The officially-measured half-marathon course (13 miles 192.5 yards) is run on way-marked cycle routes laid out by the Forestry Commission. Special permission has been given to stage the race over this course. A map of the course is available in PDF format. For those familiar with this event, the course will be the same as in 2006 and 2007.

The course begins in the centre of Parkend village and then follows the cycle-way in a clockwise direction through the Forest of Dean. The route will be fully signed and marshalled, and marked by yellow paint on the ground. Mile-markers are provided. The route generally uses well-maintained tracks with gentle inclines, as can be seen in a vertical profile of the course. We're also grateful to runner Tom Fuke who created up this bird's eye view. Click on "satellite" to see the trees! (note that, while this map's calculated distance is a bit approximate, our course has beens precisely measured for the half marathon!)

The race will be led by lead cyclists. Two road crossings on the route will be controlled by police and marshals. There are three water stations at approximately 5 km intervals, and drinks will be available at the finish.

Safety & medical

Road running shoes or trainers are perfectly acceptable. Spikes should not be worn as part of the course includes short road sections.

Your allocated chip must be worn on the shoe. Unique signals from each runner's race chip are used to measure your race times and position. These chips are disposable and are used once only. Recycle bins will be provided at the finish.

Results will be available on the day at race HQ, and will be available from the Web site soon thereafter. Timing and results service will be provided by:
Race Timing Systems

• MSNR: male, 17 to 39
• MV40: male, 40 to 49
• MV50: male, 50 to 59
• MV60: male, 60+
  
  
• FSNR: female, 17 to 34
• FV35: female, 35 to 44
• FV45: female, 45 to 49
• FV50: female, 50 to 59
• FV60: female, 60+

A medal, with ribbon, will be presented to every finisher. A variety of prizes will be awarded as follows:

• First five males
• First five females
• First two females vet 35+
• First two males vet 40+
• First female vet 45+
• First male vet 50+
• First male vet 60+
• First male team, affiliated (three to score)
• First male team, non-affiliated (three to score)
• First female team, affiliated (three to score)
• First female team, non-affiliated (three to score)

Male: Phillip Matthews 1 h 13 m 38 s (2007)
Female: Janet Roxburgh 1 h 24 m 53 s (2008)