BALLYCOTTON RUNNING PROMOTIONS	www.ballycottonrunning.com
Frequently Asked Questions (Ballycotton '10') What do I do if my number doesn’t arrive before race day? Call to the trouble desk in the Community Hall (open from 10am) on the day for new one. If your number did arrive ok, please check that it corresponds with the number on the envelope address. If two or more members of a family/household are taking part, remember to wear the correct number! I can’t run due to injury – if I return my number can it be given to someone else? Unfortunately not. We do not have a cancellation list as we allow for a certain percentage of ‘no shows’. I can’t run, is it ok to give my number to a friend? On no account can numbers be transferred. Firstly, we take into account how many from the original entry fail to turn up in estimating our number of finishers. Secondly, if a person wearing someone else’s number necessitated medical attention all sorts of problems could arise. And thirdly, when you signed your entry form you agreed not to transfer it and we have that in writing. Must I call to the Community Hall before the race? No, once you have your race number and pins that’s all you need. Where should I pin my number? Always wear your number on the front. Fasten it at the four corners with the safety pins provided so it is clearly visible to the recorders at the finish. Make sure it’s visible! What time should we plan arrive in Ballycotton? As early as possible. There will be no parking within a mile of the village and a tow-away truck will be in operation from 10am onwards. A park ‘n’ ride system will be in place where people will be bussed in from Shanagarry, Garryvoe and outlying car parks. Buses will meet people after the race as Silver Strand (just outside the village near old church). We are travelling by train from Dublin on the Sunday – any transport to Ballycotton? There will be a coach to collect people from the Dublin train which arrives in Cork at around 11.28am. The coach will also take you back to meet the one of the evening trains. The coach driver will give details of time and from where. Is there changing facilities and showers? Changing is in the marquee situated at the school grounds next to the Community Hall. Unfortunately, we don’t have shower facilities. You can leave bags, etc in the marquee. Also, this year we have a safe area where people can leave their bikes. What’s happening in the hall? Our souvenir race T-shirts will be on sale there; you can hand in sponsorship money for the designated charity (Cork Cancer Research Centre) and maybe purchase a bargain from the John Buckley Sports stand. After the race, tea and biscuits will be available and the prize-giving takes place at 4.30pm approx. Any massage for aching muscles? No, yes the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists will again be providing this service before and after the race in the marquee. How far is it to the start from the hall & marquee? Just over half a mile. Once again, in view of the huge numbers, give yourself plenty of time to get there as you will have to approach the start from the back. Where can we leave our sweatshirts, etc.? There will be a baggage area above the start. You can put your gear in the bag provided which will be labelled with your number and collect it afterwards. Any gear left on the wall near the start will be collected and left up at the baggage area. With the big numbers taking part, is it necessary to be near the front to get a good start? Unless you are hoping to run at least 55-56 minutes, you have no business up at the front. There will be time zones on signs, please go into your appropriate one. Ballycotton is a very deceptive course and most people make the mistake of going off too fast and then dying on the way back. For your own sake, and everyone else, take it easy at the start. Is it ok to wear my iPod during the race? No - this year we are banning all iPods, personal stereos, etc for safety and insurance reasons. To avoid the embarrassment (to you and to us) of having you removed from the race, please bear this in mind. What is the course like? It’s a spoon-shaped route, three miles out to a loop of four miles, and three miles back. As we mentioned, the first mile-and-a-bit is gently downhill but the same section is very tough on the way back. What about drinks along the way? There will be water stations at 3M, 7M and 8½M. What’s the procedure at the finish? After crossing the line, keep your position in the funnel while your number is being recorded. At the end of the funnel you will receive your mug (and if you’re in the Top 100, a T-shirt). Water, bananas and bars will be available at the baggage area. How do we get back to the hall? After collecting your gear you will be directed by the race stewards on what route to follow. Please show a bit of consideration for those still finishing as you make your way back to the hall. When will results be available? We hope to have some results displayed in or near the hall before the prize-giving. All the results should be up on our website (hopefully) by Monday. Also, we will be sending out the result booklet as usual to every entrant within two weeks. Any chance of seeing a photo of ourselves finishing in glory? There will be several links from our website which will contain pictures of the race – check it out the following day. Is it possible to get extra sponsorship cards for the race charity? Yes, this year’s designated charity is the Cork Cancer Research Centre and a card is included with your race package. If you require more cards you can contact us and we will post them on. What’s the walk on Saturday about? It’s the annual sponsored walk in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and the Ballycotton/Shanagarry Senior Citizens Committee. It starts at 2pm and for details of the course, contact 021-4646091. Anything happening on Saturday night? Yes, the video of last year will be shown in some of the local pubs, along with plenty of music and craic. What’s the story on Sunday night? More of the same (in the same establishments). You can watch the video, talk about your splits, injuries, lack of training/too much training, the last hill, etc. etc., while you celebrate or drown your sorrows. Is there still accommodation available locally? Contact Anna Casey at sunvillehouse@eircom.net - she may be able to help. Any local attractions? Have a look at the East Cork Tourism website at www.eastcorktourism.com Also, there are two Ballycotton websites as follows: www.ballycotton.com and www.ballycotton.ie What are Mass times locally? On Saturday night (March 8th) in Shanagarry at 7.30pm, Sunday morning Ballycotton 9.30am and Shanagarry 11am. And finally, would any help be appreciated? It most certainly would! We are always looking for people to help out on the day. If available, your assistance would be gratefully appreciated. Email us at ballycottonrunning@eircom.net
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