The Harwich 5K Series is a 5 race handicap series that runs along the Harwich Prom that has been running as far back as 1997.
The races are run on a handicap system based on a predicted time you enter when you register.
Course
The course starts on the prom near the rugby club. You run down the prom for about 2 kilometres, the next kilometre you run around the corner near the Stone Pier on to Barrack Lane and into Cliff Park past the bandstand and down the hill back to the prom for the remaining 2 kilometres.
The course is pretty flat apart from a slight up and down section on the prom and a small incline up Barrack Lane before you get into the park but you do have a nice downhill going back on to the prom to regain your momentum.
All in all, the course is fast and a great course for personal bests especially later in the series when the weather is warmer in the summer months.
Parking
You park on the field accessed via a gate near the leisure centre. This is well signposted and marshalled.
Toilets
There are toilets within the rugby club where the race HQ is but they are limited, so you need to get there early or if you one of the faster runners starting later you can go whilst the other runners are starting.
Medal
There are no medals available but the first 3 females and males are presented with a certificate.
Photos
There are no official photographers but there are a few amateur photographers associated with some of the local clubs that took part with some great photos.
Cost
Entry cost £10 for affiliated runners and £12 for unaffiliated runners which works out at £2 per race or £2.40 per race.
Who Organises It?
The series is organised by Harwich Runners, a local running club in the area.
How To Enter
You can enter on the Harwich Runners website.
Your need to be quick once entry opens as this race normally sells out its 300 capacity really quickly.
Results
Results are normally available really quickly on the clubs website, usually within a few hours.
Would I Enter Again?
Yes, again and again. I have done this series a number of times since 2005 and would highly recommend it.
Not only for the opportunity to run fast times but as with all Harwich Runners races, they are always well organised and fantastic value for money.
Things To Bear In Mind
- You need to keep your race number for the whole series, do not throw it away after each race.
- Your 4 best scores out of the 5 races are counted towards your final position, so you can afford to miss 1 race due to holidays or have a bad race.
- Limited to just 300 spaces and this is a popular series with local runners and it normally sells out.
Kit
I wore the following race day kit:
Top: My club t-shirt
Shorts: Nike Run Division 3 in 1 Shorts
Compression Socks: Bauerfeind Performance Compression Socks
Trainers: Nike Alphafly 1
Watch: Garmin 245
Questions
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the Harwich 5K series, please ask below in the comments.
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