Hertfordshire - Wednesday 14 September 2011

As Hertfordshire Constabulary celebrates its 175^th year, I am proud and delighted that, for the first time ever, we are hosting a national police athletics event!

When

The PSUK 10 mile Road Race Championships will take place at 1300h, Wednesday 14 September 2011.

Race Location and Course

As our terrain can’t rival the more undulating courses of recent years, we’ve tried to come up with a flatter, fastish 2-lap course on paved footways and cycle paths in the “new” town of Stevenage.

The race will start and finish at Ridlins End Athletics Track, Stevenage, Herts, SG2 9PA.

Changing and Toilets

Changing rooms, showers and (limited) toilets will be available at the athletics track. There are no locker facilities, so the changing rooms will be locked or a secure baggage area provided.

Presentation and Evening Function

PSUK road and cross-country events have seen a welcome rise in popularity in recent years, with a corresponding increase in those staying for the evening function. As a result, we  have secured the New Hertford Suite  at the luxurious Hilton Hotel, Elton Way, Watford, WD25 8HA, about  23 miles  from the race venue, where we can cater for 400 guests. www.hilton.co.uk/watford

The presentation evening will include a three course sit-down meal and disco, at the subsidised price of £25 per person. We hope to start the prize-giving at about 1830h, and the meal at about 1930h.

Accommodation

The Watford Hilton has a limited number of rooms available to PSUK guests at the special rate of £65.00 BB per single room, or £75.00 BB per twin/double room. To obtain this rate, please book with the hotel direct, using the link:

http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/W/WATHNHN-GPSUK-20110913/index.jhtml?WT.MC

Another large hotel nearby is the Ramada Jarvis Watford, which has offered us the rate of £85.00 BB per twin/double room. Again, please book direct with the hotel via sales.watford@ramadajarvis.co.uk, booking ref 3347556, Block Code HERT 130911.

The function at the Hilton is close to Watford Town Centre, and you will find the usual range of budget hotels in the town.

Theme

We would to take the opportunity at the evening function to have a bit of fun, whilst at the same time having a small raffle to raise funds for a charity that will be close to many of our hearts, Cancer Research UK.

Whilst there will be no formal dress code, we would ask you to enter into the spirit and wear something (everything even!) either pink or baby blue.

Guest ofHonour

I am delighted to announce that our guest of honour at the race and evening function is Joyce Smith MBE, winner of the first two London Marathons and UK and GB Marathon representative at the World Championships and Los Angeles Olympics respectively. Joyce was certainly my inspiration to take up competitive running, as I watched her win the 1982 London Marathon on television, and I ran my first marathon in September that year whilst at Police Training School!

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyce_Smith

Transport

Both Stevenage and Watford are on good road networks, with Stevenage being just off junction 7 A1 (M) and Watford just off M25 /M1/A1 (M) motorways.

We will be happy to try to arrange transfers to and from the station or airport to the race venue and hotel for those travelling by rail/air/coach.

Due to the number of accommodation venues, we are unable to provide transport to and from hotels to the race venue or presentation function, apart from those who have travelled by rail/air/coach.

Please let me know if you require transport (with details of timings, once known), so we can coordinate the shuttle bus service.

Race Entries

We have managed to hold race entries at the price of £15.00, to include a souvenir sweatshirt while stocks last.

Souvenir Sweatshirt

Please indicate your size (S-XXL) on the form – team managers will be given those ordered by the team at registration. According to the manufacturers, sizes are approximately S 34/36,   M 38/40,   L 42/44, XL 46/48,   XXL 50/52
 

Race Registration

Will take place at the Hilton Hotel, Watford, between 1700 -2100, Tuesday, 13 September, and between 1000-1200 at the race venue, Ridlins End Athletics Track, Stevenage, on Wednesday, 14 September.

Entries

Please send entries (cheques payable to Hertfordshire Constabulary Athletics Club) to:

PSUK 10,

Beds & Herts Olympic Planning Team,

Hertford Police Station,

Hale Road,

Hertford,

Hertfordshire

SG13 8ED.

Entries may also be emailed to olympicmailbox@herts.pnn.police.uk although, in all cases, payment must be received no later than 7 August 2011.

Entry Form

Results and Race Report