Round the Rock Half Marathon

The enchanting island of Jersey, famed for its delightful potatoes, the legendary Bergerac, and charming cows, also hosts the remarkable Round The Rock Half Marathon. This race delivers unforgettable moments and showcases Jersey’s natural beauty.

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Race Details:

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Choose from a variety of options: Solo, Relay, Ultra, Marathon, and our Half Marathon race. The Half Marathon kicks off at The Watersplash in St. Ouens and guides runners on a memorable 13.1-mile journey. Prepare to be awed by panoramic views, meet an array of wildlife, and be part of a nurturing community of runners. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey – sign up now!

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Route Description:

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Your adventure commences at the picturesque Watersplash in St. Ouens. From there, the route guides you along serene coastal paths, revealing the island’s captivating landscapes. The path meanders to the idyllic, sunlit sands of St. Ouen’s Bay, enriching your running experience. As the race progresses, enjoy views of the scenic South Coast, capturing glimpses of St Brelaides and St Aubins before crossing the finish line. Embrace the thrilling challenge: the half marathon covers 13.1 miles, with splendid ascents and descents offering an exciting challenge for all runners.

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History and Future:

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Trail Monkey is delighted to carry on the legacy of this standout Channel Isles race, succeeding Digby Ellis-Brecknell’s commendable management. After celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Ultra Marathon in 2020, we’re eagerly anticipating the future of this exceptional event, and we’d love for you to be part of it!

The Round The Rock Half Marathon, initiated in 2020, has quickly become a top choice for runners seeking a taste of the Round the Rock event without taking on the full 48 miles. Many participants return annually to relish the welcoming atmosphere and challenging course, with some aspiring to conquer the Ultra Marathon in due course. It’s the perfect race for those looking to extend their distance or prepare for a more demanding event.

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Are you set to embrace this exhilarating challenge? Register now and discover the charm of Jersey’s coast!

Map and GPS

A map and gps file will available for each race distance at the links at the bottom of each distance page. These might be subject to change should there be a requirement to do so due to route changes etc, we will of course endeavour to amend the gps if that is the case or provide supplementraqy markings on the day should the need arise. Nothing of course beats good course preparation and a recce of the course if you are able.

(To download the gps click on ‘actions’, then ‘export’ and follow the onscreen prompts).

Ultra Race GPX File – Here

Marathon Race GPX File – Here

½ Marathon race GPX File – Here

Timetable -including Start and Registration Times

Friday

1200-1500  – Registration for all races in our sponsor Mason Breese Corporate Offices, 2^nd Floor 24 Hill St, St Helier, Jersey

Saturday

0645 – Ultra Race Brief, Steam Clock, St Helier

0700 – Ultra Race Start at Steam Clock, St Helier

0845 – Marathon Race Brief – Les Fontaines Carpark

0900 – Marathon Race start – Les Fontaines Carpark

1045 – ½ Marathon Race Brief – Watersplash Carpark, St Ouens

1100 – ½ Marathon Race Race start – Watersplash, St Ouens

1900 – All Courses Close

Race Registration & Packet Pickup – All Races.

Registration will be available at the following times and locations:

Friday 1st August 12-3 pm – Mason Breese Corporate Offices, 2^nd Floor 24 Hill St, St Helier, Jersey

Please make sure you or a representative can collect your packet on this date. If you’re an overseas participant unable to be on the island at this time, contact me to make alternative collection arrangements.

Bear in mind that any uncollected race numbers by runners on Friday will not be available on Saturday morning, unless previously discussed with me. Due to the busy nature of the event day, our small team will have limited time for administrative tasks such as race registration, thus requiring your cooperation for a smooth event execution.

At registration you will to collect your race number and any event merchandise that you have pre-purchased.

Time Limit

The time limit for the ultra race is 12 hours (7pm) so it is suitable for anyone who can maintain a running / walking pace to complete the event within that time frame. You should always include stopping at checkpoints in your estimation of your time management. The time limit for the Marathon and ½ Marathon is 10 Hours and 8 hours respectively. If you are in any doubt about your ability to complete the ultra race in the 12 hour time limit you should enter the shorter distance and have an enjoyable day. Please also remember that race distances are approximate i.e. ‘country miles’. Due to the very nature of the race being off road and also many variables being involved on the course, please be prepared mentally for the possibility of the distance not being bang on the set distance. This is a very important point to note so please be aware and be ok with this, otherwise it might not be wise to take part if you are expecting an exact 26.2 miles marked course for the marathon on the trails 🙂

Prices

There are five race distance options available for competitors.

Ultra Race 48 Miles (£80)

Marathon Race (£55)

½ Marathon Race (£40)

You can select the appropriate options when you sign up to the event online.

