ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2026
CROATIA MULTISPORT
Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Events, changes to the event course, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up until the date of the event. To ensure you have the latest information and are fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, please checkback on this EEI before travelling to the event.
This EEI was last updated on: 13/01/2026
WELCOME TO THE ADRIATIC.
WELCOME TO RAT RACE CROATIA 2026!
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The countdown is well and truly underway and it won't be long until you find yourself island hopping in the Adriatic! We cannot wait to welcome you to this slice of paradise in April!
Please find our Essential Event Information document below, containing what we hope is a comprehensive outlook towards your adventure this April. If you have not done so already, do ensure that you are fully conversant with the website and then pour yourself a cuppa (or something a little stronger!) and read on…
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Kate Guard
Event Director, Rat Race Croatia Multisport 2026
FILES AND DOWNLOADS:
KEY REMINDERS:
Make sure you’ve read this document thoroughly well ahead of your departure date to ensure there are no last minute panics or surprises, if you have any questions after reading this please reach out to us on events@ratrace.com
SKIP TO SECTION
TIME ZONE
GMT (+1)
PHONE CODE
+385
LANGUAGE
Croatian / English
CURRENCY
Euros (€)
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Event Participation Form MUST be submitted NO later than 16th February 2026.
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Medical Form MUST be submitted NO later than16th February 2026.
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Webinar: The Q & A webinar will take place at 6PM UK time on Tuesday 24th February 2026. The webinar will be recorded and emailed to you the following day so you can watch it back at your leisure if you are unable to make the date and time. The link and passcode to join the Q&A session is within the email you received alongside this EEI.
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Arrival: Arrive at Dubrovnik airport for our RV at 2pm on 16th (Week 1) or 23rd (Week 2) April. We will then transfer you to our accommodation in Korcula. If you are arriving in the days before, please head back to the airport to meet the group transfer.
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Trackers: Please remember that GPS tracker service at all times is not a-given; you should particularly note this if sharing live links with supporters. 
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Kit: You will need to pass a kit check to be able to take part in the event. This will take place in Korcula. If your kit is not right the Event Team will reserve the right to prevent you starting the event. Don’t worry – there are several touchpoints before departure to ensure this does not occur including the Q&A session and the Kit List section below. If in any doubt on kit, please do get in touch with us at events@ratrace.com and we can help!
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Insurance:  You need insurance. If you are bringing your own bike, please ensure it is insured against loss, theft and/ or damage. You will need a medical repatriation and evacuation policy that has a minimum of $500 000 trip cover on it. You will submit your policy details to us in the Event Participation Form and we will ensure we have the correct number to call your insurer if we need to evacuate you or provide serious medical attention. We also highly recommend a policy that covers you for curtailment and non-attendance.
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Live events decision making: During the event, the Event Director’s decision is final. They are at all times acting in the combined interest and safety of both individuals and the group as a whole.
ITINERARY
The dates of the adventure are fixed as 16th - 21st April 2026 (Week 1) and 23rd - 28th April 2026 (Week 2). These are the dates on which our itinerary commences and finishes.
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Meeting Point: You will be picked up at Dubrovnik International airport on the 16th (WK1) or 23rd (WK2) April at 2pm. You will be taken to your accommodation on the island of Korcula, this is a drive of approximately 3 hours, so pack a book or bring something to keep you entertained! If you are arriving before 16th/23rd please make your own way back to the airport in time for the group transfer.
Drop off: You will be dropped back to Dubrovnik International airport on the morning of the 21st (WK1) or 28th April (WK2) at approximately 10am. This is where our itinerary ends. If you are staying on to explore Croatia, then we will wave you goodbye after our final breakfast together.
DAY ONE / MEETING AND TRAVEL DAY
16th April 2026 / 23rd April 2026
Meet at Dubrovnik International airport at 2pm. We will load up luggage and travel approx. 3 hours to Korcula.
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Meals: Not included. Find somewhere nice to eat, the choice is yours!
Accommodation: Twin and shared rooms in hotel accommodation
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DAY TWO / REG, GEAR PREP AND BRIEFING
17th April 2026 / 24th April 2026
After a leisurely breakfast, we will carry out Registration and provide some briefings, including heat management, style of event, intro to the route and we will provide assistance loading the route onto your GPS watches if you require. We will also go through some kayak and SUP safety points. The day is then mostly your own to explore the local area.
