GENERAL FAQs

What is the event date? Sunday 21 May 2017.

What time of day will it start? The start time of the Thistles Great Family Run (on Saturday 20 May) starts at 10:30. On Sunday 21 May the marathon starts at 09:00, the start time for the Great Stirling 5k (also on Sunday 21 May) is 10:00.

When will my run pack arrive? Your run numbers normally arrive approximately 2 weeks before the event date along with your event magazine. Please do not remove your timing chip from the run number as this will affect your time.

Will there be travel to the start? Yes, there will be a shuttle bus service from a number of Park and Ride locations around Stirling, which will transport runners to the start area at Blair Drummond Safari Park. Please note: the shuttle bus service will be included within the entry price, but will be for runners only. Due to traffic management and the closure of roads, spectators will not be permitted at the start area within Blair Drummond Safari Park, and there will be no drop-off available.

What is the course? You’ll start in the famous Blair Drummond Safari Park running past the giraffes and lions! Once you leave the park, you will be blown away by the beautiful Stirlingshire landscape before you enter the historic village of . Next, you go through the village of , tennis world no. 1, Andy Murray’s hometown, before passing through . You’ve hit half way as you leave the stunning grounds of the University of Stirling, shortly followed by the iconic Wallace Monument. Last, but far from least, head through Stirling town where you can enjoy the city’s support on a fantastic loop packed with supporters before finishing right in front of the famous Stirling Castle. To view the course and elevation map visit: greatrun.org/stirling

Will there be baggage facilities? A baggage bus system will relocate from the start at Blair Drummond Safari Park to the finish area on City Park.

Will there be drinks stations on the route? Yes, there will be numerous water and isotonic drinks stations. Water stations can be found at 3, 7, 9, 11.5, 16, 18 and 25 miles and isotonic drinks will be found at 9 and 16 miles.

Will there be entertainment on the route? Yes, the route will include a number of different bands, charity cheer points, musical entertainment and of course, plenty of supporters along the route, particularly in Doune, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan, the University of Stirling and the centre of Stirling. Capital Radio will keep you motivated at Murray Place with their boost zone, which will include jelly babies and the perfect running tunes!

Will there be elite runners? Yes there will be an elite field but we welcome participants of all abilities.

Will it be chip timed? Yes it will, from the start to the finish - with several other timing splits at 10k, 20k, half way, 30k, and 40k. Your timing chip will be found attached to the back of your run number and will be automatically activated as soon as you cross the start line. There’s no need to return it once you’ve finished.

How will the lapping point work? The final section of the course includes a lapping system, which will take you around the city of Stirling and the castle twice. It's important to be aware of the lapping area/decision area, which will be approximately 200 metres after the roundabout on Dumbarton Road (A811) and Road.

Runners will go through the right hand side of the gantry twice (to complete the 2 loops of Stirling) before going through the left hand side of the gantry, once, towards the finish line in City Park.

The brightly coloured gantry will span right across the road and will be split into two lanes. There will also be tannoy announcements and signage to remind you to 'get into the correct lane'.

Can my friends and family track me on the course? Yes, the free Great Run app available from the app store allows your supporters to follow you around the course on their mobile! The app is available to download for free at the Google Play store and iTunes App store. Please note: the live tracking function will be active approximately 2 days before event day. There will be free WiFi for all runners and spectators to use at the finish area.

Are there other events taking place? Yes there is the Thistles Great Stirling Family Run on Saturday 20 May at the University of Stirling, and there is the Great Stirling 5k, which takes place on Sunday 21 May at the City Park and takes runners on a loop around Stirling. More details can be found online: greatrun.org/stirling

What will finishers receive? All finishers will receive a bespoke technical t-shirt, a brilliant medal and lots of goodies in their finisher’s pack. What if my run number doesn’t arrive in the post? You will need to come and see our customer services team on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday before the event. Please see the next point for more details. Where will the information point be? Customer services will be available via email ([email protected]) if your query is urgent, or you can come and see the team in person on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at the following locations and times:

Friday 19 May (1 location):

The Thistles Shopping Centre (inside the old Clarks shoe shop, next to the Juice Bar) between 10:00 & 17:00. Saturday 20 May (2 locations):

1) The University of Stirling, near the swimming pool and sports centre (in the Great Run branded marquee) from 09:00. (FOR FAMILY RUNNERS ONLY)

2) The Thistles Shopping Centre (inside the old Clarks shoe shop, next to the Juice Bar) between 10:00 & 16:00. (FOR 5K AND MARATHON RUNNERS ONLY)

Sunday 21 May (2 locations):

1) At City Park (the marathon finish area and 5k start area) in the Great Run branded marquee from 08:30. (FOR 5K RUNNERS, MARATHON FINISHERS)

2) Blair Drummond Safari Park, near the start area, from 06:15. (FOR MARATHON RUNNERS ONLY) Is there somewhere to get food and drinks at the finish line of the marathon? Yes. There will be a number of food and drinks concessions available to choose from throughout the day on Sunday 21 May, including the Official Beer Partner – Harviestouns. Timetable for the full weekend:

Time Details Saturday 20 May

10:20 Warm-up for the Thistles Great Stirling Family Run (University of Stirling) 10:30 Start of the Thistles Great Stirling Family Run (University of Stirling) Sunday 21 May

08:50 Warm–up for the Stirling Scottish Marathon (Blair Drummond Safari Park) 09:00 Start of the Stirling Scottish Marathon (Blair Drummond Safari Park) 09:50 Warm-up for the Great Stirling 5k (City Park, Raploch Road) 10:00 Start of the Great Stirling 5k (City Park, Raploch Road)