2024/25 GLCL XC Series: Fixture 3 of 5 Monmouth

 

RACE	GLCL XC  24/25 Race 3 Spirit of Monmouth
HOST	Spirit of Monmouth RC
VENUE	Oldfield Farm, Garway Hill, Herefordshire HR2 8HA (adjacent to “Oldfield Forge”) WHAT-THREE-WORDS w3w.co/jaws.clincher.rare
DATE	5th January 2025
CONTACT DETAILS	David Mather     email:   wdmather@gmail.com
TIMETABLE	GLCL Race briefing  10.50 GLCL Race start time. 11.00

 

 

PARKING

 

Oldfield Farm can be found along a narrow country lane leading from Garway village. It can be found easily because it shares an entrance with the prominently marked OLDFIELD FORGE. Please note that the Oldfield Forge offers blacksmithing experience to the public and it will be operational on race day. It will have its own dedicated car park.  Please fully respect the owners and customers of Oldfield Forge – they have been amenable to us holding the race here. It is essential that their customer’s go home happy.

Parking is limited at Oldfield Farm. The available parking area is approximately 50% greater than the area used at our previous venue, but critically, there are NO overflow options within about 1.3 miles because nearby roads are all narrow. We are therefore confident that there will be enough space if everyone collaborates to car share. Car park marshals will guide you into available spaces on arrival. In the very unlikely event that on-site parking fills up, you would need to park in Garway village, 1.3 miles away and if you do, please do it sensibly and sympathetically to residents.   The start and finish lines are close to the car parking.

 

 

 

TOILETS

 

Portable toilet facilities will be available in the farmyard.

 

 

COURSE

 

This relatively challenging farmland course is 4.9 miles (7.9km) long and sits in beautiful rolling countryside.  The course starts and finishes in a field adjacent to the car park and mostly follows field boundaries, with one small woodland section. The core course is effectively a 3.2 miles long loop. Broadly speaking, runners will first run a partial loop measuring approx. 1.7 miles then the full 3.2 mile loop. See illustrations.

Several of the fields are planted with crops. The owners have given us permission to run around the perimeters, some of which are planted. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL AND AVOID UNNECESSARY WIDENING OF THE TRODDEN PATH IN THESE AREAS.

The fields are generally on sloping ground and the total elevation gain amounts to 827 feet (168 feet per mile).  Marshals will be present at key turning points and tape will be used to mark the course appropriately.

Underfoot, it will be grass and/or soil. It will be suitable for spikes (recommended) and if not wearing spikes, it is very highly recommended that footwear suitable for wet slippery mud is worn.

This is a working farm, though animals will be moved beforehand.  However, runners need to be aware of the consequences of farm (and wild) animal occupation of the fields we’re using – causing mud, muck and potentially holes and molehills that can appear overnight.  We will be running close to a badger set.

Note that small sections of this route follow a path that is a Public Footpath. Rarely used, but if members of the public are there, please be respectful.

 

 

ELEVATION PROFILE

 

The course can be viewed in detail here:   https://www.plotaroute.com/map/2444433

 

FIRST AID

 

St John’s Ambulance will provide First Aid cover, with a vehicle on site near the Start / Finish

 

RISK ASSESSMENT

 

CAR PARKING:  Pedestrians and Vehicles in a shared space.  Take particular care – and follow the instructions of Parking Marshals. Please vacate the car park area when your presence there is not necessary.

 

WORKING FARM:  This is a working farm, though animals will be moved beforehand.  However, runners need to be aware of the consequences of farm (and wild) animal occupation of the fields we’re using – causing mud, muck and potentially holes, molehills etc  that can appear overnight.  We will be running close to a badger set, which will be taped off.

 

Three specific course hazards: On the previously shown map, three specific hazards have been marked as ‘Haz A, B & C’.  

Hazard A is a gate where there is a greater than average drop in elevation – a danger of falling if taken too quickly.  This will be well marshalled.  Please take it SLOWLY. As appropriate, the surface which is currently gravelled for a distance of approximately 1-2  metres, will be matted or otherwise protected to allow spiked shoes to safely negotiate it.

Hazard B – At the time of the risk assessment, there were two large holes resulting from a badger set. This will be taped off.

Hazard C – Running through the wood does need a little more care to avoid potential trips. No expected to be a significant risk but do take care.

 

CHALLENGING Course: This course is in the mid-range in terms of distance. The elevation profile, and po does make it tough  – runners should feel fit to take on the challenge which has been well described in this document. 

The conditions of the course will be monitored – especialy in the event that weather is particularly wet or frosty and the course will be checked carefully on the weekend of the race. Some potential alternative field boundaries have been identified that might shorten the course or perhaps omit sections that suffer from particularly bad conditions,

 

PUBLIC FOOTPATH – Note that small sections of this route follow a path that is a Public Footpath. Rarely used, but if members of the public are there, please be respectful.

