Race Headquarters:
The race headquarters are at Lincroft Academy, Station Road, Oakley, Bedford MK43 7RE. There is very limited
competitor parking at the race headquarters, please see ‘Vehicle Parking’ below. Roads will be closed in the vicinity of
the race, please do not attempt to gain access to the area through the road closure or park on the run routes.
Click here for Location map.
Travel information & vehicle parking:
Oakley is situated 3 miles north of Bedford just off the A6. Click here for race location map.
Travelling from M1 (north) - At J14 follow the A509 onto A422 towards Bedford. At Bromham pick up local signs to
Oakley.
From M1 (South) – At J13 follow the A421 and exit at the Marsh Leys Junction signed A428 Bedford & Bromham.
Follow local signs to Bromham and then to Oakley.
From A421 East exit at the Marsh Leys Junction signed A428 Bedford & Bromham.
Follow local signs to Bromham and Oakley.
Vehicle parking
There is very limited parking at the rear of the race headquarters. Please do not park in the residential streets, use
only the designated car parks. The majority of vehicles can be parked at the Highfield Industrial Park, post code for
satellite navigation is MK43 7TA, this is a 10 minute walk to the race headquarters and the car park will be signed from
the A6.
Please DO NOT park in front of the race headquarters in Station Road or at the road junction with Reynes Drive and
Station Road.
Please ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DELAYS. The car parks will be signed and marshalled from 07:45
Please park as directed by marshals. Vehicle owners/drivers/passengers are advised that vehicles and contents are
left at the owners/drivers/passengers risk and that the race organisers and other third parties will not be liable for
losses or damages whatsoever.
Public transport
Bedford is served by Thameslink Railway, East Midlands Trains and London Midland. Please contact the operators
for timetable information. There is an infrequent bus service to Oakley. Alternatively, a taxi service is available at the
station for the 3mile journey.
Race assembly, start and finish:
The start of the race is directly in front of the headquarters at 10:00 sharp and runners are requested to stand
adjacent to their predicted finish time signs. This is a chip timed event from the start, therefore there is no benefit in
standing at a faster predicted finish time, you only inhibit faster runners.
The finish is in the school grounds at the rear of the race headquarters. The course is not suitable for wheelchair
competitors. Late arrivals will not be permitted to start the race.
Medical attendance/emergency:
First Aid will be available should you require any medical assistance, both mobile and at the finish. All marshals will
have mobile telephones and emergency 'phone numbers should you need to summon medical assistance. If you feel
unwell at any time during the event please make yourself known to marshals whilst on the course, or to the first aid
providers if you feel unwell before or after the race. If you feel unwell between marshalling points please ask another
runner to summon help on your behalf.
Litter:
Litter drop zones
A litter drop zone will be available at each water station. Each litter drop zone will start 50mts before the water station
and continue until 50mts past the water station. There will be signs to indicate the start and finish of the litter drop
zones. Please do not drop litter outside of these zones.
Yellow litter buckets
All marshals will have yellow litter buckets; please dispose of your gel wrappers
and empty drinks bottles in the buckets provided if you need to dispose of litter
outside the litter drop zones.
Race etiquette:
Please keep to the left side of the road unless directed otherwise by race marshals. Marshals have no power to stop
or direct traffic therefore all runners are responsible for their own safety. Please do not wear head/earphones, as you
will not be able to hear marshals' safety instructions or other warnings.
Headphones, Earphones and Similar Equipment:
Bedford Harriers, along with many other race organisers, has endeavoured to persuade runners not to wear
head/earphones (including bone conducting head/ear phones)* or similar equipment during races.
These efforts have failed and consequently we have no alternative but to reluctantly adopt a strict disqualification
practice for any runner seen wearing head/earphones (including bone conducting head/ear phones) or similar
equipment.
In respect of this race it is important that runners can hear the verbal warnings and instructions issued by
race marshals.
*Medical or prescription device to aid hearing excepted