Down Royal Marathon Co Antrim - Oct 24th 2020

ChampionChip

Just a heads up re a marathon, half marathon and 10k we are holding at the Down Royal Race course on Oct 24th.

Its 4 laps of a flat, safe, road course, 2 laps for the half and 1 lap for the 10k. Getting officially tomorrow and traffic management authorised and passed on Friday.

It will go ahead as the latest guidance in NI only relates to social gatherings and does not affect competitive sport.

Its the latest in a series of races we have had at the venue since July 18th, insured and permitted by Athletics NI.

It will open for entries in the middle of next week once all the paper work is signed off.

Keep an eye on the FB page for details.

https://www.facebook.com/ChampionChipIre

healy1835

Is it AIMS certified?

ChampionChip

Its not AIMS certified as we only put the idea together since the Covid situation kicked in.

It will be certified as an accurate distance by Athletics NI. Its being measured today by their recognised course measurer and a certificate issued in a few days.

I have permission from the Police Service, we will get the Traffic Management approved on Friday and the permits and insurance will be coming from Athletics NI.

It will be the 7th event we will have hosted this summer each one with multiple distances on offer. None were cancelled or postponed. There have been no Covid cases or contacts traced to anyone at the events and we abide by all the Govt guidance on social distancing etc.

In NI there are no limits on how many can take part but we do have to start in waves over the timing mats to maintain social distancing.

The previous races have had runners from Wexford, Sligo, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Wales, Scotland, Kent and Isle of Man.

ChampionChip

Entries have now opened for the Oct 24th event. Its fully licensed with permits and insurance from Athletics NI. Its our 8th event since July 18th and there has been NO Covid 19 cases linked in any way to any of the previous events.

The 3 distances in the morning have separate start areas and locations to assist with social distancing.

The Marathon is 4 laps of a 10k route, all on roads round the race course, half marathon is 2 laps and the 10k is one lap.

Use it as your virtual run for Galway, Dublin, London or any other event you have missed out on.

If its cancelled you will get a full refund.

The latest restrictions in NI only relate to social gatherings and competitive runs are not affected.

Enter through this link. https://online.athleticsni.org/ps/event/ChampionChipIrelandRunningSeriesEvent8DownRoyal

MY BAD

My club mate is entering it. He was wondering how hilly is the course?

ChampionChip

Elevation as per Mapometer

ChampionChip

Entries coming in nicely now. 30% are from outside NI. It will be our 8th one since the middle of July and all have been safe and well received.

Its accurately measured and certified so its one of the few chances to get your GFA time recorded in 2020.

You can also use it as your virtual run for Galway, Dublin, DUNE etc.

Tommy Hughes has already signed up to take a tilt at the Over 60s age best for the marathon.

Murph_D

ChampionChip wrote: »

Elevation as per Mapometer

Not as flat as I hoped.

ChampionChip

Well I have good news coming early next week. I have a dead flat road course in the same area which we are going to announce asap once we get it measured on Monday.

The_Geezer

i take it, this will be on a different date then?

ChampionChip

The_Geezer wrote: »

i take it, this will be on a different date then?

Date stays the same at Oct 24th, start times a bit later as we don't have to contend with traffic management, PSNI etc so Marathon about 9am, Half about 9.15am, 10 and 5k at about 1pm.

If you find the racecourse on Google maps and then look East at the nearest piece of real estate wit enclosed roads etc then thats it.

All will be revealed mid week once we get the event on Oct 10th closed off.

The_Geezer

Thanks for that. Just to clarify as I was going to do a recce of tge course this weekend. Is the original route now scrapped? Tia

ChampionChip

The_Geezer wrote: »

Thanks for that. Just to clarify as I was going to do a recce of tge course this weekend. Is the original route now scrapped? Tia

Yes original route is no longer in use and you cant access the new route without permission.

We will measure it on Monday and then release the details plus the name of the sponsor we are working on at present.

Hoping to have a 7km lap so it will be 6 laps for the full marathon distance, dead flat, traffic free, handy to the A1 and M1 and a slightly later start time to make getting there less of an issue.

The_Geezer

Cheers. Looking forward to it

ChampionChip

The Down Royal Festival of Running is still gong ahead on Oct 24th but we have moved locations just round the corner to the iconic Maze Prison site and re branded as the Lisburn Festival of Running. Course was officially measured on Monday with Tommy Hughes in attendance to offer his thoughts on the layout. Its a 5.5k lap, flat as a pancake, smooth tarmac roads, no traffic. Tommy is going for the age group world record over the marathon distance and its the ideal location for it, just needs the right weather conditions.

There have been no cases linked in any way with any of the running events in NI so I am confident the event will go ahead even if tighter restrictions are imposed on indoor locations and team sports like no spectators.

