from Munster Express Not even the gloomiest budget this side of World War 2 could subdue the excitement with which people all over Waterford await this year’s Winter League. In its 8th year, there are no signs of its popularity decreasing. Year after year it goes from strength to strength, raising thousands for local charities. At the same time, all involved are showing the patriotism Minister Lenihan spoke about last week by getting themselves healthier and staying out of their local GP’s offices and Casualty wards!
So what do I do?
You come along to the RSC on the Cork Road on Thursday November 6th after 6pm, for registration, with the run starting at 7pm sharp. You bring along either €5 for your first night (€3 thereafter), or a mere €30 for the full series of 12 runs and you simply sign yourself up. No inflation increase here either! Entry forms will be available on the night.
Want to avoid the queue?
Get your entry form online at www.waterfordac.com and bring it along with you. Better still, come along to the RSC Thursday October 30th and pre-register to avoid that big line up the stairs! This year we’re introducing different colour numbers for the 2.4 and 5 mile runs, to help distinguish you guys from each other in the dark!
What’s it all involved again?
In case you’re not one of the 900 or so people that took part last year, or never came across even one of them in their fluorescent hi-viz vest running around the roads west of the city, you may not know what happens every Thursday during the winter. What we do is run either a 2.4mile route, ideal for beginners or walkers, or a longer 5 mile run for the more adventurous.
How does it work?
On the first night, everyone starts off together. We time the run and thereafter you have an official handicap at which your start each other 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 just listen out for your start time on the night, or keep an eye on the clock and go to the star just before your time is called. It’s as simple as that!
How do I stay safe?
The number one way to stay safe is to wear a hi-viz vest. We even provide them each night at the cost price of €10 if you don’t already have one. In fact, if you don’t have one, we can’t let you run at all, so get organised and get visible! Secondly, we have a lot of marshals on board to help you stay safe on the roads. Listen to their instructions, follow their advice, they are there for your benefit. No iPods, or headsets of any kind are allowed. With hundreds of runners each night, it’s absolutely imperative that you are aware of your surroundings at all times.
Anything else?
There will be a full list of rules and regulations posted on the night and on the website. But the most important thing is that you come along and enjoy the experience. You’ll no doubt have wondered where all the runners have come from around the city the last few years, this is it. Most runners around started their running at the Winter League. Hundreds have gone on to do half marathons and marathons, here and abroad. There’s nothing to suggest you can’t be one of these runners over the coming years. Each year, we see people turn up that have never run more than 10metres consecutively, yet make it through the entire 12 Thursday nights getting better and better til they run the whole thing. This could be you! Come along and give it a try.
Where do I get more information?
Here of course! Keep an eye on the sports pages of the Munster Express, or log on to www.waterfordac.com for updates. We look forward to seeing you in 2 weeks time!