South By Five – Kings Park race brief

Regulars and Old timers – make sure you read this!! New route for 2024.

SX5 OUTLINE

South By Five is a series of six 5k races inspired by the iconic Southside Six race. That 16-mile race visited King’s Park, Linn Park, Rouken Glen, Pollok Park, Bellahouston Park and Queen’s Park.

South By Five hosts a 5k event in each of the six parks. The series offers a good selection of multi-terrain surfaces, and some original Southside Six race features

FRIENDS OF KINGS PARK

Friends of Kings Park are a volunteer group who operate within the park, helping to improve the aesthetics and promote the park. Check them out on Facebook.

They will also be about on the race day, marshalling and promoting their work. Say “hi” and “thank you” 😊

LITTER PICK

We’re also conducting a litter pick, joining the Friends of Kings Park within the park on November 2nd at 10.30am at the Walled Garden. Feel free to join us. Also don’t undo the hard work during the race! Take your litter home or use a bin!

FOOD BANK

In lieu of  proper race entry fee we’re collecting donations for the local foodbank.

Their current listed items in need are:

• Custard
• UHT Milk
• Beans
• Tinned fish
• Diluting juice
• Pasta Sauce/Tinned Tomatoes
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Shampoo

ReShoes

RACE DETAILS

Time: Sunday 3rd November, 10:30am
From: King’s Park, Carmunnock Road (What3Words ref//tins.beard.surely)

Registration: from 09:20am until 10.20am at the Walled Garden
Race brief: 10.25am at start line
Timing: Manual by race team
Numbers: Allocated on arrival. Race series numbers are to be returned to race control at the finish. They will be re-issued at each event.

ROUTE

Revised for 2024! It’s a treat for you Sx5 regulars!

We’ve measured it at 5k but with a bit of ‘racing line’ you may get a slightly shorter reading on your watch/app! It’s trail running, there’s always a bit of “ish”. It will feel like you’ve done 5k trust us! We’ll make it up over the series.

Mostly run on the park’s tarmac paths, these can be slippery in places with water run-off, and autumn leaves. There’s some short ‘off road’ sections. That’s where we’re adding the mud (with a hosepipe on Saturday if necessary). If it rains, you’ll likely get wet feet!

The route consists of a downhill start (don’t say I’m not kind to you!) and then two large loops. It’s not flat 😊 – it’s not a flat park.
There’s a small road through the park used by the residents and the council depot. Listen to instructions from marshals where required.

MARKING AND MARSHALLS

The course will be marked but we cannot vouch for numpties tampering with the markings.

There will be marshals dotted at key points, wearing hi-vis vests because they are heroes! Listen to them, follow their instructions, say “hi” and say “thanks” – they are all volunteers there for your benefit.

If, in the unfortunate event, you need to drop out please (if able) return to race control. No-where on the course is too far away from the start/finish. If you are unable to return to race control – inform the next passing runner and/or nearest marshal immediately.

First aid will be provided by an amazing qualified volunteers, and will be present on the course.

WATER

There is no water stop on the course. Water will be available at the finish. In an effort to reduce plastic waste, the water will be supplied from expandable water carriers. Please bring your own bottle/cup

RESULTS – PRIZES – MEMENTO

Timing for the event is manual. Please bear with us, we’ll get the results to you as soon as we can.

Once verified they will be published.

There are no prizes for the individual events. Individual event entrants will be offered snacks and water at the race finish.

Series prize giving will take place following the final race in Queens Park. There will be hot soup and roll available for participants of the QP race. Everyone else can make a donation for theirs! Series prizes will be based on your best 5 race positions from the 6 races – if you miss a race no worries!

FACILITIES

There are no facilities available in King’s Park. Please arrive ready to run. We shouldn’t really need to say this but…… PLEASE DO NOT USE THE PARK AS A TOILET!

TRANSPORT AND PARKING

There are numerous local bus routes which serve the park. Check the operator websites for details.

Nearest train station is King’s Park, which is only a short walk from the park – although the opposite side to race registration/start area.

There is no public parking within the park. The large house in the centre is residential – please respect the residents, and don’t use their driveway as a car park! There may be some parking in the local streets. Again, please respect the residents. Parking at the Co-operative is for customers only

Bags/jackets can be left at the registration at your own risk.

RULES – short and sweet:

1. Respect the marshals. They give their time so you can run!
2. Always follow the marshal’s instructions, especially at road crossings. Failure to do so could result in being disqualified
3. Running under a false name/number will result in immediate disqualification from this and all future races. If you are also a member of a running club or SAL, we reserve the right to inform them too.
4. Don’t litter. Anyone caught littering will be banned from future races and disqualified on the day.
5. The park is shared with others. Respect them and they will respect you. Smile, say hello and remember you are doing something great!
6. No dogs. The race is under permit

Happy Running!
Team Acorn

Any queries, drop us a line at hello@acorntrails.run