Dear Halfmarathoners,
today we would like to talk to you about start waves and water stations. After all, a half marathon doesn’t just start moving, and even the most trained body needs regular hydration. In order to do justice to both, even with increasing numbers of participants, there will be the following innovations this year.
For the first time in the event’s history, there will be no mass start – the race will be started in waves. For this purpose, the field of participants will be divided into several starting blocks according to their planned finishing time, which will be let out onto the course at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes.
08.30 a.m. – Block S: Skaters
09.00 a.m. – Block A: Running < 1:45 h
09.15 a.m. – Block B: running < 2:00 h
09.30 a.m. – Block C: running < 2:15 h
09.45 a.m. – Block D: running < 2:30 h
10.00 a.m. – Block E: running < 3:30 h
It is important to know that the classification is done by yourselves. So please gather at one of the above mentioned starting blocks in time according to your expected finish time (see start line-up plan). These will be marked with position signs and will be led to the start one after the other. Please also pay attention to the loudspeaker announcements on site.
Since this procedure requires more space, the starting line-up will be extended from the Reeperbahn to the adjacent Glacischaussee. This will also shorten the distance from the event center in the exhibition halls to the starting grid. Therefore, the bus shuttle to the start – known from previous years – will be omitted, as well as luggage acceptance on the Reeperbahn. Please use the luggage service in hall B5 at the event center. You can find the entrances to the hall on the map (orange lines).
The hella hamburg half is a summer event and this requires special precautions. To ensure an optimal supply of all athletes at any time and to meet the growth of participants, the supply concept has been revised and expanded.
From now on, a total of seven water points will supply you on the course. These are located at KM 3.7 – 7.0 – 9.3 – 12.4 – 15.0 – 17.5 and 19.7 (see course map). You can also use the two water stations at the start and at the start line-up area. At the finish line, you can expect a wide range of refreshing drinks from the hella assortment, fresh ERDINGER Alkoholfrei (non-alcoholic beer) as well as fruit and snacks for revitalization. Note that exorbitant etiquette is not necessary at the water stations: You don’t have to stand in line at the back and have wait – just look for free gap in the front area to “refuel your tanks”.
To counteract bodies to overheat in the event of high temperatures, most water stations now have showers to cool them down. Additional cooling opportunities will be set up at not less at four other locations. We therefore ask all participants to make good use of these in the event of heat, while drinks are used only for drinking. Wet your scalp and body and carry a headgear with you in case of high temperatures and wet them here as well. Skaters can be unconcerned, so the showers and water sprinklers only will be activated after passing the field.
It is also advisable to keep an eye on the weather forecast in the coming days. Although the current forecasts indicate excellent conditions for race day, should temperatures still rise, it is advisable to start “pre-drinking” as soon as possible.
We hope this will increase your enjoyment of race day. We can’t wait to have you here! We will provide you with more information about the services provided on site soon. Until then, we remain in full anticipation and still wish you a good preparation.