Gin Pit "Marathon" Volunteers Wanted by Malc Collins

Hi everyone at A&T

I think most of you know I’m arranging a Double Marathon event starting and finishing at the Gin Pit on Saturday and Sunday 12^th & 13^th March 2011. There will be about 25 entrants each day. These range from multiple marathon runners, Ultra runners, Ironman Tri-athletes, including Steve Coleman and myself.

The course is one large loop and consists mainly of the local trails and canal towpaths. I plan the course to be a self guiding race and I will be offering maps and directions to runners at the beginning of the day. I am hoping to get some volunteers to help put signs up round the course and man at least 3 check points.

There are still a few places left if any members fancy a go. You don’t have to do both days. You can do Saturday and have a drink Saturday night or Sunday and be fresh when most of us will be on our second day.

Clare Unsworth has offered to be Social Events Organiser for a Pasta Party arranged for the Saturday night at Ruffus’ Bistro in Leigh. I’m sure Clare will blog & Facebook something when she is ready.

I am looking to build a team to help run the marathon each day. Some A&T members have already offered their services on one or both days but there are several roles that still need filling:

1. Race Day Coordinator.

Andy Coates has offered to do Saturday and Gary Stevens has offered to do Sunday.

To be based at the Gin Pit, oversee the race and any problems that may occur. To keep track on how the runners are doing at each of the check points.

2. Time Keeper.

I suppose this role is self explanatory

Don’t worry its not too hard a job as there will only be around 25 runners per day, spread over a couple of hours. It won’t be as hectic as the Gin Pit 5.

3. A couple of people to help set out the course markers on the trails Friday afternoon would be best, probably someone with a mountain bike and a ruck-sack would be useful.

4. I hope to provide 3 manned (or womanned) water stations along the canal.

At Monton

At Marsland Green Bridge, Astley

At Bamforlong, Platt Bridge

I would also like to make them check points to make sure the runners are OK. Hopefully liaise with the “Race Day Coordinator” when all runners have completed each stage.

5. If possible additional marshals for around the Gin Pit trails and through Astley to the Garrett for the first few miles. I also would like a marshal point in Hindley Green at the 22.25 mile point to guide runners from the road back onto the trails.

My wife, Yuk-Lam is planning on running the kitchen at the Gin Pit to provide hot drinks, pasties and cakes to finishers and any A&T members who are about on the day. I’m sure she would welcome any offers of assistance.

My children are currently offering to help give out the medals but they are only 5 and 8 years old and might change their minds if it’s cold or wet!

Please contact me by any of the following methods if you are able to help in anyway on either day. The more helpers the easier and more fun this special event will be. Also members helping with this event might find it an opportunity to meet some interesting and experienced long distance runners and tri-athletes.

Let’s show what a great marathon event A&T can host!

Please contact me at:-

Malc26.2@gmail.com

Tel 07739 393 393

Thanks

Malc