Ard Whallan Race 2020
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Runners embark on the climb toward Colden in 2017
The opening round of the 2020 Callin Wild sponsored Manx Fell Running League will take place on Saturday 25th January. The Ard Whallan race will start and finish at the Outdoor Pursuits Centre in West Baldwin where registration will be open from 12.15 until 13.15. Race will start at 13.30 and will be over a 12 km route that includes 750 m of ascent. New for 2020, there will also be a junior/novice course - see details below. Full safety gear is mandatory for all competitors and this will be checked at registration. The route includes the Cronk Breck checkpoint as per https://manxfellrunners.org/ardwhallan
Safety gear will consist of :-
Waterproof whole body cover. This means a waterproof jacket with an attached hood (an attached hood, unlike even the best hat, balaclava etc, will not blow away, get lost or left behind). For the legs, the outer layer should reach the ankles; just below the knee layers are not adequate. Other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions including, as a minimum, hat and gloves. The supafoil Suviva Jak jackets are not adequate safety gear this year. Also buffs and disposable gloves are not acceptable. You will also require a map, preferably waterproof, of the race route, compass and whistle. Emergency food is only compulsory in long races.
For the long course, minimum age for entry is 18 years on race day.
In an effort to get as many pre-entered as possible, on the day entries will be charged an additional £2 so will pay £7 to enter. Pre-entered runners will pay the usual £5 (juniors free)
ENTER ON DAY (PRE ENTRY CLOSED)
Junior/Novice Course
New for 2020, a short 4.75km race route will be flagged for 12-18 year olds, and newcomers (any age) who would like to experience a fell race, but without the need for navigation. The race on this shorter route will be a counter in the Junior Fell League, but will not be a counter the Senior League. The race starts and finishes at Ard Whallan Outdoor Centre and will set off 15 minutes before the senior race, at 1.15pm. Sign on from 12.15pm. Juniors who have a signed consent form from St John’s, may enter online and turn up on race day. Other juniors may also enter online, but will need to have a completed consent form before they can race. (Available on the day) . In the event of low cloud/fog covering the tops, this race may be diverted to the bad weather option. Decision will be taken on the day. Start and finish remain the same. Please wear footwear suitable for off road running and bring and carry a waterproof hooded top, hat, gloves and whistle. Failure to have the correct gear may result in being refused a race number. By entering the race, it is assumed that you are fit and well enough to cope with a tough, off road race over open hillside.
There is limited car parking at the centre plus space at the Colden car park which is a 5 minute walk from the start. Please do not park anywhere near the entrance to Ard Whallan on the West Baldwin Road. We strongly advise car sharing.
There will probably be livestock in the fields that we go through near the start and finish so please, no dogs as it is an especially sensitive time for farmers. It’s OK to take your dog in the confines of the Centre as long as they are on a lead.
As in previous years we have hired the hostel for anyone wishing to stop overnight. There are 30 beds in 5 dormitories. Please get in touch if you plan on stopping over. Most importantly the Ard Whallan will again be the designated cake race. Everyone is invited to bring a homemade cake to enjoy post race.
