Time To Race Day
The clock’s ticking to get your entries in…
Here are some answers you may find useful for the 2026 race.
Signing Up
Q. Is there a closing date for entry?
A. Midnight Wednesday 3 June 2026.
Q. Can I enter on the day?
A. No, all runners must be registered before the event.
Q. Which event should I do?
A. It depends on your experience and current levels of fitness. Choose an event that will challenge you but is ultimately achievable. You can choose from 5K or 10K, or the Families on Track relay has laps of 250m to 750m.
Q. Can my kids enter?
A. Anyone over the age of 15 can enter the 10K
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- Minimum age limit for 10K participants is 15 years old on the day of the event. Anyone born on or before June 7th 2011.
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- Minimum age limit for 5K participants is 11 years old on the day of the event. Anyone born on or before June 7 2015.
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Children and adults of all ages and abilities can join a Families on Track team. At least one team member must be over 18.
Q. Is there an upper age limit?
A. No. All that we ask is that any participant unsure of their physical ability to take part should seek medical advice from a GP prior to the event.
Q. I haven’t run in a proper race before? Can I still enter?
A. Absolutely! It may be advisable to try a few shorter runs before the event, it’s not a race against the clock but a fun and safe way for you to find out how enjoyable running is and to hopefully start you training regularly.
Q. Can I transfer my entry to another event or person?
A. Yes you can transfer your entry to another person for an admin fee of £3 up to Sunday 26th April. Do not pass your race number to another person without officially changing the details of entry, as this is against England Athletics rules and will result in disqualification.
You can change your race distance via your Runner Dashboard (link in your confirmation email). If you choose to upgrade your distance, any difference in entry cost will need to be paid online. If you downgrade, please note that refunds for the price difference are not available.
The deadline for medical deferrals is Sunday 10th May. Please provide a GP or physio letter via email to info@eventsofthenorth.com
Before the Event
Q. Will you send me information in advance?
A. All participants will be sent their digital race guide via email 2 weeks before the event.
Participants need to collect their Race Number from Wythall Park at the registration tent at the following times:
Saturday 6 June from 2 – 5pm
Sunday 7 June from 8 – 9:45am
We encourage you to pick up your race number on Saturday if possible and arrive with plenty of time before the race on Sunday, as the park will be extremely busy.
Fundraising
Q. Do I have to collect sponsorship? Is there a minimum I must collect?
A. It is not mandatory to run for a charity or collect sponsorship, this is completely your choice. If you would like to run for a charity, our official charity partner is Acorns Children’s Hospice, please email info@eventsofthenorth.com to request a fundraising pack. We will send your details to our charity partner and you’ll be contacted with fundraising advice, but no minimum raise will be requested.
Q. Where does my sponsorship and entry fee money go?
A. All the money raised for your chosen charity should be sent direct to that charity.
Your entry fee contributes to the running of the event and pays for all of the site infrastructure, equipment, medals and prizes. All profits will be put back into Wythall Community Association.
Q. Can I take part in the event but donate my sponsorship to an alternative charity?
A. Yes. Every runner is free to make their own choice if they would like to run for a personal charity close to them. Where you decide to donate is up to you.
On the Day
Q. Is there somewhere that I can park my car?
A. Please keep an eye on our social media channels to stay up to date with the latest parking information. Parking is free in Wythall Park on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June for all participants.
Q. Do I need to register on the day?
A. If you haven’t collected your bib on Saturday 6th June, you’ll need to come to our Race Information in Wythall Park to get your race number. Please bring safety pins as we can’t guarantee we’ll be able to provide any.
Once you have your race number on (and the medical information filled out on the back), join the crowds near the start line. There will be a warm up at 9:45am, once this has been done, please line up at the start line so the race can start without delay.
Q. What time does the race start? Subject to change – please keep an eye on the website and event emails in the run up to event day.
| Race | Start time |
| 5K | 10:00am |
| 10K | 10:00am |
| Families on Track | 12:30pm |
Q. Roughly how long will it take to complete the course?
- We would expect the majority of runners to complete the:
5K: 15 – 50 minutes
10k: 30 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes
Remember – it’s not a race…. you can take your time.
Q. Does the course go on any public roads with traffic?
A. Yes the course does take you along public roads, but they will all be closed/segregated to traffic for the duration of the race.
Q. How will I know which way to go?
A. There will be course signage and marshals at all key junctions to ensure you don’t get lost.
Q. Will there be any other activities available?
A. Yes there will be a range of activities available including archery, tennis, bowls, concessions and entertainment!
Q. Will there be any refreshments?
A. There will be water available for all athletes upon completion of the race. There will also be a water station on the 10K course at approximately halfway.
Q. I’m injured can’t run what should I do?
A. Oh no and after all that hard work too! We are sorry you are missing out on the event. Please contact info@eventsofthenorth.com to inform the event team of your withdrawal.
We offer deferrals to 2027 for any injured runners who join us on the day as volunteers. Please email volunteers@eventsofthenorth.com for more information.
DO NOT PASS YOUR RACE NUMBER on to anyone else. It potentially puts them at a medical risk as we have no medical information or emergency contact details for them. The entry fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, however there could be the possibility of deferring your entry to the following year on production of an official letter from your doctor or physio. The deadline for medical deferrals is Sunday 10th May.
Q. What happens if it rains?
A. Some of the most successful events have happened in the rain. Our events will only be cancelled if there are severe weather conditions. Make sure you are suitably dressed for the event. If it is drizzling or cold in the morning bring a bin bag to put over your clothes it will keep you warmer and dry before you set off.