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Meals: Breakfast provided
Accommodation: Twin and shared rooms in hotel accommodation
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DAY THREE / CROATIA MULTISPORT BEGINS!
18th April 2026 / 25th April 2026
We will be up bright and early to make our way by coach to the western side of Korcula island for the start of our adventure: a 50km foot stage traversing the entire length of the island. After meandering through olive groves, dusty lanes and quirky villages you will finish back at your accommodation for a well-deserved beer and rest.
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Meals: Breakfast, pit stops, and dinner provided
Accommodation: Twin and shared rooms in hotel accommodation
Distance: Run/Trek 50km
DAY FOUR / SUP, BIKE & RUN/TREK
19th April 2026 / 26th April 2026
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Another bright and early start. You will grab a quick breakfast before heading out on your SUP to paddle 3km across the water to the port of Orebic. Here, you will transition onto bikes for a 66km cycle in the hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Finally, you will put on your trainers to stomp the Walls of Ston.
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Meals: Breakfast, pit stops, and dinner provided
Accommodation: Twin and shared rooms in hotel accommodation
Distance: 3km SUP, 66km Bike, 6.5km hike/run
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DAY FIVE / KAYAK, RUN/TREK, KAYAK
20th April 2026 / 27th April 2026
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We will be up before the sun for our last day of adventure! Coffee in hand, we will transfer you back to the end of yesterday's foot stage. Here you will jump into kayaks at Broce and begin your paddle into the Adriatic Sea. We will head for the island of Sipan and come ashore to run/trek its length. After a pitstop of local treats you will get back into your kayaks for the final push to our stunning finish line in Dubrovnik. The evening will see us celebrate our epic journey together.
Accommodation: Twin and shared rooms in hotel accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, pit stops, and celebration dinner provided
Distance: Kayak 35km, run/trek 6km
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DAY SIX / DEPARTURE DAY
21st April 2026 / 28th April 2026
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After a final breakfast together, we will transfer you back to Dubrovnik International airport for 10am or, if you have chosen to stay on to explore Croatia for longer, we will say our goodbyes at the hotel.
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Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast provided
Please note all distances and ascents are approximate. ​
DAY TO DAY: WHAT TO EXPECT
STYLE OF TRAVEL
There will be 25-30 participants in Week 1 and 40-45 participants in Week 2. ​ In general, we will provide lead and sweep staff (and other support vehicles and/or runners, trekkers, bikers, kayakers throughout the course). We will establish pit stops along the route, very roughly equidistant between one another and usually a minimum of 3 of these stops per day. You go at your own pace: run/trek/bike with others or on your own, whatever you fancy.
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The SUP and kayak stages will be conducted slightly differently with participants paddling in small groups of 10-12 with one instructor.
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Safety boats will provide additional support. For these stages, participants are required to stay within their groups. Groups will be based on ability - please provide accurate information on your paddling experience within the Event Participation Form
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We will not stop you unless you look unlikely to finish in daylight. As such, there are no formal cut-off times as the daily stages could be influenced by weather or other factors as judged appropriate by the event team. However, unless we think you’re going to run out of daylight to finish the stage, we will not cut you off. That is our pledge to you. For your part, just keep moving forward.
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ACCOMMODATION
Nights 1, 2 & 3: Aminess Younique Liburna Hotel, Korcula
Night 4: Admiral Grand Hotel, Slano
Night 5: Valamar Hotel, Dubrovnik (Wk 1)
Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Dubrovnik (Wk 2)
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FOOD AND BEV
The inclusive meals are outlined below as per the website itinerary information:
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16th/23rd April – no meals included
17th/24th April – breakfast included
18th/25th April - ‘grab and go’ breakfast, pit stops throughout the day, evening meal
19th/26th April - ‘grab and go’ breakfast, pit stops throughout the day, evening meal
20th/27th April - ‘grab and go’ breakfast, pit stops throughout the day, evening celebration meal
21st/28th April – breakfast included
For day 1 & 2 you will be supported by Rat Race Pit Stops (3 per day, we will try to space them evenly, however the length of days and access points vary), featuring water, small grab and go snacks and other treats. At pit stop 2 there will typically be some more savoury items and ‘lunch’ items such as wraps and bread where you are able to eat something more substantial. ​
​​​​​ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND EXTRAS
Where we provide meals as part of the general event service, we will not include alcoholic or soft drinks as standard, and these must be provided by yourselves. See more on local payments, below.
