FAQ It's a Piece of Cake 10K – Event ID# 9271

Q. How do I contact the event organiser?

A. Our Race Director can be reached at: sarah_rickard@yahoo.co.uk

Q. Is there parking?

A. Yes, there is parking in the car park off Charlestown Road on the North side of the park. It is a few minutes walk from the car park to the race HQ/start. There is also parking on the main road but be mindful of residents and park considerately.

Q. Is there a bag drop?

A. Yes, we will be operating a free bag drop although we recommend you leave valuables at home or lock out of sight in your car. Note that the bag drop is outside but covered by a gazebo with a ground sheet but bags may not be kept totally dry if there is heavy rain although we will try to move bags into the cafe if this occurs. If it rains heavily we would advise leaving in your car if you can.

Q. Will my race number be posted or can I collect it on the day?

A. You can only collect your race number on the day from race HQ (near the cafe) between 9am until 10.15am. Please arrive as early as possible to reduce queues closer to the start time.

Q. Can I enter on the day?

A. No, due to changes in race rules regarding medical information provision, we will not be offering registration on the day this year.

Q. What facilities are there at the course?

A. Race HQ includes access to toilets near the car park and the Park's cafe will be open serving drinks with light refreshments and also has a few toilets. There will be period products available in these this year. There will also be a stall selling cakes for charity which we encourage you to support although those with food allergies are advised to check before they buy.

Q. Can I wear ear or head phones during the race?

A. It is important to be able to hear information provided at the start of the race and to be aware of others around you whilst you run. In line with UK Athletics race rules, competitors can only race with head or earphones that are bone conducting. For the safety of everyone in the race, runners may be disqualified if they fail to comply with these requirements.

Q. Are there any age limits for entering?

A. The event is open to anyone who is 18 years old or over on the day of the race

Q. What about participation for transgender/non-binary athletes, in light of UK Athletics/England Athletics' transgender policy?

A. From 31st March 2023, UK Athletics (the national governing body) ruled that transgender women may no longer compete in the female/women category in races at all levels, and should instead compete in the male/men category (i.e., their sex at birth). This is in line with an earlier ruling by World Athletics. As our race is insured and licensed by UK Athletics, we are officially bound by their rules of competition. However, as an LGBTQ+ running club, we fully understand the distress a transgender athlete may feel having to compete in a category for their sex at birth rather than their gender identity. We also realise the rule may act as a deterrent against taking part in running altogether, which goes against our club's general ethos of inclusion. We now have an “open” category (select “other/not disclosed” when entering), and award prizes for this category. We suggest that transgender women who do not wish to compete as a man as well as non-binary athletes who do not feel comfortable entering as a man or woman select the “open” category.

Q. Is the event suitable for runners who want to race with buggies/strollers/pushchairs or dogs as well as those who are in a wheelchair?

A. Unfortunately, the course has a number of steep hills with narrow paths in places. We have assessed that it is not safe for us to include runners with buggies etc or dogs and the course is also not suitable for wheelchair athletes.

Q. Can I defer, cancel or transfer my entry?

A. Unfortunately there is no option to cancel or transfer your entry. We can defer if the entrant is pregnant and unable to take part or in other very exceptional circumstances, please contact sarah_rickard@yahoo.co.uk to check.

Q. What happens if the race is cancelled?

A. Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances can cause running races to be cancelled although we will try to have a contingency for key risks. The most likely scenario is high winds or heavy rain that makes the park route unsuitable or unsafe for us to use (e.g. fallen trees or flooding). We keep an eye on the weather in the run up to the race and are in close contact with park officials and will cancel as early as possible if the course is not fit.
We will contact entrants by email if we have to cancel before race day, so keep an eye on your spam folder if the weather is looking dodgy! We will also ensure someone is there on the day at the cafe should we have to cancel.
If we have to cancel the race, then entrants will be entitled to at least 90% of their entry fee back, the exact figure to be determined depending on the nature of the cancellation. We are a small running club and may incur costs that must be covered regardless of whether the race goes ahead. Information will be communicated via email as quickly as possible.

Q. What prizes do you award?

A. We award cash prizes for first, second and third place for the men and women's categories based on gun time. We also offer a non cash prize for all winners of the following male and female veteran categories: V35/V40/V40/V50/V60 although. We will also award additional prizes for V70 and V80 should there be at least 3 entrants prior to race day. Those placed 1-3 in the male or female categories are not also eligible for the veteran category prizes and the next placed person will be awarded the veteran prize instead.

Q. Will there be a medal?

A. No, we want to be as green as possible so we don't offer a medal and we also give people the option of a T shirt to save waste.

Q. I don't want my photo taken, what can I do?

A. We will be taking photos and videos of the race to help promote the event in future. If you don't want us to use your image then please let the Race Director or club member taking the photo know. However, the park is a public place and we cannot stop others taking photos if they wish.