FAQ

How do I know if I'm entered?

You should receive an email confirmation; this can sometimes end up in your spam folder so don't forget to check there. If you're certain you haven't received the confirmation email, Don't worry! You can log into your eventrac account and see all the events you've entered with us over the year. If you can't see your entries, email us at [email protected]

Are there age restrictions for event entry?

Yes. The age restrictions are as follows:

Long Course Kinder: 4-11 years

Swim – 1.2mi: 14+ years

Swim -  2.4mi: 18+ years

Sportive – 56mi: 14+ years

Sportive – 112mi: 18+ years

5k: 11+ years

10k: 14+ years

Half Marathon: 16+ years

Marathon: 18+ years

Junior Long Course Weekend: 14-17 years

Full Long Course Weekend: 18+ years

Please note that for the sportive, athletes under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian (maximum of two under 16s per adult). All athletes under 18 must have a signed consent form.

What is the closing date for registration?

Providing it doesn't sell out, the closing date for registration will be as close as possible to the event. This date will be published closer to the time however it is likely to be 1 month prior to the event.

Do you have a waiting list for late entries?

We do not have a waiting list as we already take into account expected cancellations when assigning a cap limit to our events. Once entry is closed, it’s closed. So book early to guarantee a place!

Can somebody else register for me?

No. For safety & security reasons you must register yourself and bring photo identification so that we can guarantee we are giving the right event number & timing chip to the correct athlete. This avoids mix-ups with announcements, emergency contact information on the reverse of the race number, finisherpix, and timing.

What is on offer at the expo?

The 2024 event village is going to be extra special. The expo will be attended by lots of vendors providing great food, drinks, merchandise and more! Thursday is a special offer day some come early to bag a bargain. 

When are the event packs sent out?

Absolutely everything you need to know about the Long Course weekend will be sent out via email and available on the event website around two weeks before the event.  This is to ensure all the information is as up-to-date as possible.  The event pack will contain live links which will help you plan your weekend.

As well as the event pack we will be posting information videos on our social media platforms in the week leading up to the weekend so if you are not already signed up make sure you do!

Everything that you will need for the event i.e. race numbers and timing chips etc will be issued at registration.  Nothing will be sent in the post.

I haven't received my confirmation email/event pack?

The Event pack can be downloaded two weeks prior to the event. If you cannot find these emails, It is often the case that they end up in spam/deleted folders. If you have checked these folders – as well as any other email accounts you may have registered with – and still can’t find it, just contact us.

When do I get my event number & timing chip?

These must be collected at the time of registration upon showing photo ID.  Check prior to arrival you have signed your disclaimers which will speed up your registration.

Is there an event briefing?

As well as the mandatory video briefing, which you can watch, there will be an event briefing at the start of each event.

Where do I have to be and when?

All times, dates & locations can be found on the event websites under event info, here you will find the itinerary.

What can I wear?

As with all events, we highly recommend racing as you train – this ensures you are comfortable with your ability and know your limits. For example if you’ve never used cleats before, you may be surprised to find muscle fatigue in new places; previously unused muscles when cycling. Try open water swimming before competing; and don’t buy brand new equipment for the event without trying it out first.

Pre-Race: Make sure to check the weather on race day so you can prepare correctly and ensure you have necessary waterproof layers/breathable layers & sun cream. It may be worth bringing a bin bag to keep muscles warm pre-race.

Swim: A wetsuit – this must cover the torso and thighs and is mandatory for all of our events.

It must NOT cover the hands or feet. BTF rules state that the wetsuit must at no position be thicker than 5mm (Including where a patch-repair has been made). Non-triathlon wetsuits are not designed to be flexible around the shoulders and arms and will take on extra water so it is recommended you race in a triathlon wetsuit. You can purchase one now from our official swim partner, Zone3.

Goggles – goggles are necessary in all open water swims. Polarised goggles are recommended to reduce glare and increase visual acuity. It may be worth bringing a clear-lensed pair if conditions are less than ideal. Swim hat – the swim hat issued by Activity Wales Events must be worn. If you wish to wear two swim hats, the issued swim hate MUST be worn on top. Timing chip – Timing chip must be worn on the OUTSIDE of the wetsuit on the left ankle. Gloves & Boots CANNOT BE WORN without a doctor’s note. Webbed gloves are not permitted.

Bike: Race Number MUST be worn on the REAR. A Helmet MUST be worn. Approved cycling safety helmets of ANSI Z90.4, SNELL B90, EN 1078 or an equivalent national standard must be worn by competitors. A CE mark is not an approval mark and should not be treated as approval. (ii) Helmet must be used in all activities when the competitor rides the bike: competition, familiarization and training sessions. full details of helmet requirements. The torso MUST be covered at all times. Gloves are highly recommended.

