Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon

Question 1

Can I run with a buggy?

Accepted Answer

Sadly, the Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon is not suitable for running with a buggy.

Question 2

Race Location

Accepted Answer

Outside The Grand, On The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2XL

Question 3

Race HQ

Accepted Answer

The Race HQ will be located on The Leas in front of The Grand Hotel.

Question 4

Timings / Race Day Schedule

Accepted Answer

Race HQ & registration opens: 08:00
Junior race starts (approx 600 - 800m): 09:30
Race Director's briefing (on start line): 09:50
Half Marathon race start: 10:00

Question 5

Bag Drop

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to leave your bag at the unmanned baggage drop at Race HQ, however, this is done at your own risk and discretion. The team will not handle your bags and you will be responsible for labelling them clearly.

Question 6

Facilities

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there are no changing facilities available at this site so we recommend arriving ready to run!

Question 7

Parking

Accepted Answer

We would encourage car drivers to park at the Leas Cliff Hall car park approximately 1/4 mile from Race HQ. There is limited car parking available in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. Please be aware new parking charges and restrictions apply.

Question 8

Toilets

Accepted Answer

Portable toilets will be available at the start/finish area.
Please note, there are no toilet provisions on the course.

Question 9

Headphones

Accepted Answer

Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event.
If you are seen to be wearing in-the-ear or over-the-ear headphones by our Race Team or an England Athletics Adjudicator, then you are at risk of being disqualified.

Question 10

Course, Terrain, Signage & Marshals

Accepted Answer

You can view and download the course GPX at:
https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/folkestone-rotary-half-marathon-9459/route-maps

The start & finish
The race starts and finishes in the different locations and this is close to the Race HQ.

About the course
This accurately-measured course passes through the town and then heads towards the promenade and out to Hythe before returning towards the finish along the same route. This route includes again a cheeky hill thrown in on the return.

There will be mile markers along the route and it will be fully marshalled. Lead cyclists will precede the first runner and follow the last runner. Please remain aware of any other promenade users throughout the race as we do not have exclusive use.

Other route users
Please be aware that you are sharing the paths with other walkers, runners and cyclists, many of whom live locally. We ask that you race with care and remain courteous at all times.

Signage & marshals...
Your course will be clearly marked using large route arrows and directional cones, as well as being marshalled throughout. Please listen and obey all marshal instructions given. All marshals will remain in place until stood down by the sweep marshal.

Question 11

Junior Race Event

Accepted Answer

We are proud to invite our junior racers to the start line for their very own dedicated event so that they can experience the thrill of race day for themselves.

The out and back race is approximately 450m and will take place at 09:30, before the main race.

While this race will not be chip timed, all runners will receive a finishers medal. Race numbers are only available for collection on the day.

Parents are responsible for collecting their children at the finish line. And, if parents are accompanying younger racers then no additional entry is required. However, participating parents will not receive a chip time or medal.

We hope that you will join us in supporting our young runners with uproarious cheers as they cross the finish line!

Question 12

Spectators

Accepted Answer

We always welcome anyone that would like to cheer on our runners and join the good spirit of the race by lending their encouragement and support.

Question 13

Kit & Footwear

Accepted Answer

Your favourite running shoes should be fine for this race. Please keep an eye on the forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions, bringing a spare set of clothes (and socks!) if needed. If the wind is strong and blowing towards the shore, you can get quite wet running along the prom - even if it's not raining!

Question 14

Litter

Accepted Answer

Please do NOT drop litter.
Bins will be provided, so please dispose of any litter correctly or take it home with you.

Question 15

Water Stations

Accepted Answer

As well as a water station at the end of the race, there will be additional water stations along the route at approximately every 3 miles.

Whilst we will ensure that our water stations are well supplied, runners should ensure that they are fully hydrated and also consider carrying their own water.

Question 16

Medals & Prizes

Accepted Answer

There will be a bespoke medal awarded to all finishers the half marathon and there is a cash prizes for 1st male and female winners and £100 bonus for breaking the course record. Also on offer; spot prizes and trophies for leading runners and age categories.

Question 17

Presentation

Accepted Answer

Weather permitting, the presentation will take place approximately 45 - 60 minutes after the first runner has crossed the finish line and when all the prize winners have arrived home.

Please listen for announcements from your Race Director.

Question 18

Results

Accepted Answer

Live and provisional results will be available on the Nice Work website asap after the race. We will also email them to you on the afternoon of the race. If you have any questions regarding the live results, please ensure that you have emailed this through to us by midday on the following Thursday. Any changes submitted after this time will not be included in the final results.

Question 19

Age Restrictions

Accepted Answer

England Athletics govern the age restrictions for all of our races.
On the day of the race, you must be the following age:

HM: 17 years or over

Question 20

Can I walk the event?

Accepted Answer

Whilst many of our runners walk some brief sections of the race to catch breath, this race is designed for runners and is not suitable for walking the entire distance.

Question 21

Race Organiser

Accepted Answer

This race is hosted and organised by The Rotary Club of Folkestone.
The Rotary Club of Folkestone use their experience and connections to help their community. Bound by a strong sense of common purpose to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest, they work tirelessly to raise funds for local and worthy charities so that those organisations can continue their valuable work in Folkestone and the surrounding area.

To donate to The Rotary Club of Folkestone, please visit:
https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/folkestone-rotary-half-marathon-9459/charities

Timing and entry management are supplied by Nice Work.
If you would like to contact the race organiser, please send an email to:
info@nice-work.org.uk

Question 22

First Aid & Fitness

Accepted Answer

First Aid Provision:
First Aid will be in attendance for the duration of the race.
Should you feel unwell at any stage of the race, please do not hesitate to wave down a marshal and they will call First Aid for you and ensure you are well cared for.

