Linn Park CTR – race brief

Thank you for entering the Linn Park Centenary Trail Race.  We are so delighted bring this race back to you after last year’s awesome feedback.

Registration

Please ensure you are on time to register

Registration is open from 8.30 until 9.15

For those hi-tech folk, the What3Words address for the start is……..///making.royal.magic

The Google map on this link shows you the main features of the event.

https://bit.ly/2SHWXly

There is three good parking spots around the park. The car park off Netherlee Road is the closest to registration. Another car park at the golf club is a short walk through the park to the start area. There is also ample space to park along Lainshaw Drive near the cemetery and crematorium. Please do not park outside the houses on this road. We have advised the residents there that the event will not impact them. Please ensure it does not.

There is no parking available in the park. Please do no drive past the golf club. Access to the park is for residents, the stables and authorised users. We do not have permission for participants to have their cars in the park. Please do not jeopardise future events by ignoring this.

Start

Prior to the race, there will be a short brief near to the registration area. Runners will then make their way to the start line.

Race will start at 9.30am

We wanted to tell you a little bit about the route though. There’s quite a bit of info but there’s so much to share. Get your feet up, rest those legs and enjoy!

Route

Download the GPX file.

The route is designed to give you the best race experience we can offer! We’ll be showcasing Linn Park, taking in some of the Centenary trail and celebrating the work that the Friends of Linn Park (FoLP) continue to do to improve the park.

Starting at the bottom of the meadow at the Halfpenny Bridge aka White Bridge, we’ll head up past the front of the stable and up onto the Wildlife Trail. This was created by FoLP with help from Kings Park Secondary, Netherlee and Merrylee Primary schools, and funded by Paths For All and FoLP.

Turning left, we head up the wildflower meadow and past wildlife pond created as a haven for newts, frogs and toads by FoLP. Down the zigzags, please stick to the path, no taking shortcuts! The path was created to reduce footpath erosion. Let’s not become part of the problem!

Hitting the road for a wee stretch, you’ll be angled onto the parallel path refurbished to allow pedestrians to walk without the hazard of traffic going to the residences and stables within the park.

Here we pick up the Centenary Trail. Installed to mark 100 years since Linn Park was formally opened on 2nd July 1921. The Centenary Trail finishes under the remains of Cathcart Castle, giving you a wee climb up the hill. You’ll love this!

Here we get onto the dirt again. Strava segment ‘The Dirty Back Passage’ done in reverse! Careful work has been done through this section by FoLP to encourage butterflies, with a recent sighting of rare breeds.

The trail brings us out at the golf club. Slight road crossing here. Behave. Listen to the marshals. The hi-viz heroes are in charge and have the full authority of the race director. Follow their instructions.

Up the main path, and up to the trig point. Well worth a look over your shoulder at this point. A great view across to the Campsies and beyond.

Down through the narrow wood path and back onto the meadow – (smile you’re on camera again), and into the Top Wood. Here we’ll head out of Linn Park for a wee sojourn into Castlemilk Woodlands and Netherton Braes. Again, there’s a road crossing here.  If the marshal tells you not to cross. DO NOT CROSS. We can stop runners but not traffic.

Water station here….note this is different to last year. Water will be provided in 7oz recyclable and compostable cups. Please leave your used cup at the water station for recycling.

So onwards into the woods. You’re going to love this bit! A wee twisty climb (keep right, two-way traffic) and tree roots take you onto what I call the ‘Hobbit track’ – it reminds me of Lord of the Rings. Book not film. For me one of the highlights of the route.

Down the hill behind the cemetery, careful as you career through the ferns, there’s a left turn and drop to the right which will have the faster runners flailing arms to stay on the track.

Follow the well defined trail through the woods. Careful of deer cutting across the path! A steady down hill will bring you out at the ‘bailey bridge’, a short path past the gas workings, and you’ll be directed toward a wee set of steps. Upwards. Enjoy.

The next section through the woods is occasionally used by mountain bikes. Beware. Signage will be in place to warn them you’re there.

Back to the wee bridge and some two way traffic – another tweak to last year to avoid large amounts of fly tipping 🙁

Back into Linn Park, and back up the hill into the Top Wood. Left at the top, exiting the woodland and headlong down the meadow to the finish line. Beware the occasional pot hole on the meadow.

Roughly 8km. Roughly 230m ascent. Roughly easy!

Finish Line

Upon crossing the line, you will be offered a snack, fruit and water.

Feel free to linger and cheer other runners over the line.

The race will be manually timed, results will be ready as soon as possible. Asking doesn’t make them appear any faster!

Hi-viz heroes

These amazing folks have given up their Sunday morning so you can race. Show them how grateful you are. A smile, a wave, a thumbs up, a wee gasped thanks – all these things are appreciated by these people. Without them there is no event.

Abuse of any marshal will not be tolerated. The hi-viz heroes have the full backing and authority of the race director.

First Aid

First Aid will be available from trained staff. Minor bumps and grazes can be fixed by some marshals on the route. A fully qualified medic will be available at race control.

Water

As mentioned a water station is on the route at approx 5km. The forecast is quite warm. Please bear this in mind and consider bringing your own as well.

Bag drop

A bag drop will be available at the finish/start. It’s not a huge thing. Don’t bring a massive bag. All gear is left at owners risk.

Donations

Thank you all for your donations, over £300 for Friends of Linn Park and Nerve Tumours UK.

Prize Raffle

Speaking of Nerve Tumours UK, Michelle and Alex are hosting RUN:PUB:FUN in aid of the charity. Details can be found here

As part of this there is a prize raffle: Tickets are £5 for 5 – bring some cash with you!

Prizes available: