Last Friday of the Month 5k
Note: Changes for Nov & Dec 2008
The Hyde Park winter fair, Winter Wonderland, will be taking place
between mid- November and mid-January. It will cover a larger area than
last year. This means that we cannot use the normal “Last Friday”
course. Neither can we have access to the Bandstand. Instead we will
meet at the new Boathouse (not the Bandstand). The Boathouse is on the
north side of the Serpentine Lake and is about 5-minutes walk along the
Serpentine Road from the bandstand.
The race will start at 12.30pm, as usual, with all runners starting at
the same time. For November, there will not be separate A and B races.
We will use a new 2-lap course. There will be some lapping, so slower
runners, at the end of your first lap please be aware of faster people
approaching you from behind. For this reason, please do not run wearing
headphones. You need to be able to hear any warnings. Please note that
there is a cut off time of 35 minutes. After this, we cannot undertake
to keep the course marshalled.
Personal belongings may be left at the Boathouse. Where this is
necessary, please supply your own waterproof bag (e.g. a large plastic
bag) suitably labelled. The area surrounding the Boathouse is open and
is not secure. Therefore, articles are left at the individual’s own
risk. We recommend that you do not bring valuables.
There are no toilets at the Boathouse. The public toilets opposite the
Bandstand will be open. There are also toilets at the Dell Restaurant
and adjoining Hyde Park Corner tube station. There are no changing or
shower facilities. Participants should arrive in running kit.
Important notes
Please always check our news page for the latest news on availability of places in our races. We are increasingly selling out of places before the day. We do not want you to turn up and be disappointed.
- The only way to ensure you get a place is to enter by post at least 3 weeks in advance (see the How to Enter section).
- If you simply turn up on the day you will not be able to race – sorry.
- The policy of the Club is not to refund money except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the club's Committee.
The Race (Jan - Oct)
The race starts at 12.30pm, sharp. Meet at the Bandstand from 12.00 noon. The Bandstand is on Serpentine Road, Hyde Park. The nearest tube station is Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line).
If you already have your race number, there is no need for you to register separately on the day. Please wear your number clearly on the front of your race clothing. It must be clearly visible to officials at all times but removed once you have crossed the finish line.
The race limit is 200 runners. The race has a staggered start.
- The initial start (the A Race) is for those runners who realistically expect to finish in less than 21 minutes (race numbers under 140)
- All other runners start 2 minutes later in the B Race (race numbers 141 and above).
The race is held under UK Athletics rules. UK Athletics Permits numbered 10533-10541 apply. Certificate of Course accuracy number SEAA04/073.
Minimum age for girls and boys is 13 years.
There is a cut off time of 35 minutes. After this, we cannot undertake to keep the course marshaled.
For safety reasons, please do not run wearing headphones or other impediments to your hearing – you must be able to hear marshals' instructions.
The results
The results of the Serpentine 5k are published here on the Serpentine website, and are normally available a few hours after the race. The easiest way to find out your result is to log in to the results database and to tick the box confirming email notification of the results. As soon as the results have been uploaded to the website you will be sent an email to that effect, confirming your time and giving a link to the full race result. You can also add your mobile phone number if you want to receive your result by text message.
There is a league championship of the Last Friday of the Month 5km. This is based on age-graded results for all runners, with the best 6 performances throughout the year being eligible to win the cup.
More information
For more details, contact
Malcolm French
35 Merton Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA2 0AA
H/W: 020 8422 3900
E-mail: lfotm5k@serpentine.org.uk