29th de Castella Run, Nolan Avenue, Kew
Sunday 27th September 2009 - Race Start 9am
EVENT INFORMATION
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Welcome to the 2009 de Castella Run
Contrary to previous advice, all entrants this year are to collect their BIB number and ankle timing strap on the morning of the event in the school hall. Simply go to tthe collection desk and let them know your BIB number which will be email to you during the week prior to the event. If you are not pre-registered, please arrive early on the day and register / collect your run BIB number and timing strap at the registration desk. Entries on the day will only be available up to 15 minutes before the start time. The start time is 9:00am
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Clothes Storage
If you need to store gear while you run, go to the gym and check in your clothes or bags with our friendly volunteers. Make sure they are labeled with your BIB number! All stored bags will be supervised, but no responsibility will be taken by the event organisers for any lost or stolen items. We advise runners not to leave valuables in the hall.
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Course
All three event distances use the same course. 5km runners complete one lap, 10km runners complete 2 laps and 15km runners complete 3 laps. All runners must keep to the right hand side of the course in both directions and obey all marshals’ instructions during the event.
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Drinks
A water station will be set up just past the start / finish line on Nolan Avenue. 5km runners will be able to obtain drinks immediately after they finish. 10km and 15km runners will be able to obtain drinks at the finish of each 5km lap and at the finish.
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Health and Safety
First Aid
St John Ambulances have been contracted to provide first aid for the event. An ambulance will be in attendance. A water station will be located at the turn around point and at the start / finish line. Please ensure you sun protection and are well hydrated prior to the event.
Road Usage – Keep RIGHT at all Times
All roads used by the course will be closed to traffic from 8am until 10:30am. However, cyclists will still be allowed access to the road, and a cycle carriageway will be marked on the outer edge of the boulevard in both directions. Please keep to the RIGHT HAND SIDE of the centre of the road at all times, but DO NOT run in the cycle lane or on the footpath. Runners disregarding marshals instructions will be disqualified.
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Help Desk – On the Day
An event help desk will be located in the school gym. If you have any queries on the day, please go to the help desk and one of our friendly staff will assist you. Runners can pick up their pre-ordered T-Shirts, purchase a T-Shirt. If you want to change your event distance, please also see the help desk staff.
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Host Organisation: Old Xaverian’s Athletics Club
This year’s de Castella Run has been proudly organized by the Old Xaverian’s Athletics Club (OXAC) in conjunction with Xavier College. OXAC provides free coaching and training groups for runners of all abilities, as well as access to summer and winter competition. If you would like information about joining the OXAC or would like to know more about the club, please visit our website; www.oxac.org.au
or email: info@decastellarun.com.au
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Locality Map
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Massage - Pre and Post Event
Be there early and enjoy a massage before the race (or one after as well). We are grateful to Melbourne Institute of Massage therapy (MIMT) for providing this service. Massages will be given in the rooms opposite Garnet Hall at Burke Hall.
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Merchandise – “2009 de Castella Run” Dry Fit running tops
A complimentary high quality dry fit event running top will be provided free of charge to the first 100 runners to register on line for the 29th de Castella Run! To claim your free t-shirt simply complete the merchandise section on the on-line entry form. Additional event running tops are available for purchase via the on line registration page for $25 each. The merchandise page can be accessed after you have entered by logging into the event registration page using your username and password. There will also be a small number of 2009 de Castella Run tops for sale on the day.
Click to see larger image
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Parking
Please observe parking signs in the local area and do not park on the grass in front of the school between Nolan Avenue and Studley Park Road (Fines may be applied by Boorondara traffic inspectors and local police). Parking marshals will be on hand to direct runners to appropriate parking locations. Parking on Studley Park Road is NOT permitted West of Hodgson St., but is permitted East of Hodgson St. and also on Hodgson St. Nolan Ave will not be available for parking as it forms part of the course and will be closed to traffic. Please check parking signs before leaving your vehicle.
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Presentations & Prizes
Seperate presentation ceremonies will be held for each event. Presentations for the 5km event will commence at approximately 10am and 10km and 15km event presentations will be held at approximately 10:30am and 11am respectively to allow all participants in each event to finish. Each presentation ceremony will include prizes for placegetters and some spot prizes.
