Event Update and News - Final
Thanks for entering this years event. This is the final update to provide you with all the information and links to make your event more enjoyable. Please read on and enjoy the race. We have added all the new stuff to the top of last weeks email. Check out a few of the winery offers lower down the email.
On line entries are now closed. Late entries possible.
Let any of your friends or family know that late entries are possible by attending the event compound on Saturday 10am - 4pm or Sunday (race day) from 5.30am. You must finalise your late entry hour before race starts. See start times below. Please complete a form to save time. Allow time for crowds.
Note entries are no longer transferable.
Late Entry Form HERE
Weather - Sunny and warm
The weather prediction leading into our weekend look like a lovely winters weekend in the Hunter.
Ipods - Allowed - Trial
Due to information being omitted from our event website, we will be allowing IPODs on a trial basis at this event. All competitors still have an obligation to make sure that they can at all times hear instructions by marshals and or any emergency of other vehicles that may need to be on the course.
Welcome Anglo American as an event supporters.
Anglo American is committed to supporting the communities in which they operate. They aim to make a lasting, positive and meaningful contribution in the Hunter Valley by supporting important local initiatives and events such as the Winery Running Festival. Anglo American – proudly supporting the Winery Running Festival 2015. Check out the great giveaways at the presentation.
Course maps
1/2 marathon course
10.3km course
5km course
Track condition after April storms
In case you are not aware, this event course is a combination of grass at the start and finish and part of the last 2km, fine gravel pathways through the gardens, gravel roads, tarred roads and old tarred bike tracks (not in the best of shape) on other parts of the course. Needless to say it is not a course for race flats and bare foot runners should consider the different surfaces. It is not an off road event, but does have some off road style surfaces.
A big thanks to Cessnock Council staff for moving some left over storm debris from the cycle way and also making a few improvements along the cycleway.
Medal Engraving available
After your race you will receive a very cool finishers medal. If you want to get it engraved, see Rob at the Roccet Engraving tent and he will take your details and have the engraved medal sent back the week after the event. Chat with Rob about his great ID wristbands and other engraved products for runners. Click the logo to visit his website.
Thanks to Cessnock Lions for 10 years of event support.
Pasta Dinner with Guest Speaker - a few spots free.
If you are staying in the area, why not come and join like-minded people for a meal at the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley, just next to the event compound, off Broke Rd Pokolbin. Enjoy an early pasta meal and also hear from our guest speaker, well known local runner Garry Wells of the 530runners. Garry is a driving force behind the concept to get novice runners setting a goal to run 5km in 30 minutes. This achievable goal setting has grown into a group of over 1000 runners achieving great things along the way. Gary has so many inspirational stories of people changing their life through running, in a supportive running community.
The Pasta dinner will include a buffet pasta selection with salads and breads, as well as fruit platters, tea and coffee. Wine (of course) and soft drinks will be available for purchase at the bar. The dinner will begin service from 6.30pm, with speaker on around 7.20, for an approx 8.15pm finish, to allow a good nights sleep. Bookings are essential with just 6 spots free.
To purchase you will need to call Paul on 0409684246. First in for final seats.
Merchandise on site
See the team at Edgewear on site at the event and have a custom made shirt or other product such as singles, hoodies etc
Accommodation tips
With so many people coming from out of town, accommodation is starting to fill up. Please consider our event supporters first and if they can't help you, contact Wine Country Tourism. Details below:
Mercure Resort Hunter Valley - BOOKED OUT
is literally 300m from the start line and also the venue for the Saturday night pasta dinner. Call and speak to Nicole for a great deal on 0249982000.
Wine Country Motor Inn -- only few rooms left!
is located in Cessnock, just 10 min drive and is offering a late check out for after the race shower, as well as a great room rate. Contact them on 49932999.
Weekenda Accommodation
Weekenda offers a wonderful selection of holiday properties of quality and comfort. Whether you're seeking a cozy golf resort cabin or villa, a weekend in the snowy mountains or a beach house for a family reunion, we can accommodate you.
Other Accommodation - be quick
Check out the Wine Country website to see what other accommodation is available or call 49900900. Click below.
Sport Expo
Make sure you bring some spending money to this year's event. We will again have a huge selection of new and discounted sports related products on display. More details and offers soon. Check out the Pure Performance mega store, the girls from Lorna Jane, 2XU, Skirt Sports and more. Look out for some mega giveaways from Pure.
Course and K markers
The 1/2 marathon course is accredited as correct. With the 2 lap marathon there are k markers for the marathon, which serve the half marathon as well. The 10.3km and 5.2km have separate signs. So we do not confuse everyone, the Ultra Marathon counts up to the 42 and then for the last 10.3km you need to look out for the 10.3km signs.
Start Times
6.30am Winery Ultra Marathon 52.5km
7.00am Winery Marathon
7.30am Winery Half Marathon
9.30am Winery 10.3km
10.50am Kids Marathon and Storybook 2km
11.20am Winery Wander 5.2km
Kids Marathon Booklet
If there are any children undertaking the Kids Marathon program who did not receive or download the Booklet, click below.
Passes for Hunter Valley Gardens.
A highlight of the course is the 500m section which goes through Hunter Valley Gardens, right next to the event compound. This section is only about 10% of the whole gardens. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, Hunter Valley Gardens is offering a 2 for 1 passes to all entrant. These will be available in the race kits. Why not plan to have a look through the gardens on the Saturday or after the race on Sunday. They are quiet amazing. See the logo below.
