SURREY LEAGUE CROSS COUNTRY MATCH 3 - MEN

RICHMOND PARK, SATURDAY JANUARY 15th 2022

HOSTED BY STRAGGLERS/ WIMBLEDON WINDMILERS

ENGLAND ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY LICENCE: CC2021/0217

LOCATION

The race will be held in Richmond Park. The start/finish area will be beside the rugby pitches near Sheen Cross roundabout, close to Sheen Gate and Roehampton Gate. The locations of the start and finish, the course and car parks are shown below. Please note this is a different start and race base than used in October or previous races on this course.

 

More information about the Park, including a detailed map, can be found on the Richmond Park website.

 

TIMETABLE

12:00 pm Division 2 Senior Men

Both races two large laps     approx. 9.6 km

NB: Distances were measured on a GPS watch and should be taken as a guide.

 

COURSE

The course map for each race is attached

The ground is still reasonably firm with short softer stretches. Trail and road shoes may be worn.

Please note that the start of the course will be on the rugby pitch side of the tarmac road. The race will run a short stretch alongside the pitches before crossing the road and following the path of the finish from the October Div 1 course up to the start of the lap circuit.

Once at the circuit both races will run two large laps. Turn right and ascend Queen’s Ride, all the way up until the road is reached. Follow the road to a dip, where there is a narrow path on the left. After a short while, cross the horse ride where there is a large clump of reeds and immediately bear left, to join the main path around Sidmouth Wood. Follow this path all the way down the hill to the Pen Ponds. Turn left before the ponds onto the grass then bear right to run beside the lower Pen Pond. Continue up towards the Ballet School before two left turns lead to a descent to the bottom of Queen’s Ride and the end of the lap. At the end of the second lap, turn right to follow another grass path beside the brook to the finish.

 

BANNERS, TENTS, BELLS AND HORNS

The Royal Parks Agency has agreed to the erection of banners and flags, in a marked area alongside the start. However, tents are not permitted. Neither is the use of cow bells, horns or similar instruments.

Please abide by these instructions and do not jeopardise the future use of the park for races.

 

NUMBERS

All declarations are to be made online at https://www.surreyleague.org. Race numbers have been distributed to team managers and athletes are to wear the same number for each of the four Surrey league matches. Please ensure that club pages on the Surrey League website are maintained and show the correct number for each athlete.

 

RESULTS

Provisional results will be compiled following the race and will be posted on the Surrey League website. These will be subject to change. Please contact simonbrazil@hotmail.co.uk or menscaptain@windmilers.org.uk  with any queries. Final results will be updated accordingly on the website.

 

TRANSPORT

Richmond Park covers a large area and is bounded to north by the A305 and A205 (South Circular Road) between Richmond and Barnes, to the west by the A307 between Richmond and Kingston, to the south by the A308 and A3 between Kingston and Roehampton and to the east by the A306 through Roehampton.

For travel by car, weekend traffic restrictions mean car parks are accessible from two vehicle entrances only: Roehampton Gate (to the north east) and Sheen Gate (to the north).

For travel by public transport, please consult the National Rail, South Western Railway and Transport for London websites.

The closest railway stations are at Richmond, Mortlake, Barnes and Kingston and are part of the South Western Railway network. Richmond is additionally served by London Underground District Line and London Overground.

From Richmond or Kingston stations, take the 371 bus to the American University bus stop. Richmond Gate is around the corner and from there it is approximately 1¼ miles to Sheen Cross roundabout. From Mortlake Station, Sheen Cross roundabout is approximately 1¼ miles via Sheen Lane and Sheen Gate and from Barnes Station approximately 1¾ miles via Priory Lane and Roehampton Gate.

 

PARKING

Please use the car parks and do not park on the roads or grassland.

The nearest car parks are at Sheen Gate and Roehampton Gate. Both are within ½ mile of the start. Additionally, there are car parks at Pen Ponds, about 1 mile from the start, and Robin Hood Gate, about 1½ miles from the start.

Sheen Gate car park is accessible via Sheen Gate only.

Roehampton Gate, Robin Hood Gate and Pen Ponds car parks are accessible via Roehampton Gate only.

Please be aware there is no vehicle access at Robin Hood Gate, traffic restrictions apply to through traffic and the gates allowing vehicle access to Richmond Park will be closed at 6 pm.

 

FACILITIES

There are no changing facilities. Please come ready changed.

Toilets are available at Sheen Gate, Roehampton Gate and Robin Hood Gate car parks. Some of the toilets in the park may incur a charge for use. All chargeable toilets now work on a contactless system.

There is a café at Roehampton Gate car park and a refreshment kiosk at Pen Ponds car park.

 

HOSPITAL

The nearest hospital is Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Kingston KT2 7QB. Tel: 020 8546 7711. (exit the park via Kingston Gate). A defibrillator is available in Pembroke Lodge

 

HELP

Surrey League races take place thanks to the volunteers who marshal the course and record athletes’ times and places at the finish. It is a significant undertaking for host clubs and any offers of assistance from clubmates, friends or family, out on the course or at the finish, will be greatly appreciated, even for only one race. Please contact menscaptain@windmilers.org.uk if you are able to help.

 

RICHMOND PARK

Richmond Park has protected status as an important habitat for wildlife and is a National Nature Reserve, London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Special Area of Conservation. Please follow Sir David Attenborough’s request to Tread Lightly in Richmond Park.

Please be aware that the deer in Richmond Park are wild animals, roam freely and can be unpredictable. Also be aware of the presence of ticks and oak processionary moth.

Please also respect the other visitors to park, who have as much right to be there as we do.

 

QUERIES

Please email simonbrazil@hotmail.co.uk or menscaptain@windmilers.org.uk  with any questions.