South By Five – Pollok Park race brief

South By Five – Sx5 17th December 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

FOOD BANK

In lieu of a 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

This is not an exhaustive list, all donations are welcome. Please bring to registration. Thanks

LITTER PICK

We’re also conducting a litter pick within the park on December 16th at 10.00. Feel free to join us, meeting at the start/finish near Haggs Road, St Andrews Road entrance. Also don’t undo the hard work during the race! Take your litter home or use a bin!

RACE DETAILS

Time: Sunday 17th December, 10:30am
From: Pollok Park, Haggs Road/St Andrews Drive entrance – What3Words ///refers.party.market
Registration: from 09:30am 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

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 most likely be mud. The race team recommend a shoe with decent grip. The route is not flat. It has some ups, and some downs, some flatter sections with mud!

The route consists of two loops within the park with a short single track dog leg to the finish.

Parking within the park is now Pay and Display. Please allow time get to the start line from the car parks. There is no parking at the start/finish area.

MARKING AND MARSHALLS

The course will be marked with high viz arrows and 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. 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 a suitable well qualified volunteer 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 to relevant results services.

Series prize giving will take place following the final race on January 22nd. 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 Pollok Park. Please arrive ready to run. We shouldn’t really need to say this but…… PLEASE DO NOT USE THE PARK AS A TOILET! The Burrell Collection has toilets and a cafe, but this doesn’t open until after the event has started. Perfect for the post event debrief, coffee and cake.

There will be a small bag drop facility at the start/finish. Items are left at owners 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 Pollokshaws West – practically in the park! Check timetables for strike action impacts.

Please allow plenty time to reach the start.

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 SAL permit

Happy Running!
Team Acorn

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