If it is called off you will get a full and immediate refund. The latest event is this coming Saturday at Down Royal and will go ahead as planned.

https://online.athleticsni.org/ps/event/ChampionChipIrelandRunningSeriesEvent8Lisburn

ChampionChip

We had our latest event at Down Royal yesterday, went off without a hitch, and we had a usual group of friends from ROI who came along and stayed safely distanced and ran their races.

The deadline to get a t shirt guaranteed in your size and a medal on the 24th is 9am on Monday coming. We had enough medals for everyone at the Shanes Castle event just about. We probably will have enough t shirts for entries up to Friday next but its not certain after Monday when I put the order in.

The marathon and half are on the same time in the morning so you would be running along with about 200 runners round a 5.5k lap if you do either of those and they start are in separate locations with loads of room to socially distance.

The 10k and 5k are later in the day to reduce the numbers on the route at any one time. I'd expect about 200 in each but the 10k is at 1pm and the 5k at 2pm to allow the 10k runners to finish and disperse.

We have plans in place to have more races at Down Royal and Maze over Nov and Dec so if the 24th is out for you I will post later in Oct re those planned dates.

rovers_runner

ChampionChip wrote: »

We had our latest event at Down Royal yesterday, went off without a hitch, and we had a usual group of friends from ROI who came along and stayed safely distanced and ran their races.

The deadline to get a t shirt guaranteed in your size and a medal on the 24th is 9am on Monday coming. We had enough medals for everyone at the Shanes Castle event just about. We probably will have enough t shirts for entries up to Friday next but its not certain after Monday when I put the order in.

The marathon and half are on the same time in the morning so you would be running along with about 200 runners round a 5.5k lap if you do either of those and they start are in separate locations with loads of room to socially distance.

The 10k and 5k are later in the day to reduce the numbers on the route at any one time. I'd expect about 200 in each but the 10k is at 1pm and the 5k at 2pm to allow the 10k runners to finish and disperse.

We have plans in place to have more races at Down Royal and Maze over Nov and Dec so if the 24th is out for you I will post later in Oct re those planned dates.

With respect your group from ROI are taking the f*cking piss mate.

mloc123

rovers_runner wrote: »

With respect your group from ROI are taking the f*cking piss mate.

But the rules don't apply to me... Doing no harm... Kept a safe distance... Blah blah

The_Geezer

Have enter the marathon, just wondering what way aid stations will work now we are in covid times

Eamando1981

Hi Championchip

with regard to future events in Nov & Dec do you think any of these will be full marathon distance?

Thanks

ChampionChip

The_Geezer wrote: »

Have enter the marathon, just wondering what way aid stations will work now we are in covid times

As it stands we cannot provide water etc ourselves but we will have tables at the end of the lap for you to place your water bottles on and use as required. The start, finish and the car park are in an area 100m apart so you can easily get your stuff sorted before the off.

ChampionChip

Eamando1981 wrote: »

Hi Championchip

with regard to future events in Nov & Dec do you think any of these will be full marathon distance?

Thanks

Planning to have another full marathon on December 29th in the Prison Heritage site.

The_Geezer

ChampionChip wrote: »

As it stands we cannot provide water etc ourselves but we will have tables at the end of the lap for you to place your water bottles on and use as required. The start, finish and the car park are in an area 100m apart so you can easily get your stuff sorted before the off.

Or a supporter allowed to hand water supplies??????

ChampionChip

Yes a supporter is fine to hand out supplies.

SeeMoreBut

Still going ahead after the new restrictions announced?

ChampionChip

The key phrase that was used is (except for allowed outdoor sporting events where the relevant number for that will continue to apply). There is no change in the status of the events as they are very very low risk so will proceed unless other external factors preclude this like a travel ban.

py

ChampionChip wrote: »

The key phrase that was used is (except for allowed outdoor sporting events where the relevant number for that will continue to apply). There is no change in the status of the events as they are very very low risk so will proceed unless other external factors preclude this like a travel ban.

Are you turning away runners that are travelling from ROI given they shouldn't be leaving their county?

rovers_runner

Can this thread be closed, it's a piss take at this stage.

ChampionChip

py wrote: »

Are you turning away runners that are travelling from ROI given they shouldn't be leaving their county?

I am not the Garda or the PSNI and thus would not try to control what someone else chooses to do. Besides it would be impossible to stop anyone from travelling and some of the runners registered to a club in ROI actually live in NI.

"Can this thread be closed, it's a piss take at this stage."

I'm in favour of healthy debate and exchange of ideas, facts and beliefs but most of all free choice, as long as that free choice is exercised responsibly. The events we have held to date have been highly praised for the way we have conducted them and how safe people felt at them, that's why the numbers are growing each time.

mloc123

Even Mourne Skyline have cancelled their race now.

