FAQ Blackrod Scarecrow 10k Race – Event ID# 8976

Q. How can I contact the event organiser?

A. The event organisers contact details are displayed at the top of the event listing page.

Q. I can no longer run - can I have a refund?

A. Sorry, once payment is accepted, we will not allow refunds for this event for any reason. (This includes injury, illness, since booked a holiday, the goldfish escaped, I'm rough after the England match etc!) This is due to the large upfront costs associated with setting up the race which remain the same whether you take part or not. You will however be able to transfer your place to another runner. Details below.

Q. I can no longer run - can I transfer my place to another runner?

A. Yes - you can! Any financial transaction for the place must be organised directly between yourselves though.

To do so, the replacement runner will need collect the original runners' running bib on the day at the registration desk by providing the original runners name to the staff manning the desk. This number will then need to be taken over to the 'Enquiries/Transfers' desk where the bib will be transferred over into the replacement runners name.

Q. I am injured, can I defer my place to next years race?

A. This is the first staging of this race, and whilst it is hoped that this will be a huge success and become an annual event in the running calendar, a lot depends on how this first race goes and feedback from the race. Therefore, we are not allowing deferrals to a future event. You can however transfer your place to a friend/family/colleague/club member. See above.

Q. Where can I find a map of the course?

A. Please download the attached files for a map of the course and elevation profile.

Q. What are the parking arrangements?

A. PARKING IS LIMITED - PLEASE CAR SHARE WHERE POSSIBLE!!!!!!

NOTE: THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING AT RACE HQ OR ON THE ROAD OUTSIDE RACE HQ!

As this event is part of a weekend long scarecrow festival, the village already suffers from increased traffic. We do not wish to add to this issue.

Please therefore approach the parking area (see image below) via the A6 Blackrod by-pass and park on Chorley Road (B5408) on the upward slope on the left hand side of the road. Please do not block driveways and avoid double parking as this road is a bus route. The road is quite wide, but please leave enough room for two buses to pass in opposite directions. Please do not block bus stop areas.

NOTE: Parking is a 10-15 minute walk to race HQ from this location (top of the hill - turn right). Please allow plenty of time to park, walk to, register for and warm up ahead of the race start.

A very limited number of alternative small car parks are available dotted around the village.

Street parking is discouraged and should be considered a last resort however if you absolutely must, again please park considerately and do not block driveways or double park. Please avoid parking on the race route! Parking wardens often operate in the area.

Your compliance with regards to parking is appreciated. We want to be welcomed back next year!

Q. How, where and when do I register for the race?

A. Running bib numbers for all pre-entries will be available for collection from Hilltops Sports and Social Club on Hill Lane. The registration desk will open at 07.30am and close at 08.45am. Please pin your bib number clearly on your chest/stomach (i.e. not under your jumper, on your thigh, your back or any other body part)! If the race timers can't see your bib number as you cross the line, you won't feature in the race results and won't be eligible for any prize you may have otherwise have won. Race start is 9.00am PROMPT.

Q. Can I enter the race on the day?

A. RACE FULL - NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY - SORRY!

In the event that the race does not sell out in advance, entries will be available to purchase on the day priced at a flat rate of £20 - cash or (preferably) contactless card payments accepted. Please however pre-enter to avoid extra cost and possible disappointment - it makes our life easier too!

Q. What is the course surface like?

A. The first 30% is on tarmac footpaths/country lanes. The middle 50% is dirt tracks, canal towpath and uneven surfaces. The remaining 20% return route is back onto tarmac to the finish. If its a hot day, the course will be dry. Of course if it has rained, the course could be muddy, slippery and wet! Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions on the day. The offroad sections are on gravel roads and canal towpath. Please be mindful of uneven surfaces (potholes, tree roots etc).

Q. Do you have road closures in place?

A. No, you will be running without road closures therefore we ask that you adhere to the no earphones policy for safety reasons. Marshals will be in place at busier T-junctions and at all (four) crossing points so please follow important guidance from them! You are reminded however that you alone are responsible for your own personal safety when crossing roads and at junctions. You should follow straight ahead and remain on footpaths (where available) at all times unless instructed otherwise by marshals or signs. Please be aware of road users and pedestrians/cyclists at all times who may be enjoying the route themselves. Please be courteous and considerate - paths, towpath and bridleways are shared spaces and you may encounter cyclists/dog walkers and the like!

