New Year Box Hill Knacker Cracker

These are the race instructions for the Knacker Cracker, 11.00am, 1 January

You will not be sent anything through the post.

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. There are significant changes to the race this year, including additional distance and hills, so that this is closer to 12km than 10km.

More excellent marshals are always needed (can't run? please marshal!). Marshals get great goodies and a place in a future race. Please email me at rob@trionium.com.

Park along the road. DO NOT PARK in the main car park at Rykas. Marshals should be on hand to direct you. You can also park at the top car park at Box Hill Fort but this is National Trust Pay and Display (£3 - all day).

Do not leave valuables in your car or bag.

Race HQ is at the bottom of the slope - same as last year.

You should plan to pick up your running numbers at least 30 minutes before the start time.

There will be a bag and key drop at the start. Nothing fancy, but safe and dry. Don't leave anything valuable in your bag either.

Toilets are a few minutes walk from the start, behind the bikers' cafe. They can be a bit grimy, and you should go before you come - so to speak. There are no changing facilities: The start/finish area is on the side of a hill.

Please wear fancy dress if possible (a funny hat at least - come on!) There will be separate prizes for fancy dress.

Please do not wear headphones on the course. Please support your fellow runners to the MAX! Please - no spitting...(Yeuch!)

The course is everywhere steep, slippery, hilly, rutted, bramble-ridden, obscured, icy, dangerous, snowy, perilous, challenging and muddy. Be careful... you have been warned!

You will certainly benefit from as much grip as possible - this is certainly a route for trail shoes if you have them. However, NO SPIKES OR STUDS.

If the stepping stones are submerged, retrace your steps over the footbridge. Run on the left at all times.

This is a very isolated course - you are your own supporters. Support each other with friendly imprecations or a thumbs up (yes, even the really fast runners!), and you'll all enjoy it a lot!

Please thank the marshals... without them, the race cannot take place!

Top tips?
Where there are stairs, walk (unless you are in the top 10!): No stairs? Run!
You will get much warmer than you expect: ditch a layer if you can.
Make at least one new running friend!
Enjoy the views!
Keep smiling!

There will be water stations on the route with sweets - gels and camelbacks are not required.

Prize-giving will take place at the race finish from 12.30 onwards. First lady home will win the 'Knicker Knacker' trophy. You must be present to win a prize. This includes a free raffle, based on your running number. Free soup and sandwiches will be available after the run, courtesy of Soup Dragon and the Roblets. You will also be able to pick up your race shirt, medal and race momento. You size preference is printed on your running number - please stick to your stated size preference or you might take someone else's shirt!

I hope that you will enjoy the changes that we have made to the course this year - we'll appreciate your feedback after the race.

The race is set to raise over £1000 for charity, including Rianna's Fund (http://www.riannasfund.org/) which will be marshaling at the stepping stones/footbridge.

knackercracker@trionium.com