Run: Race Number MUST be worn on the FRONT. Torso MUST be covered at all times. We highly recommend wearing proper running shoes that have been correctly fitted to avoid discomfort during the run. We also recommend not wearing brand new trainers on race day as they will need to be worn-in to maximise comfort. Elastic laces will help reduce time spent in transition. Running socks will reduce rub and aid both shock absorption & blood circulation. They are generally fast drying and odour repellent. We recommend merino wool or polyamide socks. Post-Race: Of course if you want to look funky fresh after your race you should definitely purchase one of our T-shirts or hoodies available at the expo & finish line. It is recommended you keep warm after your race to prevent illness & injury, so we suggest having some tracksuit pants and a warm AWE Hoodie ready for you at the finish line. A slow warm-down ensures heart rate slows gradually and dizziness from blood pooling in the legs is avoided. We highly recommend compression clothing to aid with circulation, reducing muscle fatigue, and speeding up recovery. 

Where/when do I get my event number?

Your event number must be collected when you register. You will be given an envelope containing all the numbers & timing chips you will need for the events you have entered.

Where do I put my event number?

For the Swim, The numbers must be applied to each side of the swim hat and back of the hand. For the bike section of the course, the number must be worn on the REAR, as well as the bike number being placed on the seatpost, and the sticker upon the helmet. For the run, the number must be worn on the FRONT, and the timing chip looped metal-side-up through your laces (red side down).

Are there official photographers?

Yes - more information will be released closer to the time.

How do I find my event time?

DB Max are the official timing company for the Long Course Weekend. They post up live times as the race is going on, as well as full lists of times for each event.

What is the prize structure?

There are medals for everyone who crosses the finish line, including children who wish to run with their loved one! There are trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd overall male & female as well as cash prizes (subject to change). There are also trophies for 1st in 5-year age category (35-70+). There will be a ceremony for 1st, 2nd & 3rd prize giving at the end of each event. Age category trophies will be posted out after the event. If 1st, 2nd, 3rd trophies are not collected at the prize giving, there is a 60 day collection period, where they can be collected from our Haverfordwest Office, or posted out at a cost of £5 shipping & handling.

Is there lost property?

Yes. Any lost property not collected from the expo will be returned to our Haverfordwest office, where it can be collected free of charge or posted out with the cost of Postage & packaging covered by the owner of the property within 30 days of the event.

What other events do you put on?

All of our events and the dates can be found in the events section of the Long Course Weekend website.

Do I have to be a member of a club to enter?

No – all LCW events are open to all club and non-club runners. However, if you are affiliated to a club, you will get a small discount.

Can I enter just 1 or 2 events?

To get the Long Course Weekend medal you will have to complete all three events at their longest distances. However, because the Long Course Weekend is made up of three separate events, you also have the option to enter these individually: Yorkshire Dales Swim, Yorkshire Dales Sportive and Yorkshire Dales Marathon. You can enter as many of these as you wish and at any distance, but remember; to get the Long Course Weekend medal you must register for (and complete!) the Long Course Weekend, not the three separate events.

Can I change the category of the event I've entered?

You can amend your distances and categories, there will be £10 at registration to change your distance and must be done at least 4 hours prior to your start time. 

Any athlete that changes distances during the race will still receive a medal but be classed as a DNF in the general classification.

I am no longer able to participate, what are my options?

Unfortunately, we are unable to cancel entries. You can transfer entries up until 8 weeks prior to the event at the current price with an administration fee.

I've fallen ill while training, should I still participate?

Always check with your GP first. Make sure it’s safe to continue training and participate. Put all medical information on the reverse of your event number if it is safe to participate.

Can I transfer/defer my entry?

You can transfer your entry to another person, the deadline for this is 3 months prior to the event date. You can do this at https://www.eventrac.co.uk/. We do not defer entries.

What can I wear?

Event Number MUST be worn on the FRONT. Torso MUST be covered at all times. We highly recommend wearing proper running shoes that have been correctly fitted to avoid discomfort during the run. We also recommend not wearing brand new trainers on race day as they will need to be worn in to maximise comfort. Running socks will reduce rub and aid both shock absorption & circulation. They are generally fast-drying and odour-repellent. We recommend merino wool or polyamide socks.

Is the course flat?

The course features a few climbs, so it’s worth including hill sprints in your training. Full details of the elevation for the run course can be found in the event pack.

Is there a cut-off?

The cut-off for the all of the run events is 4pm.

I know this might sound silly, but how far is the marathon?

The Wales Marathon is 26.2 miles (42.2km), and the Half Marathon is 13.1 miles (21.1km). The 10k and the 5k are pretty self explanatory, but for using the imperial system of measurement... 10km = 6.2 miles and 5km = 3.1 miles

Will there be timing chips?

Yes - they will be on the back of your bib number.

What is the terrain like for the run?

The run is on closed tarmac roads with some spectacular scenery.

Is the Event extremely competitive or can people of all abilities take part?

We have runners of varying ability and experience taking part - for many it's their first event while we also have elite runners entering.