Sunday 2nd October 2016

Race Directors – Jay McCardle, Danny Cunnett and Chris Ette

Race Telephone Number:

The Downs Link footpath and bridleway links were established in 1984 to link the North Downs Way at St Martha’s Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex and on via the Coastal Link to Shoreham- by-Sea. The trail crosses the Low Weald and mostly follows twoformer railway lines.

The Route is mainly flat after the first section.

A map of the route can be viewed on the following website page:

The nearest train station to the start is Guildford Train Station, GU1 4UT. The train station is approximately 3 miles away. A taxi is recommended.

The Start

  • The Start is at St Martha’s Hill Half Penny Lane Car Park, Chilworth, nearest postcode is GU4 8PZ.St. Martha’s Hillstanding at 166 metres, aboveGuildford, takes its name from the originalNormanParishChurch built on this site.

  • Start time will be 0900
  • Toilets will be provided, and a gazebo to get changed in, the race directors recommended you arrive in your running gear ready to start the race due to the remote nature of the start location.
  • A race briefing will be given at the start line 10 minutes before the race start.
  • Parking is available at the start, vehicles can be left at the owners own risk.

Registration

  • This will be at Half Penny Lane Car Park, Chilworthfrom 7.30am on the morning of Sunday 2nd October 2016.
  • Race numbers and bag labels will be given to you when you register.
  • The race has been limited to 200 runners.

Baggage Transfer

  • One bag per runner can be passed to the race organisers at registration. A bag label must be attached to the bag clearly marked with your race number. Your bag will be delivered to the finish for collection.

Navigation

  • The course is way marked using Downs Link Bridleway signposts with the following sign generally being used.
  • The course will be clearly marked with red and white reflective tape prior to the race to assist all runners and we will also use orange spray paint at areas of confusion.

Kit and Clothes

  • We expect the weather to be mild at this time of year, but be prepared for the worst and dress appropriately. And carry any kit you think you may need. Depending on the weather conditions prior to the event we believe the route is suitable for road trainers.

Compulsory Kit

  • Competitors must carry a fully charged mobile phone with the race director’s telephone number stored in contacts.
  • Must carry a water system, Handheld or Bladder capable of storing enough water to last between checkpoint, we recommend 1litre minimum.

Hazards and Rules

  • The majority of the race is on trail, with several road sections. The route will be clearly marked with red and white reflective tape for the entire race, but you must be responsible for ensuring your whereabouts and navigation at all times.
  • Please be aware of road crossings, stiles, gates and private land, and respect other walkers, runners and users of the trails.

Getting Lost

  • You are responsible for your own safety and navigation at all times. If you have a problem whilst on the course please try and make your way to the nearest aid station, if possible alert another runner who can inform us you are in difficulty or, you can call the Race Director on the race telephone number.

Buddies and Support

  • Buddies / Pacing are not allowed in this race.
  • Support teamswill not be required. But if you do want friends or family to support you, please ensure they respect the route and other runners, and don’t block or interfere with, or any of the race route. There are ample opportunities for your family / friends to see you along the route.

Aid Stations

  • There will be 5 Aid Stations along the route,(approx distances).

1: Cranleigh Snoxhall Fields - 8.6 miles

2:Slinfold 15 miles (no support access))

3:SouthwaterCountryPark- 20 miles

4: Cat & Canary Pub – Henfield - 27.5 miles

5:BramberCastle – 32 miles

  • Aid Stations will be providing food; this will include savoury and sweet. Water and coke will also be provided. Please ensure that you carry a hand held or bladder which can be refilled to last you in between aid stations.

Aid Station Locations:

1 – Cranleigh Snoxhall Fields - Knowle Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8RA

2 – Slinfold (no support access)

3 – SouthwaterCountryPark - RH13 9UN

The Aid Station will be located next to the path leading from the Car Park

4 – Cat & Canary Public House –Upper Station Rd, Henfield,BN5 9PJ

The Aid Station will be located in the Car park next to the pub.

5 – BramberCastle – BN44 3WE

The Aid Station will be located on the pavement outside the Castle Car Park entrance.

Dropping Out

  • We don’t want you to drop out, but if you are injured you must inform the director that you are withdrawing. Do not leave the race without informing the director by phone or at an aid station. We are not responsible for your travel to and from the race. If you do drop out, we can try and help and support getting you to the end or the nearest public transport.

Medical

  • A number of the organisers and volunteers are First-Aid qualified and can assist with basic medical help.

The Finish

  • The Finish is at the 3rd Shoreham Sea Scouts next door to the Adur Outdoor Activity, Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5LT.
  • The final cut off time for all finishers is 7.00pm (10 hours final finish cut-off).
  • Hot drinks and food will be available at the finish, there are changing rooms and hot showers to use.
  • There is adequate parking

Race Goodies

  • Race T-Shirts and Medals will be given to all finishers.

Results

  • Results will be posted at the earliest opportunity, we anticipate this will be done within 48hrs and will be available on

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