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At the hotels there will be a bar where you can buy alcoholic and soft drinks. If you put anything onto your ‘tab/room’ please pay for it before you leave the hotel.
We will provide you with some beers at certain locations to celebrate a job well done – this is a Rat Race tradition! However, these will be at the discretion of the organisers. In general, you should expect to pay for alcoholic and soft drinks.
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ABLUTIONS AND HYGIENE
We are staying at quality accommodation throughout which will provide good shower facilities. However, whilst on the event course there will not be toilets available at each pit stop. Therefore, you should keep to a high level of personal hygiene by using wet wipes, washing with minimal water and always keeping hands clean. Check wounds, rashes, and blisters regularly for infection. 
The firm advice is always to ensure you are ‘self-contained’ with toilet roll and with anti-bacterial handwash gel for the trail. Do NOT leave toilet paper out on the route, please bring nappy bags to contain used toilet roll and dispose of when at a pit stop or at the hotel.
THE ROUTE
THE ROUTE
Our route begins with a coast-to-coast crossing of Korcula on foot from west to east, finishing at our hotel in Korcula Town.
The next day comprises 3 stages: you will SUP across to Orebic, then hop onto bikes to wind your way up the coast before tackling the famous Walls of Ston (best known as Kings Landing in The Game of Thrones) on foot.
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The third and final day involves an epic kayak from Broce to Dubrovnik, stopping midway to run/trek across the island of Sipan where a well-earned pit stop awaits.
You must remain open to the possibility that our plan may change due to unforeseen factors, such as the weather and diversions. So, while Plan A is Plan A, it is not inconceivable that we may deploy Plan B, C or D if we deem it necessary for your safety.
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TRAINING AND PREPARATION
Our Croatian event is a substantial undertaking. It is approximately 165km of varying terrains across 4 sporting disciplines. It is a beautiful place, but it will pack a punch daily. Your training should now be focusing on consecutive days of running/trekking and biking. Do not avoid hills as hill strength will be the key to success. If you don’t have access to multiple hills, find one hill and do some hill repetitions to strengthen the legs. If you can fit in some sea kayaking practise between now and the event that will also be beneficial.
Train with the kit you are planning to wear. You will then be able to check if it is comfortable and fits correctly. Chuck the bag on that you are planning to be running or trekking with, fill it with some tasty snacks and water, this will help your body to get used to the extra weight on your back. The fitter and more prepared you are for a challenge like this the more you will enjoy it. ​​​​
ROUTE FINDING & GPS
We will NOT waymark the route. Unless the route must be diverted due to an obstruction or last-minute change.
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In general, this event is operated with GPS as the main method of route guidance. YOU need to bring a GPS watch and a navigation device or application on your phone. It is imperative that you are well versed in the usage of your down device and that you are confident in their battery life and reliability.
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If you wish to rent a GPS watch from us, that is also possible at a cost of £50. This will have the GPS already downloaded and you will get tuition of how to use the watch on registration day. You can purchase GPS via your RR account.
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In addition, you can also rent a Garmin Edge bike navigation device for £50 if you wish. You can also do this via your RR account.
All devices will be given to you at Registration, and you will undergo a familiarisation session with them that day. You will also be issued with a charging cable and other accessories, and it will be your responsibility to keep the devices charged and functional during the event.
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You must return all devices at the end of the event and, until then, you keep them with you.
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GPX FILES
We will provide you with GPX files to upload onto your own devices. These files will be provided much closer to the commencement of the event, once we are satisfied we have the definitive version to share. We shall aim to issue them to you within the 1-week-to-go email.
​PIT STOPS
On Event Days 1 & 2, we will support you along the route with 3 x pit stops. Each pit stop will feature a vehicle, staff, first aid support, comms and, of course, some food and drink. Expect the odd cameo local snack appearance, some baked goods from time to time, plenty of sweets and salty snacks and loads of fresh fruit. On both days at Pit Stop 2 there will typically be some more substantial savoury lunch items such as wraps or sandwiches.
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On Event Day 3, you will be given snacks and water to have in your kayak to eat when you wish, there will also be a lunchtime pit stop at a cafe on the island of Sipan.
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General note on food – trail snacks Please pack your own hearty supply of snacks and electrolytes that you enjoy on the trail. These can be stored in your day packs and topped up each night when you are reunited with your overnight bags.