Prizes for Individual Winners and Place Getters
- Prize packs will be presented to the first male and female across the line in each event.
- Medals will be presented to the first, second and third male and female across the line in each event.
- Medals will be awarded to male and female age category winners. (1st place only). Age category winners will receive their medals on the day if possible, otherwise by mail within two weeks of the event. Age categories will consist of U/16yrs, U/18yrs, 18-44yrs 45-59yrs, 60+yrs in each event.
- Please note that due to the specific requirements for conducting race walking events, the 5km Walk is a participation event only.
Team Prizes
- Team categories available are detailed below. The winning team in each category will be determined by adding the finishing time for the first three members of each team. The team with the lowest aggregate time shall be the winner. The is no limit to the number of runners who make up a team. Each member of the winning team in each team category will be awarded a medallion. Team medallions will be mailed out to winning team members within two weeks of the event.
The organisers reserve the right to determine winners and will resolve any disputes or disqualifications at their absolute discretion. Runners who do not complete the entire course or do not stay on course will not be eligible to win their respective events.
Prizes - Spot prizes
Thanks to the generosity of several event sponsors a number of excellent spot prizes will be given out after the event. Prizes will be drawn randomly based on BIB numbers, so please retain your BIB after the event to be eligible to collect your prize. Runners who are not present at the presentation ceremonies will not be eligible to receive spot prizes.
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Race Kits
Race kits including timing chip, instructions and race BIB will be collected by all pre-registered runners on the morning of the event in the school hall. Runners who register during the week of September 20th or on race day will be able to collect their race kit from the event Help Desk in the Gym.
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Refreshments
A sausage sizzle will be held during and after the event and a coffee vendor will be on site to meet your caffeine needs!
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Registration and Entry Fees
There are three ways to register and enter the 29th de Castella Run.
- Register on-line at www.decastellarun.com.au using your credit card. (Preferred method - no additional fees)
- Register by downloading and completing an event brochure / registration form and post / fax your entry with credit card details or cheque / money order
- Register on the day before 8:30am. Please note that on the day entries will incur an additional fee and entries will close strictly 30minutes before the start time. This is because all entrants must be entered into the computer system prior to the start to avoid timing errors. If you intend to enter on the day, please arrive early! Registration desks open at 7:00am in the school hall.
Entry Fees
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Before
Sep 1st
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Sep
1st – Sep 25th
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On
Day
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Adult
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$30
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$35
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$40
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Under 18
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$20
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$25
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$30
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Family
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$65
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$75
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$85
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* Note: Athletics Victoria Members receive a 20% discount when entering by including your AV membership number
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Results
All individual and team category results will be posted on the event website within 24 hours of the events completion.
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Start Time – 9am – All Events
Runners in all three events will start together at 9am. 5km runners will complete one lap of the course. 10km runners will complete two laps and 15km runners will complete three laps. Runners in each event will be distinguished with different color BIB numbers. To avoid event timing errors, runners are not permitted to change event distances during the event. Runners will be able to change events prior to the start by visiting our friendly volunteers at the “on the day” registration tables.
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Team Categories
Team entries will consist of a minimum of 3 runners per team, however there is no maximum team size. The winning team will be calculated by adding together the finishing time of the highest finishing 3 runners in each team. The team with lowest aggregate time shall be the winner. All team members must be entered together on line. To enter additional team members once your team has been set up on the on-line system, enter the additional individual on line, and email the event organisers with the name of the team, and the name of the additional competitor. Team prizes will be awarded for the winning team in each category. The following team categories are available:
10km Event
· Open Men’s Team
· Open Women’s Team
· Open Mixed Team
· Athletics Club Men’s Team
· Athletics Club Women’s Team
· Athletics Club Mixed Team
· Corporate Men’s Team
· Corporate Women’s Team
· Corporate Mixed Team
5km Event
· Schools Boys Team
· Schools Girls Team
· Schools mixed Team
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Event Timing
Timing for this years event will be conducted by "Tomato Timing". Timing straps will be included with your race entry pack including instructions for use. Please ensure you return your timing chip after the event as Tomato Timing impose a $50 fee for lost timing chips.
