The PodPlus Kent Spring Marathon Including the Kent Spring Half Marathon - The PodPlus Kent Spring Half Marathon
This race will have new Covid safety measures in place and therefore please note the changes below.
Start line opens – 8.00 am
Start line closes – 10.00 am
We are delighted to announce that Kent Spring Marathon and Half Marathon will go return in 2021 Sunday 11th April under the new Covid -Safe Guidelines.
We have successfully developed a number of new procedures which are designed to ensure our races will be Covid-secure and ensure the safety of our runners, staff and the general public.
The first change you will notice is the start time. Rather than a single start time for all runners, we are operating a pre-booking system with start times available in 5-minute slots, beginning at 8.00am through to 10.00am. A maximum of twelve people will be able to begin the race in each slot – and each of those people will be allocated a place on the start line according to their anticipated finish time, with the fastest runner lining up on the front of the start line. The race will also have a restricted entry limit. Marathon runners will start between 8 and 9 with half marathon runners starting between 9 and 10
If you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19 as outlined by the NHS or have been unwell in the last 14 days please do not travel to the event and email us and we can let you know deferral options available.
Current NHS advice on coronavirus/Covid-19 can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-Covid-19/
The PodPlus Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon is the same rural undulating route that we all know and love. The marathon and half marathon uses the quiet lanes surrounding Ashford, Westwell and Charing with a section along the Pilgrims Way. The marathon is a two-lap scenic multi-terrain course with half marathon runners covering a single lap. The race is suitable for both experienced and first-time marathon or half marathon runners.
All finishers will receive a bespoke medal and there are cash prizes for first man and lady in both races plus trophies for the leading runners and age category winners.
Entering the event
If you have entered the race in good time, your race number will be sent to you in the post.
If you have entered the race close to the race date, you will need to collect your race number on the morning of the event. If you proceed to the registration table, a race official will write down your name and advise you of your race number – and you will be asked to sanitise your hands and, if you wish, put on gloves, before collecting your number from a storage box on the desk. Please remember to social distance from the race official and anybody else who is collecting a number. A race official will manage any queues to ensure everybody remains socially distanced.
Please note that you will not be able to enter on the day due to the new guidelines. Entries are available online until midnight before the event.
Race numbers must be worn on the front of your shirt and not on your legs or back. If you do so you may not receive an accurate time. Make sure you do not damage the chip. Please make sure you complete the medical information on the reverse of your number. Remember race numbers are non-transferable. This is particularly imperative at this time as it is now more important than ever that we know who is taking part in the event.
Please note the following changes for the event and please read the codes of conduct below.
1. As mentioned previously, the first change you will notice is the start time. Rather than a single start time for all runners, we are operating a pre-booking system with start times available in 5-minute slots, beginning at 8.00am and remaining available until the final slot at 10am. A maximum of twelve people will be able to begin the race in each slot – and each of those people will be allocated a place on the start line according to their anticipated finish time, with the fastest runner lining up on the front of the start line.
2. Please arrive ready to run. There are no changing facilities and no facilities for left baggage – this is in line with UKA Guidelines.
3. A sterile area will be in force around the start line with strictly no access to anybody other than participants and race officials. Once you enter this area you will not be able to leave until your race begins. NO SPECTATORS WILL BE ALLOWED WITHIN THIS STERILE AREA.
4. Again, in line with UKA Guidelines, water, in sealed bottles, will be available at the finish and you will be required to collect it yourself from an unmanned water table – hand sanitiser and gloves will be available for you to use. There will be water stations which you can access on the route but you will need to help yourself to water. We are unable to provide our usual snacks but there will be individually wrapped chocolate bars and sweets. Please consider bringing your own nutrition and water with you, particularly if it is a warm day, you will be able to fill up your own bottle at the water stations.
5. Again, in line with UKA Guidelines, no results, race prizes or awards will be available on the day. Results will be uploaded immediately to our website and emailed to participants on Monday 5th October. Race and age group winners will receive a memento in the post after the event.
6. There will be toilet facilities at the start / finish area and these will be sanitised regularly. Please play your part by washing your hands thoroughly and using hand sanitiser before and after use.
7. Hand sanitiser will be available – please use it regularly.
8. You must maintain social distancing at all times – before, during and after the race. When overtaking another runner please be mindful of the space available. Please be aware that some members of the public may still be uneasy about seeing an organised event so they will require your understanding.
9. Spectators are not encouraged to attend – but if they must do so, they should not congregate around the race start or finish areas.
10. Once you finish your race please continue to walk through the finish funnel and return direct to your vehicle – do not wait for friends or family.
11. Please read the Participants and Spectators Code of Conduct