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COURSE CUT OFFS & WITHDRAWALS
This event is not about cut-offs but having a ‘cut-off’ and a ‘sweeping’ structure is an important part of our Event Management Plan and Risk Assessment processes. Cut-off times are independent of any other factors that occur earlier in the course such as start time, injury, going the wrong way, time taken at Pit Stops, head winds and whether it is your fault or not. We understand that missing cut-offs can be tough to take but please remember this is not the crew member’s fault that breaks the news to you, should it happen to you. Please also remember that if this does happen to you, the Event Team’s decision is final.   ​
If you are cut off, there will be no option to re-start the next day from the point at which you were cut off the next day. (The event only ever moves forwards). However, you may re-start the next day from the official start location, subject to the discretion of the event team.  
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There are a number of reasons why you may be cut off or withdrawn from the event. These could be medical, pace, kit, personal or other factors.  
 
It is OK to retire and to be taken forward to the overnight accommodation. We’d rather you re-started the next day vs suffer meaninglessly and spoil it for yourself. We call this being ‘boosted.’  
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As far as the time available goes to avoid a cut-off, there is no ‘set’ cut-off time each day. Instead, we require all participants to be at the finish location before nightfall. If this is looking unlikely you will be ‘swept’ forward. That is the cut-off.  
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Above all else, please remember: This event is not about cut-offs. It is about getting the most out of this magical environment. We will not cut you off and sweep you forward unless we really have to. And if we do, it is for your own safety. 
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BEDDING DOWN INTO THE COURSE
It is probable that when you set off on the adventure on day 1, the first hours of the first day may be a bit hit n’ miss. Pace, temperature regulation, kit selection, footwear etc. All to be expected. Embrace that ‘bedding down into it’ phase and listen to your body and to your kit. Expect some unexpected phenomena (not UFOs, just unusual kit or equipment issues that you may not have quite been expecting). Use this time to just get used to the environment, the gear and the temperature. Go with it and relax. By Pit Stop 1 or 2, you’ll have worked out enough to be comfortable…
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IS THE ROUTE LIKELY TO CHANGE?
The nature of an adventure is that sometimes the certain becomes uncertain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we need to wheel out Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!
MANDATORY KIT LIST
MANDATORY KIT LIST
​Some of the kit listed is to help you have a safe experience and have the best chance of finishing. Some of this kit is to ensure that if you are unable to continue without our assistance then we can be confident of you having the level of equipment required to keep you as comfortable as possible whilst you wait for that assistance. Some of it is simply to keep you from perishing. It is a serious list and we know everyone knows this, but we ask that you please do work with us on this. Please do not skimp on kit.​
​REGISTRATION KIT CHECK
During Registration in Korcula, we will be conducting a kit check as part of the Reg process. The full kit list can be found above, however, as a minimum, we will be checking: ​
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Helmet for biking
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Gloves for biking
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Bag for foot stages including water carrying
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Waterproofs for water stages
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A working headtorch
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A first aid kit containing the minimum mandatory items (see relevant section)
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Suitable footwear for the foot stages and water stages
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Salt tablets and dissolvable electrolytes for water
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​You may be asked to show any other items from the mandatory kit list. Clearly at this point, the die is somewhat cast in respect of where we are geographically and the ability to ‘fill in any gaps’ is therefore heavily reduced; however we will look to assist where we can, in the event of major kit catastrophe. If you do not have the appropriate kit with you when you register in Korcula, you may not be allowed to participate. We have devised the mandatory kit list for your protection and safety, and we will not be able to make any exceptions on required items. If you have any kit questions, you can bring them to the webinar or contact us via events@ratrace.com and we will be more than happy to help! ​​​​​
ADVENTURE REGISTRATION PACK
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In Korcula, there will be one adventure pack issued per person. Your Event Pack will contain:
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Bib Number: You should try and wear this on the outside of all clothing so that it is always visible. It is also essential for the photographer to see who you are, if you are going with the photo service (See more on that below). A good place to wear it is on the back of your event pack, if you are carrying one ​
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Bike Board - to be attached to your bike to quickly identify it
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Baggage Labels – For your each of your bags (more info below)​
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Tracking Device ​
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Event T-Shirt & Rag - Essential wear! Your preferred size will be provided if you communicate this to us in our form, linked in this document. If we do not receive size info from you, you will receive size Large as default.  
