2024 Race Day Instructions
We’re excited to be welcoming runners to the 2024 Rabbit Run this weekend (Saturday 20 July)!
We’ve set out a few key race day instructions, from arrival on Saturday to the all-important timings. Be sure to familiarise yourself with these ahead of the event.
ARRIVING AT THE EVENT SITE
Please use the designated car parking at the top of Merthyr Mawr Lane, where traffic management and car parking attendants will guide you. Follow Postcode CF32 0LS and look for directional signage from the A48 Ewenny Roundabout and then car parking signage.
Follow the green/yellow EVENT arrows. Note that the lane from the West is closed and you need to go to Ewenny Roundabout to gain access from the A48.
There will be ample car parking space; please make a mental note of which row you are in, and be patient if coming at the busiest time.
The start/finish/event village is a short walk down the lane, which is narrow in places and uses the walkway in the field. Please follow direction from the traffic marshals. Please be aware that there are children’s races on site between 3pm and 4pm - Bunny Run at 3pm; Double Bunny Run at 3:30pm and Toddler Dash at 3:55pm. The Rabbit Run will start as close to 4pm as possible. There will be entries available for the Children’s races on the day.
NOTE: There are Fancy Dress Beer Mile Races at 6pm on a 400m circuit of the event field.
See the map below for all the key locations!
We’ve set out a few key race day instructions, from arrival on Saturday to the all-important timings. Be sure to familiarise yourself with these ahead of the event.
ARRIVING AT THE EVENT SITE
Please use the designated car parking at the top of Merthyr Mawr Lane, where traffic management and car parking attendants will guide you. Follow Postcode CF32 0LS and look for directional signage from the A48 Ewenny Roundabout and then car parking signage.
Follow the green/yellow EVENT arrows. Note that the lane from the West is closed and you need to go to Ewenny Roundabout to gain access from the A48.
There will be ample car parking space; please make a mental note of which row you are in, and be patient if coming at the busiest time.
The start/finish/event village is a short walk down the lane, which is narrow in places and uses the walkway in the field. Please follow direction from the traffic marshals. Please be aware that there are children’s races on site between 3pm and 4pm - Bunny Run at 3pm; Double Bunny Run at 3:30pm and Toddler Dash at 3:55pm. The Rabbit Run will start as close to 4pm as possible. There will be entries available for the Children’s races on the day.
NOTE: There are Fancy Dress Beer Mile Races at 6pm on a 400m circuit of the event field.
See the map below for all the key locations!
NUMBER COLLECTION
Race numbers are to be collected on arrival from the relevant tent which is split into male and female and sectioned based on your surname, which will be clearly marked. Any problems go to the Event Information tent.
START LINE/EVENT HUB LOCATION
The start line is in the centre of the field in front of Merthyr Mawr House and allows us ample space to get organised into the pens which are based on your running number. Please line up in the appropriate numbered pen. Allow ample time and bring your own pins if you have them. Thank you.
ASSEMBLY AREAS
Listen for announcements throughout the afternoon in case of any delays.
We will open the pens 5 minutes before the race start time at 3:55pm, so that there is minimum standing around. There will then be a race briefing at 4:00pm. All marshals and race volunteers can be identified by their Orange “Event Staff” t-shirts at the start/finish and around the route, and don’t forget to say thank you to them for giving up their time, directing and making the event safe and secure for you.
BAGGAGE AREA
You may leave your belongings in the baggage tent next to race number collections. There is a tear off strip on your race number. Please keep baggage to a minimum.
We expect all participants to …
Wear your number on the FRONT of your vest or T shirt. While some pins will be available on the day, we're asking participants to please bring their own if they have them.
Presentations will be made to the first 3 male and female finishers as soon as possible in the finish area. The winners of the South Wales Regional Championships will also be presented. Other age group and team awards will be forwarded in the days after the event.
IMPORTANT: During the run, if you feel unwell, get injured or see another participant in distress and requiring attention, please relay to the next marshal who will action a response medical team. Please run within your capabilities for the conditions.
