Colchester Half Marathon

Question 1

Where is the race located?

Accepted Answer

JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP. Race HQ is located outside the south stand near the start/finish line.

Question 2

Race packs?

Accepted Answer

Most race packs have been dispatched and delivered. If you haven't received yours (likely because you're a late entry), collect it from Race HQ on race morning from 7:00am. Allow plenty of time for collection before the 9:00am start.

Question 3

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

Parking is limited and first-come, first-served. We strongly recommend arriving at 7:00am, using the drop-off zone, or car-sharing. Note: There's a car-boot sale at the Park & Ride, so expect heavy traffic by 8:00am.

Free parking options:

JobServe Community Stadium (7:00am-8:30am)
Woods Air Movement, Axial Way (7:00am onwards)

Paid/time-limited options:

Northern Gateway Multi-Story (public car park, always open)
Colchester Northern Gateway Sports Park (7:45am onwards)
Colchester Park & Ride - closes at 2:00pm on race day (7:00am-2:00pm)

Question 4

Is there a drop-off zone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at JobServe Community Stadium via Boxted Straight Road, available from 7:00am-8:30am.

Question 5

Are there toilets available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all toilets in every stand at the Stadium will be open with clear signage. Don't queue unnecessarily at the South Stand!

Question 6

Can I leave my belongings somewhere?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there's a staffed Baggage Area in the East Stand under CCTV surveillance. You leave bags at your own risk.

Question 7

Are there changing facilities?

Accepted Answer

No, please arrive ready to run.

Question 8

Will there be food and drink available?

Accepted Answer

The Stadium café will be open serving beverages and light snacks. Water will be available at the finish line.

Question 9

Where must I wear my race number?

Accepted Answer

On the front of your shirt (not on your legs or back), otherwise you may not receive an accurate time. Don't damage the chip on your number. Complete the medical information on the reverse before racing - this is a life-saving requirement.

Question 10

Can I transfer my race number to someone else?

Accepted Answer

No, only the person to whom the race number is issued may wear it. Unauthorized transfers are strictly prohibited for safety reasons and will result in disqualification.

Question 11

What type of headphones can I use?

Accepted Answer

Only bone-conducting headphones are permitted (per UKA rules). Keep the volume low enough to hear marshal instructions and be aware of your surroundings. Violators will be disqualified.

Question 12

Where are the water stations?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 water stations using cups (not bottles):

Mile 3: Colchester Castle Park, High Street
Mile 6: The Crescent, Severalls Business Park
Mile 9: The Shephard & Dog Pub, Langham
Mile 11: Straight Road, Boxted

Question 13

Are the roads fully closed?

Accepted Answer

The first 7 miles have official road closures in the direction of runners only - traffic will still flow in the opposite direction. After mile 7, there are no official closures. Stay vigilant at all times and keep left unless marshals direct you otherwise.

Question 14

Where should I position myself at the start?

Accepted Answer

Find your position in the start funnel based on your expected finish time (signs will indicate time zones).

Question 15

Are there pacers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 30 pacers covering finish times from 1:25 to 2:30 in 5-minute intervals. They'll wear bright pink bibs.

Question 16

Can family join me at the finish line?

Accepted Answer

No, for safety reasons, no one from outside the race can join you at the finish line, including carrying children. Violators will be disqualified. After crossing, move quickly to the Finisher's Area on your right for water, snacks, and your medal.

Question 17

How will results be timed?

Accepted Answer

Official results use gun time (per UKA guidelines), but you'll also receive an individual chip time based on when you crossed the start/finish line. Live results will be on the Colchester Half Marathon website.

Question 18

What prizes are available?

Accepted Answer

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for male and female overall winners and vets (40+):

1st: £150 + £150 Runners World voucher
2nd: £100 + £80 Runners World voucher
3rd: £50 + £50 Runners World voucher

Question 19

When will photos be available?

Accepted Answer

Free photos from Happy Days Creative will be available in the coming days. Follow the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ColchesterHalfMarathon) for previews and updates.

Question 20

What if I feel unwell during the race?

Accepted Answer

Wave down a marshal immediately and they'll call first aid. If you can't reach the next marshal point, ask a fellow runner to notify a marshal of your location. EMATS will provide first aid services throughout.

Question 21

Do I need to provide medical information?

Accepted Answer

Yes, complete medical and emergency contact details on the reverse of your race number. If you have a medical condition first aiders should know about, mark the front of your bib with a cross (pens available at Race HQ).