Event Distances
Individual Event: 21.1 km
Team Event (Relay): 3 legs, each approx. 7 km

Course Details (Click here for map)
The annual Geelong Cross Country Club half marathon runs along the beautiful Barwon River, from Belmont, to Breakwater and then up to Fyansford and back to Belmont. As well as being the club's annual fundraiser, the event raises funds for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre at the Geelong University Hospital and this year, the Rory Wilson Fund.

Entry Fee
Adult $50
Concession $40
Relay $90 ($30 per participant)

Prizes
Prizes are awarded for male and female in each category
First male and female across the line (irrespective of age group): $500 plus sash
Bonus: $200 if the open course record is broken
Under 20: $100 plus sash
Open section (20 – 39): 1st: $100 plus sash; 2nd: $80; 3rd: $60
Veteran’s section (40 - 49): 1st: $100 plus sash; 2nd: $80; 3rd: $60
Master’s section (50-59): 1st: $100 plus sash; 2nd: $80; 3rd: $60
Over 60s: 1st: $100 plus sash; 2nd: $80; 3rd: $60
Relay teams: 1st: $200 total plus trophies; 2nd: $150; 3rd: $100

Parking
Free parking is available at the Geelong Cross Country Club rooms located on Barrabool Road, opposite the Barwon River Tourist Park, under the James Harrison Bridge.

Race Start Time
8.00am for both individual and team events.
Participants are encouraged to arrive by at least 7.15 am, 45 minutes prior to the event start, to ensure there is plenty of time to get organised and warm up prior to the run.
There will be a race briefing at 7:45am. All participants must attend the race briefing.

Race Starting Place
The race starts under the James Harrison Bridge, on the
south side of Barwon River. Melways reference Map 451, K8.

Pacing Groups
There will be three pacing groups led by experienced runners, who will aim to get you across the line for that PB!
Choose from 90 minutes, 105 minutes or 120 minutes.
All 3 group leaders will be distinctively dressed and will be pointed out prior to the start.

Team Event
Distances
First leg: 7.3 km (Event start line to near Moorabool Street Bridge, north side of river);
Second leg: 6.4km (near Moorabool Street Bridge, north side of river, to Fyansford);
Third leg: 7.4km (Fyansford to event finish line)
Team Organisation
First runner: Start at 8 am at the event start line. After completion of your leg, walk back to event start/finish area over the Moorabool Street Bridge.
Second runner: Walk over the Moorabool Street Bridge to the start of your leg. Arrange transport back from Fyansford Common (located next to Fyansford Hotel) on Hyland Street, Fyansford, to the event start/finish area.
Third runner: Arrange own travel to Fyansford Common. You may want to leave a vehicle at Fyansford for the second runner to use to return to the event start/finish area. There will be a secure car key drop off at Fyansford.

Race Cut- Off Times
The marshals and race team will cease support progressively as follows:
• 7.25km: 50 mins (8.50 am)
• 11.8km: 85 mins (9.25 am)
• 16.3km: 120 mins (10.00 am)
• 21.1km: 165 mins (10.45 am)
Participants will be welcome to continue after these times but need to be aware that they continue at their own risk.

How Can I Register?
You can register and pay for the event online at www.gccc.asn.au. Only online registration is available. An email will be sent to confirm registration.
For team entries, each person must register individually. You will be asked to indicate your team name when you register.

What Is The Last Day I Can Register?
Registrations will close on Saturday 11th April 2015 or earlier if the maximum number of 1200 runners has been reached prior to this date.

Can I Enter On The Day?
No entries will be taken on the day of the event.

Will My Race Bib and Number Be Sent To Me Before The Event?
Yes. Your race bib and number, and a race information brochure (including a course map), will be posted to you before the event. For team runners, we will post these separately to each team member: We will post these to the address you enter when registering.

What if My Race Bib Does NOT Turn Up Before the Race?
If your race bib does NOT arrive via the post or you are a late entry please make your way to the information tent before the race on Sunday morning. Make sure you give yourself enough time before the race to collect your race bib as there could be delays.

