The 4th edition of the HAMELDOWN HAMMER half-marathon, with it’s 7 mile sibling the HAMELDOWN 7EVEN
** A COPY OF THE RACEDAY INFORMATION EMAIL WILL APPEAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE from Monday 18th February**
The race takes place on Sunday 24th February 2019.
HAMMER start time 10:00am
7EVEN start time 10:15am
Entries closing soon >>>>>>> 
The races start and finish in the village of Widecombe-In-The-Moor, at the foot of the Hameldown ‘massif’ and surrounded by some of Dartmoor’s most iconic granite tors.
The Hameldown Hammer, like our Dartmoor Volcano race, is another tough, challenging trail race, designed to be a serious test of endurance. The Hammer has a total ascent of over 600m. It is 98% trail, over a series of well defined, grassy, rocky, sometimes muddy tracks and through forestry glades. Most significantly, there is a double ascent of the Hameldown Ridge….
The Hameldown Hammer rises high and steep. It affords spectacular views of the Moor and Tors, with some of the best trail running Dartmoor has to offer.
Hameldown Tor
The shorter race, Hameldown 7EVEN – The ‘Long 10k’, has in excess of 300 metres of ascent and still includes a double ascent of the Hameldown ridge.
Both courses will be fully marked and marshalled.
Newly designed bespoke MEDALS to all finishers.
Bespoke Event T-shirts available to purchase through the SiEntries online.
So……….. Can you nail the Hameldown Hammer?
Or will you get HAMMERED!?
Entries closing soon >>>>>>>
Mandatory kit-list :-
Backpack or waistpack
Whistle
Survival blanket
Waterproof jacket
Hat/Headcover (cap/buff)
Mobile phone with emergency number stored (numbers below)
Capacity to carry 250ml of liquid – we are cupless now so bring a collapsable up or water bottle
Emergency numbers
Mark 07525723554
Steve 07799111231
** A COPY OF THE RACEDAY INFORMATION EMAIL SENT EARLY MONDAY MORNING **
Hameldown HAMMER and 7EVEN 2019
Many thanks for entering our race. Some of you are back for a 4th year, some entered in November and some of you this week!
LOCATION
Widecombe-in-the-Moor TQ13 7TA – Please allow plenty of time to arrive as Dartmoor lanes have a speed limit of 40 mph and be aware that animals are often in the road. As it is early morning there is a risk of frost, or even ice, if it’s a cold day forecast.
Widecombe is well signposted from Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Haytor and Postbridge. From Bovey Tracey take the B3387 towards Haytor, from Ashburton follow signs towards Buckland-in-the-Moor, Haytor and then Widecombe. From Postbridge follow signs for Widecombe along some narrow but quiet country lanes.
PARKING – Please carshare if possible
This will probably be the busiest day for Widecombe except for the Widecombe Fair so, please carshare to the venue – even if it means leaving another car up on top of the hill, before descending to the village.
Free parking is available throughout the village on single yellow lines but parking is limited. You must ensure you are not blocking a drive and you must leave room for emergency vehicles to pass (the width of an ambulance/fire engine is far greater than the average size car).
Our advice is to park in the first place you find BEFORE arriving at the village as a walk is still no further than 400 metres. Marshals will assist you so please be patient.
There are 2 car parks in the village, the Teignbridge District Council car park is to the right of the village green and free on a Sunday, but very limited in spaces. The 2nd car park is kiosk controlled and is £1.50, the lady will take the money as you enter. This is the closest parking to the start/finish line.
Please note there are no cash machines in the village.
Please heed the marshals’ advice and react swiftly to avoid traffic queues building in the small village.
REGISTRATION
Registration is inside at the Church House (TQ137TA), next to the entrance to the church, next door to the National Trust shop and opposite the Old Inn, Widecombe. If you’re near the Village Green then you’re a stones throw away.
Here you can collect your race number, safety pins and t-shirt or other merchandise, if you’ve paid in advance. We are likely to have some t-shirts to purchase on the day.
Race numbers are to be worn on your front to make it easier for the results team. If you are wearing a jacket which obscures your number then please make sure it is visible before arrival at the finish line.
Registration the Hammer, registration is from 08:00 to 09:45am, with a briefing at the start line 09:55, just before the start at 10:00.
Registration for Hameldown 7EVEN is 08:00 to 10:00am, with a briefing at the start line 10:10am, just before the start at 10:15am.
Event t-shirts, pureTrail hoodies, technical t-shirts (now available in women’s fit), beanies and multi-functional headwear will be available for collection for pre-orders and will be on sale in the downstairs of the hall all day.
