SPAR Craic 10k 2019 – Information for Runners

Parking

Runners are welcome to park their car at Ormeau Park and jog over to the starting point (City Hall) using this as your warm up. However, parking here is limited.  There is also ample on-street parking  around City Hall, which will be free at the time of the 10k.  (We don’t provide any shuttle services back to the start line).

Water stations

There will be a water station at SPAR on Botanic Avenue.  There will also be complimentary bottles of Tipperary Water at the finish line.

Bag Drop

Marie Curie are providing a ‘bag-drop’ service on the morning of the 10k from 8:15am-8:45am.  Runners can leave their belongings in their van, which will be outside City Hall’s front gates.  Marie Curie will transport these to the finishline in Ormeau Park.  Please take responsibility for your own belongings.  They cannot be left at the start line.  Pre-booking for bag drop can be done at each of our pack collection venues with a suggested donation of £2.

Start Line Facilities

We will have a pop-up information desk in the Visit Belfast Offices from 8.am-8.45am on the day of the race.  These offices are located on Donegall Square North and runners expecting to register on the day should do so there. There will be portaloos on the grounds of City Hall for runners.

Finish Line Facilities

We will have complimentary products from Avonmore, PRM, Tipperary Water and Total Produce at our finish line as well as some food and beverage vendors and entertainment for kids.

Runners are welcome to use the toilet and showering facilities in the Ozone Complex in Ormeau Park which is right beside our finish line

Road Safety

Competitors should note this is a truly urban course and as such you should expect to encounter several hazards not normally associated with a road 10K. Such hazards will include sharp turns, street furniture including bollards, steps, chicanes and cobble stones not to mention the occasional early downtown shopper, all adding to the craic on the day.  Runners will be asked to STOP in the case of any emergency services needing access.

If you’re planning to walk the route you need to be aware of your own safety on the roads.  We will have marshals at most junctions but participants who participate at a slower pace are strongly advised to remain on footpaths.

For walkers, footways or footpaths (including any path along the side of a road) should be used. Where possible, avoid being next to the kerb. If you have to step onto the road, look both ways first. Always show due care and consideration for others.

Please listen to our marshals they are there for your safety!  All our Marshals will be stood down at 10:45am.  To ensure safety ANI advise that runners should not run with earphones in.

Earphones

Runners should be aware of the rules around runners and headphones.  Coinciding with a recent change to Athletics Northern Ireland’s rules which states that as of 1st January 2018, bone conduction headphones like AfterShokz are the only headphones permitted for use in road races, this partnership reflects ANI commitment to promote safer running practices.