​AVOIDING KIT CATASTROPHE IN TRANSIT
It is not impossible that your gear may not arrive with you into Dubrovnik. In general, the longer you are in Dubrovnik, the easier this is to solve. Once you start travelling away from major airports, getting re-united with lost bags becomes harder. However, it is not impossible and if you do lose bags or if bikes do not arrive, it does not necessarily spell certain doom. There are sports and bike shops in Dubrovnik. We will have at least 1 medium and 1 large spare bike, to cover disaster relief on these things. However, to avoid the chances of total catastrophe, we would recommend that you do travel with some event clothing in your hand luggage: A set of waterproofs, something to wear top and bottom, swim kit, sports bra (if needed) and some footwear would be minimum recommended. Indeed, you can travel wearing this gear.
Experience tells us that if you arrive wearing or physically carrying some of what you need, the likelihood of getting you on the start-line increases dramatically, vs those whose entire event kit is in their hold baggage, making its way around a carousel in the wrong airport far, far away. ​
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BAGS
There are 3 bags you need for this events
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Day pack for the hike/run stages – You will use this bag to carry food, water and other supplies during the foot stages. Please make sure it is big enough to carry all the mandatory kit. You can choose to carry water in a bladder or water bottles. (This bag could also be worn during the cycling stage).
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Transition bag – used at various locations where you need to transfer from one sport to another. Our suggestion is that this bag is waterproof. More information on transition locations below.
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Main overnight bag - This should be a soft duffel or hold-all (please, no hard cases or wheels) and be capable of carrying all the kit you will not be wearing during the run, bike, sup or kayak stages. It must be one bag (not a series of bags). Size is not too important – up to 120l is OK as we do realise all this kit is bulky. In general, we ask that you attempt to get this bag to around the 23kg mark (this is the upper limit for most ‘standard’ airline checked luggage anyway). This bag will be left with our event team each day and you will have access to it each evening. ​
​​TRANSITIONS
To allow you to access the right kit at the right times we permit one transition bag to be made available to you at the various stages. There are multiple transitions at which point you will be able to access different kit.
The transitions are as follows:
Event Day 2:
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SUP to Cycle Transition – The bag will be available in Orebic to change into biking clothing.
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Cycle to Foot Transition – Your transition bag will be available to change to running kit for the final 10km of the day.
Event Day 3:
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Kayak to Foot – Your transition bag will travel with you in the kayak to change shoes to hike/run across Sipan island. Leave this bag and layers not needed in the kayak to meet you at the other end of the island.
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Foot to Kayak – as above. Change shoes and add layers as needed.
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KAYAKS & SUPS
SUPS, and Kayaks are provided along with buoyancy aids, leash, paddles, and cags (waterproof/windproof top) if you would like one.
All kayaks on the event are doubles. They are sit-on top kayaks with a deep hull and therefore a deep seat. They are designed for the Croatian waters and will be comfortable for your journey to Dubrovnik.
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BIKES
There is bike hire available for this event. If you have decided that you do not want to bring your own, you can hire a bike via your RR account. Please note bike hire will close on 16/02/2026 so if you wish to bike a hire a bike from us and have not done so already, please ensure you purchase your hire before 16/02/2026.
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If you are bringing your own bike please keep it in the bike box until we reach Korcula where you will be able to assemble it. If it is within a bike box it is easier to transport.
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TRACKING DEVICE
During Registration in Korcula you will be issued with your tracker. It will be in a waterproof dry bag. It is your responsibility to look after the device until you return it to us at the finish line in exchange for your medal. This device not only allows those at home to follow you on the route, it acts as a tracker for us too, meaning we can see where you are throughout the event.
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Tracking will go live on the first morning of the event. The link will be shared in the event Whatsapp group closer to the time.
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The trackers rely on GSM signal to report, (which is generally very good across a lot of our route) but there frequently can be a delay on tracking. Sometimes, our team back at base will increase or decrease the reporting frequency, so those watching at home will sometimes not see your dot moving, or see you moving very slowly. Or they may see you adrift from others in the group (for example if you have not turned the tracker on!). 
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It is REALLY important that you ensure anyone watching at home knows this, for their own peace of mind and for our own safety systems. Experience shows that if someone watching at home does not understand this, they can sometimes unwittingly commence full rescue missions by panicking, calling in the cavalry and sparking confusion for us as organisers. As such, it really is a very important point to note.  ​
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As with any GPS units that you use from us, you must return the tracking device at the end of the event or whenever a member of staff asks for you to do so (for example to check a setting or to charge it) and as with all electronic devices, there is a replacement cost for loss or damage. For the tracker, it is £150 so please do look after these units.   
