Station, turning right along the Brook Park.  As you enter the Forest Park under the subway, bear right and run round the top of the Forest Park on the footpath past the Ranger Centre, then return towards the school in the opposite direction to the Summer Muster.  Go through "Red Square", straight on over the footbridge, bear right on the path (not left towards the walled garden), then turn left at the underpass onto the footpath up the hill towards Birchwood High School.  On the other side of the footbridge, instead of going down the steps into the school, keep left at the rear of the school staying on the path and down to the finish.