The Race Across Nottingham

The Race Across Nottingham is a School of Psychology event taking place on Wednesday, 23 September. The race will begin at 3:30pm and will last approximately 2ā€“2.5 hours, followed by a reception with free pizza and a prize-giving ceremony. Weā€™ll start and finish in the Social Space (room A22) on the ground floor of the Psychology Building.

The race is designed to help new students discover some key Nottingham landmarks, learn fun facts about the city and psychology, and get to know their peers.

Youā€™ll be assigned to a group and make your way to various stations around the city centre. At each station, your group will be asked to complete a task, which will be scored by second-year psychology students. The three groups with the highest overall scores will win prizes!

To register for the race, sign up here. The sign-up deadline is Tuesday, 22 September at 1pm.

šŸ“The Stations

Below is a table of the stations. Click the link in the ā€œMap Linkā€ column below to view the location on Google Maps.

All stations are within easy walking distance from each other. Taking the tram to travel between the stations is therefore optional.


Use the map below to see the locations of the stations and nearby tram stops. Click or tap on any location too see its name.

šŸšŠ Using the Tram

You must have a valid ticket or have ā€œtapped onā€ with a contactless card before you board the tram.

Tickets & Fares

You have two main options for day travel:

  • Best Value: Use the ticket machines on the platform to buy a Student Day Ticket for Ā£4.70. You will need to show a valid student ID to the inspector if asked.

  • Most Convenient (Contactless): For a faster option, tap your contactless debit/credit card or phone on the lime green card readers (validators) at the end of the platform.

    • Note: This will cap your fare for the day at the Adult Day Ticket price of Ā£5.65.
    • You must tap on with the same card/device at the start of every single journey you make.

Key Directions

  • From the Psychology Building to the tram stop (about 5 minutes): Leave the School of Psychology by the main entrance and cross East Drive at the zebra crossing. Turn left, then at the Lakeside Arts car park cross straight over towards the Lakeside Arts building. Pass the building, bear slightly left, and carry on past the playground. Leave Highfields Park through the green gate ā€” the University of Nottingham tram stop is directly in front of you. (Walking route on Google Maps)

  • From the University to the City Centre: Take any tram heading towards Hucknall. Get off at the stop listed in the table above as being closest to your first station.

  • Optional travelling within the City Centre:

    • To travel from Lace Market towards Royal Centre, take a tram heading to Hucknall or Phoenix Park.
    • To travel from Royal Centre towards Lace Market, take a tram heading to Clifton South or Toton Lane.

  • Returning to the University: Take any tram heading towards Toton Lane and get off at the University of Nottingham stop.

ā˜Žļø Contacts

If you need non-urgent help (say, you canā€™t find the next station), please call Hayley Spain, our schoolā€™s Education and Student Experience Lead, at 01157486581.

For emergencies (immediate danger or a medical emergency), call 999.

ā˜ Our Race Ethos: Safety, Teamwork, Fun

The Race is designed to be a fun way for you to get to know each other and start working together as a team. Itā€™s not just about winning; itā€™s about how you play the game. To make sure everyone has a fantastic and memorable experience, please keep these guiding principles in mind.

1. Safety First

  • Stay Aware: Be careful and conscious of your surroundings, especially traffic and the public.
  • Stay Together: This is a team challenge, so stick with your group. No one should be left on their own.

2. Team Spirit Matters

  • Embrace Teamwork: The best ideas come from collaboration. Listen to everyoneā€™s input and work together on solutions. Support your teammatesā€™ efforts.
  • Communicate with Respect: Be nice, considerate, and respectful to every person on your team. Good communication is about both talking and listening.
  • Have Fun Together: The goal is to create a positive experience for everyone.

3. Play it Smart

  • Brains Over Brawn: There is no need to run! Success in this race is measured by the points you earn, not your speed.
  • Stay Focused, But Have Fun: Enjoy the journey, but donā€™t dawdle. Make sure to be back in time for the Grand Finale!

šŸ¤ Accessibility and Inclusivity

Our goal is to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all participants, and we are committed to making this event as accessible as possible. Personal assistants, carers, or assistance animals are welcome.

Route and Environment

  • Walking: The challenge involves moving between several stations in the city centre. The distance between each station is approximately a 5-10 minute walk.
  • Terrain: Most of the route is on flat, paved city footpaths.
  • Trams: The tram is an optional way to travel between stations. The Nottingham tram network is fully accessible, with level boarding from the platform and designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Environment: Some locations, like Old Market Square, can be busy and noisy.

Event Activities

The challenges are based on teamwork and problem-solving. They do not require running or strenuous physical activity. Team members are encouraged to help each other, and tasks can be completed collaboratively.

Accessible Toilets

You can find information on accessible public toilets in the city centre using the links below: