Colchester Half Marathon

Question 1

Can I enter on the day?

Accepted Answer

Providing the entry limit has not been reached, entries will be available on the day for all of our races. There is an extra charge for entering on the day and this is stated on the individual event entry form.

Question 2

How do I know if I am registered to run a race?

Accepted Answer

If you enter online, you should receive an acknowledgement email confirming your entry. Should you not receive this confirmation email within 24 hours of your entry, there is a chance that it may have dropped into your junk mailbox so please check your junk emails before you contact us to confirm you contact us to confirm your place. 
Postal entries will be acknowledged by email so please ensure that it is clearly written on your postal form.

Question 3

Can someone else register for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can enter multiple people when entering online or by post, provided you have all of the required details for all entrants.

Question 4

What is the difference between attached / affiliated and unattached / unaffiliated?

Accepted Answer

Runners who are members of a UK Athletics affiliated running club are ‘attached’ or ‘affiliated’ runners. 
Some clubs don’t have a UKA affiliation and some runners aren’t members of a club at all; if this is the case, then you are an ‘unattached’ or ‘unaffiliated’ runner. You can still enter your club name to on the entry form so that it’s listed in the results, but you won’t benefit from an affiliated entry rate.

Question 5

Can I enter a group into the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We accept group entries for eight or more runners and there is the option to book bulk entries of between 5 and 50 via our website. All details must be received three weeks prior to race-day.

Question 6

Can anyone register for a race?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We welcome athletes of all ages, sizes and capabilities! Our events are fully inclusive and designed both for those new to running and also for more experience athletes. Each race distance does have a minimum age limit, which is set by UK Athletics. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any runners under the specified age bands. 
The UKA age guidelines for races are: 
Under 3k… Any age
3k – 9 years and over
5k – 11  years and over
5 Mile & 10k – 15 years and over
10 mile – 16 years and over
Half Marathon – 17 years and over
20 Mile and Marathon – 18 years and over
Ultra Marathon – 20 years and over
We accept wheelchair athletes at our events; however, not every event is suitable. If you are a wheelchair athlete who is interested in an event, please email us at info@nice-work.org.uk beforehand to check the course suitability.

Question 7

Can I walk the event?

Accepted Answer

Our events are designed for runners; however, we do have walkers at some of our events. You may be asked to start the event a little earlier that the advertised start time and to complete the course un-marshalled, depending on the distance. Please send us an email to info@nice-work.org.uk if you’d like to walk a race and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Question 8

Can I run with a dog?

Accepted Answer

UK Athletics rules prohibit dogs in races. Anyone seen racing with a dog will be disqualified. However, we do host some Canicross races which are, of course, completely dog-friendly!

Question 9

Can I run with a buggy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, providing the course is suitable and safe to do so. Please do get in touch with us at info@nice-work.org.uk to check the course suitability and advise if you will be running with a buggy. Due to UKA rules, you will need to start from the back of the funnel and run non-competitively.

Question 10

Are there toilet and changing facilities at the races?

Accepted Answer

All of our events will have toilet facilities but not all events will include changing facilities. We outline these provisions in our race-day information email which is sent out a few days prior to the race.

Question 11

How are the events timed?

Accepted Answer

All of our events are timed using chip timing. We will endeavour to have live results available on our website shortly after the event and to send the official results out by email during the next working day after the race.

Question 12

Will my race number be posted out to me?

Accepted Answer

For most of our events, your race number will be posted out to you. If you have entered one of our summer evening 5k events or a mid-week winter event, then your race number will likely be available for collection at the race. We will let you know what to expect in the race-day information email which is sent out a few days prior to the race.

Question 13

What should I do if I have not received my race number and timing chip in advance of the race?

Accepted Answer

For most events, your race number and timing chip will posted out to you around ten days before race day. If you do not receive your race pack before race day, then please visit our team at the registration desk in Race HQ on the morning of the race and we will issue you with a new race number.
If you have entered the race within ten days of the event or if you live overseas, then your race number will be waiting for you to collect on the morning of the race and you will receive your instructions by email. 
For some races, your number and timing chip will not be posted in advance and will be available to collect on the day of the race, but we will email you before race day to let you know if this is the case.

