Marshal for London!
1. Helping out at the London Group "Capital Challenge" in April
On Saturday April 7th we are holding the Capital Challenge event for the second year. We will be following the same 30-ish mile route as last year, but with twice as many entrants: more than 150 signed up already with a maximum of 200. Last year's inaugural event went really well thanks to a well-designed route showcasing some of London's best and greenest areas. But also of course because of the welcome given by enthusiastic volunteers, who as you know are the secret ingredient that make challenge events enjoyable.
Along the route..
Early morning view up-river from the Golden Jubilee Bridge, shortly after the start of the 2017 Capital Challenge Photo: Zoltan Fodor
We need 20 or so marshals to make it all work. We're looking for volunteers to help at the start, finish and en-route checkpoints by offering encouragement, water and biscuits. We'd also like a few of you to run the electronic "PACER" events tracking system at the start and the finish, and to scan participants in at the checkpoints. It's not hard to use and it's a great opportunity to learn a new skill. So if you'd like to give it a go, let Gordon know (see below) and we will train you on how to use it.
If you think you might be able to help, please contact Gordon Parker at gordonparker46@gmail.com. He can give you further details of locations and timings, and help out with general queries. There's a report on last year's event, and some great photos, on our website. You can read more about it by clicking here
As a special bonus, there will be a limited-edition Marshals Walk scheduled for Sunday 18th March, open exclusively to those who help out at the event.
2. Your key role in the LDWA's Flagship 100-mile challenge in Kent in May!
While on the subject of volunteer marshals, we also need about 15 volunteer marshals to manage a Checkpoint on the National LDWA's "Cinque Port" 100 mile challenge event in Kent on Saturday 26th May.
The "100s" are the flagship annual event in the LDWA's calendar. As well as being a massive logistical operation, they are hugely enjoyed by both the 500 or so participants and by the myriad willing volunteers from all across the country that help make the whole thing happen.
Unlike recent years' 100 marshalling tasks, this year's is a one day role rather than a full weekend away. For newcomers, the work involved is straightforward: welcoming participants with some TLC (hopefully not too much will be needed as the checkpoint we are staffing is "only" 18 miles into the route), making cups of tea and offering snacks. All the kit and materials we'll need are provided by the event organisers.
LDWA London is responsible for Checkpoint 3 at Wittersham TN30 7EA (Grid ref TQ899271). It will be open from 15.10 to 19.50 on the Saturday; though set-up will need to start at 13.00. Getting there and home on the Saturday by rail or car is fairly straightforward from London, which is good because the options for overnight accommodation in the area are a bit limited!
If you are interested, please email Gordon (again!) at gordonparker46@gmail.com. He will be especially interested to hear from you if you would be willing to act as Checkpoint Marshals Coordinator, in the absence for one year only on other walking commitments of Susanne Waldschmidt, who has made this position her own in recent years.
You can read more about the Cinque Ports "100" on the National website. Click here
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