GNR logistics 😱

[Jackapoodle]

I'm looking for some advice please about logistics for an event, which have been giving me much greater issues than the training! For GNR I booked accommodation and transfer to/from start/finish through a company who haven't been that great tbh. Accommodation finally sorted out but I've got concerns about the transfer times. The pick up would have me near the start line for about 8.15am. Race starts at 11, I'm in the party at the back zone 🥳 so not likely to pass start line until 1130 - 1145? That's possibly 3.5 hours waiting time, and the weather looks pretty flipping warm. I really want to enjoy the atmosphere but it seems way too long?Im definitely not taking the coach back as it leaves at 4pm. Partly due to the temp, but mostly because I'm not a fast runner, I'm likely to finish around 3pm and as the coach hub is about 30 mins walk from finish, by time I've stretched, queued for loo 10 times and found my other half, I'd have no time to visit the Guide Dogs stand who I'm running for!!

Anyhoo, the training has been done, my long run 2 weeks ago was 10 miles so will find the rest on the day 😊

Sorry for the rubbish question but it's really worrying me. Just a panic maybe and it may turn out that you lovely experienced people think I'd be better off going earlier 🙂 ?

And who asked for this blooming weather??? I've never checked the forecast more in my life 🤣🤣 as if it will change it 🤦🏼‍♀️

I've really upped my water intake this week and Tailwind is already in the bag. I love that stuff 😄🥰

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

It seems bad that the overall time you wait to start the GNR is longer than the time you will run it, your post is very good but must be a bit off putting for anyone thinking of running it next year, the temperature on Sunday could be a bit on the warm side for running so be well hydrated, there is a very detailed post about the Great North Run on their Website page answering all your questions, I wish you good luck for Sunday, I will be watching it on the television, the program starts at 10.00am on BBC 1.

[Jackapoodle Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Oh I hope I don't put anybody off! The GNR organisers have been great and there's been lots of information from them 😊. I booked my accommodation and coach transfer through an independent events travel company and it's that company that I've had problems with. I'm just not sure it's great for me to waiting around for so long before the start.

This probably sounds very sad lol, but I've put the race on record (and the highlights!!!) as I don't want to miss anything 😂

Thank you for your good wishes, I'm going to give it my best shot

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Jackapoodle]

👍 Once again good luck Jackapoodle✔️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

The logistics of getting to a race worry a lot of runners Al so Jackapoodle ‘s post is very apt and always worth a discussion.

Now you’re on the “race circuit” you know what I mean!

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes I do know what you mean Irishprincess, I was reading in detail all the instructions for the GNR on their website, for a much smaller 10K run on Sunday I had much the same instructions, I. E, bib number must be displayed, if not eliminated from the race, nothing coverering it like a running belt, do not take the chip off the back of your bib, name, address and telephone number of the runner and a relative as well, so as you say "now I am on the race circuit"😊✔️

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Oh, I totally understand you’re feeling nervous about the logistics. It’s probably the bit many runners fret about. Running any event, but especially a big one, is nerve-racking enough without the added stress of worrying about the whole travelling to and from.

First things first, well done on all your training. It sounds as if you’ve handled it really well and you are in great shape to have a fab race.

The good news is that you don't have to worry about traffic or parking and once you’re on the coach you can just relax. You also don’t have to worry about being late!

Once the coach drops you off you can have a wander around. You don't have to be at the start line for 815 unless the organisers have given you that time which I would be surprised about because that is very early for an 11am start.

If I was you I’d ask one of the organisers (there’s usually an information desk somewhere) as soon as I arrived. But I would say you’ll have time to have a look around, soak up the atmosphere and join the loo queue all in good time before the race start.

A couple of our VRBs here are running this too. If you’d like a pompom cheer from us (virtual of course!) then let us know and we can add you to our spreadsheet.

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Also, you have run 10 miles so can have a shiny new badge. Let me know if you’d like it now or would rather wait until you get your HM badge!

