Race Village: Oxford University Parks

Set in 70 acres of parkland, this year’s Vitality Oxford Half Marathon Race Village will be in Oxford University Parks! Thousands of runners and spectators will be making their way to the Race Village at the same time on race day, so it’s a good idea to allow plenty of time to get there and plan your journey in advance.

Below is a brief timetable of the day:

07:00 Race Village opens

09:30 Race warm-up

10:00 Race Start

10.15 Schools’ Challenge race start

11.05 First half marathon finisher

11:45 Prize-giving on stage

14.00 Race closed and majority of roads re-opened

RUNNER INFORMATION

RACE NUMBER
Your race number is individual to you and cannot be re-sold or transferred. Please fill in the emergency details on the reverse of your number and remember to bring safety pins to secure it to your t-shirt. Your number must be clearly visible on the front of your t-shirt.

RACE TIME
Your timing chip, which accurately measures your time, is attached to your race number. Please do not remove, bend, fold or cover the chip, as we will be unable to track your time.

RACE RESULTS
Results will be published on the Vitality Oxford Half Marathon website shortly after the race. If you provided your mobile number when you registered you will also receive a text message with your official race time.

BAGGAGE DROP
The bag drop is located in the Race Village. At the bottom of your race number is your baggage label: make sure you attach it to your bag before dropping it off. Changing facilities will also be available in the Race Village.

TIMING PENS
There will be a number of timing pens, marked with expected finish times – sub-1:15, 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15 and 2:30. It is important that you join the pen that is most relevant to you to ensure you are among runners of a similar pace.

PACERS
Thank you to our pacers, who will be wearing bright green flag backpacks showing their target times of; 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15 and 2:30.

MILE MARKERS
Each mile will be clearly marked along the route.

WATER STATIONS
There will be five water stations on the course, at roughly 2.5, 4, 7, 9 and 11.5 miles. Water will be provided in 330ml sports cap bottles that are easy to drink from.

ENERGY DRINK
Etixx Sports Nutrition will be providing an orange isotonic energy drink at approximately 7 miles, shortly after the water station. This will be supplied in recyclable cups to ensure minimal wastage.

TOILETS
There will be toilet facilities along the course at each of the water stations, as well as in the Race Village. There are no toilets at the start/finish area on St Giles’. We recommend you use the facilities in the Race Village before moving to your relevant start pen.

RUNNING SURFACE
With less than a mile to go, the route takes you around the glorious Radcliffe Square. Approximately 100 metres of this cobbled area will be suitably covered for your safety and comfort.

RACE CUT OFF
The Vitality Oxford Half Marathon only has priority over the roads for 3½ hours. Runners predicted to finish after this time will be asked to move onto the pavement to continue.