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VERY IMPORTANT: As we have stated, the reliability and operation of the tracking devices in this environment is likely to not be 100%, 100% of the time. As far as our safety system is concerned, we know that and we have considered that as part of our other overarching plans and risk assessment.  
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​For those watching the tracking at home, it is important you explain that the trackers are not always going to give a fully accurate reflection of exact locations. What can happen, (if this is not communicated on the part of the participant to their supporters), is that where people see a tracker displaying erratic behaviour or not moving, this manifests in undue worry. Over a number of days, this worry can turn to panic and raising of unnecessary alarms, from the comfort of sofas in the internet-equipped watching world-at-large. We require you to ensure that, should you decide to share the tracking link, you are unequivocal in this explanation to your supporters. We cannot afford for an international incident to be commenced as someone sitting at home in front of their desktop has decided to contact the Emergency Services as they cannot see your dot moving. It really is a deadly serious point we are making here and we thank you in advance for making this clear to your supporters at home. 
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​Q&A WEBINAR
The Q&A Webinar on 24 February is a great opportunity to ask any kit related questions and ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
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RAT RACE STORE
As a #RatRacer you now have a 15% discount in our store so you can get kitted out for your next adventure. Use the code RATRACE15 to save 15% on full priced kit only, excludes event specific merchandise and bundles.
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MEDICAL & SAFETY
MEDICAL OPERATIONS
Our team is there for you in case you have an incident with which you require assistance. The team will shadow the progress of the adventure each day in vehicles or on foot (whichever is most appropriate given the days activity) before establishing a medical clinic each afternoon/evening at our overnight accommodation. Whilst the medics are there for ‘what ifs,’ they are also a great source of preventative advice; so please do use them to ask questions and check best practice, particularly in suspected foot injury or issues such as blisters.
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MEDICAL FORM
Please complete the Medical Form HERE. Please complete this as soon as possible – and certainly please, no later than 16th February 2026. If you do have any conditions that you feel we should know about, however small you feel it may be, please do share this with our Medics. Experience has shown that early pre-screening can assist both us and you greatly in enabling the care you need pre and during the trip. If you do not share information on conditions which are likely to affect your participation or decide to share them very late in the process, we are all under pressure and we will always reserve the right to cancel your participation if we feel there is a medical issue that may affect yours, or others’ safety. So please, do share anything and everything you feel our team should know about, at the earliest opportunity.
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 IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS AND MEDICAL INFORMATION:
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​ We are very fortunate to have an excellent Medical Director providing oversight, planning and screening on all of our international trips, who in turn engages seriously professional and qualified staff to join you on the trip. Rat Race also conforms and has been audited to the rigorous BS8848 standard of expedition management. This means our approach to all things safety and medical is extremely thorough and it is designed throughout with your best interest at heart.
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Your medical screening details will be sent direct to our medical team and under medical confidentiality rules, this will only be shared with our medics and no-one else. If they decide this is information that is in the best interests of everyone for us as organisers to be privy to, they will seek and gain your consent before doing so. It is therefore important you complete the medical form only via the link which can be found HERE; do not send Rat Race medical information direct. If you have any queries at all on the medical side of things in relation to this event, you can email our Medical Director, Dr Patrick Musto confidentially on office@trailmed.com and he and his team will assist. ​​
SUN & HEAT
Please carefully review our Sun & Heat safety guidance issued by our medical partner Trail Med.
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EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
You will be notified of the protocols for a true emergency or serious incident at the pre-event briefing in Korcula. If you are with an injured party whilst on the route, stay with the casualty and await assistance. In the event of a non-emergency incident but for which action is requested from the organisers, then you should place a call (we will give you numbers) or if no phone reception, you should send a message forward to the next Pit Stop with another participant if possible and/or await an event crew member approaching via vehicle/or on foot from behind. This might be medical, logistical or kit/ equipment breakdown as examples. We politely ask that you stop and help someone that is in difficulty – you will be the first person to find them – remember to take note of time, place (number of km, or minutes/ hours from last Pit Stop) and participant number/ name at the incident site. Remember we are all in it together and we are in effect one big team.