 

UKA PERMIT

 

Permit number Link to image of UKA Race Permit. [When Available, the official licence will replace the initial notice of approval that is shown below]

 

 

OFFICIALS

 

Race Referee – Mike Heare

Race Director – David Mather

 

 

 

OTHER INFO

 

RACE NUMBER / TIMING CHIPS

 

No number/chip = no result for you (don't start without one)

 

Wear the number most recently allocated - if you use an old one you find at home and it's not currently registered to you, you will not appear in the results

 

Please make sure you do not hold your hand over your number/chip when you cross the finish line - hold arms to side or above your head. You may not get registered by the system and the backup video at the finish will not record your number.

 

Please do not get close to the timing equipment (finish) once you've been through the finish once. Repeated 'pings' slow down the results system

 

Please do not take unused chips (from runners who are not running) close to the finish.... otherwise those not attending will appear in the results.

 

Full details can be found here on the GLCL Website - Entry / Registration Section

 

 

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 Code of Conduct at all times.  Full details can be found here on the  GLCL Website - Rules

 

 

COMPETITION RULES

 

Full details can be found here on the  GLCL Website - Rules

 

 

CONFIRMED results for Road Series Race 1/2 @ Chepstow/Lliswerry

 CONFIRMED results for Road Series Race 1/2 @ Chepstow/Lliswerry are now available by clicking on the website links below. 

INTERACTIVE RACE RESULT AND CATEGORIES - CHEPSTOW

INTERACTIVE RACE RESULT AND CATEGORIES - LLISWERRY

INTERACTIVE SERIES TOTAL

All queries to be sent to glclxc@gmail.com

2024/25 GLCL XC Series: Fixture 2 of 5 Lliswerry

 

RACE	GLCL XC Race 2: Lliswerry
HOST	Lliswerry Runners
VENUE	Cefn Wood, Rogerstone, Newport, NP10 9YX
DATE	24th November 2024, 11am
CONTACT DETAILS	Sarah Lauder
TIMETABLE	Adult Race Start 11am. For Junior race details please contact the organising club by email: chair.lliswerry@gmail.com

PARKING

 

PARKING IS EXTREMLEY LIMITED AT CEFN WOODS PLEASE ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO PARK

As the venue is located in a residential area and its continued use relies on the goodwill of the local community we request that all runners park considerately at all times, and avoid using residential roads where possible.

There will be no parking at Rogerstone Primary School.  Please use the car park at 14 Locks Canal Centre, or on-road parking at the Wern Industrial Estate (next to Tiny Rebel and toilets).  There are parking restrictions in place at Wern Industrial Estate, please follow the parking marshals advice when parking.  Both car parks are a 15 minute walk from the venue.

TOILETS

 

Tiny Rebel Brewery (Wern Industrial Estate, NP10 9FQ) have very kindly allowed access to their toilets BEFORE the adult race only from 10am.  Please ensure that you remove all dirty footwear before entering the premises.  We can recommend Tiny Rebel for a post race pint or Sunday lunch!

COURSE

Please see the attached map for the race route.  All runners should collect their individual race number prior to the start of the race.  No race number = no result.  Results/Times will be recorded gun-to-chip.

 

The race will start on the football pitches above Rogerstone Primary School and will be clearly marked by flags.  From the start runners will head East, upon reaching the footpath, runners will be directed up hill through the trees, the route will then head out onto open fields where runners will follow a zig-zag track uphill. Runners will then follow the boundary of the fields before heading downhill and into Cefn Woods. The course follows a technical single track through the woodland before emerging on the lower playing fields. The route then hugs the treeline to complete the first lap. 

 

At the end of lap 4, runners will be directed by marshals to make a right-hand turn down a bank onto the lower playing fields and into the finish funnel.  As you cross the finish mats please ensure that your race number is not obscured by clothing or your hands/arms. Runners are then requested to move away from the finish line promptly to avoid unnecessary congestion. 

 

Lliswerry Runners request that once runners have finished their run, they do not use the course to warm down.  We also encourage all runners to support their team mates as they complete the course, but ask that you please stay off the course as you cheer your runners home!

 

FIRST AID

 

St Johns Ambulance will be in attendance for the duration of the race

 

RISK ASSESSMENT

 

The course does contain a number of potential hazards as you would expect at any cross country race, these include, tree roots, rocky ground, tree stumps, branches, bushes, and uneven ground.  As the course uses large sections of grassland, if the weather has been wet prior to race day, the course is likely to be boggy, muddy and slippery in places.  Lliswerry Runners encourage all participants to wear appropriate footwear for the nature of the course.  Due to a rocky section through the woods we do not recommend spikes.

