We aim to be the friendliest, most inclusive race company around (we know we face some good competition from our friends at other races). We do listen to all you feedback and comments on social media and race check are always discussed and acted on by the team. We’ve put these FAQs together to try and help:
Before the race:
How old do people have to be to take part in a GRIM event?
You must also be aware that there are maximum permitted distances for certain ages. We obtain our permit from the Trail Running Association (TRA) and the maximum distances permitted to be run are as follows:
* 16 years, up to 10km
* 17 years, up to 25km
* 18 & 19 up to marathon
* 20 years and over: No limit
Due to insurance requirements, we are not permitted to allow runners to run further than the distances stated.
Your event is full, do you have a waiting list?
Some of our runs are massively popular and reach capacity quickly as a result we do operate a waiting list. You’ll find this under the event on our website - www.itsgrimupnorthrunning.co.uk
How will I know what to do?
We do not send out race briefs (too often they went to junk mail) so they are all on the website. The website for each race contains the race brief, maps, race start times, start locations and other essential details. If you’re still unsure of something you can ask on the Grim Up North Chat group on Facebook (don’t leave it to race day though, we’ll be busy).
How will I get my race number?
We don’t post these out. Collect your numbers and chips on the morning of the race. Locations and times will be on the race website.
Please give your self an hour before your race is due to start to register, use the facilities and get ready,
What if I can no longer take part or want to change distances?
You can self serve from the Grim website. Log on to your Grim account, go to ‘My Profile’, then ‘My Bookings’ and select ‘Manage’.
If you ask us to transfer your race listing, we will charge £5
Try not to change ‘on the day’ it holds up all the other runners at registration.
Please note unless we change a run for issues that are within our control we will not offer a refund to runners.
What if the race is cancelled?
We do, unfortunately, need to postpose or cancel races due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
We will email all entrants; we will post on Facebook and update the website. You will be automatically transferred to the same event the following year. If that is ok then you need do nothing. If that doesn’t suit, then you can transfer your entry to another event using the process above.
Race Day:
What if I want to join on the day?
We normally offer a few on the day places, you may want to check on the Facebook chat group (Its Grim up North Chat) or email us. info@itsgrimupnorthrunning.co.uk
How do I get my number?
Your race time, start location and registration location (if different) are all on the Grim Up North website. We advise that you need to be at registration about an hour before your race start time.
What should I wear?
We run in the north of England where weather can be a big determining factor. Please be sensible and prepare for the weather.
If it’s hot – a hat, sunglasses and suncream.
If it’s cold – layers
If it’s raining – a waterproof? Trail shoes?
If you’re unsure then asl on the chat group nearer race day
Can my dog run with me?
Most of our human races are dog friendly, we ask that you follow ‘Parkrun rules’ – 1 dog, short hand held lead.
We do have several canicross events – these have different rules
Is there a bag drop?
There will be a drop at the start/finish, this is normally either in the Grim Van or just under the registration/feed tables. Bags and property left at your own risk, we will keep an eye on it but can’t promise.
During the race:
Where will I run?
Our races are arrowed and marshalled but also have GPX available form the website. We always advise downloading the GPX as arrows can be moved or hidden and marshals may need a wee
Most of our courses are off road but will have road crossings or short road sections. We will not marshal road crossings, you need to use the green-cross code.
Make sure your race number is clearly visible on your front. Marshals will turn or direct you based on the colour of your race number.
All our race distances are approximate, we do everything we can to get them accurate, but you tend to find they will be slightly long (0.1 or 0.2 of a mile). This is to ensure that everyone has actually run the distance and to allow for GPS variances.
Are there feed stations?
We say feed-stations are about every 3 miles. For example, on a “normal” marathon route the feed-stations will be around 3 miles, 6.5 miles, 10 miles, 13.1 miles, 16.2 miles, 19.5 miles, 23.1 miles and end. Obviously, the distances are approximate as we need to be able to get access to these spots for the marshals.
What are on the feed stations?
Water (we all need that) there is normally then a mixture of Cola, Squash, sweets (all-sorts, jelly babies, midget gems, kind of things), jaffa cakes, biscuits, crisps. We try to reduce our litter and single use plastics and if you can we ask you to carry your own re-usable cup or bottle.
