ATR: 2016 Race Brief

2016 Antonine Trail Race: RACE PACK
Welcome to the 2016 Antonine Trail Race. We thank you for entering and playing a part in a race we are proud of. Before we go into the race particulars, we would like to recognise the great work of previous Race Director Robert Sanderson who established this race in 2012 and has nurtured it into a fantastic event. For personal reasons Robert has handed over the reins to a new committee headed up by James Stewart and a group of supporters and volunteers from in and around the area. Thanks Robert for all your efforts and continued support.

This pack will contain all the information we think you will need ahead of race day. Please take the time to read this pack before asking any questions. The chances are it will be included within the info below. Your race team will be busy all week with their own work and lives as well as setting up the race so you’d be helping us with this!

2016 Charity Partner: Kilsyth Community Foodbank
We are proud to support Kilsyth Community Foodbank and we will be donating profits from the race to them once all costs and expenses have been realised.

KCFB will be with us on race day to do a food drive. This is optional but we ask all runners to try and bring whatever they can to support this local charity. Non-perishable foods please, tins, dried pasta, etc. Thanks for your support!

FIRST REMINDER: The clocks go back next week! Remember that. You will not be allowed to start an hour early!

RACE DETAILS
Time: 10:00am
From: Antonine Sports Hub, Croy (next to Croy train station), G65 9HD
Registration: from 08:30am at the Sports Hub
Race brief: 09:45am at start line
Timing: Manual
Numbers: Allocated on arrival, in reverse alphabetical order for a change

FANCY DRESS
It is Halloween weekend and fancy dress is optional but there will be a spot prize or two for the best dressed. This is totally subjective and down to taste and our judges cannot be bribed. Not even with cake.

TRANSPORT AND PARKING
Unfortunately, Scotrail trains are off until around 11:00 on race day. There is a replacement bus service in place. Please check with Scotrail before you travel if you intend using this method.

Parking is available at Croy Train Station and we would ask as a courtesy that you use the furthest away car park (around 200 metres) to park in. It is important that we maintain good relations with Scotrail and we appreciate your support in this matter. Please car share where you can.

Bags can be left in the Sports Hub at your own risk.

COURSE
The course is over mixed terrain with long spells of landrover trail, forest trail, lush grass, tarmac, a wooden boardwalk and hard packed paths. A good hybrid shoe is always advised. There are likely to be 3 or 4 short sections where it will be muddy depending on the weather this week.

The race starts just next to Croy Station and then meanders over Croy Hill, to Auchinstarry and then via the Coach Road to Kilsyth. From there it goes through the old market town into the marsh connecting Kilsyth with Twechar. At Twechar it follows the canal towards Glasgow for a short spell before dropping under the canal via an old burn and tunnel and through Twechar, up over the Creecywood Trail and Bar Hill, descending towards Croy. The last few miles are up over Croy Hill, and retracing the opening 3k back to the base.

For a full blow-by-blow account of the route, go to this link: https://jamesstewart13.com/2014/10/16/antonine-trail-race-mile-by-mile-run-through/

Please note that that there will be a change to the normal route at the Coach Road to Stirling Road trail section which will be well marked on the day. This is due to land work going on in the area.

FACILITIES
There is a coffee kiosk at Croy Station. This provides some basic foods, hot drinks and snacks. It may not be open on Sunday due to the trains being off. There is a nearby Tesco (about 1 mile) and Mace shop in Croy for last minute snacks.

There are toilets available at the Sports Hub and also a couple of changing rooms for boys and girls. The shower facilities are available for use.

MARKING AND MARSHALLS
The course will be well marked with arrows pointing the way where we think you may go awry. However, we would suggest that you use a GPX file for the course on your watch if you can. There will be mile markers on the course but not for every mile so don’t be surprised if you run from 5 to 8 without seeing one.

There will be marshalls dotted around at key points and will be wearing hi-vis vests and generally being the best folks you could have out there. Don’t be scared to high-5 them.

First aiders from St Andrew’s ambulance will also be present on the course.

WATER STOPS
There will be a water station at around 7 miles. Just after the wooden boardwalk at Drumbeck Marsh. This will be obvious on the day. We will NOT be providing bottles or cups but instead all runners are asked to carry a soft flask or bottle which they can refill at this station. This is to reduce the waste footprint of the race and to keep the trails free of any discarded bottles.

GOODY BAGS
We will give goody bags out before the race in order to ease congestion after the race and to allow some folks a quick getaway. This will contain a tee and some other little things. We will have a banana and a bottle of water waiting for you at the end too.

IMPORTANT: Tees have come in Small to XL and for any runners who asked for XS I am afraid our supplier was unable to provide, therefore all XS will be given a small.

MEDAL
You only get one of these if you finish! We will have some cute kids handing these out as you cross the line.

PRIZE GIVING
The Prize Giving will take place around 1pm. There will be prizes for:

Top 3 males
Top 3 females
Male and female V50 1^st place

PREVIOUS YEAR’S TEES SALE
We will be selling off items from previous year’s ATR races. The funds raised will go to our charity partner and if you fancy a new tee at a cheap price these will be £3 each or 2 for £5. Grab yourself a bargain and help us raise more money.

MANDATORY KIT
A mobile phone with the number of race director James Stewart in it. This is 07891 034181. We expect all runners to dress appropriately for the weather and we are not your mammies. Use your own smarts.

At time of writing [Monday] the weather looks set to be Scottish.

RULES
We have only a few rules but they are sacrosanct:
1. Respect the marshalls. They have given their time up for free so you can run
2. Always follow the marshall’s instructions, especially at road crossings. Failure to do so could result in being DQ’d.
3. Don’t litter. Anyone caught littering will be banned from future races and DQ’d on the day. We understand the odd gel top or paper flies off but be conscientious and if you can lift one bit of litter from the trail to bring home.
4. The trail is shared with others. Respect them and they will respect you. Smile, say hello and remember you are doing something great!
5. No dogs
6. Have fun!

SPONSORS AND SUPPORT
We would like to recognise the generous help and support of the following for this year’s race: