The Horsforth Hurtle - Race Briefing               

The Old Ball Pub, Horsforth, LS18 5SB. Starts 18:30 - 19:30, Wednesday 27th July 2016. Organised by Country Trail Races with help from Roundhay Runners.

Thanks for wanting to take part in the Horsforth HurtleTrail Race. It is the third of four races in the Yorkshire Evening Trail Series. The distance is approximately 5 miles or 8km, on a mix of roads, tracks and field edge paths. Race registration will be in the pub garden. Come to the desk for any entries on the day, you will need to complete our entry form first. Entry prices are £5 attached / £7 unattached

You will receive a set of written route instructions to follow. Apart from fellow competitors you will be out on the course by yourself and responsible for your own safety. There are no marshals on the course. If you are comfortable with that kind of challenge, then this will be a good event for you. The instructions are easy and you can run together if you want.

Course Details

The route isn't being published in advance of the race because part of the enjoyment is discovering the route as you go. However, you can take as much time as you need to familiarise yourself with the instructions before setting off. A route update on Wednesday 20th July came with the following points and hazards noted:

• The course is mainly on footpaths, tracks and fields. The course is dry and firm, road or light trail shoes would be most suitable.
  

• Check the weather forecast on the day, summer in Yorkshire can mean any type of weather imaginable. Appropriate clothing is recommended, hat and sunscreen if warm. Take any kit or supplies that you need with you. There will be a self service water station on the course at approx 2 miles.
  

• The course is dry. The route crosses fields which have or currently contain horses, approach with care. Beware that there are many hidden divots beneath long grass where hoof prints have dried out.
  

• The route crosses several town country roads. Take care, look before you cross. Wait for a clear spot to cross.

• The route is undulating but with less climb than the previous two races in the 2016 series!.

·         Be respectful of other users on the route.

·         You must contact the finish if you are unable to complete the course. An emergency telephone number is provided on the instructions (e.g. to report retirement). For emergencies requiring urgent medical treatment dial 999 in the first instance

Entries

Parking is available at the pub but can easily fill up. Parking is available on the road past the pub. Please be considerate when parking outside people's houses.The start is only a couple of minutes up from Horsforth train station and on bus routes. Alternatively, please car share, or cycle to the event. Come to the entry point at the pub, it’ll be open from 18;15 for start times available from 18:30.

You’ll receive your instructions, and a race number that includes a £2 bar voucher to use afterwards. Familiarise yourself with the instructions first, then you must return to the desk to be timed out. You’ll set off at roughly 1 minute intervals, but you must report back to us when you finish to record a time. The same applies if you retire so we don’t have to go looking for you!

Trail Racing Tips!

It’s not difficult but the following tips might help...

• Read a couple of instructions at a time. That way you can make a turning and look for the next, this is speedy and finding the next point gives reassurance that you are on the right path. You’ll quickly build up a rhythm!

• Keep track of where you are in the instructions with your thumb.

• Run your own race. If you run with someone or, heaven forbid, follow someone else then it’s best to keep your own eye on the instructions – there’s no guarantee that the other person is correct!

• It’s fun, help out anyone needing assistance on the course.

• Use your voucher towards a drink at the pub afterwards and stop for a chat.

Click for Example Instructions

Guide to Country Trail Races