Q. How difficult will the course be?
A. Keep an eye on our social channels for details of the route. The courses have been designed to be fast and as flat as possible, this will make it great for those wanting to post a fast time and also for those first timers too!
Q. Do I have to run the course?
A. We advise participants to run /jog or combine that with fast walking because of the length of time it would take to walk the course. However, there is no restriction at all if you would like to enter and walk. There is a 2 ½ hour limit for the 10K, after which time the event team will ask you to leave the course or run on the paths at your own risk. Please make sure you mention this on your entry form or contact the event team. You’ll be positioned accordingly on the start line.
Q. What facilities will be available?
A. Toilets will be provided at the start/finish. Refreshments will also be available for purchase in the event village for runners and spectators. A secure bag drop will be available for all runners from 8am. The Community Club will be open for drinks from 11:00am.
The first aid area will be located at the start/finish. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide showers or changing facilities.
Q. When will I get my running time?
A. Your race will be chip timed. The timing chip will give you an accurate start and finish time, so there’s no rush to be first over the start line when the gun goes!
Q. Where do I collect my race number?
A. You must collect your race number from Race Information, located near the start and finish area in Wythall Park. Race Information will be open at the following times:
Saturday 6th June: 2-5pm
Sunday 7th June: 8-9:45am.
Please leave enough time if collecting your race number on the Sunday morning before the start of the race. The park will be extremely busy on Sunday morning.
Q. Can someone take my place?
A. No. For health and safety reasons we need to ensure that the event organiser has all the details of the runners on the day in case of a medical incident. This is also against England Athletics rules.
Q. Can my dog run alongside me?
A. For health and safety reasons we cannot allow any pets to participate in any of the events.
General
Q. How can I get in touch with someone if I have further questions?
A. For any questions regarding the runs please email your questions to info@eventsofthenorth.com. For questions regarding anything else, please email funrun@wythall-park.org.uk.
Q. Can I volunteer at the event?
A. Yes! Volunteering with us is a great way to be involved in the event. If you’re spectating a friend or family member, or just want to be part of the action, we always welcome enthusiastic individuals to help out!
Please register your interest by emailing volunteers@eventsofthenorth.com.
As a thank you, we offer a free entry to one of our running events (within a 12 month period) to all our volunteers. This means next year you can run!
Q. Why is there an entry fee?
A. The entry fee covers all the unavoidable administrative and organisational costs that make sure the events are safe and enjoyable.
Q. I can’t run the race now, can I have a refund?
A. Your entry fee is invested in the cost of staging the event with the fees covering contractors, suppliers and administration costs. The entry fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, however there could be the possibility of deferring your entry to the following year on production of an official letter from your doctor or physio. The deadline for medical deferrals is Sunday 10th May.
You can download a copy of the event terms and conditions which are available during registration here.
Q. Why can’t under 11s take part?
A. Unfortunately, due to health and safety, England Athletics rules and legal reasons, we cannot accept entries from under 15s in the 10K or U11s in the 5K.
Kids of all ages can take part in Families on Track, which will run at 12:30pm on the Sunday afternoon. Entries are open here: www.familiesontrack.co.uk
Q. How secure is the event website?
A. This website is on a secure server. All the transactional areas of the website including entering events, paying in sponsorship and donating use industry standard 1024 bit SSL encryption.
Q. Is there a running community out there training for the event?
A. We have a great following on Facebook. There are regulars chatting about the event and sharing training tips. Come and join us!
Residents
Q. I am a local resident, how is this going to impact me?
A. To ensure the safety of all runners, there will be road closures in place which may affect you.
Silver Street, Batemans Lane, Packhorse Lane, Middle Lane, Wythall Green Way, Wilmore Lane, Bell Green Lane, Icknield Street, Headley Heath Lane, Dark Lane and Baccabox Lane will be closed on Sunday 7 June on a rolling road closure plan between 9:00am and 12:30pm.
All enquiries that are not runner-related to be directed to funrun@wythall-park.org.uk.
Q, How can I get involved?
A. If you don’t want to run but would like to be involved, we are looking for a team of volunteers to help us with the delivery of the event. Please register your interest by emailing volunteer@eventsofthenorth.com
Run clubs, charities and groups: Key areas such as a water station or a busy road junction will need a small team of volunteers. We invite your club or group to ‘own’ one of these key areas. Work as a team and take responsibility for an area. Bring along club flags or branding and collect for charity.
Q. How can I get in touch with someone if I have further questions?
A. You can email your questions to info@eventsofthenorth.com
Businesses
Q. I would like to offer a discount over the event weekend as I think I may be able to attract some additional business, can you help?
A. Great idea, and with an additional 1,000 runners plus their support, it is an ideal opportunity to maximise on sales. We would love to help communicate what you would like to offer. Please keep the offer simple. Email funrun@wythall-park.org.uk with your business details, contact details and the offer you would like promoted.
Q. I have a business on the route where the roads are closed, this is going to impact me.
A. We appreciate that the event may inconvenience certain residents or businesses. We are operating a rolling road closure programme designed with and approved by Worcestershire County Council and as such will impact individuals for the shortest time possible to ensure the safety of those participating in the event. All businesses affected by the event will receive an information leaflet explaining which roads are closed, for how long and how you move round.
Road Closures
Silver Street, Batemans Lane, Packhorse Lane, Middle Lane, Wythall Green Way, Wilmore Lane, Bell Green Lane, Icknield Street, Headley Heath Lane, Dark Lane and Baccabox Lane will be closed on Sunday 7 June on a rolling road closure plan between 9:00am and 12:30pm.
Disruption will be kept to a minimum and a rolling road closure and reopening schedule will be in place on the day.