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POOR WEATHER CONTINGENCY
April is the ideal time for this event as Croatia’s tourist season is not yet in full swing and temperatures are cooler, with daily averages ranging between 13-20°C. However, please be prepared for multiple weather conditions and hotter/cooler temperatures. Since it is early in the season, the weather can be more temperamental.
The event will proceed in many weather conditions, but if it is deemed unsafe to continue, the event will be halted while we await more favourable conditions to re-commence. This may result in some stages being cut short. 
If the wind conditions and sea state are too strong/high, the kayak will be adapted. But if the sea state is too large for any kayaking to safely take place, we will complete the foot and bike stages only.
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INSURANCE FOR YOU & YOUR EQUIPMENT
We have asked that you have in place Travel Insurance cover and specified Evacuation cover to last for a minimum period of the event duration for the days you are with us on the published itinerary. Evacuation and medical expenses cover should total no less than $500 000. A copy of this cover/covers (if separate policies) is required to be received by us by 16th Feb.
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​We recommend that participants have insurance to cover damage, loss, theft, injury and non-attendance. Rat Race cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of, theft, or damage to any Participant property or the circumstances of Participant non-attendance. Within the 12-week departure window, we cannot provide any transfers and, in all cases, we cannot entertain requests for refunds. We respectfully remind all participants that unforeseen circumstances preventing attendance is what travel insurance is designed for and is the reason for this as a strong recommendation on such undertakings.  
Some suggested providers are as follows:  
 
For UK and Channel Island residents Rat Race’s own insurer brokers have a brand-new product: https://www.mannbroadbent.co.uk/sports-travel-insurance/. 
 
Note: This is Rat Race’s UK-based insurance broker, specialising in the leisure insurance market. This is a specialist sports travel cover product; however, Rat Race is neither an insurance broker or underwriter. We can recommend Mann Broadbent wholeheartedly as good people to deal with, but please remember that this is not a ‘Rat Race product’ and we have no say whatsoever on claims decisions made by the insurers, in the event that you raise such a claim via one of these policies.  
Other providers: 
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Note: We have no relationship with any of these providers, but previous customers have found them reasonable to deal with regarding some of our similar Bucket List challenges.  
 
Note: For all insurance, please remember that cover is offered based on several factors, (the nature of the event disciplines being one of them), but your own insurance profile, age, health and other details form a big part of this. As such, we are always happy to provide details to insurers in support of cover requests from customers, but we cannot influence their decisions as to whether to offer cover to individuals.  
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GENERAL SAFETY AROUND VEHICLES
This event takes place on the trail and open roads. There are vehicles, this is not a closed road event. Vigilance must be always taken.
LITTER
We want to show that this event has exemplary control of littering. Please help us achieve that. Pack your litter into your pack, pockets or nearby bin bag at a vehicle. No exceptions. Croatia is a beautiful environment, and our absolute commitment is to keep it that way.
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MUSIC PLAYERS
While these are allowed, please control their volume according to your environment. Always use your judgment when listening to music or audiobooks. Please also be aware that if you cannot hear general voice levels you might miss instructions or warnings from crew, other participants or approaching vehicles.
FINAL ADMIN
TRANSFER DEADLINE
At the time of booking, on our website and within our welcome email we made clear that your purchase is non-refundable. But up until 12 weeks prior to departure, you could use our transfer system if you wished to withdraw from the event. We respectfully remind all participants that unforeseen circumstances preventing attendance is what travel insurance is designed for and is the reason for this as a strong recommendation on such undertakings.
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We want to be really clear that the transfer option is there for you if you need it. But it does have a deadline. That deadline is 22nd January 2026 (Week 1) or 29th January 2026 (Week 2).  This is 12 weeks prior to the event and our advertised standard transfer window for international events. After this time, we regret that we simply cannot change entries and if you are in, you’re in. So if you don’t think you’re in this time around, please do ensure you use that transfer window and get your transfers in by the dates above. You can do that by logging into your RR account, heading to the ‘Your Entries’ tab and hitting the ‘Transfer button’.
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Please note event credit is exempt from the transfer process. Once credit is redeemed against an event entry it is locked into that event. You can read our transfer policy HERE.
