The Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

Question 1

Quiet Zone - Do I need a diagnosis to use the Quiet Zone?

Accepted Answer

No, many neurodivergent adults are aware of their sensory differences and anxiety but do not have a formal diagnosis. The Quiet Zone is therefore available to anyone who feels that they would benefit from a smaller, less busy and quieter space before the race.

Question 2

Quiet Zone - How will I know if I have a Quiet Zone space?

Accepted Answer

If you apply for a Quiet Zone space, Nice Work will send an email to confirm if you have been allocated one or not. For reasons of fire safety and in order to keep the environment quiet and uncrowded, the maximum number in the Quiet Zone is 35.

Question 3

Quiet Zone - When can I be in the Quiet Zone?

Accepted Answer

From 7am onwards. The Quiet Zone closes when the Half Marathon starts at 9am.

Question 4

Quiet Zone - Can someone come into the Quiet Zone with me?

Accepted Answer

We welcome anyone who wants to support our runners but not in the Quiet Zone itself, otherwise we would exceed the maximum numbers which are prioritised for runners. There are plenty of areas where friends and family can wait, outside of the dedicated Quiet Zone.

Question 5

Quiet Zone - Is there wheelchair access to the Quiet Zone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Quiet Zone is wheelchair accessible however the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon is not suitable for wheelchair users because of its hilly course.

Question 6

Quiet Zone - I can only collect my race number on the day of the event – where can I get it?

Accepted Answer

Runners confirmed as having a Quiet Zone space can collect their number on race day itself between 7-8am. Please ensure you arrive before 8am as race numbers cannot be given out after this time.

Question 7

Quiet Zone - How quiet is the Quiet Zone?

Accepted Answer

No area in the leisure centre is completely noise free, however the Quiet Zone is significantly quieter than the main race HQ with its high ceiling, hard surfaces, amplified announcements and a high volume of people. You may hear some ambient whirring noise from the running machines in the gym above, but no music will be played on the morning of the Half Marathon to keep the Quiet Zone as quiet as possible. If you are particularly noise sensitive, please bring noise cancelling headphones or in ear plugs to reduce incoming sound.

Question 8

Quiet Zone - How bright is the Quiet Zone?

Accepted Answer

For safety reasons, all areas of the leisure centre have lighting that cannot be dimmed. The Quiet Zone has one main strip of lights down the centre with some areas around the space away from that light. The environment around the Quiet Zone has natural light and smaller recessed lights. If you are particularly sensitive to light, bring light sensitivity glasses, sunglasses or a peaked running cap to reduce glare.

Question 9

Quiet Zone - How much can I bring and leave in the locker?

Accepted Answer

Lockers of different sizes are available in the changing rooms opposite the Quiet Zone. They range from 45cm squared to larger lockers which are 45cm wide but 1m in height. Lockers are available on a first come, first serve basis, so to ensure you can access a locker for your belongings, please bring a bag that will fit into the smallest type of locker. If this is not possible, please make other arrangements, for example leaving your belongings with a friend or family member. 

You can also use the main bag drop in race HQ if this will not work for you, however this will mean you need to enter the noisier sports hall environment and return via the leisure centre main entrance where you first came in.

Question 10

Quiet Zone - What if there is a problem with my locker?

Accepted Answer

All lockers at the leisure centre require users to bring their own padlock. If there is any difficulty with your padlock or opening the locker, please go to the front desk at the leisure centre reception (this is close by) and someone will be able to help you.

Question 11

Quiet Zone - How far is it from the start and end of the race?

Accepted Answer

The Quiet Zone is located close to the start of the race, approximately five minutes' walk away.

Question 12

Quiet Zone - Can I transfer my Quiet Zone space to someone else running?

Accepted Answer

No. The Quiet Zone is intended to support neurodivergent participants with anxiety or sensory differences and is limited to only 35 spaces. As such, we need to follow a strict first come, first served process to ensure as many participants as possible have a fair opportunity to access this space.

Question 13

Quiet Zone - I’m not sure I can manage the race – where can I find out more about it?

Accepted Answer

More information is available at Nice Work Race Management : Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon. 

If you have further questions about the event, please email info@nice-work.org.uk. 

If your query relates to the Quiet Zone or your additional needs, please write ‘Quiet Zone’ in the subject field of your email.

If you feel that you may not meet the 3-hour cut off time, contact the race director at twhalf23@gmail.com and we can discuss your options.

Tunbridge Wells Harriers

The Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

The Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

Organiser Details

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