Bournville Harriers Press Statement:
The club has been made aware by a few participants in its recent ‘Leafy’ 10k race that the course itself was a few hundred metres short of the advertised distance. This was acknowledged by the club on the evening of the event on facebook.
The ‘Leafy’ course has had to undergo a few changes over the years in order to ensure the route is a safe one and also avoids interference with the other users of the Rowheath playing fields.
The ‘Leafy’ is advertised as a ‘multi-terrain’ race and makes no claim to be officially measured. Road Running Course Measurement in UK state: “The only UKA or ARC races which do not need a certificate are those which do not advertise a distance, or those which are multi-terrain and therefore can not be guaranteed to be accurate.”
That said, as a club made up of passionate runners, Bournville Harriers are very appreciative of how much effort goes into training for races and how disappointing it can be if any aspect of the race day experience falls short of expectations. We are genuinely sorry if this issue has caused any frustration or annoyance to anyone who took part in the event.
The club has been overwhelmed by both the warmth and volume of the feedback received from entrants, including those left a little disappointed by the length of the course, as highlighted on the event’s facebook page:
(https://www.facebook.com/leafy10k?fref=ts).
This has been heartwarming to the Race Director and his team of 50 volunteers, many of whom had invested a great many hours of their time over the previous couple of months and on the day itself to ensure the ‘Leafy’ was a success.
The following quotes can be found on the event’s facebook page:
James: “Thanks to everyone who organised and everyone volunteering on the day! My first race……..won’t be my last.”
Kate: “Massive PB for me, but then I understand it wasn’t quite 10k was it! Still PB, lovely route, great medal & goodie bag & a run is a run, so who cares Lol!”
John: “Don’t beat yourselves up about the measuring was a great event what’s there to complain about.”
Kalpa: “Was a perfect day and it was my first run with you . Enjoyed it..will be back next year.”
Kaylee: “I had a great time, and chose this course as my first Road run thanks everyone for the great support at the finish line!”
John: “Loved the route Bournville was lovely and testing too. Was disappointed with the course measurement if thats corrected it’ll be a top event.”
Liz: “Motivating Marshalls and very friendly atmosphere. It was a shame about the distance been 0.5 miles shorter than a 10K as I was on for a PB. Great medal though and obviously alot of hard work has gone into organising this event, so if the distance is measured accurately I’d love to do it again!”
Vikki: “Lovely, well organised and a beauty of a medal – I’d say almost worth running a 10k for. A little short of 10k according to gadgets.”
Liz: “Brilliant event, organisation, atmosphere and weather!”
Bournvillle Harriers are also delighted to announce that the cake sale which accompanied the ‘Leafy’ raised £162, the proceeds of which have been shared between two charities close to the club’s heart, St Mary’s Hospice and Cannon Hill parkrun.
The club has taken on board comments and suggestions from participants and the Race Adjudicator and will commission an approved Course Measurer over the coming months to ensure that 2016’s race is not only every bit as enjoyable as this year’s event, but also certified as being exactly 10k.
Oliver Kirkland Club Chair
Steve Doswell Club Vice Chair and Race Director