COTSWOLD HILLY 100 CHARITY RELAY RACE - SUNDAY 21st MAY 2006

Organisers Stratford-upon-Avon AC have invited Amazing Feet RC to take part in the above event.  The race is a 100 mile relay of approximately 10 miles each. The route starts from the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon at various times in the early morning with a view to completing the course by about 5.30 - 6.00pm the same day. Teams consist of 10 runners (male, female or mixed) each completing one 10-mile leg. It is possible for a team to split legs amongst more runners, but then that team is not eligible for the team trophies.

The route is circuitous around the Cotswolds using country lanes as far as possible, but inevitably some main roads have to be negotiated, so there are safety issues to consider. Each runner has to be responsible for his/her own safety, since due to the nature of the event there are no marshals or First Aid facilities available. As the name of the race implies, it is quite hilly in places, with some legs being quite challenging. Route instructions and maps are issued beforehand, and although the route is marked with small arrows at each turning point, it is each runner's responsibility to negotiate the route successfully. Teams generally support each other in cars or minibus, driving around the course to drop runners for the start of their leg and picking up at the end etc.

The cost of entry will be £6 per runner (£60 per team). Entries should be received by March 31st.

Every competitor receives a memento, but this year the event and prize categories have been revised as follows :

COTSWOLD HILLY 100 RELAY RACE - COMPETITION RULES

1.  All runners must be members of the club they represent and wear club colours with the race number pinned securely and visibly on the front.

2.  There are 3 events - an 'A' (or main) race, a 'B' race and a Ladies Race, for which each runner will receive a race memento.

3.  Start times are 5am, 6am or 7am.  The 'A' (main) race start is at 7am. Teams in the 'B' and Ladies' Races should choose a start time with the aim of completing the event by approximately 6pm the same day.

4.  a) To qualify for the race trophies, teams must have no more than 10 runners, each normally running one leg only.

     b). A runner may only run two legs, and no more, which must be consecutive, if the next team member does not turn up. The team will still be eligible for the team trophies.

     c). A runner who misses the start of his/her leg may take over part way into the leg provided that this occurs before the approximate half-way point of the leg. The team will still be eligible for the team trophies.

5.  The Race Baton must be carried in the hand with nothing attached eg string, velcro, glue etc. and handed over to the next runner at the changeover point.

6.  If a runner goes the wrong way, he/she must return to the point on the course where they left it to avoid short cuts.

7.  Recording the time for each leg is the responsibility of the team captain. The total time for each team will be recorded by official timekeepers.

8.  In the interests of both personal and road safety, cyclists may accompany runners provided that they do not provide any help by means of pacing and/or drafting protection. Therefore, a cyclist should remain BEHIND the runner if staying with him/her, or cycle ahead to stop and wait in stages.

9.  All Stratford-upon-Avon AC members have the power of race marshals.

That's it - a very early start and probably a very tiring day, but it sounds as though it could be a whole lot of fun with a serious run for each of the team members. We have to confirm by March 31st, so please let RICHARD BAKER know of your interest by March 19th (Forest of Dean Half). Those registering an interest are shown below :

CHRISSIE SMITH; RICHARD BAKER; RUTH FINNEY; MIKE CLACKSON