BD5 Information for Members
21 August 2026 - By Will Radley
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for this year’s BD5. The success of club races such as the BD5 and May Day 10 benefits the whole membership, helping to fund social events, participation in the NESS and Essex Leagues, and new equipment for coaching and club events such as the JR5K series.
You can still volunteer if you’re available here.
BD5 Social Run and Community Update
The race takes place on Monday 28 December 2026. Alongside race day, we’re organising litter picks and a food bank collection, and inviting members to apply for pacer duties. The normal BD5+1 will take place on the Sunday morning following race day.
BD5−1: Action day
Sunday 27 December
Since the new industrial park and fast-food restaurants opened, we’ve noticed more litter along parts of the route. We want visiting runners to see Witham at its best, so we’re asking members to help tidy the course.
We’ll organise small groups to cover one-mile sections, picking up litter before getting together afterwards for cake and drinks.
Everyone is welcome, including friends and family. You don’t need to be a club member to help. Equipment will be available, with meeting points, times and what to bring shared nearer the day.
Please join us if you can even a little of your time will make a difference. Members will also earn 50 Club Championship points for taking part.
BD5: Race day
Monday 28 December
Our race depends on the generosity and teamwork of club members. Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered.
If you’ve completed the race-day volunteer form, you don’t need to submit it again. Your role and briefing details will follow as we finalise the day’s operation plan.
On race day, we’ll be collecting donations for local food banks following our efforts in the past at Christmas socials. We’ll share their requested items and collection arrangements separately so donations match what is most needed.
Apply to be a pacer
For the first time at a BD5, we’re inviting members to volunteer as pacers to join our puds. These times will be set at 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55.
Important: Priority will go to members who completed the volunteer form prior to 31 October and indicated that they wished to run. Applications will be considered in volunteer submission order, alongside suitability for the required pacing times.
Proposed pacers will be reviewed by Karen and myself before confirmation.
All members who volunteer including those who run and volunteer before or after the race will receive 100 club points. The BD5 will be one of the last opportunities for members to earn club champ points before the end of this membership year.
Pacers must also help with assigned duties before and after the race.
If you apply and are selected as a pacer, you will be removed from the queue for ordinary member running places. Applying alone does not affect your position, and unsuccessful applicants will retain their place.
Pacer selection will take place week commencing 9 November. Applications will close on 15 November.
Apply to be a pacer at the BD5 here.
As previously announced, a maximum of 10 member places will be offered, subject to sufficient volunteers being available to deliver the race safely.
To be eligible, members must have completed the volunteer form by 31 October and indicated they wished to run. Places will be offered in submission order. If someone declines, their place will pass to the next eligible member.
Members accepting an ordinary running place must enter and pay in the usual way within 24 hours. These arrangements cover both first-claim and second-claim members.
BD5+1: Club social run
Sunday 3 January
Join us for a relaxed club social run starting from the football club. Pace groups will be similar to normal social runs. All members are welcome and further details will be provided closer to the date.
Whether you’re marshalling, pacing, picking litter, donating food or joining the social run, thank you for being part of it. The BD5 is a whole club effort.
Will
WRC Committee
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