FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How old must runners be to register?

Runners must be at least 15 years old to enter the half marathon and 12 years old to run the 12K. 

There are no age restrictions for runners entering the 5K.

Parents or caregivers for runners under 18 years old must be confident that their child is suitably fit and capable of completing the distance entered within the advertised cut-off time.  

How much does it cost to enter?

Please check the event info pages for current pricing.

We have a set number of registrations available at each price tier and, rather than on a fixed date, prices will increase once each tier’s allocation is sold out.  If you are not ready to enter yet, keep your eye on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GreatSouthernRuns/) or subscribe to our mailing list at https://greatsouthernruns.com/ (scroll to the form at the bottom) as we’ll be sure to let you know when we are getting close to a price rise.

Do I have to be a member of a club to enter?

Certainly not.  The Great Southern Bolt is open to everyone.

What is the sizing for the Great Southern Bolt singlets?

Singlets from Sub4 Apparel are available in both men’s and women’s specific fits.  Sub4 suggest sizing DOWN 1 size for that pro race-day fit!  Our Great Southern Bolt singlets are fully sublimated on light-weight, moisture wicking DRYLYTE yarn. At around 40 grams the singlet is definitely race ready!

Women’s Size Guide
Small (8) Medium (10) Large (12) XL 2XL
Chest (cm) 80-85 85-91 91-97 97-103 103-109
Waist (cm) 67-72 73-79 80-86 87-92 93-100
Hip (cm) 87-92 92-97 97-103 103-109 109-115

 

Men’s Size Guide
Small Medium Large XL 2XL
Chest (cm) 88-94 94-99 100-105 106-112 113-120
Waist (cm) 71-79 80-86 87-97 98-107 108-117
I’ve already registered to run. How can I buy a medal, bus ticket or singlet?

You can access your registration information and add a medal, bus ticket or singlet to your order (subject to availability).

Click here or use the link at the top of your registration confirmation email.

How do I update my registration details (email, emergency contact, etc.) ?

Click here or use the link at the top of your registration confirmation email to update your details

How do I change race distance?

Click here or use the link at the top of your registration confirmation email to access your registration information and change your own race distance up to 3 April 2022. 

Changes to your race distance after 3 April can be made by emailing hello@greatsouthernruns.com.

If you change up to a longer distance you will be required to pay the additional entry fee applicable at the time of transfer.  If you change down to a lesser distance event there is no refund of the difference in entry fees.

No changes can be made after 28 April 2022.

Can I transfer my entry to another runner?

No, sorry.  Race entries cannot be transferred to another runner.

If you have registered & can no longer make it, we will be happy to refund your race entry up to 4 weeks before race date.

What is your refund policy?

Runners get injured and plans can change – we get that, which is why you can get a refund up to 4 weeks before race day – no questions asked.

If you register but then cannot run or change your mind, just drop us an email at hello@greatsouthernruns.com and we will refund your entry fee less a $10 admin charge.

No refunds will be processed after 3 April 2022.

If the Great Southern Bolt is postponed due to changes to COVID restrictions, or if travel restrictions mean you are unable to get to the race from your home address, your race entry will automatically be carried forward to the new date or you can choose to receive a FULL REFUND with no admin fees.

Why do you charge extra for finisher medals?

We understand that some runners treasure their finisher medals and that others prefer to keep race entry fees to a minimum so finisher medals are an optional purchase for $10 along with your race registration. 

Can I register on race day?

Race entries to the half marathon and 12K are not available on race day.  Online registrations close at 6:00 pm on Saturday 30 April 2022.

Entries to the 5K and Kids’ Beach Bolt will be accepted on race morning.  Visit the registration desk at Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club at least 1 hour before race start. 

Can I walk?

Walkers are welcome in the 12K and 5K events, providing you can finish within the course cut-off times – 2 hours for the 12K (10:00 per km) and 1 hour fo the 5K (12:00 per km).

The half marathon is only open to runners.

Can I run with my child in the Kids' Beach Bolt?

Of course!  Parents or older siblings are welcome to run with & encourage their little ones.

Is the Great Southern Bolt suitable for wheelchairs or buggies?

