Wednesday, 23 August 2023

GLCL XC Dates 23/24

Gwent Leisure Centre League (GLCL) XC Series 2023-2024.


Please see below revised dates along with confirmed hosting clubs.
Note:  full details for each event will be shared prior to the event taking place. 
 
Dates for the XC series are as follows :
 
Sunday 22nd October - Chepstow 
 
Sunday 26th November - Caerleon
 
Sunday 7th January - Monmouth
 
Sunday 4th February - Fairwater 
 
Sunday 10th March - Parc Bryn Bach

 
All races will start at 11am.
 
Chip timing will be used.  Hold onto your current bib as a decision will be made whether to use your current bib or be issued new at the next GLCL meeting.

Tuesday, 22 August 2023

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

 

 

 

Monday, 14 August 2023

CONFIRMED results for the Road Series Race 4 @ Pontypool 1/8/23

 


CONFIRMED results for the Road Series Race 4 @ Pontypool is now available by clicking on the website link below :

Race 4 Pontypool Results

If you wish to access the interactive version of the category results then please click the below link:

INTERACTIVE RACE CATEGORY

INTERACTIVE SERIES TOTAL


All queries to be sent to glclxc@gmail.com

Friday, 28 July 2023

2023 GLCL Road Series: Fixture 3 of 4 Pontypool

 GLCL 2023 ROAD RACE 3

Date : Tuesday 1st 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

 






RISK ASSESSMENT: (see full risk assessment document attached

Risk assessment bullet points :

·        Other users on footpaths and canal towpath : take appropriate caution

·        Weather conditions may affect canal towpath, i.e. puddles, fallen trees or branches

·        Public road sections open to traffic : stay on pavement

·        Route directions : observe run route and marshal instructions


CODE OF CONDUCT

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


LICENSE

Link ---> RACE LICENSE

Link ---> CANAL RIVER TRUST

Wednesday, 19 July 2023

CONFIRMED results for the Road Series Race 3 @ Griffithstown 4/7/23

CONFIRMED results for the Road Series Race 3 @ Griffithstown is now available by clicking on the website link below :

Race 3 Griffithstown Results

If you wish to access the interactive version of the category results then please click the below link:

INTERACTIVE RACE CATEGORY

INTERACTIVE SERIES TOTAL

Thursday, 29 June 2023

2023 GLCL Road Series: Fixture 2 of 4 Griffithstown

 GLCL 2023 GRIFFITHSTOWN


Date : Tuesday 4 th  July 2023,

Venue : The Olive Tree, North Fields, Cwmbran NP44 2JJ,

Hosts : Jointly hosted by Griffithstown Harriers and Fairwater Runners Cwmbran.

Time : Race starts 07:30pm.

Distance : Race distance approx. 5.4 miles.


On behalf of Griffithstown Harriers and Fairwater Runners Cwmbran, welcome to the second of four road races of the 2023 GLCL Series, at The Olive Tree, Cwmbran.

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)

Car parking is very limited at The Olive Tree and will be prioritised for race officials and organisers, therefore you are requested to use one of the other free car parks close by; Cwmbran Station, 5 mins walk to The Olive Tree, Morrisons Supermarket (note 3 hour limit), 5 mins walk to The Olive Tree, Cwmbran town centre, 10 min. walk to The Olive Tree.



TOILET FACILITIES

Toilets facilities are available in The Olive Tree. Thanks to everyone at The Olive Tree for their cooperation with this event.


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.


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.

Most of the route is on tarmac path within North Fields, although the lap around the playing fields and the section that passes under the road bridge to and from South Fields is on grass paths where the surface is uneven and extra care is required. Marshals will direct you to run on which side when you pass under the road bridge, the section under the bridge has runners in both directions. Please note that due to recent drainage work the surface which runs along the railway (see point A on the route map below, heading towards the start) may be even more uneven than usual.

Some of the route is outside the North Fields and South Fields areas and is run on public road areas that are open to traffic. You must stay on the pavement and not run on the road. There will be other members of the public using the pavements, run with appropriate caution.

Marshals are positioned around the course at road junctions etc. and will assist with advising when safe to cross a junction.

When you finish and leave the finish funnel please leave as directed via the path around the back of The Olive Tree building and 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)

Starting at the far end of the footpath, run pass The Olive Tree and follow the path right, continue on path until directed to turn right off the tarmac footpath and onto the grass path that laps the playing fields in a clockwise direction, you pass through the start & finish area, pass The Olive Tree, follow the path right and continue on the tarmac footpath, pass the location where you previously lapped the playing field and continue until directed off the tarmac path straight onto the grass path that leads under the road bridge into South Fields, continue on grass path through South Fields until directed to turn left towards the tarmac footpath and turn left to join the footpath towards the road bridge, leave the tarmac footpath and turn slightly left to join the grass path then turn right to pass under the road bridge back to North Fields, continue on grass path straight ahead then turn right to join the tarmac footpath that takes you pass the skate park and through the open gateway out of North Fields and turn left onto Llanfrechfa Way, continue on pavement,  turning left up Llanyravon Way, continue to the top of Llanyravon Way and turn left onto Turnpike Road, continue on Turnpike Road, stay on pavement at all times straight ahead at roundabout and continue until left turn down Woodland Road, continue to the bottom of Woodland Road until directed to turn left onto tarmac river path, continue to the end of the river path, turn right onto Llanfrechfa Way then right towards North Fields, through open gateway, into North Fields, stay on tarmac footpath all the way until turning left in front of The Olive Tree, passing the building and finishing straight ahead on the grass on your righthand side.

RISK ASSESSMENT: (see full risk assessment document attached)

Risk assessment bullet points :

·        Other users on footpaths : take appropriate caution

·        Uneven surface on grass path sections : take extra care

·        Public road sections open to traffic : stay on pavement

·        Road junctions : marshal will assist when safe to cross

·        Route directions : observe run route arrows and marshal instructions


Code of Conduct

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

Monday, 19 June 2023

Update GLCL Race 2 Islwyn

We recently called a GLCL meeting in which we discussed the possibility of rescheduling the Islwyn event.  

With an already busy schedule of races we have come to the decision not to reschedule the event and make the current road series best of 3 out of 4.

We understand that some of you may be disappointed with this but we believe this to be the most sensible approach.