What your entry fee includes

-Participation in the race

-Race Insurance

-Checkpoints well stocked with refreshments

-Finishers Medal

-Event Timing

-On course event support

-Free post-race photos

-Adequately marked course.

Optional Extras

Custom Technical Race T-shirt (£7)

Spaces

150 spaces for the Ultra

50 spaces for the Marathon

50 spaces for the half marathon

Start & Finish Locations

0645 – Mandatory Ultra Race Brief, Steam Clock, St Helier

0700 – Ultra Race Start at Steam Clock, St Helier

0845 – Mandatory Marathon Race Brief – Les Fontaines Carpark

0900 – Marathon Race start – Les Fontaines Carpark

1045 – Mandatory ½ Marathon Race Brief – Watersplash, St Ouens

1100 – ½ Marathon Race Race start – Watersplash, St Ouens

Finish Line

The finish line, is at Jardins De La Mare, St Helier.

There is limited car parking near the finishing.

PLEASE NOTE - there is no transport provided to the start lines or from the finish after the race.  Competitors will be expected to make their own way from the end of the race or be picked up by friends / supporters. 

If staying in St Helier, there is a bus station near Liberation Square. To get to Les Fontaines & St Ouens – Bus timetables are here  – there are taxis available as well in St Helier or a list can be found here.

Compulsory kit items – For ½ Marathon

This falls under my duty of care as race organiser, and I prescribe these items as runners are out on the course for a long time and the weather can change. If you fall over or get into difficulty whilst on the course, and need to stop, then warm clothing might be required. Even for runners taking part in the ½ Marathon race, all runners will require mandatory kit items – which if it’s a hot day or you get into bother is still a long way to run and our duty of care is to ensure that all runners are adequately equipped. Please don’t ask me if you really do need to carry water or wear trail shoes in a race – the answer will always be yes, and you risk not being able to start the event if you look obviously under prepared or a random kit check reveals missing mandatory kit. Items to be carried:

– Rucksack or suitable means to carry kit

– Waterproof jacket (carry in pack if not cold at start just in case)

– Upper body long sleeve base layer or thermal (warm) top (carry in pack if not cold at start just in case)

– Head coverage such as warm hat or buff (carry in pack if not cold at start just in case)

– Gloves (carry in pack if not cold at start just in case)

– Whistle (the one that is attached to your rucksack is acceptable)

– Compass (watch or phone compass is acceptable)

– Trail running footwear with adequate grip for slippery off-road conditions (This applies to all races from 5km to Ultra Distance)

– Foil survival blanket or foil bivvy bag

– Small first aid kit to include: blister plasters, sterile dressing and bandage or tape.

– Mobile phone

– On charged phone please download the app What3words

– Water bottle 500ml minimum and / or cup for drinks at checkpoints

– Appropriate food/energy products for your expected time for the event

– GPS device with the route on it (this may be a phone app, gps watch, or handheld gps unit). The device must have sufficient battery life to last the event.

Our races are cupless – this means that there will be no cups at any checkpoints in an attempt to minimise plastic usage during the race.  You will have to supply your own cup (or use one of your water bottles) to take on water / squash / coke at the checkpoints. 

If you require some of the kit our friends at Rock n Road run shop in St Helier, have a wide range of excellent running kit. If you have any equipment needs be sure to give them a visit.

Drop bags

For all races you have the option of having a drop bag to transport any spare kit from the race start to the finish line such as warm items you have worn on the way to the start that you will not carry during the race. Please ensure your drop bag is clearly labelled with your name. The drop bags should be less than 10 litres in size and weigh less than 3kg (they will be weighed when collected) and only for a few items, they should also be waterproof as they will be stored outside at the finish. For the ultra-runners we will transport these bags to the half way point (Les Fontaines) so that you may access them there for additional provisions, change of clothes.

Race Day Information

Entrants must be in a fit and healthy condition to be able to complete the distance within the given time periods and cut-off times. You will be required to carry the compulsory kit list, including food and water for the duration of the event. You should ensure you have performed the appropriate training.

Aid Stations

For the Ultra Marathon there will be aid stations at St Catherines, Les Fontaines, Grosnez and Beauport. These CP’s are between 8 and 10 miles apart (approx). CP 1 will have water only and then all others will have water, coke, squash, crisps, flapjacks, cereal bars and sweets to keep you going during the race, if you have any further dietary requirements please make sure you carry them or have them in your drop bag. For the marathon the CP’s will be at Grosnez and Beauport, and for the half marathon at Beauport.

