Nethy Explorer 12k
Sunday 17 July 2011
Results and pictures from Action Heroes are available now!
More pictures are also available here.
Explore Abernethy and Cairngorm Runners jogscotland have teamed up to hold a brand new 12k running event in the woods around Nethy Bridge.
The idea arose from local fundraisers in Nethy Bridge who were keen to look at new ways to raise funding to help run Explore Abernethy, a community-led project that manages and maintains an extensive path network, runs a visitor centre and ranger service. To know more about Explore Abernethy, you can visit www.exploreabernethy.co.uk
Situated in the heart of beautiful Strathspey in the Highlands of Scotland between Aviemore and Grantown, Nethy Bridge is the perfect centre to enjoy the countryside of the glorious Scottish Highlands. With the dramatic backdrop of the often snowcapped Cairngorm mountains and hundreds of acres of Abernethy Forest (RSPB owned) Nethy Bridge spans the lower reaches of the River Nethy a mile before it reaches the River Spey, one of Scotland's foremost salmon rivers. The forests around Nethy are full of interesting wildlife from Red Squirrels, Crested Tits, Crossbills and Capercaillie, to Pine Martens and the rarely spotted Wild Cat. There are also rare flowers like the Twinflower and Creeping Ladies Tresses.
Nethy Bridge boasts a full range of accommodation from hotels to bed and breakfast, self catering establishments or hostels, and has easy access to a vast range of activities throughout the area. The village of Nethy Bridge has been a holiday destination since Victorian times, yet it remains unspoilt with the majority of accommodation hidden away in quiet locations next to the ancient Caledonian pine forest.
When visiting Nethy Bridge for the race, you can visit the RSPB Osprey Visitor Centre. You can also make the most of the promotional offer of the Nethy Bridge Hotel (see below). Grocery shopping for the weekend is also available at the SPAR shop.
LOCATION
This race is to be held on the forest trails and roads in Nethy Bridge, which is located a little off the main A95 road between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey, on the B970. For those using a Sat-Nav system to navigate to the event, the postcode PH25 3DA will direct you to Nethybridge stores at the start of Dell Road.
ENTRY
We strongly encourage all participants to enter before race day by downloading the entry form by clicking this link and send the filled in form and payment to Alan Riach (address on the entry form).
Deadline for reception of entry forms is Saturday 9 July 2011. Entries will be accepted on the day provided the limit number of participants is not reached (250 participants).
Entries will be limited to 250.
REGISTRATION
All entered participants will need to register on the day. Registration will be between 8.30am and 9.30am at the Nethy Bridge Community Hall, which is situated up Dell Road from the Nethy Bridge stores.
This will be clearly signposted. You can click here to see the map.
Please arrive early as race starts sharp at 10.00am. A race brief will be given at 9.45am at the start area.
The entry form can be downloaded and completed ahead of the event, by clicking this link.
PARKING
Car parking is only in field adjacent to football pitch. It will be clearly signposted and manned. Please DO NOT park outside the Community Hall or on Dell Road as this is part of race route.
RACE ROUTE
The Nethy Explorer 12km is a multi terrain race which is approximately run half on good trails with the remainder on road via the Abernethy Forest. It will be well signposted and marshalled along the route. Please be aware of other users on the route especially along forest tracks and of members of the public visiting the RSPB Osprey Centre. NO DOGS TO RUN WITH COMPETITORS.
WATER STATION
A water station will be around the 7km mark. Please can all runners take adequate fluids prior to the race, especially if the weather is warm.
START
Race starts promptly at 10.00am. The start line is beside the Community Hall at the entrance to the playing field.
TOILET FACILITIES
A limited number of toilets will be available at the Community Hall as well as a very small number of porta-loos. Please do not leave it to the last minute and be considerate of other users/race participants.
FINISH
The race finishes at the start point by the Community Hall where you go down a funnel. Please keep numbers visible and keep in order as you finish so placings can be recorded correctly. Water and goody bags will be handed out at the finish. After the race, refreshments can be purchased and enjoyed in the Community Hall courtesy of the local WRI.
SUPPORTERS
We encourage the presence of supporters at the event. There will refreshment in the Community Hall from 10:30am , a raffle after the race, and opportunities to discover the local area. We hope this will be a great family and friends day out. We however ask supporters to be considerate of normal road use on road sections of the race route, pressure on car parking spaces and other users of the forest trails.
FIRST AID
First aid cover will be present during the race.
PRIZEGIVING
In the Community Hall approximately at 12.15pm along with a local raffle with some great prizes donated by local businesses.
ACCOMMODATION
The Nethybridge Hotel is offering a special deal for race entrants and supporters. Dinner,bed and breakfast: £42 per person per night Bed and breakfast: £32 per person per night Other accommodation providers in Nethybridge can be found on local community site at www.nethybridge.com to detail the more important activities, meetings and events that are scheduled throughout the year.
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