We don’t normally lay out cups the marshal will help you but the feed stations are really ‘self service’.
We always try to offer vegetarian and gluten free options.
Please don’t litter, we run in beautiful locations and it’s always a shame that we have to pick up cups and gel wrappers after every event, have a stern word with yourself.
How can I get help?
Marshals will be at the feed-stations and/or key turns on the course. If you are struggling, then they are there to help you.
If you need to retire then please inform a marshal.
Most of our marshals on course are First Aid trained, and First aid kits will be at Feed stations and Start finish.
There is an emergency contact number on your race number.
Can I listen to music/podcasts?
We ask that you take care whilst listening to music and do not wear over ear headphones and we will ask you to remove them. They are too dangerous on course, they block out any other users on the route, you are unaware of any traffic or cyclists and you can’t hear marshals.
Bone conduction earphones are good to use.
Are the routes ‘closed’?
No, our routes are shared and so we ask you to be considerate and smiley. It tales a second to smile and say excuse me, we know that during the race it may seem an inconvenience, but it really wont impact your time and you will enjoy your race more.
How long do I get?
There is a 6 hours 30 mins cut off for support on the runs. The 6 ½ hours normally means all runners need to be finished by 3pm and we will stand our marshals down assuming that cut off.
After the race:
What do I get?
Every race has a medal, but then we mix up what else you get. Some races will be cans of soft drinks, chocolate and cakes, some have a BBQ, some have hot food.
We try to make sure some of them are gluten free and/or vegan .If you have any allergies please ensure to ask what is suitable for you to eat.
We no longer award trophies for runners ‘placing’, this is to allow us to provide a great selection of rewards for all runners.
How do I get my results?
We aim to publish the results within 24 hours of the event on our Website.
What if my result is missing/not right?
Worry not, this happened to about 1 – 2 % of our runners, drop us a mail, let us know what your query is and we will get it sorted
Canicross events:
Throughout the year we run several canicross events, while most of the rules are the same there are some specific differences.
Our Canicross distances are usually based around 5k and 10k loops of an event and are run prior to the human versions of the event.
You know your dog and your dogs’ ability a lot better then we do and we would like you ensure your dog is:
- Your own dog – please do not borrow or swap dogs.
- Over 12 months old – please don’t put too much pressure on your pup.
- Not a lady dogs that is in season, pregnant or nursing.
- Not nervous around humans or other dogs.
- On a properly fitted harness with a bungee lead, to absorb shock. If your dog needs a muzzle then it must be a basket type.
- Going to enjoy itself and want to take part.
If you or your dog becomes unwell during the event please stop immediately and find your nearest marshal (or call the emergency number on your race bib).
Your dog’s behaviour is your responsibility and we expect dogs to be controlled at all times. Any damage or injury caused by your dog is your responsibility and you may wish to be insured for that event.
Please ensure that you have only one dog per runner and that you have dog bags to clean up after your dog. Also please provide your own bowl for your dog to drink from during the event.
Our races will involve a mass start, i.e. all dogs and humans will set off at the same time, but we have selected events where there is enough space for the dogs and humans to spread out prior to the start.
If you are passing another runner please let them know and try to give them space and select an appropriate passing spot, if you are being passed please allow the other runner and dog space to pass you.
Most of our events are off road but there may be short sections on road or road crossings, please be aware of these and the obvious dangers. Similarly if we are in open countryside there it is very likely there will be all kinds of wildlife that may distract your dog.
We will do everything in our control to make sure you and your dog are safe and welcome at our events. Please let us know if you feel there are things we can change to help you further.
How can I contact you?
Well, we are a very social little group and we love our Twitter and Facebook, there is also a Facebook chat group (Its Grim Up North Chat) where you can ask questions such as what trainers to wear, what’s the elevation like, any tips, recommendations, all from other runners as well as ourselves or if you just want to chat, we really recommend you use this rather than messaging/emailing in, as most of the time the query can be resolved on there.
At times we get inundated with emails and messages asking the same questions which ties us up and means we can’t deal with things that need dealing with like permits, new race routes and baking cakes and fudge etc.
We really do understand your races are important days to you. We love seeing smiles and watching runners enjoying themselves, that’s why we do it! Please just help us to help you, good or bad then let us know on Facebook, Twitter or the Grim Website.
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