BACCHUS HALF MARATHON, Denbies Vineyard, Dorking

9 September 2012, 12 noon, 1 lap

With wine stations, post race BBQ, fancy dress and stunning views the focus of this event is fun, fun, fun.

This event is designed for you to have a great time a well as showcasing the beautiful Surrey Hills.  Don't worry, despite the area being known as 'lumpy', we have attempted to flatten this route as much as we can.  We won't deny there are undulations and one memorable 'hill'.  However, with only 150m of climb, the route is perfectly manageable and with a 5.5 hour cut off will be a good challenge for experienced runners, first timers and walkers.

Although the focus of this event is fun, the normal aspects of a half marathon will be there.  There are water stations every two miles and Powerbar will provide race nutrition.  However, in addition to the expected, you will also find a perfect opportunity to sample some of the best wines that local vineyard Denbies have to offer.   Fancy dress, although not compulsory, is strongly encouraged.

Race Entry

Entries are now open.  You can either enter online at Runnersworld here or download an entry form here.  Your entry fee includes race entry, wine tasting around the course, t-shirt, medal and a post race glass of wine and hog roast BBQ.  We offer discount of 10% for 10 entries or more.  For more information contact Alan on 07952 349 226 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Registration

Registration information will be available to download closer to the time.

The Route

This route is one lap.  The route will start and finish at the marvellous Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking in Surrey.  The route is undulating and multi-terrain with a bias towards off road.  Using footpaths along the North Downs Way, you will be guaranteed breathtaking views over the Mole Valley, Ranmore Common and the North Downs.  You can download a route map here.

Race HQ

As Englands Largest Vineyard, Denbies has been producing award winning wines since 1986.  It is the first wine estate in the world to give visitors of all ages a unique and fascinating insight into all aspects of the wine producing process, all year round, with indoor and outdoor tours and tasting.

The vineyards of Denbies Estate are situated on the North Downs with its famous chalky soil, in a protected valley of south facing slopes. A total 265 acres have been planted which is three times the size of any other in the United Kingdom and has met the promise of producing some of the finest sparkling and table wines in Europe through repeated certification in the annual International Wine Challenge.

The venue has secure baggage, toilets and changing facilities (although no showers).  Refreshments are available for purchase from the restaurant and a post race BBQ will be provided free of charge for all race participants.  (If family and friends want to enjoy the BBQ they may do for a small fee).

Team Fine Fettle with be there with a massage team to massage your aches away for a small fee.

Accommodation

One focus of this event is to encourage people into the beautiful Surrey countryside.  As well as being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is lots to do in and around the area.  Why not make a weekend of the event?  We have negotiated special rates with several local accomodation providers.  Download the list here.

Getting There and Getting Parked

The HQ is situated just off the A24 London Road, Dorking close to Junction 9 of the M25.  Use the Google gadget on this page for directions.  The closest rail stations are Boxhill & Westhumble and Dorking stations which have very good rail links from London Victoria, London Waterloo, Horsham and Guildford.  We would strongly suggest that you come via public transport if you can.  Remember to schedule in walking time from the train station to the Race HQ.  We would estimate a good 15 minute walk depending on which you use.

Race Photography

Sussex Sport photography will be taking photographs around the course.

Health and Safety

There is no doubt that this course is challenging.  You need to be fit and well to start this race.

Do not run the race if you feel unwell or have recently been unwell, even if you are raising money for charity.  Most medical emergencies during races occur in people who have been unwell but do not wish to miss the event.  If you feel feverish, have been vomiting, have had severe diarrhoea or any chest pains, or otherwise feel unwell, then it is unfair to you, your family, your charity and the race support staff to risk serious illness and become a medical emergency.  You are unlikely to do yourself justice, and there are many other races that you will be able to compete in.

Please note, in the interest of safety, MP3 players and similar devices using headphones will not be allowed.  You will be disqualified if you are seen to use them.

Withdrawals & Transfers

From the moment we begin to organise an event, we start to incur costs. Your entry fee is invested into the cost of staging the event – everything from the start and finish venues, to printing, to safety pins, from race numbers to marketing and VAT. Organising any event requires a considerable amount of forward planning, risk and expense.  For this reason we are not able to offer a refund if you wish to withdraw.

However, in the event you are not able to run, if you can find a replacement, your place may be transferred.  Please contact Nicky at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any changes.  The deadline for any changes is the Sunday before the race.  Most race directors will charge an admin fee for this service, we do not.  Please do not run with someone else's number, you will not be covered under UK Athletics Insurance and in the event of you becoming unwell out on the course, we will not have any contact details for you or your family.

Race Awarding Body

This race is run under UK Athletics rules.

Marshals

As always, the success of any race is often determined by the selfless volunteering of many marshals.  If you would like to help, then please see our marshal page for more details

The Charity

Proceeds of the Bacchus Half Marathon will go to the Children's Trust Children's Charity.  If you would like to raise money to celebrate your event and support the charity then contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a support pack.  If you wish to find out more about the great work the Children's Trust do then the link to their website is here.

Children's Trust Children's Charity is a Registered Charity No. 288018.