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Half Marathon Challenge

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Join us this September as we Step Out for Age UK Plymouth on this Half Marathon challenge. Walk, jog or run through the spectacular Plymbridge Valley from Coypool to Clearbrook and back again.

  • Sunday 29th September 2024
  • Join our accessible challenge as we make our way through the Plymbridge Valley
  • Walk, jog or run along the traffic-free first stage of National Cycle Route 27
  • Raise a minimum of £50 to support over 50s
  • £25 entry with reduced £15 tickets for under 12s
  • All walkers will recieve an Age UK Plymouth branded wicking hiking top and finishers medal 

This is considered a moderate challenge for someone of a good fitness level. At an average walking speed entrants are likely to be walking for around 5 hours. The terrain can be uneven in places but is predominantly tarmac with a loose gravel surface. There is a gentle uphill gradient on the way to Clearbrook which you will descend again on the return journey. We would expect a comfortable walking temperature on the day, but be aware that the early start will mean cooler conditions and we would recommend a light layer that can be transferred to a small day bag.

No previous hiking experience is required although you must ensure you have done plenty of practice walks in advance to prepare yourself for the challenge.

Entry is open to anyone over the age of 8, all participants must be able to complete the route independently.

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Fundraising

Can anyone enter?

Registration is open to those aged 8+ and can independently complete the route. All those who wish to take part must register individually online. Only those registered online and walking in the event will receive a charity t-shirt.

Under 16s must have an adult (aged 18+) with them throughout the event.

One adult (aged 18+) to every 3 children. Children between 8-11 years are eligible for reduced entry.

Getting there

Can we park?

Yes. You can use the free Coypool Park and Ride Car park (Coypool Rd, Plymouth PL7 4TB). We will be based in the right-hand corner of the car park.

Cars are left at owner’s risk.

Can we get to the event using public transport?

Yes. The nearest bus stop is outside McDonalds on Coypool Road, Marsh Mills, only a few mins walk to the event.

Citybus operate services to this bus stop - 20/20A/21A.

You can also hire a Beryl bike from many locations around the city and ride straight to the Beryl station next to our base camp!

What happens if the weather is bad?

The weather will be monitored throughout the week leading up to the event and the path will be checked the day before the event. If the forecast forces us to postpone the event, participants will be notified the day before via email – please ensure your correct contact details are included on your registration form. We will also announce on our website and social media.

Where and when do we register on the day?

Please make your way to the registration stand in the car park from 8am. This will be based in the right hand corner of the car park.

The event will start promptly at 9am.

What route does the walk take?

The event begins at Coypool Park and Ride car park. You will then cross the road and make your way along the Plym Valley route to Clearbrook Village Hall in Clearbrook. This is the mid-way point. The last part of the route follows the route back to Coypool.

The route is well-marked and you will not need to deviate from an already signposted path.

What is the terrain like?

The event will begin the Coypool Park and Ride car park, which is flat.

The path used along the route will be slightly uneven in places and there may be leaves, sticks etc on the path.

Please wear flat shoes/trainers for the event. Please also be prepared with your own plasters/blister patches.

The route has a very gentle incline with one short incline near the mid-way point.

Can I run or cycle in the event?

This year runners will be able to take part with a staggered start time for those planning to run or jog the route. Scooters and bicycles are prohibited.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, we welcome well behaved dogs but they MUST be kept on a short lead throughout the event.

Who else will be on the path?

This path is for the use of the public therefore there will be other path users on the trail on the day. These include cyclists, runners, families and dog walkers.

We ask all participants to move onto the left-hand side, single file where necessary, when walking to allow other users to pass by safely. The Age UK Plymouth team will be guiding participants along the path throughout.

Will first aid be available?

Yes. There will be first aid on site.

We do ask participants to also make us aware of any medical conditions upon registration.

Will there be toilets?

There are toilets in the car park at the start of the event, these are managed by Plymouth City Council. Toilets are also located at the midway point at Clearbrook Village Hall. There will be no other toilets available.

Will there be refreshments?

We are encouraging people to bring their own reusable bottles. There will be one water station on the path itself and this will be around the Bickleigh point of the path (approx. half way between the start point and Clearbrook).

There will also be refreshments at Clearbrook Village Hall.

We recommend bringing some snacks with you to help keep your energy levels up throughout the event.

What happens at the end of the event?

Please make your way back to the registration point to collect your medal and receive a big congratulations from the team!

Do I have to complete the walk within a certain time?

All participants must be able to complete the walk by 3pm. We will have vehicles at the mid-way point and Bickleigh should anyone need to be returned to the start/end point.

How do I train for the walk?

  • Start by stepping outside for a walk at least 8 weeks before the event. Begin with small walks and gradually build up the distance. Aim for at least 3 walks a week.
  • Stretch before and after your walk to reduce the risk of injury
  • Stay hydrated!
  • You can incorporate other physical activity throughout the week
  • Train in the shoes you will be wearing at the event – you want to be sure they are comfortable.
  • You can use walking poles if needed. This helps with momentum, stability and balance.

How much do I need to fundraise?

We are asking everyone taking part to raise a minimum of £50 to support those people aged 50+, those living with dementia and carers within the city.

How do I pay in my fundraising?

  1. You can set up a Localgiving account by clicking here – this way people can donate directly to your page and the funds automatically go to the charity.
  2. You can download a sponsorship form from the website and drop this with any money you have raised into our HQ at Astor Drive, Mount Gould Road, PL4 9RD (Mon-Fri, 9-4pm) or to our Dementia Day Centre, 8 Memory Lane, Plymstock, PL9 9GH (Mon-Fri, 9-4pm).
  • Cheques can be made payable to AGE UK PLYMOUTH and sent to us at Age UK Plymouth, Astor Drive, Mount Gould Road, PL49RD
  • We can provide details to complete a BACS transfer upon request.
  • We kindly ask for all money raised to be paid into the charity by 1st November 2023.

When will I receive my walking top?

Pick up your top from our Coypool basecamp when registering at the start of the event.

What else shall I wear?

Feel free to wear your top along with any fancy dress outfits!

Don’t forget sun cream and a hat if the sun is out or a rain coat if rain is forecast.

Event promotion

We will be taking photos/videos through the entirety of the event, please feel free to post your own photos/videos and don’t forget to tag @ageukplymouth

The use of drones is prohibited at this event.  

Any footage will be used/shared by Age UK Plymouth and cannot be used for anything else or sold into an image library.

How else can I support Age UK Plymouth?

There are many ways you can help the charity support the people of Plymouth: