South By Five – Rouken Glen race brief

South By Five – Rx5 3rd 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  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

RACE DETAILS

Time: Sunday 3rd December, 10:30am
Start: Rouken Glen, Stewarton Road entrance adjacent to David Lloyd Leisure Centre. (What3Words ref ///learn.voters.year) – please do not park here. See instructions below.
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

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 snow. The race team recommend a shoe with decent grip but there is also a good stretch of tarmac path, which maybe slippery. The route is not flat. It has some ups, and some downs, some great flat sections (if you like that sort of thing) and some steps – careful on these please! And a downhill finish – which just means an uphill start!

The route consists of an out and back section for the start finish then two loops within the park.

Course map available from our friends at Glasgow Running Routes:

https://glasgowrunningroutes.co.uk/acorn-south-by-five-linn-park/

IMPORTANT PARKING INFO!

Route to the start and registration from the main car park (please don’t use other car parks at the park, allow other park users to utilise those facilities) is easiest around the outside of the park. See the link to the map below – A to B. Please allow time to get to the start area.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1v2I6gnuBTVsrskX9LNqsXYcLwADh_PXh&usp=sharing

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 by one of our amazing, and well 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 to relevant results services.

Series prize giving will take place following the final race in January. 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 facilities available in Rouken Glen. They are at the opposite side of the park to where registration and race start are, at the pavilion next to the children’s play park. We shouldn’t really need to say this but…… PLEASE DO NOT USE THE PARK AS A TOILET!

Please note due to regulations within our permission to use the park there will be no small tent for bag drop at the start/finish area.

TRANSPORT AND PARKING

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

Nearest train station is Whitecraigs only a short walk from the park.

There is a good sized car park within the park. Please use the large one at  the Garden Centre. There is a smaller one nearer the start, we request you do not use this, and allow the golfers the chance. The park is for all, and we don’t want to upset other users. The main car park has ample space to accommodate us.  Please do not park at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre. We have advised the centre that the event will not impact them. Please ensure it does not.

The car park is a short walk from the start line. The easiest route is around the outside of the park from A to B on the linked map below:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1v2I6gnuBTVsrskX9LNqsXYcLwADh_PXh&usp=sharing

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