South By Five – Linn Park race brief

South By Five – Lx5 17th November 2023 – Race Brief

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 will host 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 LINN PARK

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

They will also be about on the race day, helping with refreshments, marshalling and promoting their work. Say “hi” and “thank you” 😊. Also they are have helped prep the route with some trimming of overgrowth and pot hole filling! Not too mention the chairperson will also be taking part in the race!

FOOD BANK

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

Their current listed items in need are:

LITTER PICK

Litter picking has been conducted in the park prior to the event by both Friends of Linn Park and Acorn Trails. Please dispose of any rubbish responsibly. Thanks

RACE DETAILS

Time: Sunday 17th November, 10:30am
From: Linn Park, Clarkston Road entrance adjacent. (What3Words ref ///speak.takes.tens)
Registration: from 09:20am until 10.20am at the start area
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

Mostly run on the trails within the park although the route is very much multi-terrain. These paths can be slippery in places with water run-off, and autumn leaves. There will be mud. The race team recommend a shoe with decent grip. The route is not flat. It has some good ups, and some great downs. And an uphill finish – which just means a downhill start!

The route consists of two laps with an out and back section for the start finish.
There’s a small road through the park used by the residents and the equestrian centre. Listen to instructions from marshals where required.

For regulars and returnees, the is some slight changes to the route this year. Please heed the marshals and course signage rather than your memory!

MARKING AND MARSHALLS

The course will be marked but mostly guidance will be from the volunteer team.

They will be 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. Nowhere 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 fully qualified volunteers who 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.

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 to relevant results services.

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. 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 Linn Park. Please arrive ready to run. We shouldn’t really need to say this but…… PLEASE DO NOT USE THE PARK AS A TOILET!

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

TRANSPORT AND PARKING

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

Nearest train station is Cathcart or Muirend, both only a short walk from the park.

There are 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 not 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.

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