Runners’ Information 2019

Information for Mulberry Bush Montessori Balfron 10k
Sunday 12th May 2019

Key Points

  • Collect race number and timing chip between 9:00 and 10:30 on the day – come early to avoid a last-minute rush!
  • Race starts 11am prompt
  • Please DO NOT park on the following roads – Roman Road, Cotton Street, Buchanan Street (Main St) and Dunmore Street as they all form part of the 10k route. Parking areas are shown on the attached map
  • Balfron High School Campus car park will close at 9:45 sharp and cars will not be able to leave until after the last 10k runner has finished
  • Out and back traffic-free route – rural roads can be uneven in places
  • Please be especially careful of speed bumps on school entrance drive and in village and uneven and potholed roads after the water station from approx 3 to 7km

Key Safety Points for Runners

  • Race Briefing: the race starts at 11am with a safety briefing at 10:50am – please assemble at the start by this time.  The race is a mass start, so we ask for runners to assemble according to expected finish time, the fastest at the front. 
  • Out & Back Route: please keep left at all times. The route is largely traffic free, although access to the few properties on the route cannot be denied so there may be the occasional vehicle.
  • Speed Bumps: There are several speed bumps on the school driveway (close to the start / finish), Cotton Street and Roman Road. Please be very careful of these at the mass start, particularly as the first kilometre is all downhill and will be run at pace, and at the finish when your legs are tired.
  • Route Surface: Please be aware that once out of the village the route follows a country road and that the surface may be potholed or uneven in places. Some resurfacing has taken place in recent weeks but there are still places where it is uneven.
  • Water: There will be water points on the route, at approx 4.4km, 6.7km and 8km. Please keep left at all times and be aware of runners coming the other way.
  • We are using biodegradable cups with fresh water. Please dispose of cups by throwing them to the left hand side off the road and away from the race surface. Please do not just drop them on the route as this could be hazardous for other runners.
  • First aiders: Lomond Mountain Rescue will be in attendance. If you experience any difficulties or concerns please contact them or any of the race marshals – identifiable by their hi-vis jackets.
  • Suitable precautions and measures for safety have been taken by race organisers, but please remember you are responsible for your own safety at all times.

Have a great, safe run from The Balfron 10k Organising Committee.

Main Information

The race starts and finishes at the Balfron Campus (High School).  Please see the map below for directions.

There will be car parking at the campus, although as the car park exit crosses the race route, car park closes at 9:45 and cars will not be allowed to leave until the race finishes – and not before 12:30 at the earliest. 

Alternative car-parking is available at Shearer’s Garage, Donaldson Park car park and the village recycling facility – behind the Co-op car park – all around 5 minutes-walk away (see map below). Please DO NOT use the Golf Course car park or the CO-OP car park. Alternatively, there is on-street parking available, but we must stress again, PLEASE DO NOT park on Roman Road, Cotton Street, Buchanan Street and Dunmore Street – as these form part of the race route! Please show consideration for local residents when parking – Balfron is not accustomed to so many visitors!

Registration is open from 09:00 – 10:30 in the High School Sports Hall and race numbers, timing chips and safety pins will be provided at this time.  We have had a fantastic response to the race and have over 400 entrants, so please come early to avoid a rush in the countdown to the race start.

There are limited changing facilities, showers and toilets in the High School and a small number of lockers available, or clothing can be left in the sports hall – although we stress that anything left is at the owner’s risk and no liability can be taken. Please use common sense, and don’t leave valuables.

The race starts at 11am – please assemble at the start at least five minutes before this time

The race is a mass start, so since we have over 400 runners, registered we ask for runners to assemble according to expected finish time, the fastest at the front. 

The new route starts with a loop of the village before joining the original out and back route, following a straight road. The turning point will be clearly indicated and marshalled.

There will be water points on the route, at approx 4.4km, 6.7km and 8km. Please keep left at all times and be aware of runners coming the other way.

Important note: This year in line with the event’s commitment to sustainability and being plastic free we will not be handing out plastic water bottles at the drinks station and after the race. Instead, there will be biodegradable cups with fresh water at the water points. Please dispose of these thoughtfully to the left verge after using and not in the middle of the race route, as it can lead to a slippy road surface.

Some runners may be concerned about how to use cups, having not used them in training or at other races. Don’t worry, thousands use cups successfully in other races and events – it is unlikely to lose you vital seconds. Just grab the cup and squeeze the top, thereby creating a funnel to control the pour and limit the amount of water splashing out.

Additionally, this year we are collecting sports clothing and footwear for the Refuweegee charity, so please bring along good quality, clean items. There will be a drop-off point in the main reception hall.

The route will be largely traffic-free, although access to the few properties on the route cannot be denied, so there may be the occasional vehicle. Please keep left at all times. 

There are several speed bumps on the school driveway (close to the start / finish), Cotton Street and Roman Road. Please be very careful of these at the mass start, particularly as the first kilometre is all downhill and will be run at pace and at the finish when your legs are tired.

Please be aware that once out of the village the route follows a country road, and that the surface may be potholed or uneven in places. Some resurfacing has taken place in recent weeks but we can’t guarantee it will be completed by the local authority come race day.

Suitable precautions and measures for safety have been taken by race organisers, but please remember you are responsible for your own safety at all times.

Offering first aid will be Lomond Mountain Rescue. If you are experiencing any difficulties or concerns, please contact them or any of the race marshals – identifiable by their hi-vis jackets.

We wish you an enjoyable race and hope you are pleased with your result.  If you have any additional questions, please email to info@balfron10k.org.uk

Kind regards

The Balfron 10k Organising Committee.