I would argue the reason numbers have grown is due to the fact you are the only people willing to profiteer when all other race organisers are acting responsibly and cancelling races.

SeeMoreBut

ChampionChip wrote: »

I am not the Garda or the PSNI and thus would not try to control what someone else chooses to do. Besides it would be impossible to stop anyone from travelling and some of the runners registered to a club in ROI actually live in NI.

"Can this thread be closed, it's a piss take at this stage."

I'm in favour of healthy debate and exchange of ideas, facts and beliefs but most of all free choice, as long as that free choice is exercised responsibly. The events we have held to date have been highly praised for the way we have conducted them and how safe people felt at them, that's why the numbers are growing each time.

But you are not discouraging people from taking part who will break local restrictions to take place. Lets say a cluster happens due to race goes ahead because you let everyone from everywhere attend. Would you feel guilty? Or you just happy to see the cash coming in?

Race should be postponed

rovers_runner

As long as the registrations keep rolling in eh......

ThebitterLemon

rovers_runner wrote: »

As long as the registrations keep rolling in eh......

That’s a bit unfair, especially if he’s running a compliant event, I wouldn’t travel to it personally but it should be more about personal responsibility rather than placing that onus on event organisers.

For example while Dublin & Donegal were in lockdown should events in other counties have been cancelled?

TbL

Eamando1981

Folks

I done the event at Shanes castle a couple of weeks ago, and it was very well organised and all the procedures seem to be adhered to.

I didn't feel unsafe at any stage.

Murph_D

I was registered for this myself but dropped out last week and a refund was issued right away, no questions asked, no attempt to 'defer' my entry to a later event, as many other races have done. To accuse the organiser of profiteering is unfair.

ChampionChip

mloc123 wrote: »

Even Mourne Skyline have cancelled their race now.

I would argue the reason numbers have grown is due to the fact you are the only people willing to profiteer when all other race organisers are acting responsibly and cancelling races.

Do you know why Skyline was cancelled? It was not because of any directive from Athletics NI.

ANI have agreed that all events that had a valid permit up to Nov 7th can go ahead. The insurance company have confirmed to me in writing that they are happy for us to proceed.

I met the venue managers today for my event on the 24th and they are happy to proceed.

I take exception to your remarks about profiteering. The cost of the entry for my event on the 24th has not altered at all. If I had decided to gouge then I would have stuck up the prices, I didn't. All events aim to at least break even or make a profit.

Mine are no different but in these times the costs of holding an event are crazy but I still think the fees I'm charging are fair and I have not had anyone voicing a complaint.

mloc123

ChampionChip wrote: »

Do you know why Skyline was cancelled? It was not because of any directive from Athletics NI.

No.. it was based on common sense and the fact that the current guidance in the north says to avoid all unnecessary travel.

The Noble Nudge

mloc123 wrote: »

No.. it was based on common sense and the fact that the current guidance in the north says to avoid all unnecessary travel.

Is that you Dr Tony Holohan? Dr Michael McBride wont like you sticking your nose in or straying into his jurisdiction you know.
You were bitching about the Mourne Skyline last week too and thats gone now so give it a rest you big oul wans blouse you werent even signed up for this event!

mloc123

The Noble Nudge wrote: »

Is that you Dr Tony Holohan? Dr Michael McBride wont like you sticking your nose in or straying into his jurisdiction you know.
You were bitching about the Mourne Skyline last week too and thats gone now so give it a rest you big oul wans blouse you werent even signed up for this event!

Good man... you go and do as you please.

ChampionChip

New guideline issued by govt on 14th does not affect the race , its still going ahead. Training groups are reduced from 30 to 15 persons, gyms stay open for one to one so its implied that travel to those activities is allowed for personal health and well being as well as to a competitive event.

The key phrase in the guidance was in brackets

No mass events involving more than 15 people (except for allowed outdoor sporting events where the relevant number for that will continue to apply)


Anyone who wants to settle scores and bicker pls stay off the thread so I can use it to inform others.

LaHaine

ChampionChip wrote: »

New guideline issued by govt on 14th does not affect the race , its still going ahead. Training groups are reduced from 30 to 15 persons, gyms stay open for one to one so its implied that travel to those activities is allowed for personal health and well being as well as to a competitive event.

The key phrase in the guidance was in brackets

No mass events involving more than 15 people (except for allowed outdoor sporting events where the relevant number for that will continue to apply)


Anyone who wants to settle scores and bicker pls stay off the thread so I can use it to inform others.

If you don't want feedback maybe you should use your own website rather than a discussion forum.

SeeMoreBut

ChampionChip wrote: »

New guideline issued by govt on 14th does not affect the race , its still going ahead. Training groups are reduced from 30 to 15 persons, gyms stay open for one to one so its implied that travel to those activities is allowed for personal health and well being as well as to a competitive event.

