Milton Keynes Half Marathon FAQs

See below for some frequently asked questions about the NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon. Click on the relevant question to find out the answer.

Why should I choose this race?
What is the date for the 2012 race?
When and where does the race start?
When should I arrive?
Where can I park?
Can I be dropped off and picked up at the race site?
How do I enter the individual race?
What is the Team Challenge?
When do I receive my race pack?
How much does it cost?
Am I able to have a refund or deferral if I am unable to run?
Can I enter on the day?
Can I transfer my number to someone else?
Who can enter?
Will there be chip timing?
When will I receive my result?
Will there be a place for me to leave my bags?
Are there changing rooms and showers available?
What other facilities are provided?
Will there be any refreshments available before or after the race?
What medical coverage will be provided?
How long will the course stay open for?
What accommodation is available near the route?
What's the course like?
Can I enter if I am disabled?
How can I raise funds for the NSPCC?
Can I run in fancy dress?
Can I use my iPod or MP3 player on the day?
Where can I find advice on training?
Will I receive a medal?
What prizes are available?
Can I buy a commemorative T-shirt?
How can I volunteer to help with the event?

Why should I choose this race?

The NSPCC Milton Keynes Half Marathon has built an excellent reputation for its high standards of organisation, facilities and marshalling and has become a key event in the Milton Keynes sporting calendar.  Organised entirely by volunteers (with support from Race Timing Systems) to raise funds for the NSPCC, it is also noted for its friendly atmosphere where everyone, regardless of age and ability, is made to feel very welcome.

What is the date for the 2012 race?

Sunday 8 July 2012.

When and where does the race start?

The race starts at 10am at The Webber Independent School, Soskin Drive, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes, MK14 6DP.  This is the same venue as last year and was previously known as Bury Lawn School.

When should I arrive?

The gates open at 8am and the changing facilities and on the day registrations will be available from this time.  We suggest you should aim to get to the race site by 9am to give you enough time to get parked, enjoy the warm up and use the toilets.

Where can I park?

Except for disabled drivers, no car parking is available at the race site or in Soskin Drive which is the road leading from the A422 (Monks Way) to the race site entrance.  However, ample free car parking is available at Stantonbury Campus Leisure Centre and at two separate sites in Linford Wood on the opposite side of Monks Way.  A parking map is available for download from the NSPCC event page.

Please be aware that it is a 10 minute walk from the car parks to the race site.

Can I be dropped off and picked up at the race site?

Access to the site and Soskin Drive is restricted to authorised persons and disabled runners from about one hour prior to the race until about 1.30pm when all runners have completed the course.  Please use the car parking areas or other safe environments whilst dropping off or waiting to collect runners.

How do I enter the individual race?

You can enter online through the Race Timing Systems website.  If you are a UKA affiliated member you can also enter online at www.runbritain.com.  Alternatively, if you prefer to enter by post then you download an entry form from the NSPCC event page.

What is the Team Challenge?

The Team Challenge is open to all businesses, clubs and other organisations.  There is no limit to the number of runners in each team but only the four fastest finishers qualify for the team trophies, based on the lowest aggregate time of those four.

Entries for the Team Challenge are by post only - entry forms can be downloaded from the NSPCC event page.

When do I receive my race pack?

Your race pack, containing your race number, timing chip, baggage tag, sponsorship form and other information will be sent to you as follows:-

Applications received before 30 March will be posted on 13 April.
Applications received before 27 April will be posted on 11 May.
Applications received before 25 May will be posted on 8 June.
Applications received before 22 June will be posted on 29 June.

If your application is received after 23 June arrangements will be made for the race pack to be collected by you on the race day.

How much does it cost?

Entry fees are as follows:

• UKA affiliated members £20, unaffiliated £22.  Note fees include postage. Although we incur additional fees for online entries we do not pass these on.
• Entries on the day are £25 whether affiliated or not.
• The Team Challenge costs £24 per entrant (including a T-shirt) plus £4 per team for postage.

Am I able to have a refund or deferral if I am unable to run?

Unfortunately we cannot offer any refunds or deferrals to next year.  There are a number of costs involved in staging an event like this, such as road closures, toilet and barrier hire, medical cover and race administration, which aren't recoverable.

Can I enter on the day?

Yes, we would fully expect this to be the case, but there is a limit on the number of entries and so it cannot be guaranteed.

Can I transfer my number to someone else?

Unfortunately you can't pass your place onto someone else. Each place in the race is unique and upon registration you will provide medical information and emergency contact details that are specific to you. If you pass on your race number you could be endangering that person as we would have no information on them should there be an emergency.

However, upon reasonable request Race Timing Systems will use its best endeavours to officially transfer a race number to another participant.