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EVENT ETHOS: ‘RACING’ AND OUR FINISH TIMES SERVICE
Completing not competing. Rat Race’s ethos has always been about inspiring folk to undertake challenges in awesome outdoor locations. Croatia Multisport is just that, taken to an epic level. This is not a formal race environment and there are no winners and losers. We do not award prizes for the fastest folk. There will be no splits. Indeed, there will be no timings. Rat Race totally appreciate the incredible commitment of those taking on the challenges we lay down and each participant is as important as the next regardless of how fast you can cover the distance. This is akin far more to an expeditionary undertaking than anything else.
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In delivering this unique challenge we prioritise factors such as safety, camaraderie and environmental concerns. Respecting the wishes of local stakeholders with our route management and litter policies is vital in being able to bring folk together for this unique experience. Safety above all else is paramount, as you will fully appreciate. To reasonably balance all these factors, we emphasise that the event is not a formal race environment, rather it is a challenge in the great outdoors where great folk come together with a common purpose.
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LOCAL PAYMENTS
Most locations in Croatia take credit and debit cards. Having some local currency is a good idea.
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When we are staying in hotels, you may charge incidentals to your room if the hotel has that facility. All room accounts should be settled prior to leaving the accommodation in each location. If hotel room bills remain unsettled Rat Race will reserve the right to charge your nominated card, plus a £20 admin charge per unpaid bill.
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EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
The event is very lucky to have secured the services of Leo Francis as official event photographer. Leo has worked on lots of Rat Race events before, including Croatia. This means not only is he an excellent photographer in his own right but that he really ‘gets’ these types of events.
For this challenge, we are doing photography a little differently than to run-of-the-mill standard event photography, but it’s an entirely standard approach for us and it’s tried and tested – to 100s of customers’ satisfaction. Instead of Leo shooting the event and you then you selecting a number of photos post-event from a fairly unwieldy and piecemeal selection (leading to a lot of wastage in the shots and hours spent spreading the editing thinly across ‘anything and everything’) we want the service to be as personal as possible. We think that something this epic deserves that.
Leo will therefore be offering a one-price, advance purchase arrangement. He will shoot you in action and provide an amazingly varied series of shots of you out there doing your stuff, plus a selection of general event photos, provided as a digital album.
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The price for this service is £125. If you would like to use this service, please tick the box in the pre-event form and make payment via the payment link included in the form or HERE. The service is available for participants and crew. The crux here is that he will ONLY shoot those who sign up to the service in advance, ensuring he is concentrating on those who have taken the plunge. This ensures that he can 100% focus on the job in hand for those who wish to purchase and avoids the wastage of hundreds of shots on the edit room floor. For clarity, Leo is doing this at his own risk and all proceeds of photo sales go to him and not to Rat Race. We believe this is an excellent service, at a very keen price, from a first-class photographer. It is of course not in any way compulsory. ​
CONTACT
To facilitate the very best support for you whilst embarked on the event, we have prepared some contact information below that should assist you and loved ones both before departure and then throughout your adventure.
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1.) For ALL pre-event email correspondence prior to departure:
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events@ratrace.com - admin / kit / challenge based queries
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office@trailmed.co.uk  - Medical-based advice or discussion on medical conditions in confidence
2.) For specific arrivals and pre-trip issues in the days immediately prior to arrival in Croatia -  A WhatsApp group will be set up pre-arrival. This will include numbers of crew members if you need assistance whilst you travel to the event. 
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3.) Emergency correspondence from people who need to get in touch with you (i.e. from those who need to contact you) IN EMERGENCY ONLY while you are embarked on the event: events@ratrace.com
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The originator should quote ‘Emergency correspondence for (your name)’ in the email title and they must provide a phone number for return comms. This will be patched through to our crew’s mobile phones, (or satellite messaging platform if we are out of reception) from our office and a satellite phone will be made available for you to return the comms to the originator. We would aim to provide a suitable response period of within 24 hrs for this service to the originator. Please, please, please do tell your family and supporters not to contact us about Tracker Emergencies!
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COMMS COVERAGE AND DATA
You will most likely have phone reception in Croatia. There should be WiFi for the majority of accommodation. 
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Finally, we have included an action checklist so you may tick off the pre-event jobs arising from this Essential Event Information document.
FINAL CHECK LIST
Submitted no later than 16th February 2026.
Submitted no later than 16th February 2026.
6pm Tuesday 24 February
That’s it. Pheeeww! 
 
See you in Croatia
Kate Guard
​Event Director, Rat Race Croatia Multisport 2026