Alderley Edge Bypass 10k race review & my experience
Are you thinking of entering the next Alderley Edge Bypass 10k race? I did it in August 2021 and it was actually my very first 10k race. Here’s my Alderley Edge Bypass 10k race review & my (beginner) experience!
Alderley Edge Bypass 10k race details
This race is organised by Run North West. It’s a fast road race fully closed to traffic, accurately chip timed and there are pacers from 40 to 75 minutes.
How to get your race number?
You can pick it up beforehand at Run North West store in Wilmslow or collect it on race day morning, which I did and it went really smoothly.
In 2021 there was a new race HQ for this event, at Alderley Park Glasshouse.
What is the entry fee?
I paid £21 but if you are an affiliated runner then the cost comes down to £19. Your entry also includes a finisher medal, water, a post-race snack and race photos available to download a couple days after the race.
The course
It is a fast race with very little undulation. You pretty much run one way then turn around. It is mostly flat, with some manageable elevation.
The race starts at Alderley Park North before heading to Melrose Way section of the A34 bypass, turning around at the Melrose Way/Pendleton Way roundabout then running straight to the finish line.
There was some form of entertainment (music, performer) at almost every kilometer and the marshals were here to encourage the runners.
You don’t need to carry water with you, as it’s “only” 10k and they were giving away water at the 5k mark as well as at the finish line.
You can check the map and where the elevation is on Strava.
I also filmed a race day vlog, feel free to check it out!
Race day info: what to expect
What time should you arrive?
The race started at 9:30 and I arrived an hour before. It gave me plenty of time to collect my race number, attach it to my top, go to the bathroom and warmup.
It is recommended to arrive early as they start blocking the roads before the start time. There is also quite a long way (10-15min walk) between the race HQ and the start line.
Where to park?
There is a huge car park in Alderley park. Marshals were at the entrance of the park to direct the cars to the right direction. The parking is next to the race HQ.
Where are the toilets?
There were portable toilets outside the race HQ and closer to the start line, but I suggest taking advantage of the bathrooms that are inside the Glasshouse.
Top tip:
Safety pins are fine, but I would absolutely recommend using race number magnets. They will not let you down!
I found that I was scratching my race number quite a lot with my watch whilst running and if I had used safety pins I might have ended up making a hole in my top. These magnets are less than £10 and can be used over and over again for many races.
My first Alderley Edge Bypass 10k experience
I am glad that I picked this event as my first 10k race! It was very well organised, shame that the weather wasn’t the best.
What I particularly enjoyed:
The race HQ was great. It was raining so it was nice to be able to go inside the Glasshouse. There were bathrooms, plenty of seats and tables and you could also buy drinks and snacks.
As mentioned, the closed road race was great to focus only on running without worrying about cars. It was also pretty much a straight line, no worries about taking the wrong turn.
Finally, I really appreciated the fact that the post-race snacks were vegan!
I would absolutely recommend this race, especially if it’s your first 10k. I will be looking forward to doing it again.
You can find more info about the race on Run North West website.
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