Midsummer Munro

'The hardest half'

Box Hill, Mickleham, Surrey, UK

WARNING! These races are incredibly tough, the toughest in Britain. Take it easy!

Top tip: run the slopes, walk the stairs.

Pace yourselves - leave some for the second half.

If you can't run - please marshal!
Many marshals are needed to bring the race to a successful conclusion. If, for any reason, you can't run, please consider marshaling - it's the next best thing to running (actually, possibly better!). If you have relatives or friends coming to support you, they can take part as well. Please contact me direct at rob@trionium.com. Marshals can download the marshal instruction sheet from here. (1Mb, includes course map).

These are the race instructions for the Midsummer Munro. You will not receive anything through the post. Much more information, including the course maps and description, how to get there and spectator information, is on the race web site, at http://www.trionium.com/mm.

WARNING! The Midsummer Munro is incredibly tough, the toughest half marathon in Britain. Take it easy! Top tip: run the slopes, walk the stairs. Pace yourselves - leave some for the second half.

If the temperature at the start of the race exceeds 28¡C (30C for the Picnic), the start will be delayed until the temperature at the start line drops to this temperature, for safety reasons.

Please arrive at the race start (at the Burfoot slope, bottom of the Zig Zag Road, Mickleham, near Ryka's car park) at least 40 minutes before your race start, to collect your race number (you do not need to bring any paperwork - just yourself). Either park in Ryka's car park, or - better - along the road adjacent to the race start.

There are no toilets at the race start itself: closest toilets are behind Ryka's. Do yourself a favour and go before you come (if you can).

There are no changing facilities at the race start - it is on the side of a hill. We will have an area where you can drop your bag - don't leave anything of particular value in there. You can drop your car keys with us when you collect your race number.

The Midsummer Munro half marathon starts at 4.00pm - sharp.

Please run on the left at all times. Since this is an out-and-back course, you will be passing a lot of other runners going the other way (even if you are in the lead, or last). PLEASE give all runners maximum encouragement - you are all in this crazy race together. Headphones are banned for this very reason - do us all a favour - don't run in a bubble!

Ordinary trainers are perfectly good enough to complete this race - studs and spikes are banned (and aren't necessary anyway).

Keep to the pathways at all time.

Watch where you put your feet: the tracks we are using are uneven. Twisted ankles, tumbles and cuts are not unknown. In case of any accident or emergency, the next marshal should be within 1km of you (either in front or behind), so send a runner to get help. The race medical service provider is the St. John Ambulance Service. In any emergency, marshals will call through to a central number, and we will organise assistance.

There are water stations every 2 miles or so. At the halfway points you will be able to pick up a bottle of Lucozaid sports drink. There will be sweets and things at the water stations. You do not need a Camelbak or similar - do yourself a favour and leave it at home!

Please do not litter the course - drop cups, gel packets etc only at the water stations - thanks! (Every year we find empty gels littering the course - please don't do it!)

Mile markers are not absolutely accurate (you'll see why when you see the course), and are approximate only. However, the length of the course is as accurate as we can make it. It is not short.

The course will be marked with tape, signs, paint and marshals. Keep your wits about you and you'll get around fine. If you want a time at the end, show us your running number. No visible number, no time! Remember to smile.

Results and photos will be up on the web site after the race.

Good luck with the race - I hope you have a great day!

(Rob, race director)