Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – Sneyd Pudding Run 2025
Q Where can I find directions to the race?
A The Pudding Run starts and finishes at Abbey Primary School, 257 Glastonbury Crescent, Mossley Estate, Bloxwich WS3 2RP. There is N0 vehicle access to Glastonbury Crescent as it is closed for the race. Car parking is at the former Sneyd Community Association in Vernon Way, see details below. This is signposted from the main A4124 Bloxwich to Wolverhampton Road, if you are heading west from Bloxwich towards Wolverhampton. We are approximately 1.75 miles west of Bloxwich Town Centre and about 6 miles north east of Wolverhampton City Centre. Please note: No vehicle access to Abbey Primary School, only pedestrian access.
Q Where is the Car Parking?
A Car parking is available at Sneyd Community Association, Vernon Way, Bloxwich WS3 2PA and you will be directed by our car park marshals on arrival. Access Vernon Way from Sneyd Lane (A4124) about 200 m east of the M6 bridge. Please note: No vehicular access to Abbey Primary School (pedestrian access is a short walk which will be signposted/marshalled). Once on site our Car Park team will direct you. Please car share where possible as car parking is limited. N.B. When the car park is full, the left hand side of Vernon Way, opposite to the pavement will be used for overflow parking. Please follow the directions of our Car Park Marshals. There is no parking on the pavement side as the runners will be using this. There is alternative free parking at Bloxwich North Railway Station, Tintern Crescent, WS3 2UB, about half a mile walk from Abbey Primary School. Should this be full, please park tidily on the local estate roads with full consideration to the local residents.
Q What time does the race start?
A The 5 mile race starts outside Abbey Primary School at 10.00am The 10 mile race starts at 10.10am. The Finish Line is at the same location as the start.
Q Will I receive my race number in the post?
A No, race numbers containing your timing chip are collected from the School Hall at Abbey Primary School prior to the race, so please allow adequate time for this when planning your journey to our event. Number collection will be open from 8.30am on race morning. StuWeb will text or email your race number to you in advance. Safety pins and pens will be available on tables in the hall to write your emergency details on the back of your race number. This race is fully chip timed.
Q Can I enter on the day, and will I get a goody bag/tea shirt?
A Yes, subject to the race not being sold out prior to the day and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. There is a £2 surcharge for on the day entries compared to the advertised online price. Cash, Cheque or Card Payment accepted on the day. Please note that Goody Bags and T-Shirts are not guaranteed for on the day entries but subject to availability.
Q Can I run with a dog or a buggy/pushchair?
A Unfortunately No, due to the race being held on footpaths, some of which are narrow and uneven.
Q Can I “Nordic Walk” with walking poles?
A Unfortunately No, due to the narrow footpaths on parts of the course, proximity to live traffic and an obstruction/trip hazard to the many other runners on the course.
Q I have a disability. Can I enter?
A Unfortunately the nature of the course renders it unsuitable for wheelchairs but any other disability, please feel free to email the committee at committee@sneydstriders.run for individual advice.
Q I am blind or partially sighted. Can I run with a guide runner?
A Yes but be aware that some of the footpaths are narrow and uneven in places. If you are local you may wish to inspect the course for suitability prior to the event. Please feel free to email the committee at committee@sneydstriders.run with any further questions you may have.
Q Are the roads closed for this race?
A Apart from Vernon Way, closed for the whole duration and Glastonbury Crescent, closed for the start of the race and then re-opened, the rest of the course remain open to two way traffic. The race is run entirely on footpaths in a clockwise direction. All runners to be aware that traffic will be approaching them on the adjacent carriageway. Great care needs to be taken if overtaking others and for safety reasons only bone conduction headphones are permitted in this event.
Q Can I run with headphones or earphones?
A Bone conducting headphones only. This is due to the race being held on footpaths alongside roads open to traffic (see above).Any runners found to be wearing other types of headphones or earphones are liable to be disqualified.
Q Where are the water stations?
A There are two water stations, one approximately half way round the course at 3 and 8 miles and the other at Abbey Primary School after you have finished. Runners doing the 10 mile race (2 laps) will pass the 3 mile water station a second time at 8 miles.
Q Are there changing, shower and toilet facilities?
A Runners have access to the ladies and gents toilet facilities at Abbey Primary School, but unfortunately, no changing or shower facilities. Please arrive dressed ready to run.
Q Is there a bag drop?
A Yes, there is a fully supervised bag drop in the school hall.
Q Can I get something to eat and drink?
A Yes, there will be a catering van serving hot food (burgers/chips etc.) and hot drinks located outside the School Hall. Card and cash payments are both accepted at the catering van.
Q Is there a minimum age to enter the Pudding Run?
A Under England Athletics Rules, there is a minimum age of 15 years on race day to enter the 5-mile event and 17 years for the 10-mile event.
Q Is there a cut off time?
A Yes, there is a cut off time of 2.5 hours, i.e., at 12.30pm. This is necessary due to the Vernon Way road closure being time limited and also for the well-being and comfort of our marshals and volunteers. Any runners still out on the course at this time will be collected by our tail vehicle and brought back to the finish.
Q It’s December. What if the weather is bad, e.g., snow?
A You enter any outdoor race in December on the understanding that the weather may be cold or bad. We very much hope it won’t be, but you must appreciate that weather conditions on the day are outside the control of the race organisers, and you enter on that understanding. Refunds are not given under any circumstances due to illness or dis-inclination to run, should the race director and referee deem the race may go ahead. Should the race have to be cancelled due to adverse weather, as much notice will be given as possible via email, social media and the Sneyd Striders website www.sneydstriders.run so it would be prudent to check all of these before you depart from home in the event of adverse weather on the day or forecast on the day. In the event of cancellation, refunds may be considered at the discretion of the committee.
Q I am injured. Can I transfer my race entry to someone else?
A It may be possible to do this via your athlete’s portal you created on StuWeb when you entered the race. It is strictly forbidden to give your number to someone else without going through the official process. Any runners found to have done so will be disqualified.
Q Can I defer my race entry to next year?
A No, unfortunately this will not be possible.
Q What are the race prizes?
A For the 5 mile race there are awards for the first, second and third man and lady. For the 10 mile race in addition to the first three men and ladies, there are age category prizes for both men and ladies. Note the Age Categories are awarded for the 10 mile race only. Also, those winning the first, second or third main prizes cannot also win an Age Category prize. A full prize list is available on the Sneyd Striders Website, www.sneydstriders.run via the Pudding Run Tab at the top of the screen.