Registration details
Where/when do I pick up my race kit? And where can I register for the race as a late entry?
Race Kits including your BIB number, timing chip and purchased event shirt will be available on both Saturday 25 July from 10.00pm - 4.30pm andSunday morning 26 July from 5.30am at the Oval next to Hunter Valley Gardens off Broke Rd Pokolbin. You need to collect your race kits at least 45min before race start times. Late entries can be accepted both days, and up to 1 hour before your race start time at the late entries desk in the registration tent. Allow for crowds.
Can I pick up a friends race pack?
You can pick up a friends race pack only if you are competing in the race yourself. You will need photo ID and have a letter or copy of their E-ticket and a signature from them. Please make sure that the person who's kit you are collecting knows, and does not try to pick the kit up themselves!
How can I change up or down races? / How can I fix a mistake with my details?
If you want to make a change up/down races or there is a mistake with your details, please collect your original race pack at the registration tent (with photo ID) and then go to the ‘changes’ table (in the same tent) and we will get it sorted for you.
Supporting Wineries
Put these wineries on the list to visit on race weekend. (H Events advocates the responsible consumption of wine). PS wine not served on drink stations!
You will be running past on race day. Call in and get a case of selected Cricket Pitch for just $150 from Brokenwood .
Just off McDonalds Rd,your must check out First Creek, who are offering great deals for wines to participating runners. Check them out on site at the race.
Show you race bib and get some great cellar door specials at McGuigan Wines just up form the event compound.
Audrey Wilkinson has great view and great wines. Great hill too...!
Pepper Tree is a beautiful setting for pre or post race wines tasting or a coffee.
Just a 5 minute drive to Hermitage Rd is James Estate for some classic wines and views. Show your race bib for 15% off.
Tamburlaine Organic Offer - Mc Donalds Rd
A straight or mixed dozen at $99 (plus $12 delivery if ordering online.)
- 2014 Wild Mountain Organic Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
- 2014 Wild Mountain Organic Cabernet Merlot
- 2014 Wild Mountain Organic Shiraz Cabernet
use the code: WINERUN and call to order on 4998 4200 or email your order through to
Fancy Dress Prize
While there are plenty of serious runners on race day, many are there to have as much fun as possible. We encourage fancy dress in all events and will award the best dressed $500. There will also be runner up prizes of the 'grape variety'. Get in the spirit. Last year's winner had the 'eye of the tiger'!
Official Charity
If you would like to give your race more meaning, why not consider using this event to raise funds for our official charity or another charity of your choice. Transplant Australia is a national charity representing transplant recipients, donor families, living donors and all those touched by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Together with this they are advocates for improving organ donation rates, support and raising awareness. Check them out on race day and find out about the Australian Transplant Games in Western Sydney in 2016.
Rides and food on site
Make sure you hang around after the race to soak in the atmosphere. There are rides on offer, food and coffee on the oval, as well as some great cafes and restaurants just 100 m away.
More Race Info
Getting there
Hunter Valley Gardens is located on Broke Rd, Pokolbin. Directions HERE
We recommend that if attending the venue on Sunday after 7.00am that you approach from Broke Rd, NOT McDonald's Rd, as the course follows the bike track which crosses McDonald's Rd 3 times. Broke Road comes off Wine Country Drive near the airport. Dont forget that the new Hunter Expressway is just 10 min past the old Cessnock exit (heading north) coming from Sydney. It is an easy drive through Lovedale to the venue.
Where can I park?
Due to the car numbers of cars we are asking people arriving after 8am to park in the paddock opposite Hunter Valley Gardens (Broke Road). This is only a 400m walk from the event compound. This is very well drained; however please drive slowly as the ground is not totally even. Please use the crossing as directed. If you are arriving for the early races there is plenty of parking in the top car park inside the village area. Please note the outer section is marked as part of the course. Do not park across the course.
Timing Chip?
The chip has been allocated to your race number and will record your start and finish time as you run over the blue mats on the start/finish line. If for some reason you lose your chip you need to immediately report to the timing desk and you will still be able to record a time.
You will receive your timing chip with your race BIB. Please tie the chip to your shoe by attaching through shoelace (shown below) or if you don’t have a lace ask for a cable tie. The bib goes on your chest using the pins.
Drink Stations
Will be situated not more than 2.8 km apart on the various courses. Note:
- Water is available on all drink stations.
- Gatorade electrolyte drink and water will be available on drinks stations on the half marathon at the:
- 2.2, 4.0, 6.0, 8.7, 11.2, 16.3. 18km and at the recovery area.
- Also the 21km mark for the marathon second lap and 42.1km mark for the Ultra.
- Jelly beans will be available on the 11.2km
- The same stations repeat for the marathon.
- There is no electrolyte on the 5km course,except the finish
- Special needs area will be set up ready for the second lap of the marathon/ultra near the start line. Drinks/food etc should be clearly marked with your bib number and dropped off at the drink station at the start line (for the second/third lap).
There are toilets at the start and finish. Also the intersection of Debeyers Rd and McDonalds Rd. Also the turn point near Cessnock Airport. Not more than 5km between toilets.
We hope training is going well. one more update next week.
For questions contact
Regards
H Events
Phone: 0249348138 / Email:
PO Box 2251, Green Hills NSW 2323
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