FOOD AND DRINK
Dot-teas will be providing hot drinks and her famous cakes from the Registration centre all day.
A reminder that there are no cash machines in the village so be prepared with cash so you don’t miss out.
TOILET facilities can be found at the entrance to the Teignbridge carpark. There are only single toilets in the hall which become very busy so please use the carpark toilets where possible.
WEATHER
Dartmoor has varied weather conditions and last years’ race was drizzly, foggy and had a 50mph cold sidewind on top of Hameldown Ridge. The previous year it was a clear and sunny day. The current forecast is for a nice day but, at the time of writing, there is a week to go and you know not to trust the weather forecasts!
MANDATORY KIT-LIST
Because we are sending you up onto an exposed high and remote area of the Moor where vehicles have limited access, we have introduced a kit-list. The weather can change quickly, and this is not your average half-marathon or 7.5 mile trail race! The risk of hyperthermia is far greater without a jacket.
Mandatory kit-list :-
Backpack or waistpack
Whistle
Survival blanket
Waterproof jacket
Hat/Headcover (cap/buff)
Mobile phone with emergency number stored (numbers below)
Capacity to carry 250ml of liquid – we are cupless now so bring a collapsable up or water bottle
Should anyone not adhere to the mandatory kit-list requirement we reserve the right to exclude the person from the results. The Race Director’s decision is final.
TRAIL SHOES – you cannot possibly run this race safely in road shoes. Your feet/shoes are guaranteed to get wet and/or muddy.
We recommend you wear something similar to Salomon Speedcross or Inov-8 MudClaw as they have better grip that most. There are minimal areas of tarmac so be aware not to slip, especially on the 2 steep downhills.
THE COURSE
The routes are all fully marked using coloured flags and tape. This will be shown to you in the briefing. You should not have to look too far ahead to see the marked route. At mile 3.2 (Grimspound), the H7 route splits from the Hammer route and a marshal will direct you accordingly. Your first aid station is then only minutes away.
The full route will be checked a few hours prior to the start of the races and a link to the course maps are on the weblink www.puretrail.uk/hameldown
AID STATIONS
Hameldown 7EVEN
3.3 miles Drinks and snacks at Hookney Tor
Hameldown Hammer Half
4 miles Drinks and snacks at Challacombe Farm
9 miles Drinks and snacks at Natsworthy Gate
Supporters should keep their dogs under close control at all times but must realise the route goes out onto the Moor and has extremely limited vantage points unless you walk a few miles from the start line. Moorgate is a great place to see the runners start uphill and finish downhill and is less than 1/2 mile walk from the start/finish line – just ask us or a marshal.
There is limited parking near Grimspound/Hookney Tor/Headland Warren Farm and runners are likely to be coming through approx. 10:15 to 11:45am and Natsworthy Gate 10:45am to 1:30pm, should you wish to drive 3 miles to see runners come through. Speak to us on the day and we can show you on the map and provide driving instructions.
No dogs are allowed to run with their owner in these races due to Dartmoor National Park Authority, plus UK Athletics rules and their Public Liability Insurance, which differs to Park Runs.
Medical professionals will be based at HQ.
CUTOFFS
Last year everyone finished within 3 1/2 hours and we would like to think the same would happen this weekend but the Marshals and the sweeper will be monitoring and speaking to runners to see how they respond to ensure their safety, but our intention will be to guide all runners to a finish. Once you’re back on the ridge again you have 3 miles to go, with over 2 miles of downhill to look forward to.
Should anyone withdraw from the race you MUST report to a marshal (not a Medic) who will assist you and remove you race number.
THE FINISH
Polite notice that no dirty running shoes to be worn inside the hall, but left in a orderly manner outside the entrance door.
Unfortunately there are no changing rooms at the hall but the upstairs area can be used to change after the race and will be unisex as there is limited room at the venue.
Please bring plenty of clothing options for what the weather and course throws at you! Bags can be left in the hall at your own risk.
All finishers will immediately receive a medal for their well earned run.
The first two male and female runners in each race will receive a bespoke trophy.
Age category winners will receive a discount voucher emailed a few days following the race.
A presentation will be arranged within 15 minutes of the trophy winners finishing.
We look forward to chatting with as many runners and supporters as possible before, during and after the race.
Good luck to you all.
Mark and Steve
PureTrail.uk
Emergency numbers:-
Mark 07525723554
Steve 07799111231
All enquiries regarding this email should be directed to admin@pureTrail.uk
Race Permit provided by the Trail Running Association under U.K. Athletics rules