Who can enter?

All runners must be aged 17 or over on the day of the race. However, to comply with the Children's Act, if you are over 17 but under 18 then we will require parental or guardian consent and will contact you if this is not provided.

Will there be chip timing?

Yes, you will receive your disposable chip in your race pack. Remember: no chip, no time. The chip doesn't need to be collected after the race and can be thrown away. Please ensure that you attach your race chip as per the chip instructions.

When will I receive my result?

The results will be on our website later on the same day. Although chip timing is extremely accurate, some errors do occur from time to time. Please contact Race Timing Systems immediately if you think your result is wrong.

You may also receive an text message containing your time as soon as you cross the finish line. You can choose to order this service during the online entry process.

Will there be a place for me to leave my bags?

Yes, there will be a baggage area for runners. Please attach the label showing your race number securely and visibly to your bag. Only you may collect your bag after the race.  The baggage area opens at 8.45am.

Are there changing rooms and showers available?

Yes, thanks to the generosity of the hosts in allowing us to use the sports hall.  We are very fortunate to have this so please keep the area as clean and tidy as possible.  The facilities are located down the outside steps at the rear of the sports hall.

Please do not use any of the facilities at Stantonbury Campus Leisure Centre other than for car parking.

What other facilities are provided?

In addition to ample toilet facilities at the start/finish, there will be 3 water stations on the course providing bottled water (due to runners' feedback, we have decided to replace the cups with bottles this year).  Massage facilities will also be provided before and after the race in the sports hall for a £5 donation.

Will there be any refreshments available before or after the race?

All runners will receive a bottle of water, a banana and an energy bar after the race. In addition, there will be a café at the race site where refreshments can be purchased. 

What medical coverage will be provided?

Medical coverage will be provided by St John's Ambulance and British Red Cross with facilities at the start/finish line and at various points throughout the course. However, if you feel unwell on the day or you've been ill during the previous week, we recommend that you don't participate in the run.

How long will the course stay open for?

The time limit for the race is 3.5 hours and the course will be closed at 1.30pm, after which time there will be no marshals or medical cover.  You need to be fit enough to complete the race in this time and for this reason we do not encourage walkers to enter.
 
What accommodation is available near the route?

There are many hotels in Milton Keynes.  Please go to the usual booking sites for details.

What's the course like?

The first and last half mile of the course is in Soskin Drive which will be closed to traffic. The rest of the course follows 'redways', purpose built cycle paths, which are mainly traffic free.  Please be aware that there may be members of the public walking or cycling along the redways.  Although slightly undulating in parts, the course is not hilly and is great for either experienced or first time runners.

Can I enter if I am disabled?

The event may be suitable dependable on the nature of your disability.  Please contact us to discuss your position prior to entry.  With the exception of the needs of disabled athletes, we do not allow any wheeled vehicles (for example cycles and buggies) or dogs to accompany runners on the course.

How can I raise funds for the NSPCC?

There were a number of different ways you can do this.  You will receive a sponsorship form in your race pack or you can download it from this website.  Alternatively, why not create your own online fundraising page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/nspcc or www.justgiving.com/nspcc.  They are simple to set up and make it easy for your friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor you.

You can of course also choose to make a donation through both the online and postal entry process. Visit the NSPCC website for more top tips on fundraising.

Can I run in fancy dress?

Yes, we are happy to see people in fancy dress out on the course particularly if this helps with your efforts in raising funds for the NSPCC.

Can I use my iPod or MP3 player on the day?

We do not recommend that you use audio devices or wear headphones on the course as you need to be aware of other runners and to hear marshals' instructions. 

Where can I find advice on training?

Visit the NSPCC website to see advice on training for a run

Will I receive a medal?

Yes, all those runners who complete the race will receive a commemorative medal.  We hope to have a service available where your medal can be engraved with name time and date for £4.

What prizes are available?

In addition to a prize of £250 to anyone setting new course records (1:05:20 for men and 1:11:33 for women) we offer prizes to the fastest 3 men and fastest 3 women together with a number of prizes within age categories.  There is also a prize of £50 to the oldest finisher.  Full details are available on the NSPCC event page.

Can I buy a commemorative T-shirt?

Yes, you can purchase an event T-shirt (with a new design for 2012) for £5 when you book your place.  They may also be bought on the day from the Information Desk. NSPCC running vests may also be purchased in the same way for £10 each.

For entrants to the Team Challenge, the T-shirt is included in your entry fee.

How can I volunteer to help with the event?

There are numerous roles that need filling by keen volunteers looking to be part of the race day experience. If you would like to be involved please contact us at mkhalfmara@nspcc.org.uk or telephone 01908 328 060.