Entering Races

How Do I Take Part in Races?

There is probably a race being held near to where you live on most weekends, and on some weekdays during the summer. Several of them are ‘open’ but a few are ‘closed’ to existing club members, because they are in a series of league meetings where local clubs compete with each other.

Most ‘open’ races follow a similar pattern. They are open to adults. There is an entry fee of £5 to £10, with a £1 discount for members of running clubs. Entry can be through completing and submitting an application form and remittance, in advance, or registering on the day. Races have to be well-managed by the organisers (usually running clubs, themselves) and cannot proceed unless health and safety issues are covered and a permit granted by the regional governing body for athletics.

Results and times are recorded and published, usually on the Internet, a few days after the race. Sometimes the organisers present prizes, issue certificates and give out ‘goody bags’ to entrants.

Race distances can vary, but typical distances would be 5 kilometres, 4 miles, 10 kilometres, 8 miles, 10 miles, 13.1 miles (half marathon), 20 miles or 26.2 miles (full marathon).

Some races might involve permutations of cycling and swimming (duathlon and triathlon) for the very fit and adventurous!

Many race venues are used regularly, so safety issues are generally well known in advance. It is usual for there to be trained first aid officers on hand at races, as well as marshals and other volunteers helping with the organisation.

Some races raise money for charities, and others give participants the opportunity to fund-raise for charities of their own choice.

Caerleon Running Club

October 2005