Our courses are run over a mixture of beach, sealed and gravel roads, fire trails and concrete paths.  The surfaces are mostly fine, including the hard-packed beach sections, but there are some short sections of soft sand.  Additionally, the half marathon and 12K course traverse a pebble bank to access the beach at the end of Button Road (~11K).  If you are considering running the course with a wheel chair or buggy, we recommend that you reccy the course to assess suitability yourself before registering. 

Can I run with my dog?

You can only run with your dog in the 12K or Kids Beach Bolt.  

You cannot run with a dog in the half marathon or 5K as the courses run through the Aldinga Scrub conservation park where pets are not permitted.

Where do I collect my race bib?

When you register you can choose one of the following race pack options:

Postage

This option closes 10 April 2022 to ensure it will arrive in plenty of time for race day.

Pick Up from The Running Company – Adelaide (Unley Road)

This option closes on 20 April and bibs will be available for collection from Friday 22 to Friday 29 May 2022.

Pick Up from The Running Company – South Adelaide (Christies Beach)

This option closes on 20 April and bibs will be available for collection from Friday 22 to Friday 29 May 2022.

Race Day Collection

  • Half Marathon & 12K with bus ticket – pick up at the AldingaBay finish area before boarding the bus.
  • Half Marathon & 12K with no bus ticket – pick up at the Myponga start line.
  • 5K & Kids’ Beach Bolt – pick up at the Aldinga Bay start-finish area.
How can I get to the Myponga start line (half marathon & 12K)?

Buses will run from the finish area at Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club to the Myponga start line on race morning.  Tickets can be purchased along with your race registration.

The bus is purely optional and you are welcome to car share or get dropped at the Myponga start line.  Traffic controls will be in place on Main South Road so plan to arrive in plenty of time.  Please note that a bus service to Myponga will not be available after the race.

Is there a bag drop?

Bag trucks will take your bags from the half marathon & 12K start line in Myponga to the finish area at the Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

There will be an allocated bag drop area near the finish line for 5K runners.

PROPERTY IS LEFT IN THE BAG DROP AREA AT OWNER’S RISK so please leave any valuable items locked safely in your car or with your supporters. 

How much do we run on the beach?

Don’t be concerned about running on the sand. Cars are permitted on Silver Sands Beach – it is hard-packed sand and is very runable, plus the tide will be out!  Click on the event links to view maps and full course descriptions.

  • The Half Marathon has a 1K beach section between 11 & 12Ks, and finishes with a 2K beach section.
  • The 12K finishes with a 1K beach section.
  • The 5K has no beach section at all.
Where will I find my race result?

A link will be published shortly before race day for you and your supporters to check your race result as soon as you cross the finish line.  

Any timing discrepancies should be notified to Event Strategies by email immediately.  Results will be made final on Wednesday 4 May.

Can I wear headphones during the race?

Wearing of headphones is discouraged.  Enjoy the serenity of the course, the birdsong of the Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park, the crashing of waves on Silver Sands beach or conversation with your fellow competitors.  If you do choose to wear headphones, please have your music at a low volume or use just one earpiece so that you can still hear traffic and safety instructions from our course marshals.

How does the electronic timing work?

Electronic transponder timing services will be provided by Event Strategies to ensure accurate and quick publishing of race results. 

  • You will be allocated a race number bib and it has an electronic timing tag on the back linked to you and the race you have entered.
  • Before you start you must notify Timing Officials if any of your entry information needs changing e.g. you are changing race distance.
  • Do not use someone else’s number bib as this will produce false results for everyone.
  • Attach the bib at waist height to the outside front of whatever top you will be wearing. Do not bend or fold the tag or tamper with it.
  • Your time and number will be recorded when you pass a timing point provided your race number bib is visible. Covering it with clothing or your hands as you operate a watch will prevent it recording.
  • Ensure you start at the correct time for our race distance.
  • Race bibs are your keepsake of the Great Southern Bolt & do not need to be returned.
  • If you cut the course short (for example by skipping a lap, or taking a shortcut), do not pass through the finish timing point as we may inadvertently think you have won the race. Please notify Timing Officials if this occurs.
  • If you lose your race number bib during the race you must notify Timing Officials as soon as you cross the finish timing point.
  • Please notify Timing Officials if you pull out of your race before finishing
What are the tide times for race day?

Low tide is expected at 10:19 am on race day so you will have a beautiful, wide beach with hard-packed, runable sand for your race.  High tides will be at 4:41 am and 4:37 pm.

General Enquires