Q. Is this a flat course? How would you describe it?

A. You will love the first 75% of the course which is downhill or flat! Perhaps not so much the last 25% which is a steady uphill finish. What goes down must come up! ;)

Q. What other activities will be on in the village?

A. The 10k takes place in the Sunday morning of the Blackrod Scarecrow weekend. We would encourage you to purchase a program and spend the day walking round the village to view the weird and wonderful scarecrows on display. Whilst we are not responsible for any other entertainment in the village there is usually a fun fair, childrens activities such as pebble painting, tombola stalls etc along with local shops which would appreciate your support.

Q. What prizes are available? Will I win?

A. Sure, somebody will win! We have kindly been donated oodles of prizes allowing for first 3 Male/Female finisher prizes, first 3 male/female local runners PLUS plenty of spot prizes to be distributed randomly (everyone is in with a chance). Maximum of one prize per leading runner. Prize giving will be on the day inside Hilltops Sports & Social Club. Approximately 30-45 minutes after the first finisher crosses the line.

Q. Are there refreshments at Race HQ?

A. We have a catering van on site selling tea/coffee and bacon/sausage butties. Sweet Revenge (3 minute walk from race HQ) have agreed to open early for hot drinks, fruit etc and they also sell some lovely cakes!

Q. Can I run with my dog?

A. Sorry, for the safety of other runners we are not permitting dogs to run the race. Dogs are welcome to spectate with non runners - but no muddy paws please in race HQ!

Q. Is the course suitable for wheelchair users?

A. No - unfortunately not.

Q. Can I walk the course rather than run?

A. This is a 10k 'race' and marshals are giving up their time voluntarily to enable the race to take place. Without their support, the race simply could not go ahead. With consideration to the fact that marshals will have been on site from 6.30am in the morning, its only fair that we have a cutoff of 2hrs 15 minutes for the race - after which marshals (and race timing services) may be withdrawn.

Q. Why have you put on this new event?

A. Having lived in Blackrod all my life, I felt it was time to give something back to my local community by putting on an event in the vlllage and try to support some of the local shops and businesses in the area. Many of these businesses have been kind enough to sponsor the race and/or provide prizes for runners. It is hoped that runners from throughout the NorthWest (and further afield) will attend the race, bring their families, enjoy the race, then stay in the village to walk round and enjoy the scarecrow festival and help boost the local economy.

Q. Is there a start list for the event?

A. Yes, we now have a start list which will be updated after every batch of entries. You can find it on this link: https://www.ukresults.net/2024/blackrod.html

This page will also become the results page after the race has taken place.

Q. What time does the race start? What time should I arrive?

A. The race will start at 9am PROMPT! This doesn't however mean you should rock up at 8.55 and expect to make the race start! Race HQ will be open from 07.30am for runners to 'check-in' and register. Race registration will CLOSE at 08.45am. You will be issued with a running bib to attach to your chest with safety pins. We would suggest that you arrive no later than 08.15 which will give you sufficient time to collect your number, soak up the atmosphere, warm up and be ready for the safety briefing and race start.

Q. What if I am late and miss the start?

A. The race will start at 9am PROMPT. If you do arrive late, then please let an official know. Do NOT just set off and run the course anyway. We count runners out, and we count them back in again as we need to be aware of EXACTLY the number of runners that are out on the course for safety reasons. BE ADVISED: YOU MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO RUN IF YOU DO NOT ARRIVE IN TIME. Please arrive early and don't put us in the awkward position of saying 'NO YOU CANNOT RUN'! - Thankyou.

Q. Are you selling Scarecrow Festival Event programmes?

A. The village Scarecrow Committee will have a small table located at Race HQ with programmes for sale priced at £2 (cash only). Its great value and contains lots of information about what's on in the village over the scarecrow weekend, locations of officially registered scarecrows etc. It also contains entries to a prize raffle with a 1st prize £100. The sale of the programme contributes greatly to the running of the festival year on year and allows them to donate hundreds of pounds to local voluntary groups in the village.

Q. I am worried I will come last!

A. You won't be the last finisher as we have a tail runner! That said even those finishing towards the back are still lapping everyone sat on the couch!

Q. Where can I find a gpx file of the route?

A. Please click the file attached below.