Thornbury Running Club

Riverbank Rollick- 2023 Race Series Race #1

Off Road & Muddy

Sunday 15th January at 10:30am

The 9.6 mile Riverbank Rollick is run on trails, along bridle paths, across fields, in woodland, through a stream and, of course, along a riverbank! 80% of the course is off-road. Being a January event this means mud and this is why runners keep coming back. A great way to kick off the year, kick out the January blues and kick start running in 2023.

After the elite runners have passed by many of the participants choose to run in fancy dress, if this is your thing please join in. A number of the marshals dress up and Mr. Blobby makes an annual appearance on the riverbank.

We will recognise your efforts with a wooden medal. If you take part in all 3 TRC Race Series 2023 events (Riverbank Rollick, Thornbury 10km and the Oldbury 10 mile) the medals will create a larger impressive medal. Look out for photos coming soon on Facebook.

Race Series

We want to encourage runners to enter the whole series by offering a £10 discount for entering all three events (Riverbank Rollick 15th January, Thornbury 10k 29th June and Oldbury 10m 17th September) and by offering a prize for both the woman and man who achieve the cumulative fastest absolute time across the three events. You do need to enter the race series at the time of first entry please. You cannot enter the Riverbank Rollick and then later select series entry and receive the discount.

About the Race

• Race HQ is at the New Sports Hall, Castle School, Park Rd, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HT.
• The Riverbank Rollick is 9.6 miles long, and has approx. 120m of ascent and is 80% off-road.
• Entries are now open and are available through Full on Sport website only
• Minimum age = 18 years old.
• Registration from: 9:00am (Update: Registration from 9:00-9:45)
• Entries on the day will be accepted up until 10:00am (Update: 9:45 open for entry and registration of runners on the wait list, subject to placed being available)
• Gun to chip timing.
• Individual prizes in all major categories.
• The race will be run under ARC Rules - Association of Running Club (ARC) permit number 23/066
• Race numbers with attached chips and baggage labels will be issued on the day.
• Transfers are to be handled by the individual using the Full on Sport page - transfers must be completed before 23:59 Thursday 12th January.
• Check the Thornbury Facebook page for more instructions and any updates before race day
• If you are entering as a VI Guide Runner supporting a VI Runner then the Guide Runner's race entry is free of charge. A discount code has been provided to 'VI Runners Bristol' for the Guide to use on their entry. When you enter using the Guide code, we will ask for the name of your VI Runner so we can match the entries. If you are not a member of VI Runners Bristol, please contact events@thornburyrunningclub.co.uk for the discount code.

We are a hard-working group of volunteers who organise these events in our spare time, fitting it in around family and work. If you have a question, comment, suggestion or feedback please contact us directly to give us the time and opportunity to respond fully, thank you. Please contact events@thornburyrunningclub.co.uk

Important Information For Race Day

• Start is 15 min walk/10 minute jog from Castle School.
• Runners are to be escorted to the start line by our Marshals.
• Race number collection, bag drop, changing rooms, showers and refreshments will be available in the School Sports Hall
• The club accept no responsibility for missing/damage to items within bags.
• There is one water station at Littleton-upon-Severn, approximately 5.8 miles (9 km) from the start.
• Cut off time = 2.5 hours.
• There will be a sweep runner but marshals will leave the course. Signage will be left in place.
• Please car share where possible. Parking available at The Castle School on a first come, first server basis, or the public car parks in Thornbury (nearest is Castle Court car park).

Race Route

https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7313841

gpx file download

Starts at ‘The Pithay’ near St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, heads out to St Arilda’s Church at Oldbury, down to the scenic Severn Riverbank before turning left along the estuary for about 1.5 miles past Whale Wharf with views over to the Bridge and Chepstow.  It then heads back through the village of Littleton Upon Severn and beside Thornbury Golf course and into Mundy Playing Fields.  Instead of the traditional finish here, the course now continues through the Playing Fields (and the stream!!). Leave Mundy playing fields through the gate shortly after exiting the stream.  Follow public footpath to Kington Lane, across Kington Lane through Cemetery and back to Pithay start (9 miles). Take Pithay right fork and follow path in a loop back to Sheiling School and onto public footpath and follow back into School Playing Fields.  Final sprint across field & alongside all-weather pitch to finish at pitch corner

We look forward to seeing you on race day!