FAQs

Pre Race Questions

1. How do I enter the race?

This year the public places will be available through a ballot. Read more about the ballot here. The ballot is open from 18 – 26 January 2012.

If you are unsuccessful in the ballot, you can also take part by running for a charity or entering a corporate team.

2. When do I receive my race number and pack?

Your race pack containing your race bib, t-shirt, timing chip and race information will be sent to you approximately three weeks prior to the race. You can log in to your personal profile and amend this address up until Friday 17 August 2012 - or choose to collect your pack from central of London Wednesday 3 October or the event site on Saturday 6 October.

If you haven't received your pack by Friday 28 September, please contact us at info@royalparkshalf.com

3. What is the age limit?

You must be at least 17 years old on Sunday 7 October 2012.

4. How long is the course?

The half marathon course has been accurately measured and is 13.1 miles, 21.0779km.

5. Can I walk or ‘power walk’ the race?

This event is a road race designed for runners, not walkers. This is because we are only able to close the roads in Westminster, outside the park, for a limited time. They will open 1.5 hours after race start i.e. 11:00, after which time participants not yet past this point (6 miles in) will be asked to move on to the pavements, use pedestrian crossing points and then rejoin the race route within Hyde Park.

6. Where can I find advice on pre-race training?

We have been grilling our expert partners for lots of advice and tips on training, injury prevention, nutrition and the training events available. Please visit our training pages regularly to get advice on training for your level of fitness. Our new training guides will be available shortly.

7. Will I receive a t-shirt? Do I have to wear it?

All participants will receive a technical bamboo race shirt in their race pack which is distributed before the race. You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to… but it is a naturally wicking t-shirt made of bamboo and recycled polyester and we promise it will be very comfortable for you to run in!

For 2012, you have the opportunity to design the race shirt. The competition opens 15 December 2011 and closes on 15 February 2012.

Please note that if you are running for one of our charity partners, they may also provide you with one of their own t-shirts – this helps them to identify you amongst the crowds so they can cheer you on, so please do consider wearing it.

8. What’s the course like?

The course is an iconic and picturesque half marathon race through four Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park and The Green Park) and past some of the capitals most historic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Houses or Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall. Although undulating in parts, the course is not hilly and is great for either experienced or first time half marathon runners.

9. What accommodation is available near the route?

Please contact our race partner Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel, situated on Park Lane, adjacent to Hyde Park, or Visit London www.visitlondon.com/accommodation

10. Can I pass my place onto someone else?

Unfortunately you CANNOT pass your place onto someone else. Each place in the race is unique and upon registration you will provide medical information and emergency contact details that are specific to you. If you pass on your race number you could be endangering that person as we would have no information on them should there be an accident where medical attention was required.

11. I’m injured and can’t run, can I have a refund?

Unfortunately we cannot offer any refunds or transfer places to next year. There are a great deal of costs involved in staging an event of this proportion, such as paying for staffing, infrastructure, road closures and medical cover, all of which aren’t recoverable.

12. Can I run with a child’s buggy?

For the safety of other runners, buggies are not permitted on the course.

13. Is the course suitable for wheelchairs?

Unfortunately the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon is unable to accommodate wheelchair users.

Race Day Questions

1. How do I get to Hyde Park?

Please check your travel plans with www.tfl.gov.uk in advance, taking particular note of any planned engineering works.

BY TUBE

From Hyde Park Corner tube (Piccadilly Line) – enter the park through Queen Elizabeth Gate and continue down Rotten Row to the Food & Fitness Festival area (15min walk).

From Knightsbridge tube (Piccadilly Line) – enter the park through Prince of Wales Gate, cross over South Carriage Drive at a suitable crossing point and you will be able to see the Food & Fitness Festival area (12min walk).

From Marble Arch tube (Central Line) – enter the park through Cumberland Gate and walk South towards the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. Take the path to the left of the café around the Serpentine and head South to Rotten Row. Turn right onto Rotten Row and walk towards the Food & Fitness Festival area (25min walk).

From Lancaster Gate tube (Central Line) – enter the park through Victoria Gate and walk South down West Carriage Drive. Cross over the Serpentine and continue South until you join Rotten Row. Turn left onto Rotten Row and walk towards the Food & Fitness Festival area (25min walk).

BY BUS

North London: 6, 7, 10, 16, 52, 73, 82, 274, 390, 414

South London: 2, 36, 137, 436

West London: 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 148, 414

East London: 8, 15, 25, 30, 38, 274

BY CAR

We strongly recommend that visitors avoid coming by car as there is no designated car parking and many roads will be closed prior to and post race.

2. What time should I arrive?

We recommend that all participants arrive with plenty of time to spare to give themselves enough time to drop off any baggage, make use of the facilities and prepare themselves for running. The baggage area will be open from 8am and is located within the Food & Fitness Festival. Please note that toilets in particular will be very busy shortly before the race so do please listen to our “toilet marshals” whose job it is to keep any queues as fast moving as possible.

The race starts at 9.30am.

3. Will I be able to put my bag somewhere safe?

A baggage facility will be available for all participants in the Half Marathon and Pulse3K. Please do not leave any valuables with your baggage – the race organisers cannot accept any responsibility for the security of these items.

4. Do I need to register upon arrival?

There is no registration on the day of the race. Please wear your race bib, on the front of your shirt, and the timing chip that will be sent to you prior to the event, tied as described in the race information leaflet.

5. Will there be any information points?

There will be an information point centrally located within the Food & Fitness Festival; it will be shown on the map on the race information leaflet sent out with your race pack.

