These questions and answers will help you get the most out of the Race for Nature event.
To find out more and book your tickets, head over to the Race for Nature event page.
1. What time is the event?
Both the 5k and 10k race will start at the same time, 09.30. We expect all runners to be done by 11.30.
2. What is the location?
The Bandstand in Hyde Park, in the south-east corner of the park. The Bandstand is located near Hyde Park Corner tube station and to the east of The Serpentine Lake. It is a two-minute walk from The Serpentine Bar and Kitchen. There is only one bandstand in Hyde Park. The Bandstand, Hyde Park, South Carriage Drive or Park Lane, W1J 7NT.
3. What time does registration open?
8.30am at the Bandstand.
4. Where is the start/finish area?
Next to the Bandstand.
5. Can I leave my belongings?
You can leave any clothing, bags, keys and phones at our bag drop. Your race number has a tear-off strip on the bottom that should be attached to anything you leave with us. Please note that leaving any luggage and personal belongings in this area is at your own risk. Please do not bring any items of high or sentimental value to the event.
6. How do I get my race number?
All race numbers are held for collection at the registration point. You will not receive anything in the post before the race. Once you've got your race number, attach it to the front of the shirt you will be running in with four safety pins that will be provided at registration. Race numbers are strictly non-transferable to another runner.
7. How does chip timing work?
Your unique timing chip is on the reverse of your race number. Please do not remove it under any circumstances. At the end of the race, you can return your race number for recycling or take it away with you to keep or dispose of responsibly.
8. Are there toilet facilities nearby?
There are toilets opposite the Bandstand and 300 metres from the start line. The toilets require a 20 pence coin to access. Please bring 20 pence coins with you. There are no dedicated changing rooms, so please arrive ready to run.
9. What are the age restrictions?
The minimum age for participants of the 5k race is 11, and for the 10k is 17. Participants under the age of 18 require parental consent prior to attending the event,
10. Will there be a warm-up?
A group warm-up will be led next to the start and finish area at the Bandstand at 9.20am.
11. How do I know if I am fit enough to take part in the race?
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and healthy to participate in this event. If in doubt you should consult a GP before purchasing a ticket to the event. You also acknowledge and agree that the Natural History Museum will not be liable for any illness or injury resulting from your participation in this event. The Natural History Museum has the right to withdraw you from participating. Please ensure that you fill in this questionnaire prior to the event, and no later than 5 August 2019 .
12. Are there any risks to taking part?
All aspects of the race are rigorously assessed to minimise or eliminate risk where possible. However, runners should be aware and accept that due to circumstances outside of our control risks may arise in certain conditions.
13. Will there be first aid available at the race?
The Red Cross will be standing-by at the event in case medical assistance is required. If you require medical attention, please inform the nearest marshal or other race day team, or ask the closest runner to get attention for you.
14. Will there be water available at the race?
There will be water stations at the start line, at the 5km point and at the finish line.
15. Can I use earphones while running?
We recommend that you don’t use earphones for your own and others’ safety during the race.
17. What should I do if I lose relatives or children during the event?
If you are missing a member of your party, please report to a member of staff in the Bandstand area who will initiate a search.
18. Will there be marshalls at the event?
There will be marshals placed alongside the route who will be looking after you throughout the event.
19. What should I do if I need to leave the event?
Any participant who drops out or withdraws from the race on the day must report to an official before leaving the event.
20. When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at approximately 10.15am. A full list of results will be circulated the week after the event.
21. Are there prizes?
All participants receive a medal after the event. We will also give special prizes and thank you packs to our top fundraisers, quickest runners and best fancy dress!
22. How much do I need to pledge?
We would really appreciate it if you could fundraise for the Museum.
Raise £50 and it could help our scientists explore new sources of food
Raise £75 and it could help to professionally train amateur scientists
Raise £100 and it could help keep a dinosaur safely preserved for future generations
Raise £200 and it could help fund our research into biodiversity loss
Raise £500 and it could help fund a field trip investigating climate change
23. Is there a cut-off time?
The cut-off time to finish the race will be at 11.30am.
24. What is the course like?
There is a concrete path, some sharp bends and inclinations at places. Suitable for most abilities. Spectators can watch from anywhere on the course and will see you pass twice wherever they are. The nearby Serpentine Bar & Kitchen is open for refreshments.
25. What should I do with rubbish and waste?
Please help us keep Hyde Park clean and dispose of your rubbish in the bins provided.
26. Will there be photography at the event?
There will be photography taking place throughout the event for the benefit of the Natural History Museum. The Museum may use these images for future event promotion on social and print media and for website activities. If you do not wish for your pictures to be used for event promotion purposes please indicate this on the pre-event survey. If you have any concerns about this, please let a member of staff know at the event, or contact us at racefornature@nhm.ac.uk.
27. Are refunds available?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable for this event.
28. How do I get in contact if I have a question about access?
If you have any requirements relating to access to this event, please email us to discuss how we can facilitate your visit, or call on +44 (0)20 7942 5000.
29. How do I get to the event?
Plan your journey using the Transport for London Journey Planner, particularly to check if weekend engineering works might affect your journey.
Hyde Park is easily accessible by public transport. There are no official car parks, and paid car parks nearby are expensive. On-street parking is possible in some nearby streets on Sundays, but is payable by meter or phone.
By Tube: The tube stations that surround Hyde Park are Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line) is closest to The Bandstand, Lancaster Gate (Central Line), Marble Arch (Central Line), and Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line).
By Bus: North London: 6, 7, 10, 16, 52, 73, 82, 390, and 414. South London: 2, 36, 137, 436, West London: 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 148, 414, East London: 8, 15, 30, 38, 274.
30. How should I prepare for the event?
Fundraising and training tips can be found in the Race for Nature race pack.
31. How will my personal data be used?
The Natural History Museum will use your personal data in accordance with data protection legislation. We will hold your contact information for up to three months after the event and will not use it except for the purposes of safeguarding and administering Race for Nature (including sending information relating to the event by email) and verifying the parental consents.