Official Run to the Beat Blog

Photos

Run to the Beat Team — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:54:00 GMT

Check out our Facebook page to see 446 new photos from Race Day. Try and spot yourself and add tag your name!

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Organisers Comments

Run to the Beat Team — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:23:00 GMT

Dear Runners to the Beat

We wanted to help address a number of the issues that are being spoken about on the forum. We also want to assure you that we fully hold our hands up to various areas that didn’t go as smoothly as intended and require improving in 2009 and will make this an absolute priority.

Baggage storage

This was an area that was considerably affected by our low marshal numbers. We ended up having a reduced number of three per lorry which meant that we didn’t have sufficient people to sort out the bags into number order during the race and then subsequently to distribute them out. We apologise for those people delayed by this.

Road Closures

We had extensive meetings with Greenwich and the Metropolitan police over the route and gave it careful consideration to minimise the disruption to local residents allowing local access around the route. There was a leaflet drop in the area over the summer and letters to addresses within the local area affected by the route were sent out in September along with communication through the local paper. Better pre-event signage on the route does need to be improved and put in place which is something we will look at in the future.

Distance

The course was exactly 13.1 miles, this has been independently measured and checked by AIMS, who are an association of more than 250 race organisations.

Results

Results are now up on the website www.runtothebeat.co.uk click on the results link for the full provisional results from the event. These results are provisional only whilst we are still receiving the final information from our timing company as well as results queries from competitors who feel their time is incorrect.

Race Numbers

It seems that a few people have received the wrong number colour for the time they entered on their entry form. Therefore they have had to start further back to what they had planned. This is a mistake from our side which we apologise for and will endeavor to correct for the 2009 event. We hope that this has not affected your race too much and you still managed to enjoy the day.

Toilets

After analysing number of toilets at various other events we provided what we felt was a sufficient quantity both at the venue and on the course. With the specific competitor toilets in the car park area we able to keep queuing to a minimum at the venue and we will revisit the quantities on the course for 2009.

Water Stations

As you can appreciate every runner has their own preference as to whether you prefer a cup or water. As the organiser we have to consider this decision weighing up many different aspects of the overall event. Cups were the preferred method for many reasons; for example, cups provide the recommended quantity of fluid, they are environmentally cleaner than bottles as there is less waste and it also allows us to re-open the roads quicker as people throw away cups sooner than bottles. This is vital to enable us to minimise disruption for local residents.

Public transport

On the morning of the event there was a major tube issue which had a considerable impact on a number of our competitors. A tube train had broken down across two lines in North Greenwich which meant that no trains were able to run east or west for more than one hour – the earliest arrival was almost 09:00 instead of 07:30. It was for this reason that we took the decision to delay the race start until 10.30 as we wanted to ensure that as many competitors as possible were able to reach the event. Fortunately the train was moved and the line was repaired in time for the majority of competitors to get to the venue in time. In close consultation with The O2 prior to the event we had discussed that it was not feasible to provide contingency cover (additional buses etc) for this type of incident.

Music stations

With the weather conditions involving rain and gusty wind, we had to take a decision on the morning of the event to not open up six of our sixteen music stations as it wasn’t weren’t safe to do so, both for the musicians and the competitors. We were able to play the Run to the Beat album instead but unfortunately this reduced the quantity of live music acts playing around the course.

Please be assured that we take this criticism extremely seriously and will do our best to ensure that none of it arises again.

Kind regards,

The Sony Ericsson Run to the Beat Team

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Band Guide

Run to the Beat Team — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:37:00 GMT

City Showcase have worked alongside us to bring you the best musical talent around for Run to the Beat. This guide will help friends and family work out which stage suits them the best. To find out more about the music of Run to the Beat, buy the official album or read about the science behind it follow this link: http://runtothebeat.co.uk/Music.aspx

On the day friends and family can also follow your progress with a handy mobile application which displays band times and a course map - to get this guide just text 'Run' to 84880.

O2 Stage from 0920
The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Start: Exit Avenue, Fiona Bevan
Finish: Imperial Leisure, Panjabi Hit Squad, The Autodropouts, The Velcros, Trash Fashion

Stage 2 from 0940 till 1330
Corner of John Harrison Way and West Parkside
Start: Mamas Gun
Finish: Rob McCulloch, Von Kleet

Stage 3 from 0940 till 1315
Corner of Peartree Way and Bugsby’s Way
Start: Sona Family, Out the Boxx
Finish: The Kits, Narration

Stage 4 from 0945 till 1030
Corner of Bugsby’s Way and Anchor & Hope Lane
Nosheen

Stage 5 from 0945 till 1040
Woolwich Road next to Old Vic Pub (Eastmoor Street)
Les Hommes Du Train

