|
RACE |
GLCL XC 25/26 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 |
4th January 2026 |
|
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 relatively tight but it
has been adequate previously. Critically, there are NO overflow options within
about 1.3 miles because nearby roads are all narrow. We are 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 on-site
car parking.
TOILETS
Portable
toilet facilities will be available in the farmyard.
COURSE
This relatively challenging farmland course measures 4.0
miles (6.5km) 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 one long loop.
Several of the fields may be 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 679 feet (170 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 and/or mud. 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
View the course, including fly-throughs, here: GLCL
XC Oldfield Farm 2026
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 elevation change – but it is upward so risks
are low. This will be well taped and marshalled. Please take it SLOWLY.
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 low to mid-range in terms of distance. The elevation profile,
potential for severe mud and the exposed nature of the farmland 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 – especially 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 change
the course somewhat on race day. Changes will be appropriately communicated and
marked.
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
OFFICIALS
Race Referee – Mike Heare
Race Director – David Mather
OTHER INFO
RACE NUMBER / TIMING CHIPS
Note that a trial manual timing procedure will be used, in
parallel to the usual chip timing. Chip
timings is the prime method. No number/chip = no result for you (don't start
without one). This trial is in preparation for potential upcoming changes.
Instructions will be given.
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
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