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Toilets And Change Rooms
Male and female toilets and change room facilities are available in the school gym. Please note there are not toilets available on the course.
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Volunteers
Like many community events, the de Castella Run could not exist but for the tireless work of many volunteers. On the day a large team is needed to ensure the smooth running of the event. If you would like to volunteer on the day, please email info@decastellarun.com.au
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Warm Up Class with "Wall to Wall Fitness" - Pre Event
We are very grateful to Wall to Wall Fitness who will be providing a free and fun warm-up routine. It will commence from around 8.40am and will be held at the event start line on Nolan Avenue, unless the weather is cold or wet, in which case it will be in the gym.
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More information?
- Try www.decastellarun.com.au
- Email info@decastellarun.com.au
- Call Anthony de Castella on 0410 417 920
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Proudly organised by the Old Xaverians Athletics Club -
For free coaching and training group details go to: www.oxac.org.au
2009 Race Report
Personal reflections from a runner on debut
29th DeCastella Run
By Dean Watson
The 29th ”de Castella Run” was the first running event I participated in that had no association to school. In other words, I actually wanted to be there. The annual event is hosted by the old Xaverians Athletics Club to honour former Xavier student Australian marathon legend Rob de Castella. Once the world record holder for the marathon, he is to Australian long distance running what The Wiggles are to kids’ music - he made his area of expertise ‘cool’ and ‘fashionable’ in a way that no one had before him.
It was race day and we were due to start at 9.00AM. Before any pre-run rituals could commence, a race number was pinned to the front of our shirts and a timing device secured around our ankles. Despite the significant attention required to attach the race number onto our own t-shirts using petit safety pins, it soon became apparent that the man himself was there in person among the people. Although ‘Deeks’ didn’t start plugging Centrum, as one would naturally expect him to do, he did have that stylish grin on his face. He easily went about the room, chatting to runners of all shapes and sizes and ages, which appeared to relax quite a few first timers, such as myself. One thing I did notice as we assembled in Xavier College’s Burke Hall before the run, was the look of withheld terror evident on so many people’s faces. The room seemed to hold a bubbling nervous energy as everyone preserved their energy’s moment of release for the starter’s gun.
If a chat with Deeks wasn’t enough to calm the nerves, there was always the option of participating in a pre-run warm up conducted by a young peronal trainer, 20 minutes prior to the start. Needless to say, by the time all of us piled out of the gym and waited for de Castella to fire the starting gun, the nervous excitement had summitted again.
The weather might also have been responsible for some of the pre-run trepidation among us runners. It was freezing outside and the wind was whipping about the Kew mansions that surrounded the school. Rain also threatened to ruin the fun of 15km, but luckily it held off. The true test confronting runners on the course were the long, sustained sections of ascent and decent. The area of Studley Park is very hilly - take my word for it. The 15km consisted of three laps around the same course, which allowed you to see the leaders every now and again, as they made their way comfortably back from the direction you were still running in. You could only admire how fast these athletes were. Running is so very much a personal odyssey that there really isn’t any point in envying those faster than you. 99% of the people in the event were there to have a good run without worrying about winning. Personally, it was a pleasant change from the win, win, win mentality I try to take with me to the golf course every time I play.
My time for the 15km was 1hr 10min 55sec. I came 41st overall, which is a fairly nice number - the number 1’s in there after all! Did someone say this wasn’t about winning? Who said that?
Following the completion of the 5km, 10km and 15km races, presentations were held. What a change in atmosphere a running race can produce; now the room was full of the most fulfilled looking people I have seen. Running has strange effects on us humans. Each competitor went home from the event with two show bags of goodies, ready to seize the remainder of the blustery day indoors. In that sense, everyone was a winner.
From a personal point of view, my competitive running debut outside of school law and order was a very satisfying experience. All that remains in my running career is to complete the Melbourne Marathon. The Grand Daddy of running, the Lindt chocolate, the Beatles remastered albums, the new Titleist irons, the Le Napoleon cheese, the passionate late night kiss after midnight. If only 42.195km could be that pleasurable.
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