FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
We've compiled answers to a number of frequently asked questions. If you can't find the answer to your query below, then please contact us on info@runcheltenham.com and our team will get back to you.
Q: How do I get to the start location?
A: You can travel by car, public transport, or walk to Cheltenham Racecourse.
​
Q: What do I need to bring with me to the race day?
A: All you need is your race number attached to your running top to race.
Q: How old do I have to be to enter the half marathon?
A: You must be at least 17 years old on race day to participate in the half marathon.
​
Q: How old do I have to be to enter the 10K?
A: You must be at least 15 years old on race day to participate in the 10K.
​
Q: Can I run for a charity?
A: Yes, you can run with one of our partner charities or choose your own.
​
Q: Can I get a refund if I change my mind about racing?
A: Runners are entitled to a full refund within the first 7 days of purchase. After this period, there are no refunds.
​
Q: Can I transfer my place to a friend?
A: Yes, for a fee of £10. It is against race rules to swap your bib number with any other runner outside of our official transfer service. Each bib number has unique emergency contact and health details attached digitally, so swaps lead to medical teams working off incorrect information on the day which can have serious consequences – including invalidating insurance. Systems are in place to monitor this and those found to be swapping numbers will be banned from all Run Cheltenham events.
​
Q: How much does it cost to enter?
A: Entry to our Half Marathon race costs £45, 10k entries cost £35, Community Mile entries cost £5/10 (Child/Adult).
​
Q: What will I receive before the race?
A: Physical race packs containing your running number with timing chip attached will be posted out in the weeks leading up to the event. Participants will also receive a digital event guide with final instructions during August.
​
Q: When do entries close?
A: Entries for all three 2023 races close at midday on Wednesday 30th August 2023 or when the race reaches capacity.
​
Q: I have entered the race, how do I know my entry has been received?
A: You will have been sent an email confirmation from the registration site you entered with.
​
Q: Can I make changes to my personal details registration?
A: You can amend your contact details by logging back into your entry on Let's Do This. For name changes due to marriage, deed poll etc please contact us on info@runcheltenham.com
​
Q: Can I defer my entry to a later event?
A: Yes, for an admin fee of £10. You can only be deferred once per entry. If you have deferred across from our 2022 event, you will not be able to defer again. The deadline to defer is Thursday 10th August.
​
Q: Can I sign up on the day?
A: No, unfortunately it is not possible to sign up on the day.
​
Q. Is there parking onsite?
A. Yes - plenty of parking for runners or spectators. You can find information about the best access for you personally by checking our parking map on this page.
Before the
Race
Race Day
Q: Where is the start and finish line?
A: At Cheltenham Racecourse.
​
Q: What time do the races start?
A: The first race (Half Marathon) starts at 09:00, however we advise all runners from all events to arrive by 08:30. For more information click here.
Q: Where do I get my race pack?
A: You will be sent one from 2 weeks before the event date, if you do not receive one you can collect one from registration at the Racecourse on race day.
​
Q: Is there a bag drop?
A: Yes, however we recommend to travel light to avoid queues before/after the races.
​
Q: Is there a cut-off time?
A: The cut-off time for 4 miles is 1 hour 10 minutes. At 3 hours 30 minutes, any participants remaining on the course will be asked to move onto the pavement.
Q: How will my time be recorded?
A: All race times are recorded through chip-timed race numbers you will receive in your race packs. Your results will be texted to you on race day after you have finished. All results will be available online at this time too.
​
Q: Can I use headphones to listen to my music during the race?
A: We advise against the use of iPods, MP3 players or other personal stereo devices to ensure runners are able to hear any announcements or medical alerts. As per UK Athletics rules Bone Conduction type headphones are allowed.
​
Q: Can I run in fancy dress?
A: Yes, as long as it is not obstructive to other runners.
​
Q: Can I take part in my wheelchair?
A: Yes.
​
Q: Can I run with my buggy?
A: Buggies which are designed for use in running events are permitted however, participants wishing to push a buggy will need to line up at the rear of the field.
​
Q: Can I run with my dog?
A: No, we do not allow runners with dogs.
​
Q: Are spectators allowed?
A: Yes, the more the merrier!
​
Q: If I am spectating, can I bring my dog?
A: No dogs are allowed on the half marathon course. Spectators around town are allowed to bring their dogs and we ask kindly that they keep them out of the path of runners. If you are coming to the racecourse there are no dogs allowed at the racecourse. We understand some people have brought dogs to the racecourse venue in the past and we would advise against this, and that the racecourse staff are within their rights to ask you to take any dogs home.
​
Q: Is the course suitable for blind runners? Do you offer free places for guide runners?
A: Yes, we welcome blind runners and all guide runners will receive free places.
​
Q: Do I need to register or sign in on the day?
A: If you have received your race number prior to the event then you do not need to visit registration on the day. Only runners who have not received their race number will need to collect this from registration on race day.
​
Q: What do I get for finishing the race?
A: All runners will receive our 2023 sustainably-sourced finish medal, isotonic sports drink and nutrition bar. Trees will be planted for runners who have not purchased an event t-shirt.
​
Q: What prizes do you give and for what winners?
A: We award prizes to runners who finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd across male and female. Prizes TBC.
​
Q: Will there be food/drink at the event village?
A: Yes, exact food TBC.
Other
Questions
Q: Where will my results be available?
A: Results will be in the few days following the race.
​
Q:Where can I buy official merchandise?
A: You can purchase your 2023 Sustainable Performance T-shirt at the point of entry or by logging back into your Let's Do This account.
​
Q: Where can I find any photos of myself running the race?
A: Event photography will be available after the race.
​
Q: Can I help with the event if I am not running?
A: Yes, we have a wide variety of volunteering roles for Run Cheltenham 2023. All volunteers will gain free entry to Run Cheltenham 2024. All volunteering voles can be viewed here.