St Albans Half Marathon

All finishers will receive:

• Unique medal
• T-shirt
• Water and a free ice lolly at the finish
• Fully marshalled with professional medical cover provided throughout the course

Prizes:

Half Marathon - the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female runners will be presented their prizes on the day. Winning runners for the categories below will receive their prizes in the post following the event.

• Male Under 40yrs
• Male Vets 40 - 49yrs
• Male Super Vets 50+
• Male SS Vets 60+
• Female Under 35yrs
• Female Vets 35 – 44yrs
• Female Super Vets 45+
• Female SS Vets 55+

5K - Top 3 male and female in the two 11-16 years and 17+ categories will receive a prize on the day.

Walking Half - 3 spot prizes (including for best fancy dress)

Event Timetable:

• 08:30 - Walking Half Marathon Starts
• 08:50 - 5k Race Starts
• 09:50 - Wheelchair Half Marathon Starts
• 10:00 - Half Marathon Starts
• 10:15 - 1.5 Mile Fun Run Starts
• 13:15 - Half Marathon Cut Off time (3hrs 15 mins)

There is a pre-race warm up before every race, led by an instructor. You are advised to arrive at the start-line 10-15 minutes before the race begins. There are also plenty of activities to do in the Runners Village, so it is recommended that you arrive at the event at least 1 hour before your race.

Fancy dress is hugely encouraged, so don't forget to dress up.

You will either have received your race pack in the post or collected it in advance on a pre-race collection day (depending on what you choose when entering the race). Please don't forget to bring this with you.

There are three specific spectator viewing areas along the route. There are also lots of spaces along our finish line, which your family can cheer you on from. The VIP garden is the best place to watch the Start/Finish, and you can purchase spectator VIP passes.

Are there toilets?

Yes, there are toilets situated on the route and in the Runner's Village.

Can I shower/change?

Yes, all runners have access to the Abbey View building, where you can shower and change. There are also changing facilities available in the Runner's Village.

Where can I check my bags in?

A secure baggage area is available in the Runner's Village free of charge.

When will I get my race pack?

When you entered the event, if you selected for your race pack to be posted to you, it will be sent two weeks before race day. If you selected to collect your race pack at one of the pre-race collection days, go to Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre at one of the following times:

• Tues 9th June (4pm-7pm)
• Weds 10th June (9am -1pm)
• Thurs 11th June (3pm-6pm)
• Sat 13th June (10am -3pm)
• Sun 14th June (from 7am in Runners Village)

(NB: If you enter the race after June 2nd, your race number will only be available to collect from Thursday 11th)

Can I enter on the day of the event?

No, entries will not be accepted on the day of the event. Entries will close at midday on Thursday 6th June, but in the past some races sold out before the cut off.

Can I take my dog?

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in any of the races.

Can I run in fancy dress?

Fancy dress is massively encouraged! There is even a prize for the best fancy dress runner, and the marshals will all be dressed up as well. This is a great opportunity to get dressed up with your friends and family and make a statement.

Can I wear headphones?

In the half marathon, you are not permitted to wear headphones or similar devices, unless medically prescribed. UKA rules do allow you to wear bone-conducting headphones, so this is permitted ONLY for the half marathon race. If you want to wear bone-conducting headphones you must declare it in your registration form, otherwise you may be disqualified.

If you are seen using any other form of headphone or you haven't declared using bone conduction headphones, you will be disqualified. This is all for your own health and safety and that of your fellow participants.

Is the course fully marshalled?

Yes, the event is famous for its loyal, enthusiastic and encouraging marshals. Several local voluntary organisations help out in the running and marshaling of the event.

Is the course suitable for a wheelchair?

Yes, the course is suitable for a wheelchair. The wheelchair race starts 10 minutes before the half marathon in order to avoid collisions. Please note that the start and finish line are both in the park and hence are on grass. There route also includes hills and speed bumps.

​Why is the walking half marathon not a race?

Because the whole route is not closed to traffic, it cannot be an official race. However, the event is chip timed so participants can get an official time, and there are prizes for the top 3 walkers.