FAQs

I've applied online. Have I been accepted into the race?
Yes, if you have applied and paid online and received a confirmation email your place is confirmed.

What will I receive before the race?
Runners who enter online will receive a confirmation email. We will update you with various information via eNewsletters, and you will receive your race pack 4 weeks prior to the race.

Is there an age limit for the race?
Yes, the minimum age is 18.

What do I do if I haven't received my race pack?
If you have not received you race pack two weeks prior to the race, please contact the race hotline on 020 8233 5900.

I've entered but am unable to take part, can I get a refund or give my place to a friend?
We are unable to give refunds or transfer entries. Never 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.

I am thinking of entering, but am worried about completing the race in time?
Please note that this event is a road race designed for fun runners. Due to time constraints the roads will remain closed for a certain period only. If you do not think you'll complete the 13 miles in under 3.5 hours the race organisers strongly advise you not to enter the event. We also ask that on the day you line up at the rear of the main race, and that during the race you keep to the side of the road and allow runners to pass.

I have registered with a friend(s)/colleague(s)/family member(s), can we start together? 
On entry you have put down your predicted time for finishing the half marathon, this will affect who you start with on the day but you will be allowed to start with others if you want.

Do I have to raise money for a charity?
No, you don't have to, but we hope that many runners will choose to raise funds for our official charity, Leukaemia Research (http://www.lrf.org.uk/en/1/funrunrunhalr2b.html) or a charity of your choice.

Can I fundraise for my own charity?
Yes, if you have a confirmed entry you can fundraise for whoever you wish.

Where can I find advice on pre-race training?
You can find training advice on this website and through our training partner www.trainsmart.com

What is the course?
You can view a map of the course from this website.

What accommodation is available near the route?
There are numerous hotels close to the venue. Visit www.theo2.co.uk for more information. How do I find out which roads are closed? For more information please consult the route map, or contact the race office. We will publish a full list of road closures prior to the race.

Where is the start / finish?
The race start and finish is at The O2.

What time does the race start?
The provisional race start time is 10:00am, although we will confirm this shortly.

Do I need to bring anything with me on race day?
Please bring your luggage tag and race number. Don't forget to bring safety pins to attach the race number to your front and ensure that you have completed the important information on the reverse of your race number. You may also like to bring some Vaseline or plasters to protect your skin from becoming sore during the race.

What should I do when I arrive on the day?
You should go to the Runners area which will be signed from your arrival at the O2. You should then look for the appropriate time board for your estimated finishing time, and then enter that starting zone. It is vital that you get into the right time zone for your predicted time and ensure that you are wearing your own race number.

Are there any changing / shower facilities available?
There are very limited changing facilities, but no showers. Also please bear in mind that there are often long queues for toilets at the start, so if possible please try to use other toilets before you arrive.

Where do I leave my clothes / personal belongings?
You will receive a bag drop sticker with your race pack, please stick this to your bag before handing it in to the bag drop. This service is free to all runners, but all items are left at your own risk, so please do not bring any valuables with you.

Will drinks be provided?
Yes, water and gatorade stations are positioned at intervals around the course.

Can I walk part of the way?
Yes, but you should only enter the race if you know you can complete the 13.1 mile course in under 3.5 hours. If you are still on the course when roads are due to reopen to traffic, you will need to move on to the pavement, and all course and medical facilities will cease.

What happens if I can't finish the race?
If you need medical attention or are too tired to complete the course, please alert the nearest steward who will call for assistance. A sweep vehicle will follow the last runner and will collect anybody requiring assistance.

What catering services will be available on the day?
The O2 has numerous food outlets catering for all your needs.

What happens at the finish?
After crossing the finish line, please ensure you give your ChampionChip to the chip collectors. You will then pass through a 'runners only' area where you can pick up water, goodie bag, foil wrap and your medal. You will then exit into the 02 arena, where bag drop, massage, and food concessions will be available, along with first aid.

What do I do if I lose or forget to hand in my ChampionChip?
You will need to return it to the race office, or you will be charged £10 for a replacement.

How will I know my finishing time?
Provisional results will be posted on this website the day after the event.

Will I receive my certificate?
A certificate will be available for you to download via www.sportcam.net

How do I buy a photograph of myself crossing the finishing line?
Please visit www.sportcam.net and select 'Run to the Beat'. You can search for photos by surname or race number.

I have ordered official merchandise (CD/T-shirt/Trainsmart) but have not received anything yet, what shall I do?
If you still have not received anything and the standard delivery time has passed, please contact our race office via email (info@runtothebeat.co.uk ) or telephone on 020 8233 5900.

I am interested in taking part but all public places are sold out, do you operate a waiting list?
If public places have sold out then you can get a place from one of our official charities - www.runtothebeat.co.uk/charity. If those places are full then you will have to enter next year.

I have recently moved house and I am worried I won't receive my race pack in time, what shall I do?
If any of your details change prior to the event please email info@runtothebeat.co.uk with your new details and we will update our system. If you move house after race packs have been sent you will be able to collect a spare copy of your race number on the day from the help desk.