We warmly invite you for Afternoon Tea at Minnis Bay, there will be cakes and finger foods aplenty! Obviously we'll start a bit early, because we can't think of a reason why this quaint British tradition can't start at, well, Breakfast time!
Whilst you're here, why not indulge in a spot of running too and make a bit more room for some scones and cucumber sandwiches.
Dress code is sports gear, with pinky fingers strictly down.
This is a 6 hour challenge event.
The route will take you from Birchington all the way to the two thousand year old Reculver towers and fort ruins. Along the way you will be treated to sights, sounds and smells of our beautiful coastline.
The course itself is all on wide concrete paths and is pretty much dead straight. Hills? None, nada, zilch! This course is as flat as a pancake. This is also a popular path for cyclists and dog walkers, so be sure to say "Hi" when running past them. After leaving base camp there are two metal gates, when you reach the second gate just before the towers you'll see a sign telling you to turn around, so turn around and head back again. If you find yourself passing Reculver towers you've gone too far!
Date :- Sunday 12th May 2024
Start :- 8.30am
Location :- Minnis Bay, West end of the parade. Birchington. CT7 9QP
Entry:- £39.95
Course :-6.56 miles
Event :- 6 hour Challenge event
Changes :- The cut off date for requests to change entries will be 5th May 2024
What do I get?
You will receive,
1) A really special finishers medal each day, custom designed by ourselves.
2) An awesome goody bag filled with treats.
3) A well stocked base camp with plenty of nibbles and refreshments for during and post race replenishment.
Where do I park?
There is lots of free unrestricted street parking right near the start on The Parade. There is also "paid parking" slightly closer, at the time of writing it's £6 per day. We'd expect everyone to be able to easily park within 300 yards of the start and for the sake of walking a 100 extra yards we'd suggest just parking along The Parade as there are well over 100 car parking spots there. Post code for Sat Navs is CT7 9QP
When do I get my race number?
You'll pick this up on race day morning from the race base camp.
Are there time limits?
Yes, six hours, however as long as you are out on your last lap by 5:59:59 then you are good for one more lap. Any runner completing the 26.2 miles will have completed the marathon distance and will count as a marathon finish for the purposes of the 100 Marathon Club and Mega Marathoners.
How are laps counted?
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 people.
Do you have secure baggage facilities
No. But you're free to leave bags at the start/finish in the shelter we will be using. There will always be someone around but we can't guarantee their security, in the event of rain we can't guarantee things won't get wet.
Can I leave my own drinks/food at the aid station?
Yes no problem at all.
Trail shoes? Road Shoes?
Road shoes. Its 99% on decent tarmac/concrete.
Is the course closed to the public?
No. We are using the Viking Coastal Path which is part of a cycle route and is a nice enough walk alongside the coast. Runners do not have the right of way and need to be considerate of other users of the land, especially near the start/finish area which is a popular area for people walking their dogs, so beware of animals and leads. Please don't litter. We'll have a bin at the base camp.
What on course facilities do you provide?
Water, squash, nibbles, starter, timekeeper and encouragement every lap! Base station will be well stocked for all runners.
Are there any facilities at the start/finish area?
Aside from base camp, no. There are public toilets at the edge of the paid car parking behind the cafe and bike hire shop, and a cafe nearby too. Please be aware that the official opening time for these is 0800. There are also toilets behind Reculver in the car park, so you'd have to go a bit long on a lap if necessary but there if you're in need, We'd say it's about 300 yards past the gate.
On the Reculver Marathon route you'll pass within a few yards of both these sets of toilets.
How far apart are the aid stations?
You'll be back at the base camp at 6.56 miles, 13.1 miles, 19.65 miles etc
Can I use an ipod or mp3 player on the course?
Yes. Though please be aware that you are running on public footpaths with the general public so make sure that you pay attention to cyclists, people, children on bikes, wildlife and so on.
Public Transport?
Birchington-on-sea has a train station, about a mile from the start/finish.
Could a supporter meet me at Reculver?
Absolutely, its well worth a visit for a little while. There is paid parking there and a visitor centre, a pub and some ruins. Its a short walk down to the route from the ruins.
What are the nearby hotels?
The closest Travelodge is at Margate Westwood (5 miles), Ramsgate Seafront (7 miles)
The closest Premier Inns are at Ramsgate (Manston Airport) (4 miles), Margate (4.5 miles), Herne Bay (9 miles).
The closest Holiday Inn hotels is at Holiday Inn Express : Ramsgate - Minster (4 miles)
There are lots of B&Bs in Birchington, the Trip Advisor list of reviews starts here.
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