Grand Union Canal Half Marathon - Page 4 - Events

Muttley

28/10/2007 at 08:11

I don't know if this helps, but there's a regular mainline train service from Watford to London, with (if I recall correctly) some of the trains stopping at Queens Park on their way. This is how I'll be getting back to Reading - fast train to whichever London terminal and tube to Paddington.

Maybe check out the timetables?

RKM

28/10/2007 at 13:02

If you go directly to the start by public transport is there any way that your bag can be taken to the finish for you? Just realised how tricky it will be if this isn't possible as I don't drive and, although I could go to the finish first and get the race transport to the start, due to the replacement bus service it would make it difficult to get there on time.

RKM

28/10/2007 at 13:07

Opps just re-read the thread and seems like it's already been answered, excellent

Claire Mac

29/10/2007 at 18:55

Hi everyone,

Just to let you know that we are hoping to get the race packs out tomorrow (Tuesday). If there is anything you need to know beforehand, please feel free to contact me directly (not allowed to put my email on the forum, but you know where it is ...).

Hope you're all looking forward to it and training(!) is going well. I have ordered some great weather for that day .

Claire

Chilli Pepper

30/10/2007 at 07:52

Indeed you are all powerfull Claire if you have that sway with the 'man upstairs'

Rachael Reynolds

30/10/2007 at 11:26

Okay, so the train to West Drayton actually seems to be running that day! After a 5 hour return journey from the Great South Run on Sunday, I hope they don't suddenly find more engineering works to do!

Sally 2

30/10/2007 at 13:39

oof I'm confused!

I am entered..just... if I come by public transport what do I do?

Train to Uxbridge, walk to start at Cowley, run race, finish at watford, train home.

Ok, so I have paid for a coach back to start, I am not sure why! where does my bag go?

I am excited though! If anyone is concerned I'll be coming in at about 2.10-2.20 so I'll be at the back with the rest oif you who were worried about being there!

Rachael Reynolds

30/10/2007 at 13:52

I am now planning to train to West Drayton, walk to start, dispatch bag to finish which seems to be planned for, run race and then worry about how to get home! I thought the coach was to take you from the Finish to the Start before the race though if you wanted to park at the Finish.

Muttley

30/10/2007 at 13:53

My plan is to take the train to West Drayton, walk to the start, drop off my bag which will be taken to the finish, collect bag when I lumber over the line, walk to Watford station and take a train to London and on to Reading.

My understanding is that the bus to the start is for those who are coming to the event from the Watford direction.

Muttley

30/10/2007 at 13:54

Great minds clearly think alike Rachael

Rachael Reynolds

30/10/2007 at 13:58

Mutley, where is Watford station in relation to the Finish? I can only see the Tube station on my map.

Sally 2

30/10/2007 at 14:00

ah ha....Thanks guys!

I'll do exactly the same! I booked coach as possibly just possibly I might be with a driving friend so thought it would make life easier!

Train to west Drayton is just an alternative to tube to Uxbridge though right?

I'll see you there so guys!

Rachael Reynolds

30/10/2007 at 14:01

I think the Tubes are all messed up for engineering works that day.

Muttley

30/10/2007 at 14:01

It's about a mile and a half from the finish, if memory serves. I looked up Cassiobury park in Multimap, which gives the distance to the nearest rail station. Can't remember offhand whether there are one or two mainline stations (or one or two tubes), but I do remember that it's walkable or a short taxi ride. That was good enough for me to do the event, I can fine tune the details nearer the date.

Muttley

30/10/2007 at 14:02

Yes, forget the tube that day - check the TfL website for info on the engineering works.

Claire Mac

30/10/2007 at 14:13

Hi there,

Good to see you all getting your arrangements nicely sorted out! Thought I'd just clarify the bus/baggage situation.

The bus is primarily for those wanting to park at the finish, take the bus to the start, then their car will be waiting for them at the finish. Of course, anyone else who just wants transport from watford to Cowley is also welcome to book a seat. If you are travelling in from London or wherever by public transport, it may be easier to go straight into Cowley for the start, then go home from Watford afterwards.

There will be a baggage van at both Cowley and Cassiobury. Any bags left at Cowley will be taken to the finish at Cassiobury after the race has started.

Hope that all makes sense ....... please shout if not!

Claire

Rowan Green

30/10/2007 at 14:28

Barring miracles it looks like I'll be giving it a miss. Skint and too soon after my last half: I don't think I'll have improved much, so better to wait for another. Hopefully more money around next year: I like the sound of this so I'll note it for then!

SleepyLion

30/10/2007 at 16:23

Claire,

if it wasn't for the few narrow spots on the towpath, you could consider converting this to a marathon next time around, that'll solve the transport logistics associated with a point-to-point race!

SleepyLion

01/11/2007 at 22:01

Race pack has arrived. Ten days to go...

Muttley

02/11/2007 at 08:22

I've got my race pack.

I begin to fret if I don't have a race number clipped to the fridge door...