Navigation

Course markings are placed at critical decision points where the route changes. There may be long stretches without markings when the path is straightforward. As a participant, it’s your responsibility to stay alert for signs and to either familiarize yourself with the course in advance or use a GPS device loaded with the provided .gpx file for navigation guidance (this is particularly recommended if you are unfamiliar with the course or not from Jersey)

The vast majority of the route does not deviate more than a few metres from the cliff tops at all times, so as long as you can see the sea and it is on your right you’ll be ok!  However, if in doubt be sure to have the .gpx file.

GPS File

A final route GPS file is available to download from the website during the week before the race via the links above.

To download the gps click on ‘actions’, then click export and follow the onscreen prompts.

Please be aware that to view the gps route you will need a program / app to do this (such as Outdoors GPS / Viewranger etc.). There are many available on the Play / App store, just search for GPS or GPX apps. Make sure you do this BEFORE race day though so you can check how to upload the file and how the app works!

Checkpoint Snacks & Drink 

There will be energy snacks and drink available at checkpoints.  It may vary from checkpoint to checkpoint, but you can expect to find a mixture of sweets, crisps, oranges, biscuits, squash and water. If you would like anything else to eat, then we advise that you carry it with you. Checkpoint food is there to supplement your own race nutrition and you should always carry personal high energy food suitable for your individual taste.

Cut-off Times

There are a couple of cut off points on the course. If you do not make it to these checkpoints within the time limits, you will be unable to continue.  If you are timed out from the course and withdrawn, please do not argue with the marshals or safety staff. We have given everyone fair warning of the cuts offs – it is your job to make each checkpoint. If you don’t make one, for whatever reason, please accept that it just wasn’t your day. These cut offs are part of our event licence and are there for your safety and that of other runners and for the smooth running of the event as our sweepers, safety team and marshals must move along the course.

Do not pace your race on the cut off times. People who do this always get withdrawn as it doesn’t allow for stopping at checkpoints / getting lost / slowing down / using the toilet. Please also bear in mind that the distance on your watch is a guide only, it is not accurate. Every year we always have a debate about how far checkpoints are / should be, the fact is if you take 10 different peoples watches you will end up with 10 different distances! The solution is simple: always be ahead of the cut offs. The race is about having to work for the achievement of finishing – this is what makes getting the medal worth it. Speaking of which:

For the avoidance of doubt: medals will only be awarded to competitors who finish the course they entered in the time allocated.

1300 - Cut-off time at Les Fontaines for the Ultra Runners

1900 – Cut-off time at the finish for all races

Race Retirements

If you have to retire on the day, please make your way to the nearest checkpoint.  Please do not retire or leave the course without informing a race official and texting your name and race number to the race directors (the phone number is found in the pre-race email)

Voluntary Retirement

If you feel that you cannot complete the route and want to retire ONLY DO SO AT A RACE CHECKPOINT.   When you reach the next checkpoint inform the staff there of your decision to retire.  Your number will be taken and you will be marked as ‘retired’.  Once you have retired you should put on warm kit and remain hydrated.  If you withdraw voluntarily you may be transported back to the finish when a vehicle is available (this will most likely be when the checkpoint closes).  Please be aware that checkpoint staff will be busy and can only transport you once they checkpoint has closed.  Other vehicles may be busy during the race, so this may entail a long wait before you are transported.  Please bear in mind that if you are well and uninjured then you are not a priority while there are still runners out on the course.  

Do not, under any circumstances, leave the race without informing a member of the event staff and texting your name and race number to the race director (number is found on the map).  A search will be initiated if you miss checkpoints and we cannot contact you. If you are found to have left and not informed anyone you will be charged for the cost of any search and rescue operation.

Mandatory Retirements

There are certain occasions where a runner may be withdrawn from the race by event staff. 

Participant unable to continue.  For example, this can be if a runner has become dehydrated, or appears ill or incoherent.  At a checkpoint you will be assessed by the first aider present.  Their word is final in any situation such as this.  If this happens it will be for your own safety and it will be for a good reason.  Once you have been withdrawn you CAN NOT continue.

Timed out.  If you are late for any check point you will be withdrawn from the event check point staff.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  This is for your own safety and for that of others in the event. 

General Considerations

The route follows cliff paths and may be hazardous in certain places. As organizers, we will highlight potential hazards, but you must be aware that there may be other hidden dangers. Do not attempt to overtake on narrow/dangerous sections; please wait until it is safe to do so and allow faster runners to overtake when safe. If you do not feel that you can continue, please inform a marshal at the next checkpoint, contact the race director, or inform other runners. Remember, it may be hot, windy, or wet, so please take care!