Good luck, you’ll be fab and make sure you enjoy every minute 🍀🥳

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

As I’m doing the pompom post tomorrow I’ve just noticed that you are already on the list! Ignore my previous comments 🙄

[Jackapoodle Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you for this , it's very much appreciated. I'm probably (definitely?) overthinking it but it was a surprise to be looking at arriving there quite so early and then wondering what I'd do with the time, would I overheat lol, eat all my snacks before the start 🤨etc. I don't think I worded my post well as GNR have given all the relevant timings and info, and when pens open and close etc. It's just I don't know how early is too early really, and how to use that time without freaking myself out. A friend says it's (half) maranoia 😀

Oh my days, a badge is sooo tempting, thank you, but I'm going to wait until I get this HM done!

Thank you again x

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Jackapoodle]

I turned up over two hours early for a big race once and was first in the loo queue which was a real bonus! Then I just sat on a wall and watched other runners arrive, it was really interesting and the time passed quickly.

Your badge is being polished as we speak 🙂

[Jackapoodle Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you, feeling much calmer now 🙂 x

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

I know how you feel too Jackapoodle. I’d be like you and getting to the event ridiculously early. That’s ok in my book. Rather 3 hours early than screeching up with minutes to spare. 😳

Enjoy your day; it’ll be an amazing experience, and being early, and not being a fast runner (probably faster than me though!) you can literally savour every minute.

Enjoy, and please report back, sparing no detail. We love long race reports (caveat: mine are rather long, so I’m saying that hopefully to justify it!!) 😅

[Jackapoodle Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Oh thank you, I think the weather forecast hasn't helped. I usually insist on being early everywhere but I had an image of me melting in the sun and running out of mini cheddars and jelly babies before I even start 🙂 I'll give it my best shot, I've trained hard for it and actually been really relaxed about it up to now!! Although I haven't ridden my lovely pony this week just in case someone has the audacity to put out their wheelie bin early. She's fine with the bin wagon but not the wheelie bins!! 😆😆 No, I don't understand either!

I'll definitely do a report and thank you for your support and advice 😊

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Jackapoodle]

Aha scary pony objects! I was driving along with my daughter today and went past a field with a hedge trimmer in action. We commented how our naughty little Irish cob would have run for the hills, more than likely depositing his rider on the way! 😅

I’m so excited for you! Your training sounds impeccable. Mine has been shocking and I’m doing the Cardiff HM in less than a month! 😅

[Jackapoodle Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Oh it's had its ups and downs but I've generally kept on track 👍🙂 Ponies are so naughty aren't they? You just never know what they're thinking 😄

Huge good luck for Cardiff, I look forward to hearing all about it 😊 x

[Oldgirlruns 10 Miles in reply to Jackapoodle]

I love this, Jackapoodle! I once had a horse who carted me off so fast towards a bus shelter I only just had time to flatten myself on his back before decapitation! That was the umbrella episode. We don’t mention peacocks and pigs! Hope today went well, I look forward to reading your report!

[Jackapoodle Half Marathon in reply to Oldgirlruns]

😂 oh no! That sounds like a close one! Our lot have spent years grazing next to cows but heaven forbid that they see one in another field! Not too bad with the woollies. We've just moved them to fields some distance away and their neighbours are pigs. The pony eating variety apparently 😯🤦‍♀️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Race logistics are the worst part of race day! No, worrying about them in advance is the worst part!!! Three and a half hours is a very long time, probably more than you need - but definitely better early than late. It's amazing how quickly time passes. My first ever event was the GSR a few years ago. I was way too early and when I arrived the site was really quiet - I dropped my bag in an empty baggage hall, wandered round empty stands, went to the loo ... and then people began to arrive and I wandered and people watched and soaked up the building atmosphere! Eventually it was time to move to the start pen and take part in the warm up ... and finally it was time to run!

In truth, if you could shorten the wait time it would work, but if not possible I am sure you will be fine. The extra time will be the cooler bit of the day anyway, and surely there will be some shade? Just make sure you have what you need to eat/drink so you are good to go when 11am comes.

Have a wonderful time - it will be an amazing experience 😊

[Jackapoodle Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you for this, it's really reassuring and much appreciated 😊