Marlow Striders event details - 10th December 2023

Marlow Striders are looking forward to hosting a Cross Country event again this year. The course has changed significantly from last year and the event village and parking are in different locations, due to the main Henley Showground being waterlogged and damaged by another event earlier this season. We would encourage car-sharing wherever possible.

Date & Time: Sunday, 10th December. Race starts 11:00am. First arrivals welcome from 09:30

Address: Dairy Lane, Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames RG9 3AS

Parking: On-field free parking is available at the venue, a short walk to the start. On arrival, please proceed up Dairy Lane (we will be using a different car park than last year) where we will have marshals to direct you into the field. Please drive SLOWLY (5 mph) on the fields to avoid damaging the ground, as we risk losing our damages deposit plus costs to repair.

Team Flags/Tents: There will be an area close the start/finish for team flags, gazebos/tents.

Toilets: There will be portaloos and a urinal, located much nearer the start/finish.

Course & Map See map here. Total distance approx. 10.3km = 6.4mi and 215m = 700ft elevation gain, on a mixture of hard & soft trails through woodlands. NOT suitable for spikes. GPX route is available here.

Course description The course consists of 2 loops, each approx. 5km. The course narrows very quickly after the start. The first loop is anti-clockwise on trails and into the woods. After 3.5k you turn left and head downhill towards the start/finish - turning right to start the 2nd loop in a clockwise direction. After 8km, you turn right along the same stretch of pathway for a fast downhill finish. The highest points on the course are after 3km and 7.5km and the final 2km is all downhill (promise!). This is a new course compared to last year and, unfortunately, “The Wall” (Strava segment) no longer features on the course this year!

Finishing tokens: Finishing tokens will be handed out to all finishers - please return these to your club reps.
Food and drink: We will be providing post-race food and hot drinks. There will be some water available too. Please bring your own plates and cups. All food is consumed at your own risk.

First aid: There will be first aiders in attendance, with a mobile post at the start/finish.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome to spectate however must be on a lead at all times.

Ticks/Lyme Disease: A message from the landowner we are obliged to pass on: when running through woodlands, there is a risk of being bitten by ticks, etc and therefore wearing insect repellent containing DEET is advisable. Check for ticks and remove immediately. Visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ for more information.

Look forward to seeing you there!!