Can I Get A Refund If I Can’t Participate In The Race?
Yes, if you notify us by 31st March, we will refund your entry fee (less a $5 administration fee). Send your request to halfmarathon@gccc.asn.au. No refunds are possible after 31st March.

Checklist For Event Day... Don’t Leave Home Without The Following Bits and Pieces!
• Running shoes and clothing
• Change of clothing and shoes (including warm clothes and rain jacket)
• A bag to put your clothing in, clearly marked with your race number if you intend to use the bag storage area
• Race bib and safety pins
• Money for post-event refreshments & snacks
• Race information brochure... that way you’ll know where to go, where to park and all that fun stuff!

Do I Need To Check In On Race Day?
No.

What Weather Can I Expect For The Event?
The average daily temperatures for Geelong during April are: min. 11°C, max. 22°C. However, our weather is quite variable in April and both cold and hot weather are quite possible. So please make sure you check out the forecast close to the event, dress appropriately, be sun smart and, should the weather be unseasonably hot, carry any additional water you feel you may require.

What Should I Wear?
Comfortable running gear appropriate for the weather, and shoes suited for running on asphalt paths are highly recommended. We suggest that you wear clothing and shoes that you’ve trained in, so you are confident that they won’t cause any problems.

Can I Use My iPod/MP3 Player On Course?
No. Aside from it being a bit unsafe, as it is harder to hear other runners, we don’t want you missing out on all the amazing atmosphere of the event.

Can I Bring My Dog or Other Pet To Run/Walk With Me?
For safety reasons, animals aren’t permitted on the course.

Can I Ride My Bike Alongside A Friend Who Is Running?
No. For safety reasons, bikes, skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted on the course.

Can I Push a Pram/Stroller In The Event?
No. For the safety of all runners, this is not permitted.

Will Water Be Provided During The Race?
Yes, there will be water stations close to the following kilometre marks: 4, 8, 12, 14, 16, 19 and at the finish. Water will be provided in cups.

How Fit Do I Need To Be To Run a Half Marathon?
It is essential to train before such an event to ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge of a half marathon. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have completed adequate training.
If you have any concerns about the adequacy of your preparation or your capacity to complete this event, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before participating.
If you are unwell prior to the event you should not participate.
If you are unwell during the event you should immediately withdraw and promptly notify an official that you require medical attention.

Race Bib
Your race bib must be worn on your front at all times during the event. If you are not wearing your bib, your time will not be recorded and you will not be eligible for any prizes.

Where Can I Leave My Bag On The Day?
There will be a designated bag storage area at the event start/finish area for you to leave your bags on event day. Ensure your belongings are in a closed bag that is clearly marked with your race number, then drop it off at the Donate for Life tent. While we will carefully look after your property, we cannot guarantee its security and recommend that you not leave valuables (such as keys, phones, wallets, purses) in your bag.

Will There Be Kilometre Marks?
Yes, every kilometre from 2 to 21 will be marked on the course path.

What Roads Will Be Closed?
The course is almost entirely on running paths along the Barwon River and there will be no need to close any main roads.

Rubbish Disposal On The Course (ie gel packs, cups)
Please keep our Barwon River beautiful. Tuck used gel packs into your shorts and deposit these in the rubbish bins provided at each drinks station. Please also drop water cups near these rubbish bins.

Toilets
These will be available at the start area, (both portable loos and in the Geelong Cross Country clubrooms) and along the course. If required during the race, ask a marshal for directions to the nearest toilet.

What Will Be Available At The End Of The Race?
Water and fruit plus a FREE sausage sizzle for runners, hosted by the Rotary Club of Corio raising funds for Relay for Life. Spectators can also have a sausage for a gold coin donation.

Presentation Time
Presentations will be held at approximately 10.30am at the event finish area.

Will I Be Timed During My Event?
Yes. We’ll be using an electronic timing system for all participants. All times will commence when the start gun goes. Race results will be available on the Geelong Cross Country Club website www.gccc.asn.au by the Monday after the event.

Enquiries
Contact halfmarathon@gccc.asn.au if you have any questions.

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