Race Information

Full details for entrants can be found on the link below:

Final Race Instructions (these may be updated, so please check back).

Thank you for entering the Puddletown Plod.

We are really looking forward to seeing you on Sunday, 9th July 2024 (race start 10:00).  

The Puddletown Plod Road Race (a.k.a. ‘The Plod’) is a one lap race (out and back with an 8 mile loop), undulating in parts, over its 13.1 mile course.

The course will be well marshalled at all key junctions, while there will be distance signs at each kilometre. Please would all runners observe the Highway Code at all times during the race and keep to the left, unless otherwise directed. Marshals will stay in place until the final runner has passed. Lead and trail cars will accompany the race. The trail car will allow sufficient room for the back runner/s to run in 'comfort'.

While we do our best to ensure your race is enjoyable and safe, it is of course taking place on roads. Please take care.

Entry details:

This year you will need to collect your race number on the day (from the school hall) from 08:00 till 09:40. All entrants will be notified of their race number by e-mail a few days before the event, a list of entrants will be added to the race website once payment is confirmed.  Please attach your number to the front of your vest or T-shirt and ensure it is visible at all times.  Please ensure that contact phone numbers & medication details are written on the reverse.  Note that in order to comply with UK Athletics rules you must not fold your number.   As this event takes place on non-closed roads it is a music free race - 'bone conducting' open-earphones are also banned as marshals on the course may not be able to tell.  The use of earphones can result in your disqualification from the event.  There is a cut off time of 3 hours.  Anyone out on the course after this time will be transported back to the finish area.  Please follow our transfer and deferral policy if you find yourself unable to run (see how to enter).

Parking:

Car Parking: There is strictly NO parking for runners in the school grounds, as the race uses the main school entrance as part of the course.  Parking has, however, been arranged at the following locations (all open from 07:30, all within a 7 minute walk to Race HQ):
Car Park 1: Highways Agency Layby on High Street, West side of village.
Car Park 2: Puddletown First School, High Street DT2 8RY.
Car Park 3: Puddletown Surgery, Athelhampton Road, DT2 8FY.
Car Park 4 (overflow): Puddletown Recreation Ground, High Street.

nb: there is limited parking at CP1, so we recommend CP2 and CP3. 

Changing:

If possible please come changed. However, there is changing available in the school sports hall, on the main field.

There will be a baggage area, should you wish to leave anything in the sports hall.

Toilets are available. Runners are asked to use facilities in the school, and the toilets in the hall are reserved for spectators.

Start:

At approximately 09:50 there will be a briefing. We will then assemble at the start for the start. The finish is in the school grounds. Within the school grounds there is a field to the back of the school that can be used for warm ups.

Water:

There are number water stations along the route.  If you need to leave gel wrappers, please do so at the water stations.  Do not litter the course.

First Aid:

Medical Services will be in attendance at the race. There is also a first aid room inside the school. The school has a defibrillator in the first aid room. 

Prizes:

Prizes will be given as soon as possible after the race outside the main entrance, or in the hall if it is raining. All finishers will receive a souvenir of the race.

Directions by car:

Please drive slowly as roads leading to the school are narrow and to respect our neighbours. We are extremely grateful to all the volunteers who have given up time in the organisation of the race.

1. From the west, or east, take the turning for Puddletown. (second signposted turn for Puddletown if coming from the west)
2. Travel past the Blue Vinney pub (on the right) 
3. At the traffic lights turn left into the High Street 4) Drive down the High Street for about 100 metres
4. Turn right into Coombe Road (nb. This is a small, narrow lane. You may take the next turning if this is busy) The school is positioned about 100 metres up the road, on the right

When you leave:

If you leave before the final runners are back, please keep to the left and drive slowly to allow space for those competitors completing the race. 

SatNav— The School address is St Mary’s CE Middle School, Coombe Road, Puddletown. The school postcode is DT2 8SA