If you are unable to make your way to the next marshal point, please advise a fellow runner and ask them to notify a marshal of your location.

Your Health & Fitness
Before attempting to race we ask that you make sure you are 100% fit to do so. If you feel unwell or are carrying an injury, we would strongly recommend not taking part and only return to running once you feel fully fit to do so. If you are unsure if you are fit to run, please speak to your doctor.

Question 23

Hot Weather Update

Accepted Answer

Whilst we all hope for lovely late summer's day, in the interests of putting your safety and wellbeing first, please take a look at the below so that you can plan accordingly, run safely and continue to enjoy a super race day.

Please do not race if you do not feel well enough to do so.
Whilst we will do everything we can to ensure that you experience a comfortable, safe and enjoyable race day, you know your body and limitations the best and are responsible for your own health and wellbeing throughout the event. Please, do not push yourself if you feel unwell.

Be prepared...!
We ask that you (and any spectators that may be staying to support you) stay fully hydrated throughout the day and take measures against the heat of the day including bringing sun hats & spritzers and wearing sun cream, as needed.

A bit about water...
We will be providing ample water supplies; however, we highly recommend that runners (& spectators) bring their own water as well.
It is your own responsibility to remain adequately hydrated throughout the day. Whilst remaining hydrated, please also be aware not to over-hydrate and ensure that you are taking on enough salts, if appropriate.

A note on shade...
Please note, that spectators will also need to give some thought to shade for the duration of the race. You may want to consider bringing a parasol.

First Aid...
First Aid will be on site for the duration of the race; please do not hesitate to let a marshal know if you start to feel unwell at any time and they will arrange a visit to see the First Aid team asap.
Don't be tempted to put off a visit to see the First Aid team for any reason; if you feel unwell then please get yourself checked immediately.

Thank you - and enjoy a wonderful race day!

Question 24

Photographer

Accepted Answer

We are pleased to let you know that there will be a photographer at the event and that photos will be available to purchase after the event. You will receive an email with a link to the gallery a few days after the race.

Question 25

Deferrals

Accepted Answer

We are pleased to let you know that deferrals to next year are possible for this event, providing that there are still places available. Here's what you need to know:

Deferral deadlines
10:00 on the Friday before race day.

Deferral costs
A deferral costs £5 plus any difference in race fee.

Races you can defer to
You can defer to the same race in the following year. Please note, you will not be able to defer your entry to a race hosted by a different partner (eg: The Chelmsford Marathon & HM hosted by Little Havens)

How to self-manage your deferral
Deferrals are something that the system allows you to self manage by working through the following steps:

1. Access your booking via the 'View Booking' link in your booking confirmation email.
2. Follow steps through to 'Manage Booking & 'Change Race'
3. When you click on 'Change Race' a little drop down will appear and you will need to scroll fractionally to see the race option you are looking for. Some events for the year following your current booking may still be listed as having a provisional date.
4. The system may ask you to reconfirm your booking details and prompt you to review your original booking form.
5. Once you have paid the deferral charge plus any difference in race fee, the system will move you from your original race and into the new one. An updated booking confirmation will be emailed out to you.

Deferral limit
There is no limit to the number of deferrals you can make but you will incur a deferral charge for each one.

If you have booked through a third party
If you have booked through a third party and can not access your booking via the Nice Work system to make your deferral, then please get in touch with our team by sending an email to info@nice-work.org.uk and we will be able to resend your booking confirmation with the link that you need.

If you have any problems then please don't hesitate to let us know and we will be happy to help.

Question 26

Refunds

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.

Question 27

Merchandise

Accepted Answer

You are able to purchase the 2026 Folkestone Half Marathon t-shirt at:
https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/folkestone-rotary-half-marathon-9459/products

Question 28

Race Number

Accepted Answer

Your race number will be posted out to you 1-2 weeks before the event.

If you have not received your race bib by post then this is most likely because you are a relatively late registration and your bib number will be available to collect from the registration team at Race HQ on the morning of the race.

Whilst we will have a fantastic team on site to facilitate this, we still ask that you please allow plenty of time to make your collection before the race begins.

Please note, if you have already received your race number in the post then you do not need to visit the team at race registration.

Please remember to complete your medical information on the reverse of your number before you race. This is a life-saving racing requirement for your own safety.

Your race bib & results
Your race bib must be secured and visible on your front so that race marshals and team can direct you correctly around the course. This is also the best positioning for the timing chip to connect with the timing mats without which, we are unable to provide a time for your race. It also helps assist the team with any queries requiring post-race video analysis.

Question 29

Additional rules from England Athletics

Accepted Answer

Here are some additional rules from England Athletics to remember:

Only bone conducting headphones are permitted at this event
Running with buggies or poles is not allowed
There should be no running with dogs

Question 30

Charity

Accepted Answer

This fantastic race is fundraising event for The Folkestone Rotary Club

Your hosts, The Rotary Club of Folkestone use their experience and connections to help their community. Bound by a strong sense of common purpose to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest, they work tirelessly to raise funds for local and worthy charities so that those organisations can continue their valuable work in Folkestone and the surrounding area.

To donate to The Rotary Club of Folkestone:
https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/folkestone-rotary-half-marathon-9459/charities

Question 31

Refreshments

Accepted Answer

We are delighted that our friends at Cafe2U will be joining us again on race day. Look out for their awning and follow the aroma of great coffee!

Folkestone Rotary Club

Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon

Folkestone Rotary Half Marathon

Organiser Details

4.7/5