The Bannister Series

Roger Bannister Running Track aerial photograph

The Bannister Series

From: £20.00

The Bannister Series	Clear

Come and join us for a very special event this summer at a location steeped in history and achievement, and the backdrop of one of the greatest achievements in the history of running!

Welcome to Iffley Road, the running track where Sir Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile way back on the 6th May 1954. It’ll be the location of our new event, The Bannister Series. You’ll take on either a 6-hour or 12-hour challenge to see how far you can run in your time frame. Does anyone want to also try for a 4-minute mile?!

We’re honored to be allowed to hold our first track event here and we cannot wait to welcome you all this summer. How many laps can you manage in your set six or twelve-hour time frame? 400 Meters isn’t far, but those laps start to add up pretty quickly.

6th August 2022

Iffley Road

6/12 Hours

400 meters

Event Information

VIRTUAL VERSION ADDED

Due to many people asking we have now added a virtual option. You will have 6 or 12 hours to run as far as you can it you’re own location!

Where is Iffley Road?

Iffley Road Sports Center is located just South East of Oxford city center. Iffley Rd, Oxford OX4 1EQ. For more information on the venue, including directions, accommodation, and more, please check out the Iffley Road Information Page.

Where do I register/ pick up my race number?

You’ll be able to pick up your race number on the morning of the event at the Race HQ which will be located at the running track. The track will be open from 7.15 in the morning and you’ll be able to register and settle in from that point onwards. Please allow yourself enough time to grab your number before the race briefing which will begin 10 minutes before the start of each event.

Event Times?

The Bannister 6 (AM) – Event time 8am until 2pm

The Bannister 6 (PM) – Event Time 3pm until 9pm

The Bannister 12 – Event Time 9am until 9pm

Is there a time limit?

Depending on which event you sign up for you will have either 6 or 12 hours to complete as many laps as possible. This means that you need to have completed your final lap before the end of the time limit for it to be counted towards your final distance. Each lap is counted as exactly 400 meters long and it doesn’t matter if you run on the inside or the outside of the track, your final distance will be counted by how many laps you complete.

This means that you’ll need to have completed 106 laps for a marathon, 53 laps will be classed as a half marathon and 113 laps will be classed as an ultra. You can finish your event at any time within your chosen time span., and as long as you have completed one lap then you will be classed as a finisher.

How is the event timed?

Timing Monkey will be around for the full day to record everyone’s progress. You will be supplied with a timing chip at registration that will track the number of laps that you complete along with the time of each lap. The results will be available online throughout and after the event.

What do I get with my entry?

A fully unique and bespoke medal design just for this event.
All the food, drink, and nibbles that you could imagine at the aid station.
Evening Pizza for the 12-hour runners.
Dedicated first aiders on site for the full event.
Amazing support from the Rasselbock Family!

Is there an Aid station?

We will have a fully stocked aid station at base camp full of all your favorite items, although if you are expecting energy tablets, gels, and supplements, you may need to bring your own as our aid station tends to lean towards the more “enjoyable fuel”. Imagine Fudge, cakes, cookies, and jelly babies along with all the savory alternatives. We will have separate tables available for you to leave your own fuel and snacks.

Can I bring my own food and drink for the aid station?

You are more than welcome to bring your own food and drink to the aid station. We will have a separate table for these so please make sure that your bottles or items are clearly labeled so that no one takes them by accident!

What is the route?

The route is pretty easy but I still expect someone might get lost. It’s a 400-meter long loop around a running track and you can see exactly where you need to be going at all times. To view the route click here.

Do you have a bag drop?

We will have access to an inside hall where we will do registration and there will be a private space for you to leave any bags or clothes that you may wish. We do recommend that you leave any valuables at home, in your car or on your person.

What should I bring?

We would recommend road shoes for this route. Please make sure that you wear and bring with you adequate layers to keep yourself warm throughout the day but mainly if you’re there early and planning on finishing late. Like all of our events going forward, we will be operating a bring your own bottle policy. We will not be supplying plastic cups or drink receptacles at this event so that we can cut down on waste and do our part to help the environment. You will be required to bring your own water bottle, collapsable cup, or similar to the event. We will still have an array of liquids available for you to top up your bottles with at our well-stocked aid station!

Is the run on a closed course?

We will have full private access to the track on the day of the event.

What facilities will be available?

We will have full access to the sports center which has changing rooms, toilets, and showers. You are welcome to use these facilities only whilst the sports center is open. There are toilets located in the grandstand although they are as old as the grandstand itself, a pre-warning!

All other questions that you may have are most probably answered on the events FAQ page.