GLCL News: 2023 GLCL Road Series: Fixture 3 of 4 Pontypool

GLCL 2023 ROAD RACE 3

Date : Tuesday 1^st Aug 2023,

Venue : Pontypool Park, NP4 8AT

Host : Pont-Y-Pwl & District Runners

Time : Race starts 07:30pm.

Distance : Race distance approx. 6 miles.

On behalf of Pont-Y-Pwl & District Runners welcome to the 3rd of four road races of the 2023 GLCL Series, starting and finishing at Pontypool Park.

Thanks to everyone working behind the scenes throughout the 2023 GLCL Road Race Series; Emma King , Marc Cross, Paul Dodd and others.

Thanks to our race official for this event; Mike Heare.

Thanks to all the event marshals and helpers.

CAR PARKING: (see location and parking map attached)

The main car park for Pontypool Active Living Centre is very busy on week nights, however there is ample parking in the overflow car park and additional car parks up the hill on Trosnant Street. Additional parking can be found in Pontypool town centre, see map.

TOILET FACILITIES

Toilets facilities are available in the leisure centre, the public toilets outside by the rugby club are closed in the evenings.

RACE NUMBER / TIMING CHIPS

Remember you must wear your race number and timing chip; no timing chip means you are not recorded at the finish, and you will not score individual or team points. If you require a number/timing chip, please discuss with your club captain.

HEADPHONES

In accordance with UKA Rule 240 S 5, the wearing of headphones, or similar devices, is not permitted in this race. Non-compliance will result in the disqualification of the athlete and if deemed necessary a points penalty against the offending club.

RACE GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The race takes place on public footpaths with other users also enjoying the area, please be aware of walkers, cyclists, dog walkers etc. run with appropriate caution.

The route starts and finishes within the park towards the rear of the leisure centre. The route heads out on the main path to the South Park Gates, there may slight congestion getting through the side gate please be patient and care not to push. You will turn left on the pavement and follow USK Road to Mamhilad. Stay on the pavement, if you do need to step onto the road to overtake check for traffic behind you first. On the section of pavement alongside the dual carriageway do not encroach onto the main carriageway. You can overtake on the grass verges and slip roads, anyone reported running on the main carriageway will be disqualified.

At Mamhilad the route turns left on Old Abergavenny Road, this is a lane and you will be running on the road so be weary of any traffic.The route climbs up to the Star Inn, then takes a sharp left and continues uphill to the canal. A marshal will direct you onto the canal tow path, once on the towpath please keep single file unless overtaking, this is to avoid congestion with other canal users. The towpath takes you back to Pontypool but negotiates several canal bridges, marshals will be stationed at the particularly low bridges to warn you to mind your heads. Should anyone be unfortunate to fall into the canal, please be aware of the possibility of catching Weils disease, you should get yourself checked out thoroughly.

The section of canal is just over 3km in length, when you exit the canal you retrace your route back to the park, finishing on the main path back to the leisure centre.

Marshals are positioned around the course to direct you the right way.

When you finish and leave the finish funnel please leave as directed do not return to the finish area, thereby avoiding your timing chip being recorded more than once.

First aid is provided by St. John Ambulance, if you require assistance make a marshal aware and first aid will be notified.

ROUTE: (see run route map attached