The key phrase in the guidance was in brackets

No mass events involving more than 15 people (except for allowed outdoor sporting events where the relevant number for that will continue to apply)


Anyone who wants to settle scores and bicker pls stay off the thread so I can use it to inform others.

Congratulations on your purchase of boards

The Noble Nudge

Best of luck with the race hopefully nothing changes and it goes ahead. It could make the difference to one persons life taking part in it.
Cant compete myself but will keep an eye on future events you organise when the covid situation improves and travelling becomes an option again.

ChampionChip

We were informed this morning that due to the C19 restrictions that are now in place, that the event on Saturday 24th must be postponed to another date. It has taken 6 years to get access to the Maze Long Kesh site for a running event and we are deeply disappointed that it has to be postponed. We have been promised that access will be granted for future events so at least we can look forward to that.

We are now planning for events after the current restrictions, which are due to end in mid November, so all entrants for Saturday will have their entries deferred automatically to December 5th which will take place again at Maze Long Kesh with 4 distances as before. This date is also after the suggested closure of the restrictions in place in ROI so entrants from all over Ireland can still come and take part.

Provisional dates are as follows:

November 14th or 21st - Under age races for Under 10, 12s, 14s and 16s boys and girls plus 5k and 10k races at Down Royal

December 5th - Lisburn Festival of Running with marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k (Maze Long Kesh)

December 19th - Under age races for Under 10, 12s, 14s and 16s boys and girls plus 5k and 10k races at Down Royal

December 29th - EIKON Festival of Running with marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k (Maze Long Kesh)

Trampas

ChampionChip wrote: »

We were informed this morning that due to the C19 restrictions that are now in place, that the event on Saturday 24th must be postponed to another date. It has taken 6 years to get access to the Maze Long Kesh site for a running event and we are deeply disappointed that it has to be postponed. We have been promised that access will be granted for future events so at least we can look forward to that.

We are now planning for events after the current restrictions, which are due to end in mid November, so all entrants for Saturday will have their entries deferred automatically to December 5th which will take place again at Maze Long Kesh with 4 distances as before. This date is also after the suggested closure of the restrictions in place in ROI so entrants from all over Ireland can still come and take part.

Provisional dates are as follows:

November 14th or 21st - Under age races for Under 10, 12s, 14s and 16s boys and girls plus 5k and 10k races at Down Royal

December 5th - Lisburn Festival of Running with marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k (Maze Long Kesh)

December 19th - Under age races for Under 10, 12s, 14s and 16s boys and girls plus 5k and 10k races at Down Royal

December 29th - EIKON Festival of Running with marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k (Maze Long Kesh)

ROI will still be under restrictions come December. They hope level 3 so that was restriction to county of living so I wouldn’t be planning on some turning up.

daydorunrun

Trampas wrote: »

ROI will still be under restrictions come December. They hope level 3 so that was restriction to county of living so I wouldn’t be planning on some turning up.

We’ll be under Some form of restrictions right through 2021- if we have to go through Level 5 For 6 weeks which takes us to the beginning of Dec (3 races mentioned were after this date) so people can ‘save Christmas’ I don’t think it’s unreasonable that People are allowed to run a race out in the open air in December with precautions taken.

Thanks for the update ChampionChip, I will be signing up to get me though the next 6 weeks!

average_runner

ChampionChip wrote: »

I am not the Garda or the PSNI and thus would not try to control what someone else chooses to do. Besides it would be impossible to stop anyone from travelling and some of the runners registered to a club in ROI actually live in NI.

"Can this thread be closed, it's a piss take at this stage."

I'm in favour of healthy debate and exchange of ideas, facts and beliefs but most of all free choice, as long as that free choice is exercised responsibly. The events we have held to date have been highly praised for the way we have conducted them and how safe people felt at them, that's why the numbers are growing each time.

I believe where numbers are now, the correct thing is to cancel this event. You will have plenty more events down the line but sometimes we go to do the correct thing.

daydorunrun

average_runner wrote: »

I believe where numbers are now, the correct thing is to cancel this event. You will have plenty more events down the line but sometimes we go to do the correct thing.

But the event isn't on now.

It's the 21st of October- the event is on in early December and the country is going into lockdown to get numbers down so we can have some normality in December

TeaTotal

Is there a new link to register for this race? Thanks for update

average_runner

daydorunrun wrote: »

But the event isn't on now.

It's the 21st of October- the event is on in early December and the country is going into lockdown to get numbers down so we can have some normality in December

The north aren't going into Lockdown though.

daydorunrun

average_runner wrote: »

The north aren't going into Lockdown though.

I suppose the point I’m trying to make is if race organisers give up and don’t try to arrange events then we’ll be left without any races if and when there is a drop in cases and therefore a window for events opens up. Giving up and cancelling everything months in advance is just a depressing, hopeless thought.