Question 14

How do I attach my timing chip?

Accepted Answer

Your timing chip is incorporated into your race number and should not be removed. Please place the race number on the front of your vest/shirt and not on your leg or back.

Question 15

How do I attach my race number?

Accepted Answer

Please attach your race number to the front of your running top or vest using safety pins or clips, securing it at all four corners. Please don’t attach you number to the back of your shirt as it is difficult for our timekeepers and marshals to identify you.

Question 16

Are there prizes on offer at the event?

Accepted Answer

At all of our events, we offer prizes for leading runners and, for main races or longer distances, there will also be prizes for age category winners. There is a maximum of one prize per person and, weather permitting, a prize giving normally takes place between 45 – 60 minutes after the first finisher comes home. Age categories are worked out by your age on the date of the race. Further information or race-specific prizes will be available on our website and in the race-day information email sent out a few days prior to the event.

Question 17

Can I wear headphones whilst running?

Accepted Answer

Under UKA rules, headphones are no longer permitted in events that take place on roads open to traffic and runners risk disqualification if spotted wearing headphones with the exception of bone conducting headphones. Headphones are permitted for events taking place ‘off road’ or closed to traffic, however you must be able to hear the marshal’s instructions and other runners around you. Some race organisers will often use their own discretion and ban headphones of any type. As the allowances for headphones differs from race to race, details of this will be included in the race-day information emailed to all participants a few days prior to the event.

Question 18

Can I change the distance that I run after entering?

Accepted Answer

If the event offers multiple distances on the same day, it is possible to change your distance prior to the start of the event providing that there is still availability in the new distance. We can switch your entry from the higher distance to the lower distance for free; however, there will be a charge to upgrade you from a lower to higher distance. 
If you have booked via our website then you can do this online but the system will charge you £5. However, if you email our friendly customer service team on info@nice-work.org.uk then they will arrange this free of charge not including any difference for a distance upgrade.

Question 19

I’ve started running and don’t feel like it. Can I swap distance during the race?

Accepted Answer

We all get that feeling sometimes – you get going but you just don’t feel up to it! If the event is multiple laps and you wish to drop down distances during the event then that is no problem at all; please just make sure you inform one of the timing team as you cross the line. Please note, you will not qualify for a refund for difference in cost between the two race distances. 
If you choose to drop out of a single distance race, please alert one of our marshals who will be able to assist you.
Please note, you are not able to upgrade your race distance (eg: from a 5k to a 10k) once you have started running.

Question 20

I cannot make the race, can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

We believe that our policies for deferrals and transfers is one of the most flexible and generous amongst race organisers and, for that reason, we do not offer refunds of race entry fees for illness, injury, or any other reason. In much the same way as you would not expect a refund for a theatre ticket if you were unable to attend, we are unable to offer refunds for race entries sold.
However, if you cannot make the race we do have a number of other options available to you such as a transfer to a friend / family member or a deferral to another race. Further details on deferral options can be found in our T&C’s.

Question 21

I don’t feel well or have an injury, should I run the race?

Accepted Answer

If you feel unwell or are carrying an injury, we would strongly recommend not running. If you are unsure if you are fit to run, please speak to your doctor.

Question 22

Can I transfer my entry to a friend or family member?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You may transfer you entry to a friend or colleague, free of charge providing that your transfer is completed three weeks and one day prior to the race at 23:59. This is so that we have time to send out the bib number in time for race day. After this time, you must email info@nice-work.org.uk to arrange your transfer and it will incur a £5 charge.
We will need the following information for your alternate:
Your full name 
Name of new runner
Age
Date of birth
Address
Email
Contact Number
Running club (if applicable) 
Emergency contact (name)
Emergency contact (number) 
Your alternate must not run without having supplied us with the above personal details or wearing an official race number.
Please note that transferring your entry to somebody else without notifying us is irresponsible and dangerous, particularly in a medical emergency. Doing so can also lead to disqualification from future races.
If you have booked directly through our website rather than a third party booking portal, then you can manage your transfer online. All you need is your original booking confirmation.
If you have booked via a third party booking portal then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email (info@nice-work.org.uk) and one of our friendly team will be able to assist you.

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Colchester Half Marathon

Colchester Half Marathon

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