The Howling Bull Run 2024 briefing notes – Please read!
Thank you for entering the Howling Bull Run. I have a few things to bring to your attention:
Races start: Canicross: 11.00am Runners: 11.15am
Registration starts at 10.00am. Closes at 10.40am. All race numbers will be collected from registration. Pins will be provided. We will be taking on the day entries, but you need to register by 10.30.
Car parking – The main car park is the Walford church field car park. The car park is on grass and it is wet. Please drive carefully and follow marshal instructions. If we decide the church car park is too wet, you will be directed to Walford Timber overflow car park. There is also a church service on the same day, so please be respectful of other users. There is also a smaller car park at the village hall. There will be car park officials to direct you. Car share, if you can.
Toilets are in the hall. Do not panic if the queue is big. I will not start the race until everyone has had a chance to ‘freshen up’.
Please be at start line 5 mins early for briefing.
Last time we held the race in December 22, the day was wet and ground was waterlogged. I had the bright idea to move the race to spring time, so we can all enjoy the spring sunshine, flowers and a dry course.. However, as you may have noticed, the weather gods have not been kind. There will be standing water, flowing water, muddy water, slippery mud, sticky mud and watery mud – You have been warned!
The course is mainly on footpaths, with some bridle ways and a couple of short tarmac sections. The footpaths are narrow, muddy and uneven in places. There will be slippery sections with roots and branches in places – many of these will be hidden by fallen leaves – so please look where you are running and be careful! This year it is very wet - Be warned and mentally prepared!
It is advisable to wear trail running shoes or trainers with good grips. Road shoes will not be suitable! Wear the grippiest you have.
You can leave your bags in the Village Hall at your own risk. Please no muddy shoes in hall.
The route is mainly on public footpaths, so please be respectful of other users on the route. The route has many twists and turns and junctions, so keep an eye out for the green arrow signs, flags, and the red and white barrier tape. There will be marshals on the course, but not at all the junctions! If you go more than 100metres without seeing any flags, signs or tape, you have gone the wrong way! The course is about 10K / 6 miles.
Overtaking may be difficult on some of the narrow paths, so please try and be courteous to your fellow runners, and let them by. Some of the faster runners may catch up the back end of the Canicross race. This might be towards the end on the faster descents, so:
Canicrossers: Please be aware and let them by.
Runners: Give the canis a shout if approaching fast, and be aware that the dogs might bite your legs off…
The main hilly bits are in the first 2 miles. At the top of the hill, it gets relatively flat, before descending off the top. The descent paths are narrow in places, slippery and uneven. Please be aware of, and make room for the ‘flying descenders’, who love a bit of technical downhill! This is especially applicable to the slower canis, who will be caught up on the descent sections by the faster runners.
The route crosses several country roads. These will be marshalled, but please take care, and look before you cross. Wait for a clear spot to cross. Heavy traffic is not expected - sheep and horses are more likely!
There is a water stop at about 2 miles.
Chip timing: This year we have chip timing. They will be ankle straps. Please ensure you put them in the bucket at the end and try not to wander around with them on near the finish line, as you will get multiple ‘beeps’! It is ‘gun’ to ‘chip’, not chip to chip timing. It is a mass start, of around 150 runners.
RETIREMENTS: if you retire you must return to the assembly / finish area and inform the Race Director personally as soon as possible. It is best to follow the route markers to the end, if you want to retire. We have sweeper runners who will follow just behind the last runner – if for some reason cannot continue running simply wait for them.
If you see an injured runner – please stop and help, then inform the next marshal! There is 1st Aid at the village hall and on the course, to help patch up any injuries. The tailrunners are also qualified 1st aiders.
And remember to thank the marshals!
Then it's time for hot tea, tasty cake and scrummy scrumpy Howling Bull cider – All free. (Donations welcome, but not mandatory!), followed by prize giving outside the village hall. Please do not wear muddy shoes in the hall.
Thanks to out sponsors: Walford Timber.
All competitors run at their own risk!
Any queries call Dan: 07775 508753 or Elaine: 07443 655 721
Covid related statement:
I confirm that if I show or develop symptoms of Covid-19, and/or have had a recent positive Covid-19 test, or been in close contact with a person who has Covid-19 then I will not attend the event. In all cases I will take reasonable care to abide by the Covid-19 related regulations and guidance in force so as to mitigate virus transmission risks appropriately.