Questions
1. Entering the race
Q 1.1. How do I get my Race Number?
A. Race Numbers will be collected on Race day, using Nifty’s dynamic race number allocation system. Please visit the Race HQ close to the car park from 8:15 to check in using your name and date of birth on one of the tablet screens and your number will be issued. This is a proven and efficient system but please allow yourself plenty of time to collect your number before the race starts at 10 am.
Q 1.2. How old must I be to enter the race?
A. The minimum age of 10K entrants is 15 years old on the day of the race.
Q 1.3. When do entries close?
A. The closing date for Birchwood 10k race entries is midday on Saturday 22nd August 2026 or when the race is full (1000 runners). There will be no entry on the day.
Q 1.4. I have entered the race, how do I know my entry has been received?
A. You will receive a confirmation email shortly after you complete your online entry. Please check that you enter your email address correctly and check your Junk or Spam folders. Any problems, please contact us using the form below
Q 1.5. I have entered but am unable to take part, can I get a refund or give my place to a friend?
A. If you enter the race and are unable to run for whatever reason, we are unable to offer refunds or allow deferment to the following year. You can, however, transfer your race entry to another runner. Use the “Transfer my entry” button on the race entry page of the Nifty entries website. See our How to enter page for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: You must not swap your race number with any other runner as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to UK Athletics.
2. Registration And Withdrawal Information
Q 2.1. Will results show age and gender categories?
A. Yes. Results will include gender and age categories from Junior (under 18), Senior and then Veteran categories from FV35/MV40 to V80 (veteran 80) in 5 year increments and will show your position in your age/gender category. If you wish to self declare as other than male or female, you will not be included in these categories.
Q 2.2. How do I make changes to my registration?
A. Changes to your entry can be made by logging onto Nifty Entries. Contact us if you have any problems doing this. form below
Q 2.3. I can no longer take part in the race. Can I withdraw from the race and receive a full refund?
A. If you enter the race and are unable to run for whatever reason, we are unable to offer refunds or allow deferment to the following year. You may transfer your race entry to another runner. See our ‘how to enter’ page for more information. Optional entry fee protection is also available at sign-up.
PLEASE NOTE: You must not swap or give your race number with any other runner. This could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to UK Athletics.
Q 2.4. How slowly can I complete the race? Can I walk part of the race?
A. There is a 2 hour cut-off for the race. The Birchwood 10K is a running race and we encourage everyone to prepare and train to be able to run as much as possible. After the 2 hour limit (ie 12:00 noon) all roads will be reopened and traffic management withdrawn.
3. On Race day
Q 3.1. How can I get to the race by public transport?
A. Follow this link to travel by train
Q 3.2. How do I get there if I’m driving?
A. Follow this link for directions
Q 3.3. Where can I park?
A. There is ample car parking at the Birchwood Shopping Centre. Follow this link for parking details
Q 3.4. Where is the race start, finish and race HQ?
A. The race starts and finishes near Birchwood Shopping Centre. See Race Venue page for details.
Q 3.5. I don’t live in Birchwood and don’t know the race route, is the route fully sign posted and marshalled?
A. Yes, there will be signage and marshals ensuring you stay on the correct route.
Q 3.6. What happens if I cannot finish the race?
A. Marshals and medical staff will be there to help along the route. If you need transport to get you back to the start/finish area, due to minor injury or exhaustion that will be available.
Q 3.7. Can I take part in the 10K race with a pushchair, dog, skateboard or other wheeled device? What about fancy dress?
A. You may not participate with: dogs, standard push-chairs, skateboards, Nordic sticks, rollerblades, hand cycles, Kangoo Jumps, stilts, crutches, bicycles or any other wheeled device on the course, except for hand propelled wheelchairs*. Please contact us if you want to run with jogging buggies. There may be limited spaces to allow us to let you run with you little one. Any bulky items or fancy dress which you wish to carry with you as part of a challenge must be cleared with the Race Director.
Q 3.8. Can I wear headphones?
A. The wearing of headphones, or similar devices, (other than those medically prescribed), is not permitted in races. You may use bone conduction headphones (e.g. Shokz) which do not cover the ears.
Q 3.9. Will there be anywhere to store my bag during the race?
A. Sorry, we have no facilities for bag storage, due to current health & safety rules.
*Q 3.10. Is the course suitable for a wheelchair?
A. We welcome wheelchair competitors, however, please contact us to discuss the course in more detail via the form below
4. General information
Q 4.1. What do I get for my entry fee?
A. You’ll get a fantastic, well organised race with good facilities, a race memento & bespoke medal to all finishers.
Q 4.2. Can I get a photograph of myself running the race?
A. Yes there will be photographers around the course, although we cannot guarantee that you will be captured with so many participants out on the course. A number of photos will be posted on our Facebook page.
Q 4.3. How can I help with the event if I’m not running?
A. The race relies on volunteers acting as marshals, stewards and giving out drinks and medals every year. If you’re not running it’s a great way to ensure the event is a success and it’s a fun thing to do! If you’re a student, it’s also great experience to put on your CV. To find out more please contact us via the form below
Q 4.4. Is water available during the race?
A. Water will be available at the half way point in cups and at the end of the race in bottles. Help us reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles that get used – please be self-sufficient for your own drink needs by bringing your own bottle either to carry or to leave on the specified table to collect close to the finish line.
Q 4.5. What if I need medical attention when at the event?
A. Medical staff will be at the event to deal with all medical matters. only come to race if you are feeling well on the day of the race. Do not come to the race if you have any symptoms of Coronavirus.