Stage 6 from 0950 to 1050
Woolwich Church Street – Venus Road
Temposhark

Stage 7 from 0950 till 1100
Woolwich on Thames Path (near the Heritage Centre)
A.Human

Stage 8 from 0945 till 1130
Royal Arsenal outside Greenwich Heritage Centre sponsored by Halo
Duke, Olli Collins, LoudMinority

Stage 9 from 1000 to 1140
Royal Artillery Barracks
The Royal Artillery Band

Stage 10 from 1005 till 1135
Woolwich Common – corner of Ha-Ha Road and Circular Way
Red Blooded Women, The Bridge

Stage 11 from 1005 till 1200
Charlton Park by Charlton School
The Dhol Drummers, Mosi Conde

Stage 12 from 1015 till 1215
Charlton House
Plumstead Manor School Steel Band

Stage 13 from 1020 till 1230
Blackheath – corner of Charlton Way and Prince Charles Road
Conrad The Scoundral, Black Cat Blues Band

Stage 14 from 1015 till 1240
Greenwich Park Grandstand
Penfold Gate, Les Oeufs

Stage 15 from 1020 till 1245
Royal Observatory Greenwich – end of Blackheath Ave
Hobbit, Pinstripe

Stage 16 from 1025 till 1310
Lawn West of Trinity College – Old Royal Navy College
South London Jazz Orchestra
Molloy

Stage 17 from 1030 till 1315
Corner Woolwich Road and Fingal Street/ Chilver Street
Freerun
Mr Derry

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Race Pack

Run to the Beat Team — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:34:00 GMT

All race packs have now been dispatched. If you do not receive your pack before race day please come to the help desk in the morning and tell us your race number. We will be able to issue you with everything you need then and there. Please allow a little extra time if this applies to you. In the meantime you can download the race information magazine and find all the race day information at www.runtothebeat.co.uk

Your race packs should contain:

- Event information magazine

- Timing Chip: (to be worn around your ankle or attached to your shoe as you run). This will be activated when you run over the start mat, at 10km and at the finish. Due to the cost of the technology there will be a £20 charge if you lose your timing chip.

- Kit bag label: if you plan to leave a bag at the start/finish area then they must have this label attached. Dimensions of the bag are to be no larger than 56cm x 45 cm x 25cm (standard airport luggage size). To retrieve you luggage after the race you’ll need your race number.

- Race Number: you must have this in order to compete in the race and will need ID to collect your bag if you lose it during the race.

Don't forget you should be tapering in your final week of training and getting plenty of rest before the big day!!

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Half-marathon - the people's choice!

Run to the Beat Team — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:44:00 GMT

The popularity of half-marathons has been growing over the last five years, partly due to an influx of new runners who consider it a more manageable challenge. Half-marathon training is not as consuming as the full marathon. The risk of injury is less. Recovery is faster.

Run to the Beat adds another twist to the half-marathon, incorporating running with a live music event, and has attracted a whole new breed of long-distance runners. Out of the 10,000 plus competitors more than half have never run a 13.1-mile race before and more than half are female.

It is unusual to see more female runners than male and we think it might be due to the music element of the race. Maybe more females prefer to run while listening to music and were tempted more by this race than others?

The race, which starts and finishes at the O2 and winds through the streets and parks of Greenwich, will see 50% of the competitors hailing from London, 39% from other parts of the UK and 11% from offshore. There is also a wide age range of competitors with more than 60 runners under the age of 20 (the minimum age is 18) and a handful over 70-years-old.

Pop, dance and rock music came up tops in terms of favourite music genres, followed by R‘n’B, hip-hop and classical beats.

What do you think about the Run to the Beat demographics? Where do you fit in and what attracted you to this event?

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Volunteers Needed For Run to the Beat

Run to the Beat Team — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:20:00 GMT

On October 5th 2008, Greenwich welcomes London’s first ever half marathon. Run To The Beat is a unique, new concept combining running, with live music and is aimed at enhancing runner’s performance by using the correct beats per minute on different areas throughout the course.

Some of the London’s best un-signed bands and musicians will line the course to encourage runners around the 13.1-mile course. In order to make this event work, the organisers require the help of local volunteers. Everybody gets the chance to be part of the action on the day. You will make an enormous difference to the competitor and spectator event experience. Volunteering is a great way to have fun, make friends and gain experience of large-scale events.

What will I be doing?

Roles are varied; you could be directing athletes, supporting competitors on the run, providing information for spectators or handing out the all-important medals! At the end of the event you will leave having worked as part of a team at London’s first ever half marathon! All we require is that volunteers are 16 years old or over.

What’s included?

· Working on a fantastic local event at the O2
· Agreed Travel Expenses
· Limited Edition T-Shirt
· Food and refreshments throughout the day
· A great achievement that gives you practical experience for future events - especially exciting with the London 2012 Olympics coming to town.

