Dash for the Splash

On the Day

We're really looking forward to the Dash for the Splash and hope you are too. Everything you need to know about the race is here, and race packs won't be sent in advance.

Race day timetable

Arriving

Our race HQ is at the Thames Hare and Hounds clubhouse at the Richardson Evans Memorial Fields, see map here. There will be very limited parking available, so you are strongly advised to arrive without your car where possible.

The 85 bus from Kingston or Putney stops opposite Richardson Evans Memorial Fields. Coming from Putney, get off at Roehampton Vale Campus, the stop after Asda, and continue 200 yards to the entrance on your left. Coming from Kingston, alight at Robin Hood Lane at the foot of Kingston Hill and cross the A3 via the footbridge.

Alternatively you might want to warm up by jogging or cycling across the Common. You can also reach us by the cycle path that runs alongside the A3. There are cycle parking spots next to where we will be.

If you do drive there are alternative parking places nearby:

Registration

Please arrive early and pick up your race number from our registration desk on the field next to our HQ. If there's space you'll be able to pick up an entry on the day, but again don't bank on it – enter in advance. Your number is specific to your age and gender so please don't just change it. We can swap entries up until the day before if you can't run – but please do email us to let us know as otherwise it could really mess up our results.

Please bring along a copy of your race entry email with you as proof of entry.

You will need to wear a race number so that we can accurately record your result at the end; you will be able to collect this from registration on the day from 8am. Please make sure this is safety pinned to your outer layer of clothing, and is visible at all times so that we know you are in the race and not a member of the public. Please write your name, address and medical details on the back of your number before you start. This is important in case you have a medical emergency on the course.

Facilities

There are no showers or changing facilities at the race so come ready to race.

You'll be able to leave bags at our kit drop next to registration. Please don't bring the crown jewels with you – it'll be manned throughout the race but we can't 100% guarantee the safety of all your stuff.

There are public toilets in the sports pavilion by the car park, together with some Portaloos which we will install for the day. These are about a 2 minute walk from the start. There are also public toilets by Robin Hood Gate in Richmond Park. Please don't wee in the bushes as the Wombles don't like it.

And finally, there will of course be lots of lovely tea, coffee and homemade cakes for spectators and you.

First aid

There will be first aid in the start and finish area. If you need first aid out on the course please go to the nearest marshal, who will be able to escort you to the finish, or call for medical support.

If you come across a serious medical emergency while running, for example an unconscious runner, please go straight to the nearest marshal, who will be able to call for an ambulance and guide them to the right place.

Clothing and footwear

If you haven't taken on such a challenge before, and as the weather is likely to be cold, we would recommend that you wear a couple of layers – for example, a running t-shirt and a long sleeved top. You can then take off or put on a layer if you get hot or cold. Also, as the Common can be boggy and you'll be wading through the Beverley Brook watersplash, we don't recommend wearing any heavy cotton items or things that absorb a lot of water such as tracksuit bottoms.

Don't feel you need to invest in a new pair of shoes. Normal running trainers will be fine. However, trail shoes or cross-country spikes will give you more purchase on the slippery ground.

We can recommend our partner Up & Running to help find the kit that's right for you.

The start

We'll start promptly at 9.30 – if you're not there, you'll be late! You will be asked to line up on the start line approximately ten minutes before the start. It's best to try and position yourself roughly where you think you might finish in the race. For example, if you are super speedy go to the front, but if you haven't run a 10km race before then it's probably better to start near the back so that you are not tripped up by faster runners coming past.

The course

It's a beauty. You can expect to get muddy and wet and have a thoroughly enjoyable time. Please don't wear headphones as you're running – we promise you'll enjoy it more and you'll be able to hear our marshals' instructions.

As you're running please do respect other users of the Common – horse riders, dog walkers, other runners – they have as much right to be there as we do.

There's one water station on the way round, at around halfway.

Don't expect a PB, but do expect some great stories – especially of your trip through the 'splash'. And if you get round there's a great goody bag waiting for you as you cross the line. After you've collected your breath and your kit, do stay for a cup of tea and some cake afterwards – no need to rush off.

Results and prizes

Results will be on the website shortly after the race. We've never been a fan of the long wait for prizes, so if you're quick enough to win then we'll give you your prize as you finish. Prizes will be awarded to the first 3 men and women, and we'll also have some V40, V50 and V60 prizes. We'll send vets prizes out later.

Any questions

Just drop our race organiser, David, a note – dssymons@hotmail.com