THE HARVEL 5

12th ANNUAL HARVEL 5
SATURDAY 5th JUNE 2010 (2PM)

This friendly but competitive, beautiful but tough race packs a lot into its five-mile out-and-back route. Tracing a path through the beautiful Kent countryside, the Harvel 5 covers tarmac, woodland, rocky slopes and all the mud a keen cross-country competitor could wish for. Tired finishers will be revived by the beer, burgers and ice creams on sale at the finish, plus the local Women's Institute on hand with tea and cake on Harvel's very English village green.

With a field of over 500 runners, free beer waiting at the water station for thirsty runners and a mini village fete in full swing at the finish, it has a party atmosphere that's hard to beat.

Number of Runners: Last year there were 600 entries (race limit) and 573 finishers. The race limit this year has been increased to 700.

The course is 5 miles and starts in Harvel, hence the name - The Harvel 5!  (Harvel is in Kent - See map).  The Course is measured and certified as accurate. The course is not suitable for wheelchair entrants. All runners and joggers welcome. Minimum entry age is 15.

Start and finish: The race commences at 2pm. The start is approximately 50 metres from the green along White Horse lane. Runners assemble on the green prior to the start, for their own safety and to prevent any traffic congestion in Whitehorse lane itself. Approximately 5 minutes before the race start, an announcement is made to ask all runners to proceed to the start at which stage, police and race marshals will take control of all road traffic. The course will be well marshalled throughout, with the kind co-operation of the Gravesend Police. The finish will be next to the village green.

Road Closures: The roads used for the course will be closed to traffic between 1.45pm and 3pm (See Below)

The Course: From Harvel, proceeding southeast along Whitehorse lane to the road junction at Leywood road, turning right into Harvel road. Continuing along Harvel road, past the Vigo Rugby Club, junction of Commority road and Harvel lane, turning left into Erskine road. Proceed to the end of Erskine road and turn right into Commority road. Approximately 200 metres along road, you turn right into Trosley Country Park. Continue along the track for about 1 mile, where you will meet the Rangers H.Q, car park and visitors centre. There will be a drinks (including beers for any hashers!) and jelly babies station here. (Note that here the last 250 metres is tarmac road, and you will be sharing the road with visiting park traffic.) From here you will make a sharp turn to the left, with a short descent on to the lower path. Follow this track for about a mile, until after a short climb you exit from the park back into Commority road. Follow Commority road until its junction with Harvel road, where you will turn right. Back along Harvel road, turning left at the Whitehorse into White Horse lane. From here, it’s a sprint to the green. The above roads will be closed to traffic between 1.45pm and 3pm.

Entry Fees:  In advance £9 - Attached to a running or hash club or a local resident. £10 unattached. Entries on the day £13 (Assuming limit not reached) Last year the race limit was reached so best to enter in advance to guarantee a place.

Car Parking: There will be ample parking at various locations in the village near the green.  The main car parking field will be near Harvel House Farm (DA13 0DH), Harvel Lane, the lane opposite the Amazon & Tiger Pub (DA13 0DE)

Men's’ and Ladies’ changing will be in the village hall. Sorry, there are no shower facilities at either location. Toilets are available at both sites. There is also the Amazon and Tiger Public house  in the village.
 

Finish: All runners will receive a nice medal, a bottle of water and jelly babies !

Trophies: There will be trophies for the first, second and third male and female of any age to finish the race. There will also be a trophy for the first finisher of each veteran category, therefore if you are a veteran runner and win the race you will receive two trophies! Last, but not least, there will be trophies for the first junior (15 - 17 years old) male and female. Also as last year there will be team trophies. After the race there will be the normal presentation of trophies. This presentation will occur just after 3.30pm.

Down Downs: (A hashing ritual!)  Will be at 3.45pm!

Results Service: The result will available as a download from the club’s website on the Sunday afternoon after the race.  If you wish to have the results posted to you please provide us with a A5 stamped addressed envelope.

RaRaRace Feedback: Any suggestions for previous years races are warmly welcomed.   (Email)

Beer & Burgers: There will be a hot food van, beer tent, tea, coffee & cakes and more on the Green. 

Small Print

• Course Certified as accurate
• Minimum entry age 15
• The course is not suitable for wheelchair entrants
• Advance entry deadline was Wednesday 2nd June.
• Road closures between 1.45pm and 3pm