4 replies to this topic

[Gripper]

Can anyone with experience from previous GC marathons explain the ins and outs of the left luggage. These are the kind of things I'd like to understand:

1) Are there large queues to check bags in?
2) I'm trying to leave bag check in until around 6:40, then head over to start line (zone 3) for about 6:50ish. Is this realistic?
3) What size of bags are acceptable. I have a medium-to-large sized backback. Is that OK?
4) The race guides suggest that the bag must be put in plastic. What's this all about? Is it for security? Do they provide you with the plastic?

Anything else you think might be helpful to know in advance?

Thanks alot,
Stuart.

[HillsAths1]

Gripper allow yourself a little longer to get into your spot on the line.

The bag can be pretty much any size.

The plastic is a plastic bag that they provide and then write your bib number on(so you can get your bag back).

If your bag is too large they will tie the plastic bag to yours on the outside.

The lines are not usually too large, but the later you leave it the more likely you will find longer lines.

Just get there earlier and that way you wont panic too much.

Have a great run.

[RunningChick]

You won't have any trouble leaving it but definitely give yourself more than 10 minutes to make the start line.  It may just mean being cold a little longer if you are throwing your jumper in your bag.

[Gripper]

RunningChick, on 30 June 2011 - 01:35 PM, said:

You won't have any trouble leaving it but definitely give yourself more than 10 minutes to make the start line.  It may just mean being cold a little longer if you are throwing your jumper in your bag.

OK, if I drop my bag in left-luggage area at 6:30 then this gives me 20 minutes to get to start line (zone 3) for 6:50. Seems alot, since on the map the left-luggage and start-line look only 100m apart - although I imagine that there's a sea of people to get through and that this is the major reason it takes time

If I then get to Zone 3 of the start line at 6:50, then this is a full 20 minutes before the race starts at 7:10. Is this what people normally do? Get to their spot in the start line 20 minutes or so before the race start and just stand around for a while?

If I follow this plan then it will mean that it's a full 40 minutes between dropping off my bag and the start if the race. If it rains (please dont!) then this is 40 minutes of standing about getting cold and wet, but I'm prepared to go along with that if that's what you guys think is best to avoid panic and rushing about. Not that I doubt what anyone is saying, just that I'd like to confirm that I understand you correctly - otherwise I might end up standing about getting cold/wet for alot longer than is actually required.

Or maybe I should just drink a carton of HTFU and stop moaning!!! LOL.

[HillsAths1]

Gripper, get a grip(sorry I couldnt resist).

If you get there earlier at the baggage area and there is no long lines and it does not look too congested around the area you want to be in then you are in control about what happens next. If you arrive later and it is crowded and lots of people milling around then that is extra aggravation that you dont need before you run.

Just because you drop your bag off you do not have to go straight to the start line, you could warm up do a bit of stretching etc etc.

Just make sure you are nice and relaxed at the start, and enjoy the run.