We also ask you to consider how you travel to the event, perhaps by lift sharing with others coming from the same direction. Alternatively, there are two train stations around a mile away from Dorchester Rugby Club, that would make a good warm up and we will have a bag drop available. You would also be able to leave a bike with us at your own risk. 

 

Race Start

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The race briefing will be held at 9:45am followed by a warm up kindly provided by ForFit Fitness. 

 

The start and warm up will be held at the Centenary Field which is approximately five minutes walk away from the Rugby Club - you will be directed there by marshals. 

 

The Race - general bits

 

Cut off: The cut off time at the 11 mile point is 3.5 hours, at this time the roads will reopen. We have tail runners and the finish will remain open until the final runner crosses the line, but you will need to navigate the open roads independently.

 

Withdrawing and first aid: If you wish to withdraw on the day then please let the tail runner or a marshal know your name and race number. This is really important so we don't spend time trying to account for missing runners.

 

First aid is available at the start and finish area and we have a roaming vehicle on the course, please notify a marshal if this is required. Defibrillators are situated at the Rugby Club and at aid stations one and two.

 

Results: There will be live results available on the day from Timing Monkey. We will present male and female prizes to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd runners in the Hardy Half marathon and 1st male and female in the Half Hardy Half race. These will be awarded at 12:30.

 

The Route

 

The route will be fully signed and marshalled but if you wish to access routes in advance you can find details on www.hardyhalf.com 

 

The Hardy Half events are trail races and the routes take you across farmland so don't be surprised if you see livestock.  Please do not stray off the marked route and if you go through a shut gate then close it after you, if you're not sure then close it and notify the nearest marshal. We have a good relationship with local farmers and would like this to continue.

 

Though we have road closures there may still be local traffic, especially around Martinstown. Please keep left, listen out for traffic and follow marshal instructions.

 

Kit: The terrain is uneven under foot in places and trail shoes are recommended. There are no specific kit requirements but there is not much shelter or shade on the route, do keep an eye on the weather and dress appropriately. The event will be cupless so please bring your own hydration pack, flask or cup for water.

 

Race split: This is really important, for those taking part in the Half Hardy Half, at around 2.2 miles or 3.5 km, the route splits from the half marathon. Please look out for marshal guidance or you may find yourself taking on more miles than you bargained for.

 

Aid and toilets: We will have three aid stations in the Hardy Half at approx 7 km (4.3 miles), 15 km (9.3 miles) and 18.5 km (11.5 miles) and the Half Hardy Half has one aid station at just over 5 km (3 miles). Each aid station has a small amount of food and water to refill your cup or bottle.  

 

There will be bin bags at the aid stations. Please make sure no litter is left on the route, if you see any litter please do pick it up, used gel wrappers in particular can be fatal to livestock. 

 

There are toilets on both routes at the Martinstown cricket club and at Hardys Monument for the Hardy Half Runners.

 

Event Village 

 

Those who have taken part in the event before might remember the supportive finish atmosphere and we hope that this year will be similar. 

 

Food and drink: There will be breakfast items (e.g. bacon/egg rolls) and tea and coffee available to purchase at the Rugby Club for runners and supporters. Post race there will be food available including cakes (for a donation), pizzas and ice creams. Drinks will be available to purchase at the bar in the Rugby Club. 

 

We are planning live music by the Rock Choir, Dorset Phil and Flaming Cactus Band, supported by Keep 106. Feel free to bring friends and family and stay after your race to soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the runners. 

 

If your legs are in need of a refresh then local company ForFit Fitness will also be on site providing pre or post race massage. We ask for a minimum donation of £5 for at least 5 minutes and this donation will further support local good causes.

 

Spectators

 

There are places to spectate on the route, but please be mindful of road closures. Here are some suggested spectator points:

 

Location 1: Clandon Farm 

Spectators will need to park no later than 0930 in Maiden Castle carpark (///pointer.constrain.craft), the access road to the carpark will close ten minutes before the runners set off.  Spectators can walk up to the farm (///ballots.clerics.daydream).

 

Location 2: Martinstown

Parking is available at the Brewers Arms pub (please enter via Winterbourne Steepleton due to road closures). From the pub it is a short walk to the village green (///processes.guesswork.filed) where we will have music by the Mistaken Identity Choir.

 

Location 3: Hardy Monument 

To gain access to the car park at Hardy’s you’ll need to route via Coombe Valley Road and enter from the western side (///increases.sprinting.slumped). There is plenty of parking here and we expect the first runners to pass here at around 1040am.

 

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Please note, if you can no longer run then you can simply transfer your entry to another runner, if needed, through your eventrac profile. Alternatively, you can defer to next year's event by getting in touch with us directly, but we need to know before the 9th May and you cannot defer retrospectively after the event has passed.

 

If you have any questions please do get in touch with us on hardyhalf@gmail.com.

 

We are excited to see you on the 10th May! 

 

Thanks,

 

Team Hardy Half