Event Distances
Individual Event: 21.1 km or 7km

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 Geelong's University Hospital.

Entry Fees
We are pleased to offer reduced entry fees to those with Australian Health Care Cards and to entrants who will be aged under 18 on race day.
Half Marathon - Adult - $55
Half Marathon - Australian Health Care Cards or under 18 - $40
7km Event - Adult - $25
7km Event - Australian Health Care Cards or under 18 - $20
These entry fees are GST inclusive. There are no additional handling fees etc.

Age Limit
While we are actively encourage young runners, for safety reasons, we must insist that all runners be aged 16 or more on race day for the half marathon and 14 years or more for the 7 km event.

Prizes
All finishers of both events will receive a Geelong Half Marathon cap along with refreshments.

Half Marathon
Prizes are awarded for male and female in each category
First male and female across the line (irrespective of age group): $500 ($400 plus age group 1st prize of $100) plus sash.
Under 20 Age Group: $100 plus sash
20 - 39 Age Group: 1st: $100 plus sash; 2nd: $80; 3rd: $60
40 - 49 Age Group: 1st: $100 plus sash; 2nd: $80; 3rd: $60
50 - 59 Age Group: 1st: $100 plus sash; 2nd: $80; 3rd: $60
60 and Over Age Group: 1st: $100 plus sash; 2nd: $80; 3rd: $60
Bonus: $200 if the open course record is broken.The current course records are (male) Michael Chettle, 65m 8s, set on 18 April 2004 and (female) Karrina Fyfe, 76m 58s, set on 27 April 2014.

7km Event
First male $75; First female $75.

Race Start and Finish Locations
The half marathon and the 7 km both start under the James Harrison Bridge, on the
south side of Barwon River. Melways reference Map 451, K8. The half marathon finish is under the Moorabool Street Bridge, near to the start.
7 km event: The actual distance is 7.3 km. This is the same course as the first 7.3 km of the half-marathon. There will be timing mats, an arch and hydration at the finish. After completing the run, you will have a short stroll back over the Barwon River to the start area.(Click here for 7km course map)

Parking
Free parking is available near the start area. Enter from Barrabool Road, opposite the Barwon River Tourist Park, under the James Harrison Bridge.

Race Start Time
8.00am for both the Half Marathon and 7km 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.

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 Half Marathon times of 90 minutes, 105 minutes or 120 minutes. These pacers will pass the 7 km finish line in about 31 minutes, 36 minutes and 42 minutes, respectively.
All 3 group leaders will be distinctively dressed and will be pointed out prior to the start.

Race Cut- Off Times
The marshals and race team will cease support progressively as follows:
• 7.3km: 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?
To ensure your safety and enjoyment, the field has been limited to 1200 competitors. 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.

What Is The Last Day I Can Register?
Registrations will close on Saturday 2nd April 2016 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 Be Sent To Me Before The Event?
For entries up to Sunday 20th March, 2016: Your race bib, and a race information brochure (including a course map), will be posted to you by standard mail from Melbourne no later than Monday 21st March, 2016.This will have everything you need and you will not need to check in to our Information tent before race start.

For entries after Sunday 20th March, 2016: We will not post your race pack. You will need to check in to our Information tent by 7.30 am on race morning to collect your race bib and information sheet.

What if My Race Bib Does NOT Turn Up Before the Race?
If your race bib does NOT arrive in time, call in at our Information tent by 7.30 am on race morning.

Can I Get A Refund If I Can’t Participate In The Race?
Yes, if you notify us by 20th 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 20th 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. Unless your race bib has not arrived by post.

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. We do not recommend the use of such devices. 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 baggage storage 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 for both the half marathon and the 7 km event. Your time will commence when you cross the start mat. 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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