10K Run Frequently Asked Questions
Event information and road closures
What is the event?
The St Nicholas Hospice Care 10K Run starts and finishes from Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds. Runners will run through the iconic Abbey Gate through the beautiful Abbey Gardens, up to Moreton Hall, and a loop and then will return back. Along the course, there will be partial road closures provided by the Palmer Group. At the 5K point, there will be a dedicated water station. The course is hilly. All runners will be chip-timed.
At Angel Hill, there will be an event village with music and stalls, with a supportive atmosphere for all runners, why not bring down your friends and family to cheer you on?
Every stride taken will help patients and their loved ones when they need it most. Did you know that St Nicholas Hospice Care costs more than £8m to run each year and more than 75% of these costs are raised by people like you? Whether that’s playing our lottery, making a donation, leaving a gift in your Will or raising sponsorship for our events just like this! It is only because of you that those facing dying, death and grief in our local community are able to receive the support and care they need.
Is there a minimum amount I need to raise?
We encourage all participants to raise sponsorship to support the work of St Nicholas Hospice Care, and aim for a minimum target of £100.
The Fundraising Team at St Nicholas Hospice Care is your point of contact. We are able to support you every step of the way to give you ideas to help you reach your fundraising target.
What time does the race start?
The race starts at 10am on Sunday 29 September 2024.
Is there a water station along the route?
There will be a water station at the halfway point (5K).
What time will the roads close?
Roads will be closed on a rolling basis. This starts from Angel Hill at 8.30am, along parts of the route, until 1pm.
What are the planned road closures?
The road closure on Angel Hill will be closed from the 3-way traffic signals at Northgate Street to Chequer Square. This closure will be in place from 09:45 and will remain closed until the last runner has entered the Abbey Gardens, and then we will re-open the road to traffic around 10:15. Once the first runner re-enters the Abbey Gardens, Angel Hill will be closed again and will remain closed until the last runner has safely finished.
Mount Road will be closed at 10:00 prompt from the James Moore Sculpture Roundabout to Eastgate Street. There will also be a Temporary Obstruction on Orttewell Road to allow the runners to safely get past the roundabout. Once the last runner has made it past the Temporary Obstruction, we will lift the road closure and temporary obstruction allowing traffic to resume as normal. We expect this to be around 10:30/10:45.
There will be a Temporary Obstruction at the traffic lights just past Airfield Road, to allow runners to safely cross the road. Once the last runner has passed this point, we will lift the Temporary Obstruction.
There will be a Temporary Obstruction at the crossing point at the entrance to Drovers Avenue, to allow runners to safely cross the road. Once the last runner has passed this point, we will lift the Temporary Obstruction.
There will be 2 traffic management operatives operating stop/go boards on Orttewell Road at the traffic lights, just before the Symonds Road/Cranesbill Drive Roundabout. This is for when the runners reach this point, the operatives will show STOP, to safely allow the runners to cross the road. Once the last runner has passed this point, we will remove the traffic management.
Can I wear headphones whilst running?
To keep event runners safe, we advise that if headphones are worn, they are at a moderate sound level so you can hear any event safety messages or announcements from marshals.
What measures are in place for participant safety?
To ensure the safety of all our participants, we will work with the Palmer Group Traffic Management to close some of the roads for the event. We will also have our wonderful marshals with phones or radios placed in strategic positions around the course. First Aid will be based at the start/finish point and roaming along the course.
Along the route, we will have event marshals encouraging you and directing you on the course.
Please listen to their instructions and be aware that marshals can only advise motorists and do not have the power to stop traffic. Emergency vehicles will be given access to the route.
Entry information, transfers and deferrals
How can I register for the event?
Registration for the St Nicholas Hospice Care 10k Run opens on Wednesday 22 May 2024, and closes on Thursday, 26 September 2024 at 9am. There is one entry fee cost of £25 per entrant.
How do I know if I am registered to run a race?
Once you have registered via the St Nicholas Hospice Care website, you should receive a confirmation email confirming your entry. Should you not receive this confirmation email within 24 hours of your entry, there is a chance that it may have dropped into your junk mailbox, so please check before contacting events@stnh.org.uk.
Can I walk the event?
Due to the nature of the event, participants are expected to run at this event.
Can I run with a dog?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept dogs at this event. Anyone seen racing with a dog will be disqualified.
Can I run with a buggy?
Buggies are allowed but they are not allowed to race competitively and must start at the back.
I don’t feel well or have an injury, should I run the race?
If you feel unwell or are carrying an injury, we would strongly recommend not running. All participants will have to read and agree to the Fit to Run declaration as part of the registration form. If you are unsure if you are able to take part, please speak to your doctor for advice.
I cannot make the run, what are my options?
Places for the St Nicholas Hospice Care 10K Run are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you are unable to take part for whatever reason, you must inform us as soon as possible, return your paper sponsor form and close your online giving page, even if it has no sponsorship entries.
If you have received sponsorship, please let your sponsors know that you are no longer able to take part. Sponsorship can be offered back although any fees incurred to St Nicholas Hospice Care from online donation pages or equivalent will be deducted first.
If St Nicholas Hospice Care cancels the event, we would seek to provide an alternative date or offer a refund to participants.
Venue information, parking and facilities
Where is the start and finish point of the race?
The race will start and finish at Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1LT.
The what3words location is: backswing.weeks.legroom
Will there be parking?
The closest car park to Angel Hill is Ram Meadow: https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/parking/car_parks/bse_car_parks/ram-meadow-car-park.cfm
Other car parks in Bury St Edmunds are available: https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/parking/car_parks/bse_car_parks/index.cfm
Are there toilets?
Yes, toilets will be available at the start and finish points on Angel Hill. Please make sure you give yourself enough time to use them ahead of the start of your run. Unfortunately, there are no changing facilities.
Will there be a bag drop area?
No, for this event, there is no bag drop facility.
Timing information and results
How is the event timed?
The St Nicholas Care 10K Run will be chip-timed, by an external company. They will endeavour to have live results available on the event website shortly after the event. Additionally, official results will be sent out by email during the next working day after the race.
How do I get my race number & timing chip?
Running packs can be collected on the day of the event, from the registration area at Angel Hill. Please ensure your running bib is clearly visible.
Are there prizes on offer at the event?
We are delighted to offer prizes for the top three places, fastest female (18+), fastest male (18+) and junior (15-18 years).
There is a maximum of one prize per person, and weather permitting, prize-giving normally takes place between 45 – 60 minutes after the first finisher comes home. Age categories are worked out by your age on the date of the race. All finishers will receive a medal.