from Munster Express 1 week to go to the beginning of the 8th Road Runners Winter League. This time 8 years ago, there were about 30 or 40 people taking part each night. It would have been unbelievable back then to think that the number would increase to over 10 times that. The League has contributed in no small way to the numbers of people running around and about the city.
Groups of runners meet every night in different locations around the city and county and I would bet that 90% of those running would say that it all started with the Winter League. So now’s your chance!!
Where do I sign?!
In an exciting new venture aimed to help reduce queues the first few nights of the league, we will be offering online registration for the first time, via www.waterfordac.com, Waterford AC’s website. So that it’s cost effective and to cover administration costs, online registration will apply only to those paying up for the full 12-week league, and will cost a mere €33. No cash, no messing around. Sign up, pay up and turn up! We will assign you a number on receipt of payment and you just turn up on the night to collect it. Easy peasy.
Not a computer whiz?
Not a problem. This year, like last, we are hoping to get as many people pre-registered as possible. To this end, we will be taking entries trackside tomorrow night (Thursday 30th) after the run at 7 till about 8.30, Monday night before the track session at 7.30 and Tuesday night at 7pm. Entry forms available on the night or print yours off from www.waterfordac.com and bring it along. €30 per person for 12 weeks, no budget increases for runners!
Don’t forget though that even if you register for the full league, you still need to come upstairs each week you run to tell us you’re running. This helps in the case of mistaken identity, where sometimes with so many people finishing, we fudge numbers and can only figure out who’s who by checking the entry numbers. Thanks!!
Charity begins … on the road
Don’t forget that all the money collected over the winter will go to local charities. Last year almost €20,000 was donates. So, not only are you improving your own fitness, health and social life, you’re contributing to helping someone else find their way.
Not all fun and games
Well, that’s a lie, it is all fun and games, laughs, jokes and the odd slagging! To keep it like that though means we need your help. If you have a lazy partner, parent or sibling at home, that likes the ‘idea’ of running, but not actually doing it, why not suggest they come along to give a hand on the night? With numbers increasing year on year, we need more people to help with registration, marshalling, time keeping, you name it. So bring them with you on the night, if for no other reason than to prove that it’s not just you that’s into this running malarkey!
Now your turn
We provide the marshalls to help make sure your running experience is as safe as possible, but you need to take on some responsibility too. Hi viz vests are essential to be allowed take part. You will not be allowed to run unless you’re lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree. You will also not be allowed run if you insist on wearing an iPod or other MPS device. You have to be able to hear marshalls instructions, oncoming traffic, other runners so that you can react in time if needs be. Don’t assume that because a marshall is at a crossing point that you can automatically cross. Marshalls have no authority to stop cars, only to advise. The responsibility rests firmly on your own shoulders, don’t mess it up! Cross when and where you’re instructed to cross!
Backup
This year we will also have an ambulance on site in case of emergency, as well as a defibrillator at base. While we do encourage people of all ages, sexes, shapes, sizes and fitness levels (or no fitness levels) to come along, we would advise that if you have cardiac issues, diabetes, high blood pressure or anything that you think cause an issue when the body is put under stress, get your doctor’s clearance, or speak to someone on the night before signing up.
Carparking
In previous years we have had issues coping with the volume of cars being parked in and around the RSC. This year the carpark was extended hugely, so should make getting in, out and around the RSC much easier. The entrance between the Superquinn and Cork Rd roundabouts will be open, as well as the usual one on the Cork Rd. Again, please obey the car park attendants! Everyone is there to help make your experience as njoyable as possible!
True Colours
If you are completely new to running, or exercise in general, you should try out the 2.4 mile distance. Many people walk it the first few nights to get acclimatised, and progress from there to a walk/jog approach and finally jog/jog the whole lot! Others might even move up to the 5 mile distance. If you do decide to change between the distances, please note that this year we will be providing different coloured numbers to those doing 2.4 versus 5 miles, so you will need to be given a different number if you change up or down in distance. This is really important to help with administrating the numbers and we appreciate your cooperation with it.
Andy Capper
Don’t forget that on the first night, everyone will start together. We time the run and thereafter you have an official handicap at which your start the next night. If, on the first night, the 5 mile run takes you 40 minutes, but takes the next person 50 minutes, you will start 10minutes after the slower runner the following week. Each week, as you improve, your handicap increases, reflective of your increased speed! Weekly handicaps will be posted online and at the RSC on the night. So check out your handicap on the poster east week, listen out for your start time when it’s being called, or keep an eye on the clock and go to the start just before your time is called. It’s as simple as that! The more you improve the higher your handicap goes.
Again, it is vital that you start at the time listed on the poster. Naturally as you can understand with almost 1000 runners registered, mistakes happen. If you believe your handicap is way off, talk to one of the people on registration and they will help. Or drop a line to info@waterfordac.com for help.
The Last Word
Keep an eye on www.waterfordac.com over the coming week for updates, or check out this spot again in the Munster next week for final details of the night. Don’t forget the first 2 or 3 nights will be hectic with so many involved, so please be patient with us. Help out by arriving and registering well before the 7pm start time. On these busy nights registration will be available from just after 6 onwards. We look forward to welcoming new and ‘old’ faces along again. It promises to be better than ever. Don’t be the one that misses out!!! See you there.