ALDI Ashby 20

Race Updates February 2009

A few key updates for this year which will also be included in the programme.

BAGGAGE

We are offering runners three (3) options this year as not everyone liked the plan for last year and we do listen to what you tell us.

• Option1: Leave your baggage at Hood Park – it will stay there!
• Option 2. Take you own baggage to the Bath Grounds finish area yourself – it will stay there.
• Option 3: Put your bag on the baggage van at Hood Park and we will deliver it to Bath Grounds for you. We will not bring it back for you!

CHIP TIMING

We are using a different method/company this year. The chip will be a flat plastic card about ½ the size of a credit card which is tied to your shoe. It will be removed for you after you have staggered across the finish line.

There will be a START and FINISH mat and the start line will be very obvious – better than last year I promise. Results will be placed online and at the finish area in as close to real time as we can manage.

SHOWERS

We have opened up additional showers at the rear of Hood Park, they will be sign-posted.

HELP FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Last year we had a number of runners who volunteered their friends and family to help out as marshalls or on drinks stations rather than just spectate. It was a fantastic help and we would like to thank those that helped out once again. The feedback from these additional helpers was good and they told me(!) they had enjoyed being a part of the event.

If any runners have any friends or family we would be delighted to have them help out on the day. Although they don’t get a sweatshirt (special 21st hoody this year) they will get a special helpers bag with food and drink and maybe even get to meet our friendly Gorilla.

As I am sure you will appreciate these events need help from as many people as possible to keep them alive. I for one do not want to only see the really big commercial races survive and hope that we can get some additional help in order to make your day as pleasant and professional as possible. We cannot control the weather or the amount of pain you will endure but we do like to think we can make the day enjoyable.

Anyone interested please e-mail me or timsturla@aol.com with names and numbers; preferably after you have agreed it with them.

NUMBERS ETC

These are due to be sent out a couple of weeks before race day; please do not panic – our race entries team are highly efficient and are nagging us every week to make sure we get everything done on time.  Programme will also be included with all the updates and latest information.

AND FINALLY

As it is our 21st race we have a few extra’s in store in particular our roving reporter who you will not miss! If for any reason you do not wish to be interviewed and then find yourself on YouTube please do let the mad report know.

December updates

We are delighted to say that we have secured sponsorship from ALDI once again for which we are very grateful and look to put this support to great use.  We are also supporting Rainbows charity again.

One of the big improvements we had last year was bottled water albeit on the large side i.e. 500ml.  We are trying to get smaller bottles for this year but don't hold out too much hope!  Chip timing was also another new idea we added but the lack of a start line and chip timing mat at the start wasn't one of our finest moments - we do of course aim to get this better this year.

Online entries are live and we have almost 100 entrants already so please do enter ASAP as we are well ahead of last year and could be in for yet another large crowd of runners venturing out into the Leicestershire countryside and ever changing weather. 

ENTER ONLINE

If you have any thoughts or ideas please let us know by leaving a comment below.

2009 entry prices

We have decided to keep the 2009 prices the same as the 2008 prices. 

We feel this is the best decision due to the current economic climate and is our way of using the money from previous years to show our thanks to those that have supported us over some of the previous 20 years.

Ashby 20 2009

The 2009 Ashby 20 site is currently up and running but may be changed slightly over the next few weeks.  Entries can currently be made online at last years entry fee's.

On behalf of the Ashby 20 I look forward to welcoming you on our 21st birthday!