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Grand Prix schedule 2014/15

Richard and Libby are pleased to announce the schedule of races for the first half of the 2014/15 Grand Prix season. 

Organising the schedule is a harder job than it might seem at first.  Fitting 12 races into a calendar year may not seem that difficult but options are surprisingly limited when you take into account there are relatively few races put on in August, there are limited free weekends in December due to Christmas, cross-country and the mob-match and it is difficult to hold a GP in April when many members are focussing on marathons.

We have selected the races based on the following criteria:

  • Avoiding weekends that cross-country fixtures take place
  • Choosing races with a good variety of distances
  • Supporting local races where possible
  • Not choosing events that are prohibitively expensive to enter
  • Avoiding new events whose organisation is not tried and tested
  • Avoiding clashes with other local events that members may also wish to enter where possible
  • Adding one or two new events to the schedule rather than repeating events each year

Inevitably, there will be some members who will be disappointed to see that their favourite race is not included in the schedule this season but hopefully, the majority will be happy with the mix that we have put together.  We would be pleased to receive feedback on our choices through the forum.

The season will start with the club mile championship on Wednesday 4th June on the track at Kingsmeadow with the first race generally starting around 7.30pm. Entry to the track costs £3.30.

GP2 will be the Ranelagh Harriers Richmond 10K on Sunday 22nd June. This event will also double up at the club 10k championship. You can enter this race HERE

GP3 will be Wedding Day 7k on Friday 25th July. This event was trialled as a test grand prix event last year and gained largely positive feedback. For those of you who haven’t heard of this event this is a lovely evening race in Bushy Park organised by The Stragglers. After the race runners and their families stay in the park for a picnic and a few drinks. Entry details to follow.

GP4 will be a parkrun held on Saturday 30th August. The venue is yet to be decided so please watch this space. This event will double up as the club 5km championship.

GP5 will is a new race to the calendar, Reigate Half Marathon. This will be held on Sunday 21st September. Please note this will not be the club half marathon championship. We have secured a discount for club members for the first forty 26.2 RRC members. The discount code is RR14_26.2RRC and gives a discount of £4 against early bird prices and £6 against normal entries making entry £23. Please note that this discount code is only for use by club members and should not be passed on to family and friends.  Misuse of the discount could jeopardise the club receiving similar discounts in the future. You can enter the race HERE

GP6 is a return of an old favourite the Cabbage Patch 10 held on Sunday 19th October. This is a 10 mile road race starting Twickenham organised by The Stragglers. You can enter the race HERE

GP7 is our old favourite Epsom 10. This will also be the club 10 mile championship. We are awaiting confirmation of the date however can confirm it will be a sunday in November!