Frequently asked questions - Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run

Date of races: Sunday, 8 October 2023

Before the race

Here are some frequently asked questions about what to do before the race.

Where do I collect my race number from?

You'll be able to collect your race number the day before the event between 10am–3pm on Saturday, 7 October 2023 at Number One Riverside.

Alternatively, you can collect it on the morning of the event between 8am–9.30am on Sunday, 8 October 2023 from the Rochdale Borough Council stand on The Esplanade next to Rochdale Town Hall. Find Rochdale Town Hall on Google Maps

We'll also email all registered entrants with this information on Monday, 2 October 2023, as well as full race information including timing chips, presentations, travel information and more.

Can I change my race entry?

If you need to change your race entry you can do this in person between:

You'll need to pay a £3 administration fee for any changes and if you are changing from the 10K to the half marathon, the additional entry fee.

The unauthorised sale or transfer of your race entry or number to another person is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification and or banning from future events for any individuals involved. Unauthorised switching of entries will also be reported to UK Athletics (UKA) and could result in a ban from all UKA licence events.

You cannot cancel your entry and all entry fees are non-refundable.

Can I order an official T-shirt?

An official 2023 T-shirt is an optional extra. There will be a limited number of T-shirts available to buy on the day of the races, please see below for further details.

Why are you charging separately for T-shirts this year when they were previously included in the entry fee?

We continue to make environmentally minded changes each year to reduce the events carbon footprint. Our official T-shirt is made from recycled plastic bottles and it’s a £20.39 optional extra rather than built-in, so the event can reduce wastage. This means entrants who don’t need a T-shirt don’t receive one anyway. Producing our T-shirts in a smaller quantity, and making them from recycled bottles, does make them more expensive, but is better for the environment.

What should I do if I can't find my confirmation email?

Can I raise money for charity?

Yes. You can raise money our official charities for 2023 as follows:

You're welcome to raise money for any other charity or cause of your choice and you can easily set up a web page to collect your donations through websites including:

Race day

Here are some frequently asked questions about what to do on the day of the race.

What time do the races start?

You can view the race routes, start times and entry prices on our website.

Which roads will be closed?

To ensure the safety of runners, some road closures will be in place on Sunday, 8 October 2023.

Where can I park? 

There's a large car park open 24 hours a day at Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure centre, which is a 5-minute walk from the start line. You can park all day for £1 on Sundays.

Rochdale Bus Station and Rochdale Town Centre Metrolink stop are a 5-minute walk from the start line.

There's free car parking from 7.30am on the day of the event at Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale Campus, St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL12 6RY.   

Can I warm-up?

There will be 10 minute warm-ups at 9.40am, 10.20am and 10.45am in front of the Williams BMW stand on the Esplanade.

These will be led by personal trainers from Your Trust, Hopwood Hall College and JD Gyms.

Is there a secure area to keep my kit safe?

There will be a staffed baggage area to store your kit. This will be located at the Medicine Tap on the Esplanade.

Your bags may be subject to a search. Please cooperate with any security requests.

Will there be pacers?

Yes, we'll have a team of experienced runners who will pace runners in the half marathon at 15-minute intervals from 1 hour, 45 minutes to 2 hours, 30 minutes.

We will also have 50-minute and 1-hour pacers for the 10k. These runners will wear clothing identifying them as pace runners and the pace they're running at.

Am I allowed to wear headphones during the race?

For your own safety, the safety of other runners and members of the public, the wearing of headphones, earphones or similar devices is not permitted in this event.

You could face automatic disqualification for ignoring this instruction. Bone-conducting headphones such as AfterShokz are permitted, although you'll need to let us know you intend to wear them by visiting the registration desk at the Medicine Tap on the morning of the event (Sunday, 8 October 2023) before your race or your time may be deleted. Find the Medicine Tap on Google Maps

Can I take part on roller skates or pushing a pram?

Prams and wheelchairs will be welcome in the fun run.

However we're following the advice of RunBritain and not permitting anyone to be pushed around the course on the 10K or half marathon. This is in accordance with the rules of UK Athletics.

Where will water be available on the courses?

There'll be water stations on the 10K and Half Marathon courses at the following intervals:

  • 10K - at the 5K mark.
  • Half marathon - at the 3.8K, 6K, 10.4K, 15K and 17.2K marks.

Please assist our volunteers by recycling cups in the bins located at the end of the water zones.

Is there a time limit to finish the races?

Yes, the roads will re-open after 3 hours from the start of the Half Marathon. If you're still running after 1pm, you'll need to run on the pavements and run as a pedestrian, obeying all signals and the Highway Code.

The finish line will close 3.5 hours after the start of the race. Any runners completing after this time won't receive an official finisher’s time but will receive a medal.

Can I buy an official T-shirt on the day?

We advise that you order your T-shirt in advance using the entry form to ensure your size is available and because stocks are limited. However we will have a limited number of T-shirts for sale on the day of the event (Sunday, 8 October 2023) from the T-shirt stand on the Esplanade.

First come, first served. Cash payments only, please. There are a number of free to access cash machines adjacent to the Esplanade.

Will there be toilets on the routes?

Yes, there are toilets at the start/finish. All our water stations on the race routes also have portaloos in the following locations:

After the race

Here are some frequently asked questions about what happens after the race.

What do I get at the end of the race?

At the end of the race, you'll get a medal.

Where can I meet up with family and friends after the race?

There'll be a sports village by the start and finish line.

There are also a number of restaurants and bars near the start and finish line.

Where do I get my T-shirt?

If you've ordered a T-shirt, you can collect it when you pick up your race number on the day before the event between 10am–3pm on Saturday, 7 October 2023 at Number One Riverside.

Alternatively you can pick it up on the day of the event (Sunday, 8 October 2023) from the Rochdale Borough Council stand on the Esplanade. You can pick up your T-shirt before your run, between 8am–9.30pm, or after you've finished your run, up to 1.30pm.

To collect your T-shirt, you'll need your race number. Please make sure you pick up the correct T-shirt. We'll have limited stocks of spare T-shirts in other sizes should you need to request a different size.

Are there any showers?   

There are no shower facilities.

What should I do if I've lost property?

If you think you may have lost something at the event, please email HalfMarathon@rochdale.gov.uk and one of our team will do their best to help try and find your lost item.

Can I get photos from the event?

We'll have 3 photographers and a video camera operator covering this event. Official race photographs and video clips will be posted on our Facebook page.

We'll also post links to other photo galleries. You can also get photos on our social media:

Please smile, our photos are free.

Is there wifi?

Due to renovation work at Rochdale Town Hall there is no wifi available in this area, although there is a strong mobile signal.

Are there prizes on offer for the races?

Yes, view the prizes for each race.

Where are the prizes presented?

We invite you to attend the short presentation of prizes which will take place at about 1pm next to the Williams BMW stand outside Rochdale Town Hall.

Please do your best to attend the presentation and show your support. Any prizes not presented on stage will be posted a few days after the event.

How do I access the race results?

You'll be able to access the live results from our website. Race results.

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