Run Halton

Before using the contact form or ringing the office, the answer to your question may be found here.

Entering the race
Do I need to
Be a member of a running club?
No, its not just serious runners who enter, many people enter to raise money for charity or just for the thrill of running over the Bridge. The fastest time recorded is 24:47 in 2005, while most years the last entrant gets across the line in 1 hour 20 mins. This works out at less than 2mph.
Be an adult?
Minimum age of entry is 15 years of age. For those under the age of 18, parental consent must be obtained.

Money
Can I pay by card?
Yes, online entries are being taken where you can pay by credit or debit card, please click on this link.
Can I send cash in the post?
No, it is not recommended.
Can I use cash on the day?
Yes, cheque or cash payments can be made on the day.
Who are cheques for entry payable to?
Halton Borough Council
Can I raise money for my own nominated charity?
You can raise money for any charity of your choice. Part of the entry fee is donated to Macmillan Cancer Support but you can raise more money for them too if you wish.
If I run for Macmillan, how do I get the money to them?
You can download a sponsor form to use from the Entry Form Download Page, and return the form and your cheque payable to Macmillan Cancer Support, to us at Events & Leisure Services, Runcorn Town Hall, Heath Road, Runcorn, WA7 5TD.
Do I need any cash at the finish area?
There is free drink and food available, but you may want cash for a newspaper or to use in one of the small shops in the village. You may want to buy a T shirt to celebrate Macmillan's 100th Birthday. These are on sale at the finish area at a suggested donation of £8.
I have missed the last postal date for entry; can I enter on the day?
Yes, the late entry desk will be open until 8:30am and is situated in Race HQ in the car park on Picow Farm Road.

Before the race
I've not received my race number?
Race numbers will be posted out from 19 March, if you entered early and still have not received your race number please contact us on 0151 471 7624.
I've lost my number. Can I get a replacement?
Please contact us on 0151 471 7624
I can't run, so I'd like to give my number to a friend. Is that OK?
No, race numbers are non-transferable

Planning for the day
What time does the event start?
The wheelchair and assisted runners race begins promptly at 9:25 a.m., with the footrace following at 9:30 a.m. Please be sure to arrive at the start of the race in good time as it will start promptly due to restrictions of the police road closure.
May I run with my iPod or MP3 player?
For safety reasons, music players and headphones are not permitted on the course.
Are pets allowed in the event?
We're sorry, but pets and wheeled conveyances, including, skateboards, bicycles, and skates, are not permitted on the course.
I'm a very slow runner. Can I still run the race?
Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome. If you're relatively slow, however, you should start at the back of the race pack. Be sure not to stop suddenly or veer into the paths of other runners. If you're running with friends, run no more than two abreast. Doing this will keep traffic on the course moving smoothly.
Can I walk the race?
You can enter and walk the 5 mile race, however please be aware that as Run the Bridge is a road race, a sweep car will be in operation on the day.
Which roads will be closed for the race, and when will they close?
The Bridge will have a rolling road closure from approximately 9.20am until 9.50am or until the last runner gets across.
Ditton Road will be closed from the junction with Silver Jubilee Slip Road all the way through to Hale Village including Halegate Road and Hale Road. Traffic will be allowed passage away from Hale Village to Widnes, but no right turns will be permitted. Traffic wishing to get to Hale Village will be diverted along Speke Road into Halewood to use Cocklade Lane. Roads which access Ditton Road, Halegate Road and Hale Road leading into Hale on the left hand side will be severely restricted in getting access to the main road. If possible, gaps in the running lane will be used to allow exit turning right (away from Hale Village) only.
How do I get back home after the event?
There are free buses to take participants back to the start area.
What is the minimum age to run?
You must be at least 15 years old on the day of the race to take part. Runners under the age of 18 must get parental consent.
Where can spectators go to watch the race?
If you want to see your friends and family crossing the finish line be sure to get to Hale Park early and remember parking in Hale Village is very limited. Spectators are also encouraged to line the route itself and join the local residents who support the race every year. Access to the route can be gained by following the diversion route along Speke Road and into Hale village. Make sure you do not obstruct the highway.
Where can I get information on accommodation and amenities?
For local information go to www.visithalton.com