We are able to stage these events on the cliff paths as a privilege and on the understanding that we “leave no trace”. We ask that any wrappers for gels, water bottles or snacks are either disposed of suitably or held on to until there is a bin available. Please be considerate to other people using the paths – please give them right of way and leave a good impression with all other cliff path users, so that it does not jeopardise our ability to keep on organising these events.

The coastal paths can be technical in places, and slippery, please take care when running and ensure that good grippy shoes are worn.

Refund & Deferral Policy

– Up to 3 Months before race day – 75% Refund

– Up to 1 Month Before race day – Deferral to another TM event within the same 12 Months (no further deferral possible after this)

– Within a month of race day – No refunds / deferrals or place transfers available – The only exception to this being if you can help out marshalling on the day of the race.

Emergency Actions

There are mobile marshals on the course specifically to ensure runners are doing ok and to assist should they need it. They will be positioned around the course and will pop up in various places along the way. In addition to this there are course sweepers and numerous checkpoint staff

RUNNERS EMERGENCY ACTIONS

The nature of the coast path means you will be running close to the edge of cliffs during the race.  This represents a significant risk and care must be taken on these sections especially in high winds and bad weather conditions.  Keep your distance from the edge at all times and proceed with caution if the ground is loose and slippery. Make sure you wear shoes with good grip.

Casualties

There are two types of casualty, minor and major.

A minor casualty constitutes a non-life-threatening injury such as a cut, abrasion, twisted ankle, mild dehydration. The casualty will be able to walk and medical attention will be needed but not urgently.

A major casualty will require urgent medical attention and will not be able to walk. Injuries such as a cardiac arrest, broken femur, severe bleeding all fall into this category.

Major Casualty

If you become a major casualty or find a conscious / unconscious major casualty follow this procedure:

On finding a casualty:

Check the casualty and offer any assistance they might need.

Assist them with any help they might need (dressing a wound, putting on warm kit).  Call the race directors (numbers on map) or the emergency services directly on 999 or 112.

Remain with the casualty and inform the next runner you see of the name and number of the casualty and the nature of the injury.  Ask them to pass this information on at the next checkpoint. 

DO NOT LEAVE A COMPETITOR WITH A MAJOR INJURY.

IF A RUNNER ASKS FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE GIVE IT.  Any runner who is found to have ignored someone who requires aid will be disqualified and banned from future events.

If you become a casualty:

Apply any known first aid, put on warm kit.

Phone the event organisers (numbers on map) or call the emergency services directly 999 or 112. If you have no signal see to point 3 below.

Inform the next person you see on route.  Tell them your location and nature of the injury, instruct that person to get to the next checkpoint or area of signal and phone one of the race organisers or the emergency services and give them your details. 

Minor Casualty

On finding a casualty:

Check the casualty and offer any assistance they might need.

If they are well enough to continue report the casualty at the next checkpoint and inform the first aid staff there of the nature and location of the casualty.

If they require assistance help them to the nearest checkpoint (this may be back down the course).

IF A RUNNER ASKS FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE GIVE IT.  Any runner who is found to have ignored someone who requires aid will be disqualified and banned from future events.

If you become a casualty:

Apply any first aid you might need (eg: plaster) put on warm kit and make your way to the nearest checkpoint (this may be back down the course).

Call the race directors to inform them of your location and the nature of your injury.

Report the fact you are injured to the next runner to pass you and ask them to inform the checkpoint.

If you become lost

If at any time you become lost follow this procedure:

Stop.  If possible, make your way back to your last known position on your .gps.

If you cannot find your last known position on the map, head north using your compass until you hit the coast path.  You should pick up the coast path before you reach the cliff line/beach.  Follow the path Easterly or Westerly (depending how far into the race and which race you are doing) and you will be back on route.

If you are still lost call the race directors and inform them of your name and race number, approximate location and the last check point you passed through.  Event staff will in the first instance; describe how to get back on the route or if this is not possible, try to send a vehicle / runner to find you.  If you have no phone reception, keep moving until you do. 

If you miss, or think you may miss a checkpoint closing time, YOU MUST notify the race directors.  This way we will know you are safe and not are not either lost or injured.  If you do not report yourself as being late a search will be started for you.

Deteriorating and / or Adverse Weather Conditions

If the weather deteriorates this may increase your chances of becoming hypothermic. 

Use your spare kit to keep warm, and make your way to safety.

Please drive sensibly when driving to and from the event.  If you are able to car share this would be appreciated to help minimise our ecological footprint.

Please be aware that from the Friday of race weekend onwards the race team are very busy so replies to your emails may take a while! There are a lot of responses to frequently asked questions here, if you cant find the answer here and you do need to contact me please click here

Finally… keep calm, don’t panic, you are going to be great!

We look forward to seeing you on 3^rd August and welcoming you to Jersey!

Team Trail Monkey