The Families on Track race is a continuous relay race for 3 to 5 people where collectively you run 5k. One person needs to be over 18 and at least one person under 16. The minimum age to take part is 4 years old.
Team entry costs £35, this includes a medal, t-shirt and goody bag for all team members.
Take a look at our 2024 promotional video to see the race in action or read the Families on Track Race Guide 2024 to find out even more.
The race begins at 12:30pm. So please head over to Registration at 12:00pm (noon) to sign up, ready to get to your start pen for the briefing at 12:15pm.
The race
1. The race is a continuous relay.
2. The 5K distance is completed in a series of laps comprising of a combination of 750m, 500m and 250m laps.
3. Each family can determine how to complete the distance (e.g. 2 x 750m 6 x 500m 4 x 250m = 5km). You can run in any but each distance (750m, 500m, 250m) must be run at least once. A family can run no more than four 750m laps within their relay.
4. The first leg must be 750m, please decide in advance who your first runner is. Immediately after the briefing we will ask all first leg runners to join us on the start line.
Changeovers take place in the “Family Zone”. This is where the fun happens! Each family will have its own Pen in the Family Zone, where they can change runners and cheer each other on.
When you complete the distance the whole family group joins together for the Glory Leg up to the Finish Line.
How it works
Each lap is colour-coded to avoid confusion:
✓ 250M – YELLOW
✓ 500M – PINK
✓ 750M – PURPLE
As you complete your lap you will handed the relevant coloured ball to place in your team basket, after handing over to your next runner in the changeover area.
This will help you keep tally of your progress. Our guideline is that under-10s should take on the 250m and 500m laps because they are fast.
When your coloured balls collected add up to 1km, add a magnet to your team whiteboard.
The finish
When your team is close to completing the 5km distance the whole family team will make their way to changeover to meet the final leg runner.
The final runner does not need to collect a ball.
When the final leg runner completes their lap, the whole family can join them to exit the pit lane area and in to the glory leg up the finish straight.
✓ Feel free to take your flags/bunting/balloons with you
✓ Smile for the cameras as you all cross the finish line
Any possessions left in your pit lane pen will be safe and can be collected once everyone has finished the race. NB: we ask for just one member of the team to collect all the bags so as to keep congestion to a minimum in the pit lane while the race is still in progress.
Changeover
The next runner must be in the changeover to meet the incoming runner. Our FOT pit lane crew will be there to assist, but you are responsible to ensure the continuity of your relay.
We require the incoming runner to touch hands with the outgoing runner in the changeover area within the pit lane.
If you’re the incoming runner and have completed your lap please return to your family pen until it’s your turn to run again!
Remember to put the coloured ball in your basket and update your progression on the team whiteboard.
An adult is welcome to accompany their young team members on a loop if necessary nb: please only collect one ball at the end of the lap.
Are there any rules?
- Each family group can be 3,4 or 5 people, of which at least 1 needs to be under 16 and at least one over 18.
- The minimum age to take part is 4 years old.
- You can enter more than one family group
- Team entry costs £35, this includes a medal, t-shirt and goody bag for all team members
- All members must complete at least one lap
- You must stay in your family Pen until changing over or running. It’s not called the Family Zone for nothing!
- Our guideline is that under-10s should take on the 500m and 250m. Because they are FAST!
- The team captain must be over 18
We look forward to welcoming you to the Families on Track arena!