6. Will there be plenty of toilets?

There will be designated toilets within Westminster, The Royal Parks and within the Food & Fitness Festival near the start/finish. Please do allow enough time though, particularly just before the race starts, should there be any queues.

7. Will there be water and energy drinks on the course?

Water stations will be set up along the course and at the finish line. In addition, Lucozade stations will provide sports drinks.

8. Will there be any medical/first aid facilities available?

Medical/first aid facilities will be provided at the start/finish line, at various stages throughout the course and also within the Food & Fitness area. However, if you feel unwell on the day or you’ve been ill during the previous week, we recommend that you don’t participate in the run.

9. Is there a changing/showering facility?

Unfortunately we can’t provide changing or shower facilities. Please arrive ready to run and bring some warm clothes with you to wear immediately after the race.

10. Will the start be split according to anticipated finishing times?

Yes, there will be five starting zones for each time category. The zones will be clearly marked with a colour matching the colour on your race bib – which was allocated according to your estimated finish time. Marshalls will help you find the correct start funnel after the mass warm up. We strongly recommend that you identify your zone when you arrive and join it promptly when requested. Check the race information leaflet prior to arrival to match your race bib colour and funnel.

11. Are there mile/km markers on the course?

There will be markers at every mile for you to keep track of your progress.

12. Will the event be chip timed?

All participants will receive an individual timing chip in their race pack which is sent by post prior to the event. Please ensure this is securely attached to your shoe following the directions before you start the race. The time you cross the start and finish line will then be recorded. If you do not wear your timing chip, your time will not be recorded.

Please make sure that you return the timing chip at the end of the race as the charity has to pay for each chip lost. If you take your chip home by accident, please return it to: Limelight Sports, 29-35 Rathbone Street, London W1T 1NJ.

Finally, all prizes will be awarded by chip time, EXCEPT the overall fastest man and woman - who will be awarded their position by gun time, i.e. being first over the line.

13. Are there any prizes being awarded?

Prizes will be awarded for the following:

• Fastest Man

• Fastest Woman

• Fastest Senior Women – 40-55 yrs

• Fastest Senior Men – 45-60 yrs

• Fastest Veteran Women – 55+ yrs

• Fastest Veteran Men – 60+ yrs

• Fastest Corporate Team (fastest average chip time including all team members)

14. Will I receive a medal?

Yes, all runners who complete the race will receive a medal. Wood is used for the leaf shaped finisher’s medal – see our sustainability pages.

15. Will there be photographers there on the day?

Yes, Marathon-Photos.com our official race photographers will be at various points around the route and at the start and finish line. Photos will be available to purchase after the race via the website.

16. Will I be notified of my official result?

All results will be posted on the website shortly after the race. If you provide your mobile number during the registration process you will also receive your provisional time via text.

If you haven’t provided your mobile number, but would like to receive your provisional time via text, please login to your personal page www.royalparkshalf.com/login and update your personal details with your mobile number.

Please note that all prizes will be awarded by chip time, EXCEPT the overall fastest man and woman - who will be awarded their position by gun time, i.e. being first over the line.

17. My friends and family are coming along to support me. Are there any recommended viewing points?

Yes, there will be many places to stand along the route. The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon is one of the most scenic city runs in the world, with a beautiful 13.1 mile autumnal route through four of London’s magnificent Royal Parks and past some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.

Cheering points will be marked on the Route Map that will be available in your race pack as well as on the website closer to race day. We know that cheering crowds along the route is very motivating for runners so do encourage your family, friends and colleagues to come and support you.

If you are running for charity, check if they have a cheering point location.

18. Will there be any refreshments available before or after the race?

All runners will receive a bottle of water, a bottle of Lucozade and a Fairtrade banana immediately after crossing the finish line. In addition there will be food concessions within the Food & Fitness Festival where refreshments can be purchased, so remember to bring some money with you.

19. What happens if I can’t finish the race?

If you find that you need medical attention or are too tired to complete the course, please notify the nearest steward who will call for assistance. A sweep vehicle will follow the last runners collecting all those needing help.

20. Is there a cut-off time for slower runners?

The roads in Westminster, outside the park, will open 1.5 hours after race start, i.e. 11am, after which time participants who have not yet passed Hyde Park Corner (6 mile point) will be marshalled across the crossing points and be able to rejoin the race within Hyde Park. Please remember that this is a running event and is not designed for walkers.

21. Will there be a designated area for runners to meet their friends and family afterwards?

Yes, there will be meeting points located within the Food & Fitness Festival and these will be shown on the Food & Fitness Festival Map once confirmed. The area will be divided alphabetically to allow runners and spectators to find each other more easily.

22. Can I run for a charity?

There are many charities taking part in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon and we would encourage you to contact one close to your heart. Find out which charities have guaranteed places.

23. Is this a fundraising event?

Yes, all runners are asked to combine their running with raising much needed money for a charity of their choice. For further information and advice on how you can fundraise whilst you train, please visit our how to fundraise pages or contact your chosen charity for more information.

Please note that the Royal Parks Foundation is a small charity itself - any profit made from this event goes to support the vital works within The Royal Parks.

Miscellaneous Questions

1. E-mail address is already in use. What does this mean?

The website only allows an e-mail address to be associated with one account. The e-mail address you have attempted to sign up with has already been used to sign up another account.

Please note that even if you are running as a couple or a team, each person will have to provide their own unique email address when registering.