On the day
How do I get to the start area?
By Car
For Satellite Navigation use Post Code WA7 4UD (Picow Farm Road, Runcorn)
From the M62
Junction 7 and then A557 towards Widnes following Runcorn & The Bridge. Go over The Bridge staying in the right hand lane just after the road splits follow signs for Railway Station bearing off to the left. At mini roundabout go left onto Picow Farm Road, the car park, toilets and late entry area are approximately 250m up on the right hand side.
From M56
Junction 12 and then A557 towards Runcorn/Widnes and The Bridge. Take the exit signposted Runcorn Docks, and turn right onto Picow Farm Road. The car park, toilets and late entry area are approximately 400m down on the left hand side.
From South Liverpool
Take Speke Road (A562) and follow signs for Widnes/Runcorn (A562). Continue towards Runcorn over The Bridge staying in the right hand lane. Just after the road splits follow signs for Railway Station bearing off to the left. At mini roundabout go left onto Picow Farm Road, the car park, toilets and late entry area are approximately 250m up on the right hand side.
By Bus
Call the Neighbourhood Travel Team (NTT) who supports people in Halton to use Public Transport. 0800 1953 173
Travel Line:
0871 200 22 33 (Calls on BT residential lines cost 10p per minute plus 6p to connect. Mobile and other lines vary.

Where is the:
Parking at the start:
Parking is available in the car park on Picow Farm Road with additional on street parking in the surrounding areas. Please do not obstruct driveways.
Parking at the finish:
Parking is very limited at the finish area, no public parking is available in the park.
Late Entries/ Information desk:
Late entries and information point are situated at Race HQ based in the car park on Picow Farm Road. Late entries close at 8:30am, so get there early to avoid disappointment.
Start:
The start line is situated on the approach road to the Bridge next to Runcorn Railway Station. All runners should congregate in the open car park at the railway station. Marshals will instruct you when it is safe to proceed to the start line.
Finish:
The finish line is in Hale Park, situated in Hale Village. Supporters can use this postcode to navigate to Hale L24 4AE. Please note parking is very limited in Hale Village.
Toilets:
At the start area there are temporary toilets located in the car park on Picow Farm Road. At the finish there are toilets in the changing rooms in Hale Park. Disabled toilets are available in the Childe of Hale Public House.
First Aid:
An ambulance will follow behind the last runner throughout the race. Additional first aid staff will also be located at the finish. If you require assistance at any time ask the race marshals.
Bus Pick Up and Drop Off:
The bus pick up point is located just outside the park next to the Childe of Hale Public House. The bus will drop you back to Runcorn Railway Station.

What happens if the race is cancelled?
How do I find out?
For the latest updates and news visit our website or facebook page www.facebook.com/runcornandwidnesevents
Will I get a refund?
No refunds will be given out as stated on the application form. Once you are signed up, race fees are used for race expenses and cannot be returned. Please do not give your race number to another runner as this will cause errors in our results.

Course
Is water available on the course?
No, there are free refreshments available at the finish, water, tea and hot cross buns!
Is there a course time limit?
There is no time limit and a sweep vehicle will follow behind the last runner.
Is the course closed to traffic?
The first section over the Bridge is completely closed to traffic; the remainder of the course is closed to traffic one way. Cars are permitted to travel east from Hale towards Widnes. However, please be mindful of your surroundings in case of any emergencies.
Are there any items that aren't allowed on the course?
For your safety and that of others, we do not allow the following items on the course: any wheeled vehicles including push chairs, inline skates, skateboards, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, iPods or mp3 players.
Is Run the Bridge a timed event?
Yes, all event participants will receive a race number and chip to record their time as you cross the finish line.
I am unable to run the whole route because of injury?
If you encounter any problems during the race ask for assistance from the race marshals or fellow runners. A sweep vehicle will follow behind the last runner to collect anyone who can not complete the race.

After the race
Where and when will race results be posted?
Results will be available the same day via the FR systems website at http://www.chipresults.co.uk
Why are there two sets of times?
The prizes and categories are awarded on the "gun" time of each participant. This is the time elapsed from the actual moment of the start of the entire race until an individual runner crosses the finish line. Chip timing also provides each runner with their “race time” i.e. the time from crossing the start line to the time crossing the finish line. This may be slightly different to the gun time as it may take you one minute or so to cross the start line if you are at the back of the crowd.

I'm not able to run the race. Can I still get my T-shirt?
The memento shirt is a finisher's shirt. Only those completing the entire race are allowed to receive the Run the Bridge T-shirt.
How do I get my pictures from the race?
Race photography will be taken by Tony Clixby. Visit his website www.tonyclixby.com and search for your race number. Any questions regarding race photos contact 08443 510 290