2023 GLCL Road Series Finale: Fixture 4 of 4 Chepstow

 

Date : Tuesday 29thAug 2023,

Venue : Aust Services, M48, Junction 1, Bristol BS35 4BH

Host : Chepstow Harriers

Time : Race starts 07:30pm.

Distance : Race distance approx. 8K.

On behalf of Chepstow Harriers welcome to the 4th of four road races of the 2023 GLCL Series, starting by Aust Services and finishing by the footbridge on the downstream side of the bridge.

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.

Option 1.

 

Parking at the Chepstow end of the bridge and jog across for your warm up.

You may wish to park around the Thornwell area of Chepstow ( postcode for Tesco Express: NP16 5TY) and jog across the bridge as part of your warm up/warm down routine. There is no designated parking in this area so please park giving consideration to local residents and be aware of any parking time limits.

 

 

Option 2 Aust Services

 

Parking is available at Aust Services (M48, Junction 1, Bristol BS35 4BH) however there is a 2 hour time limit only in the car park which is monitored by ANPR cameras. It is a short walk/jog from here to the start line.

 

Option 3 Manor Farm BS35 4AT

 

The final option is parking at Manor Farm. A number of yards are available and you will be directed where to park by the marshals, though it is limited and we would always encourage car sharing as much as possible. As you turn off the roundabout onto the B4461 look for the sign on your left “Manor Farm Only”. We have been provided this parking for free by the farm owner, however he has asked for a donation to the charity Headway which supports people with brain injuries, if you would like to donate then the marshals will have collection buckets available. There is a short walk/jog to the start line, heading back to the junction roundabout.

 

 

Toilets:

 

There are toilets available at Aust Services, as you go into the main entrance take a right turn. Please allow time to get back from the toilets to the start line

 

There are toilets available at Manor Farm. There are 3 inside and 1 outside. Please ensure that you leave the toilets clean and tidy. Please allow time to get to the start line from the toilets.

Course Overview:

 

The course starts just below Aust Services between the footbridge and the junction roundabout. The course finishes on the downstream side by the footbridge over the motorway. The course is approximately 8k in distance

 

Points to note:

 

1. The start point is quite narrow, so please ensure that you line up according to how fast you will be running so as to avoid any congestion early on.
2. The path onto and off the bridge narrows due to a gate to stop cars, please be aware of this narrowing as you are running. The first gate point onto the bridge will be marshalled, the others will not.
3. We do not have exclusive use of the bridge, there could be other runners, walkers, cyclists and motorbikes using the bridge. Please ensure that you keep to the right hand side of the course at all times unless overtaking.
4. The entire bridge is lit, however the exit to the finish, about 500m is not. Sunset on Tuesday 29th August is 20:04. There should be ambient light for about 30 mins after that. If you feel that this may be an issue for you then we would advise using a headtorch.
5. Once you have finished your race you can return to the car parks via the footbridge over the motorway.
6.  It is really important that you do not go back through or near the finish area with your number bib. This will cause problems for the time keepers and delay the release of the results, which we all know is done very quickly.

 

Course in detail:

 

The start is between the footbridge and the junction roundabout on the upstream side.

It is an uphill start until you reach the apex of the bridge after which you have a gentle descent followed by a flat section over the Wye and through the gate.

A short climb takes you to the U turn where you will be directed down the hill to the tunnel under the bridge. Please take care of the bollards in the path used to stop cars

Here you will be directed right under the bridge and left at the end of the tunnel to start the downstream side.

There is another climb here, with another bollard at the top where you re join the bridge.

Continue on the downstream side, with a flat section over the Wye and once again a climb to the apex of the bridge.

You will descend from the apex and through the final gate, shortly after there will be a short sharp climb up to the finish.

 

 

 

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 GLCL representative.

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.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Please adhere to the GLCL Code of Conduct during the race.  Link --->  GLCL Code of Conduct - Google Docs

RISK ASSESSMENT: (see full risk assessment document attached)

Risk assessment bullet points :

·        Other users on the bridge including walkers, runners, cyclists and motorbikes : take appropriate caution. Keep right

·        Weather conditions may affect bridge, e.g. strong winds

.     Deteriorating light conditions, consider headtorch for slower runners

·        Route directions : observe run route and marshal instructions