by Tom B » Sat Apr 29, 2006 9:42 pm
On medical cover, the Red Cross are providing "first response", we are meeting with them on 15 May to go round the courses, and agree where they will be positioned. We are advising Scottish Ambulance Service of the events and routes, although SAS will not be present unless called on in an emergency. The Red Cross have a 4x4 vehicle which will be present, and the Coastguard are also providing a 4x4 to patrol the beach.
Malky, it would be good if you could pass me your wifes details, and when we speak with the Red Cross on the 15th we can discuss how best to incorporate her help, or if she'd like to suggest what she would like to do. Thanks to you and her.
In terms of route surfaces, the 10k is all tarmac, but you are right that there are different surfaces on the half marathon. All the half marathon-route is tarmac, except - (a) a 1k section from just beyond Clochkeil to the beach which is a combination of typical farm track made from packed hard-core stone, and grass; and (b) the beach, which should be firm and even to run on.
To mitigate any risk from these conditions, we will be briefing runners, and we will have marshalls & signs to help runners through the course. I don't consider any of the route to be unsuitable for running, though additional care will be required in some areas. Marshalls will be there to highlight to runners to be careful in any particular areas as required. For anyone interested, it might be worth taking a run out to Clochkeil and have a look at the section in question.
The half marathon route is - Esplanade/Main Street/Longrow/A83 to the Craigs Farm/left to Rhoin and Sound of Kintyre/Clochkeil/beach/turn and back/Clochkeil/Sound of Kintyre/Moss Road/Stewarton/Main Street/Esplanade.
Hope this information is helpful, and answers your questions.
Thanks
Tom