When will I be needed?

The event takes place on October 5th 2008. You will not be required for the whole day, and will have the chance to enjoy the live music and exhibition later in the afternoon, once racing has finished.

If you are willing to help please call us today on 020 8233 5900 or email andy.taylor@imgworld.com

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Run to the Beat on Facebook

Run to the Beat Team — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:45:00 GMT

With just over three weeks till the event there is a lot happening at Run to the Beat.

The official Run to the Beat album is being released on Sunday, September 14th so make sure you get your vote in for your favourite workout tracks by this Friday.

Click here to vote!

Sony Ericsson are giving away five W760i Walkman phones, complete with a copy of the Run to the Beat album and a sportsband.

Click here to enter!

And we have launched our very own Facebook page. Click on the button below to become a fan!

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Vote Open For RTTB Album

Run to the Beat Team — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:15:00 GMT

The Run to the Beat album will soon be on sale and you have the unique opportunity to take part in the selection process.

The album will consist of two 40-minute workouts. Dr Costa has used his many years of music in sport research along with hours spent pouring over the Run to the Beat competitor demographics to compile the perfect music mix for the race.

Some of the songs are too motivating to be left to pure chance but three spaces are up for grabs. Runners are invited to listen to each track and vote for their favourite. The song that gets the most votes makes the cut.

Check it out!

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City Showcase to sign top local bands

Run to the Beat Team — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:45:00 GMT

Music plays an integral part in Sony Ericsson Run to the Beat and with just 59 days till race day runners are on the edge of their seats to hear which bands will headline the event.

City Showcase, London's leading festival for new music, is working with us to ensure some of London's most exciting talent will deliver the music on the day. Previous artists to perform on the City Showcase stage include Amy Winehouse, Newton Faulkner, Keane, Razorlight, Natty, Scouting for Girls, Hot Chip and Lady Sovereign.

The seventh City Showcase took place in June this year and the line-up there included emerging acts such as Twin Atlantic, Gabriella Cilmi, We Are The Ocean, The Young Republic, Ironik and The Law.

There will be 16 City Showcase music stages around the course, each playing songs at different tempos to match the effort required at that stage of the 13.1-mile half-marathon.

With 45% of the Sony Ericsson Run to the Beat competitors taking part in a half-marathon event for the first time, music will play a crucial role in motivating runners and easing the pain barrier according to Sony Ericsson Run to the Beat consultant, Dr Costas Karageorghis.

Nick Rusling, Managing Director of IMG Mass Participation Sports (race organiser) said: “It’s been fascinating finding out what inspires people to get out and run. By working with City Showcase, we will unearth London‘s up and coming music acts who will be strategically positioned at one of our music stations to get the best out of our runners.”

Stay tuned for band announcements later this month.

Pop, dance and rock music came up tops in terms of favourite music genres. What’s your favourite music to run to?

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SmartZones Free for Runners

Run to the Beat Team — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:32:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that SmartZones is now available free to all "Run to the Beat" competitors.

SmartZones Intelligent Training Programme is a completely interactive training programme that has been created entirely for you. All you need to do is enter your personal details and tell SmartZones when you can train. It will come up with a personalised programme, which continually assesses your performance and adapts your training schedule.

Usually £39.99 this is a fantastic offer for all those needing some expert training advice.

Click here to register

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MP3 Players Will Be Allowed

Run to the Beat Team — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:11:00 GMT

The Run to the Beat team have spent many hours discussing the pros and cons of using MP3 players during London’s first half marathon and we are pleased to announce that the decision made is YES they will be allowed!

There are many arguments for and against the use of MP3 players by participants during a mass participation running event and, as organisers, we have considered each argument closely.

Music is integral to the whole event experience and therefore to not allow the use of MP3 players would be against the essence of Run to the Beat. The spirit of the event is to inspire runners to take to the sport for the first time or to enjoy their experience more and possible improve on performances – because of the power of music.

However, there are two vital things to consider, which we will go to considerable lengths to communicate.

1) Live music will be played throughout the course, scientifically selected to improve the performance of all participants. Therefore, signage will be in place whenever this music can be hear to: “TURN OFF YOUR MP3 AND GET WITH THE BEAT".

2) The various points made as to why participants shouldn’t wear MP3 players in a mass participation running event are hugely valid. So please take care to consider other runners on the course and pay attention to all event marshals and volunteers for guidance and instructions. You may need to turn off your MP3 players at times to hear this advice.

Finally, however much the music motivates you, you will miss out if you enter your own world and ignore the unique atmosphere and experience that the spectators and live music acts provide.

What do you think? Should MP3 players be allowed or not? Send us your comments.

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