Date:	Assessed by:	Location :	Review :
Starting 24/11/2024	Sarah Lauder	Rogerstone, Newport	Version 2 27/10/2024

  

What are the Hazards?	Who might be harmed	Risk Rating	Mitigation	Resultant Risk Rating
Rough/Uneven Ground	Runners	H	Runners advised pre-race to wear appropriate footwear.   Advise runners in pre-race briefing.   Hazards to be identified and marked with warning tape where significant or avoided where possible.   Marshal provided at points of particular hazard.	M
Other users of the route may be present e.g. the general public (walkers/dog walkers)	Runners & the general public	M	Runners advised in pre-race briefing. Marshals provided at critical points to warn both runners and others. Wearing of headphones by runners prohibited.	L
Possibility of loose dogs being exercised	Runners	L	Marshals to advise dog owner of event and suggest/request  that they leash their dog whilst event is held	L L
Section of route through woodland	Runners	H	Route cleared of loose debris.   Roots and overhanging/encroaching undergrowth trimmed.   Low branch on entry to eastern wood path wrapped in warning tape and marshal sited immediately in advance to give audible warning.	M
Junior Events Only:  Young runners	Junior runners	M	Races of suitable length/difficulty for age.   Separate races for differing age groups.   Each runner supervised by parent/responsible adult/coach	L
Junior Events Only: Risk of misdirection	Junior Runners	M	Entire course to be in view of adult marshals.   Marshals provided at each significant change of direction	L

UKA PERMIT

 

Race Permit: CC-24-33

 

OFFICIALS

 

Race Referee: Mike Heare

 

 

OTHER INFO

RACE NUMBER / TIMING CHIPS

No number/chip = no result for you (don't start without one)

 

Wear the number most recently allocated - if you use an old one you find at home and it's not currently registered to you, you will not appear in the results

 

Please make sure you do not hold your hand over your number/chip when you cross the finish line - hold arms to side or above your head. You may not get registered by the system and the backup video at the finish will not record your number.

 

Please do not get close to the timing equipment (finish) once you've been through the finish once. Repeated 'pings' slow down the results system

 

Please do not take unused chips (from runners who are not running) close to the finish.... otherwise those not attending will appear in the results.

 

Full details can be found here on the GLCL Website - Entry / Registration Section

 

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 Code of Conduct at all times.  Full details can be found here on the  GLCL Website - Rules

 

COMPETITION RULES

Full details can be found here on the  GLCL Website - Rules

 

 

2024/25 GLCL XC Series: Fixture 1 of 5 Chepstow

 

RACE	GLCL XC  Race 1 Chepstow
HOST	Chepstow Harriers
VENUE	Piercefield Park, Chepstow. Accessed via car park at extreme southern end of Chepstow Racecourse.
DATE	Sunday 20th October 2024
CONTACT DETAILS	Andy Creber ac@ghost.org.uk
TIMETABLE	Other races: Juniors 10am (Reg from 9am)   Seniors GLCL Race briefing 10:50am Seniors GLCL Race 11.00am

 

PARKING

WTW – fatigued.beads.among    Grid ref: ST523945 Access is through the little used ‘Lions Gate’ as last year.

 

TOILETS

Only in car park

 

Walk to Start: Approx 650m, undulating, sheltered.

 

COURSE

Unusually, the sheep this year have been let into the park at the end of last week, which is extremely late. As a result, the grass is very long. Considering that the two ‘water features’ we choose from are a shadow of their former selves, I have been presented with an interesting challenge. We are training the sheep as best we can on path clearance and the local Primary school are assisting by regularly topping up the pond. In case neither are effective I’ve had to be a little creative with the course to be on the safe side. For those traditionalists getting a bit nervous, you can rest assured that the course stays within the ethos of traditional cross country. There are no artificial obstacles (shallow puddle excepted) or ‘engineered’ natural ones.

The Adult course comprises of a 150m uphill ‘lead in’ from the Start, to the first full lap. This to be followed by two further full laps and then a return on a 300m section alongside the main gravel park access track, to the Finish. A total of approx 7k

Junior course length to be decided.

Please do not visit the Park in advance of the race. Although it is heavily used by the public, it is a private estate. More to the point, there is work that needs doing and we would wish you to experience this wonderful venue when the course is good and ready for you.

 

FIRST AID

 

First Aid will be provided by St John’s Ambulance..

 

RISK ASSESSMENT - This is as in 2023 (Below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UKA PERMIT

 

OFFICIALS

 

Mike Heare

 

 

OTHER INFO

RACE NUMBER / TIMING CHIPS

No number/chip = no result for you (don't start without one)

 

Wear the number most recently allocated - if you use an old one you find at home and it's not currently registered to you, you will not appear in the results

 

Please make sure you do not hold your hand over your number/chip when you cross the finish line - hold arms to side or above your head. You may not get registered by the system and the backup video at the finish will not record your number.

 

Please do not get close to the timing equipment (finish) once you've been through the finish once. Repeated 'pings' slow down the results system

 

Please do not take unused chips (from runners who are not running) close to the finish.... otherwise those not attending will appear in the results.

 

Full details can be found here on the GLCL Website - Entry / Registration Section

HEADPHONES

In accordance with UKA Rule T56 S3, 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 Code of Conduct at all times.  Full details can be found here on the  GLCL Website - Rules

 

COMPETITION RULES

Full details can be found here on the  GLCL Website - Rules