TOILET FACILITIES
The number of toilets has been increased and in an area behind the race village. Please sanitise your hands after using the toilets. There are urinals placed behind the portaloos.
START RELEASE
To help runners stay safe on the run we will regulate the pens being led up to the start line. Runners will be released onto the run route to give good spacing, making it more comfortable for you.
COURSE ETIQUETTE
Please be aware that there are sections of the route that are single file. Most of the route will be dry with firm ground or sand so running shoes or trail shoes are fine.
You will be aware that there is a river crossing in Merthyr Mawr Village and in the final mile of the course. While the water level is low for this event, a rope will span the river to help support you if needed. Marshals will also be on both sides and in the river, if required.
If you are running with your phone or other electronic equipment you are responsible for its safety whilst crossing the river. You may wish to hand it to a marshal who can safely transport it across the other side.
NOTE: You may avoid the river crossing across the nearby bridge, please ask the nearby marshal for access/information.
COLLECTING YOUR FINISHING ITEMS
After completing the race, you will find your finishers bottle of water and fruit being distributed in the finish funnel. Please take one of each and move through the finishing area. Your Rabbit Run t-Shirt (if opted for one) will be distributed in the Event Tents where you picked your numbers up.
Please Note that your race t-shirt size is indicated on your race bib, and if you opted out of a t-shirt for this event (to donate to our Climate Action Fund) you will not receive one.
GENERAL WEATHER & HYDRATION
Unfortunately, the weather is looking rainy. It is looking to be wet for the duration of the event. With that in mind, be sure to:
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. It is expected to be slippier than usual, notably Quintin Wood and the river bank
- It is expected to still be warm and without wind. Please bring an umbrella as cover for yourself and family.
- Please thank the marshals who will be stood still out there on the course!
There will be containers of tap water on a table at the front of the Event Village to help yourself to pre and post-race.
There will be a drinks station at Candleston Farm just before 3 miles. These will be open paper cups. Please refill or have more than one as appropriate. An extra Drink Station will be on the “Triangle” in Merthyr Mawr Village. Please deposit the cup if finished with by the time you are at the river or hold on to it until the Castle where you can deposit with the Course Marshal. On finishing you will be given a bottle of water which can be refilled at the water containers at the HQ Tent or the refill tap in the field close to the finish arch (clearly marked).
Should you see any runners/members of the public struggling or in distress, please assist or alert the next course marshal.
CLUB MEMBERS
We are excited to welcome you to the event and invite you to bring along your club tent. We will have an area of land marked out for all clubs to pitch their tent and flags. The ground is farmland and you'll therefore need adequate ground pegs to secure the tent, if we see any tent that we believe isn't securely grounded we will ask you take it down.
CAMPING
Candleston Woods is a luxury campsite based on the Merthyr Mawr Estate, and those taking on The Rabbit Run this weekend are now invited to make their camping bookings this weekend! From only £20 (1-2 people) per tent per night you can camp under the stars in a beautiful woodland with luxury washroom facilities, including an outdoor sauna. The relaxing Outdoor Sauna is £15 per 1 hour communal session (Max 6 per session) and includes cold water shower & Drench bucket! If you'd like to make a weekend of it, you'll need to act fast! Only 100 pitches are available. To book, please email: [email protected] with the following information:
- Name
- Telephone number
- Check-in date
- How many nights stay (Fri/Sat/Sun)
- How many people staying (adults/children)
- Car registration number(s).
MEDICAL
St Johns Ambulance will be on hand around the route, however, please be aware some parts are harder to access than others, so be patient or make your way to a race marshal if safe to do so. Sun Cream is available at Event Information.
SPECTATORS
We're happy for your loved ones to come and support you, however we ask that you consider avoiding congested areas like the start and finish line. Please ask your supporters to consider cheering you on from areas along the route or prior to the immediate finish area, where there is ample room and wide spaces. Tables/chairs/blankets are available in the picnic area.
REFRESHMENTS
There will be a catering outlet on site in a well-spaced-out area, where there will be coffees, burgers and pizzas!
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!
From all at the Rabbit Run