Runners Predicted Times
We aim to make this race as equally friendly for beginners, as we do supporting our competitive runners. The race has a 7 hour cut off with full support for our last runners making it to the finish safely, and we support our faster runners with lead bikes and their own nutrition at aid stations. Details below under 'Elite Support' for elite status qualification. Anyone running 5.5 hours or longer will start an hour before the mass start, to ensure they receive maximum support and marathon finish line experience and the incredible spectators and cheer squads along the way. If you believe you will be running longer than 5.5 hours, please email us to let us know after entering, as we need to allocate you into the correct starting time and pen, otherwise you may find yourself without support/aid stations along the route after 2pm, and we cannot guarantee or chip timing company will be able to stay after this time.
Registration
You will be issued with your race number and timing chip at registration, 4pm-7pm Saturday 12th April at Morriston Playing Field, Haugh Road, Elgin, IV30 1AW, and 6:45-7:30am morning of the race at the same location. We strongly advise that you collect your race number & timing chip the day before if possible as the morning will be busy with limited persons to issue bibs.
Bib collection will also be available at a to-be-determined venue in Inverness & potentially Aberdeen. This information will be circulated on email leading up to race day and how to opt in to this.
Parking
Ample free parking is available nearby. We recommend parking at the Elgin Academy which is 0.4 mile walk from the start. Address: Morriston Road, Elgin, IV30 4ND.
Pre-race
There are 2 male and 2 female toilets will be available in the Athletics Club beside the track (plus urinals), and in the leisure centre 150m from the start. There are separate changing facilties here as well for male and female. You will be able to leave your drop bag here as well for after the race, however belongings are left at owners risk. Ample parking is available nearby if you wish to leave your post race gear there, or if you are a leisure centre member for Moray Fit Life, Hilife Highland, Sport Aberdeen, More4Life, LiveBorders, Orkney, Western Isles or Argyll & Bute you can use the facilities there 150m from the start and finish.
Race Start
The mass event race will start promptly at 8am just outside the track on the riverside path. Please align yourself nearer the front or back depending on your estimated time to avoid bottlenecking in the first half a mile until you get out onto the road. Starting 'pens' will be marked out for you. For our runners who are running 5.5 hours or longer, you will be starting your race at 7am, to maximise you race day experience and feel fully supported and cheered on within the thick of the race day!
The Race
This event is held on roads that remain OPEN to traffic. The cut off is 6 hours for the mass start due to this, and 7 hours for 7am starters. All runners are responsible for their own safety and must remain aware of other road users at all times, and can hear the marshals instructions if needed. The use of headphones (with the exception of bone conducting headphones) is not permitted. There are 7 safety cars on route helping with the control of traffic, and helping any runners with issues, alongside cycle marshals. There will be 6 drinks stations with water and Active Root, and 2 unmanned water stations situated around the course roughly every 3 miles. Gels are not provided on the course so please bring anything you need nutrition wise. Please drop your cups/bottles as close to aid stations in the drop zones to avoid littering people's towns, villages and roads. Or if you need to dispose of litter outwith aid stations, please ONLY drop near our mile markers so we can clear this up straight after the race.
Injuries & Withdrawals
If at any time you feel unable to finish the race please get the attention of a marshal, cycle marshal, a safety car, or someone else that can, who will let the race director know and will arrange for you to get back to the finish. If you withdraw and leave without our help, please find a race official to let them know you have left the race so we can account for you, do not go home without letting a race official know. A sweeper vehicle and cyclist will follow the last runners and ensure they get back safely.
The Finish
Our finish line is at the running track where you began the race. Cross the timing pads to receive your official time and remember to smile for the camera and the crowds! At the finish area, you will receive your well earned medal, refreshments and have access to changing facilities, and nearby food & drink vendors and cafes in town. Please do not rush off without checking if you have received a prize in your category if you feel this may be possible, by checking in at our Timing Van for a self service print out of your official results.
Prize Giving
Prizegiving will be held once the Top 3 Female & Male runners are through and ready. We have prizes for male and female V40, V50, V60+. Prize giving for overall winners is based on GUN TIME not chip time. Please allign yourself accordly at the start if running competitively.
After 2pm
Marshals will be stood down at specific cut off times. Cut off times for the mass start 8am support are as follows: 90 minutes for 10km. 3 hours for 13.2 miles. 4 hours 30 mins for 20 miles. 6 hours for mile 26.2 ro receive an official time.
For our 5.5- 7 hour runners you will have 2.5 hours for 10km, 4 hours for 13.2 miles, 5.5 hours for 20 miles and 7 hours to complete and receive an official time.
2pm is the cut off and anyone coming through after this point will be supported by a safety car and tail cyclist only. A sweeper vehicle can collect runners up until mile 23 if they wish to withdraw, at which point you will be on a cycle path. A sweeper bike will be in action along this section. The sweeper vehicle will have access to cycle path again at mile 24, and mile 25. Medical provision is withdrawn at 2pm.
Spectating
We actively encourage spectators at the start and finish area! They are a huge part of creating an amazing race atmosphere so bring as many people as you like. There will be an MC entertainment, coffee, cake, refreshments, toilets. We understand the value of seeing friends and family along the route but be mindful there are 300 runners on the road so if possible, please stick to our recommended cheer spots: Lossiemouth by the bridge, mile 25.9 end of cycle path, throughout Cooper Park, or at the start and finish and avoid driving the route. Help keep the race as safe as possible.
Elite Support
We are able to support you at our race by having your personal nutrition (provided by you up to two days before) out on the course at our aid stations. We also have a lead bike for male and female out on the course to give you the best chance of cruising in for your PB. Please email us with proof of your qualifying time (sub 2:45 for male, sub 3:05 for female) acheived within 16 months of race day.
Post Race
Your results will be live that evening, via Perfect Timing website and on our facebook. Your race photos (which are all free!) will be available by the end of the following day once our photograper has edited and uploaded them all to facebook. Feel free to contact him directly for any high quality copies. Stuart Ross Media.