ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2023
THE MIGHTY DEERSTALKER
Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Events, changes to the course, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up to the date of the event. To ensure you have the latest information and are fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, please check back on this EEI before travelling to the event. This EEI was last updated on: 06/11/2023
ARE YOU READY FOR ONE FINAL SCREE SCRAMBLE?
After 15 epic years of scree scrambling, The Mighty Deerstalker is hitting the hills for one final legendary outing before hanging up its antlers and tweed. As one of our much loved Scottish crackers, we’re going to throw them one hell of a retirement party to see it off into the night! Don your finest tweed, grab your pipe and get ready to send The Mighty Deerstalker off with this last ever lungbusting frolic.
This is our Essential Event Information document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know. Read on to find the answers to all your questions ahead of our final farewell to this legendary adventure!
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SKIP TO SECTION
PRE-EVENT ACTIONS
REGISTRATION REMINDERS:
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Registration is open from 15:00 - 18:00 in the Event Village. Double Stalkers can register from 13:00.
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Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your wave start time.
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Online disclaimer must be completed BEFORE you come to registration.
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You must bring photo ID to registration.
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Do not forget your headtorch!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Online Disclaimers MUST be completed before you come to Registration. You can complete this HERE.
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Registration is on 2nd December between 1500 - 1800 at the Event Village, Traquair House, EH44 6PW. Double Stalkers can register from 1300.
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Adventure packs will be picked up at Registration, you must bring photo ID, you cannot pick up someone else's pack for them.
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This event is fully waymarked. Please do not follow any GPX routes you may have downloaded online from previous years.
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Pair entry details must be filled in via your RR account by the 21st November 2023. After this date there will be a £15 charge per person.
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All entries include a free Beerstalker party ticket.
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Bring cash for food, drink and car park as a back up.
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The car park fee is cheapest if you purchase in advance HERE.
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Camping tickets are limited. Please make sure you purchase yours in advance HERE. The campsite is TENTS ONLY. Please do not turn up in your campervan, motorhome, caravan or tentbox as you will be turned away.
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The Double Stalker wave starts at 15:30.
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The first Full Stalker wave starts at 17:20.
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The first Half Stalker wave starts at 17:35.
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Please arrive 60 minutes before your wave start.
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All participants need to show a working headtorch, visible wave wristband and a race chip attached correctly to your shoe to enter the start coral.
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The transfer window has now closed as per our standard terms and conditions here. We are unable to process any new transfer requests or make any exceptions as the deadline has passed.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: DON'T FORGET YOUR HEADTORCH! NO HEADTORCH, NO START.​
KEY INFO
HOW TO GET THERE
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Traquair House is situated 1.5 miles south of Innerleithen and is signposted
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Access to the event & parking is via the B7062, please approach Traquair House from Innerleithen & NOT from Cardrona.
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If using satnav, use postcode EH44 6PW to pick up our hi-viz event signage.
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PARKING
Car Park opens at 14:30.
Double Stalkers ONLY can access the car park from 12:30.
Being in such a wonderful rural location in December does bring with it parking and traffic challenges. It is our aim to cause minimum disruption to the narrow road network while offering an easy and safe parking experience. We have achieved these aims over the years by hiring the best field possible, using a professional parking company and lighting the exit gate and road junction. Our wet weather contingency includes temporary ground protection to assist the exit should the weather turn nasty with 4×4 vehicles on standby until midnight on Saturday night to help should you get in a pickle that a push will not solve. Please note that should it be necessary for you to be towed, you will need to fix the towing eye to your vehicle yourself. Our staff will not be able to do this for you.
PARKING CHARGES:
£10 per car in advance. £15 on the gate.
Free for supporters arriving after 1800 to pick up runners**
You will need to show your parking confirmation and/or the name of the person who booked the parking for our marshals to confirm your parking ticket.
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NOTE FOR THOSE BEING DROPPED OFF AND PICKED UP:
DROP OFF: If you are being dropped off please do not try to enter the car park. Instead follow the ‘Drop Off’ signs. The drop off area is just outside the main gates of Traquair House, but there is no vehicle access to Traquair House or the event village through this entrance. Please ensure the driver drops off promptly and then continues straight on towards Cardrona to return to Innerleithen i.e. no turning around or waiting.
PICK UP: If you are planning to be picked up there is no charge for parking if you arrive after 1800, however, the car park will remain a controlled zone. Please arrange for your driver to head to the event car park and park where directed in the car park. DO NOT PARK ON THE ROADSIDE
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WHAT TO WEAR/KIT LIST
When running you will get muddy and wet. Please dress according to the conditions. After sunset the temperatures will drop and conditions can change fast. We recommend you bring full body cover for the race as an option on the day. Remember that you will be getting wet and sometimes you will be moving very slowly. You will need a pair of trail shoes that can be laced tightly so they are not lost in mud or rivers.
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Whilst there is no mandatory kit list as such given this is a night time mountain run in December you should consider the following:
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Trail shoes
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Long legged
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Baselayers
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Rat Rag or buff (you'll be given one at registration!)
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Hat
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Gloves
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Don't forget your headtorch! No headtorch, no start.
FANCY DRESS
Over the years, we have seen hundreds of #ratracers don their finest Scottish fancy dress to tackle this infamous route and we want the final farewell to be no exception! Fancy dress is actively encouraged but please also consider the weather conditions and others, for example a tweed waistcoat and cap is acceptable, a mankini less so!
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POST-RUN CLOTHING
Post-run it is essential that you ensure you get changed as quickly as possible into warm clothing including a coat and hat. It will be dark, late and cold and you will quickly cool down after you have stopped running. Ensure your clothing is easily accessible so you don’t need to wait for mates. Please head to the changing tent or your own tent if camping and get changed promptly before making your way to the heated Beerstalker tent to warm up. If camping, please ensure you have a suitable tent and sleeping bag for cold and wet UK conditions.
PRE-ORDERED T-SHIRTS
If you pre-ordered a Deerstalker 2023 t-shirt, please collect this at registration.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
You must sign your electronic Disclaimer before arriving to Registration. It only takes 2 minutes and you can complete it HERE.
Registration will run on Saturday 2nd December from 15:00 until 18:00 in the Event Village. Double Stalkers only can register from 13:00.
You will need photo ID to register.
Find the right line for you, alphabetical by surname, then approach the desk where you will be provided with an adventure pack containing the following:
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Coloured wave number wristband (you will need this to enter the start corral)
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Timing chip (This is part of our safety system so it needs to be visibly attached to your shoelaces to enter the start coral)
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Rat Rag
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Medical wrist band (if requested)**
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Party wristband, if you have purchased additional bands, these can be collected from the Ticket Office.
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Use your race pack envelope at the Valuables Drop
If you have pre-ordered an event t-shirt you will pick this up at Registration with your adventure pack.
**If you have a medical condition that you think our safety team should know about (should you need us) then ask at Registration for a medical wristband to complete and wear.
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TEAM ENTRIES
Team member details must be added before 21st November 2023 at midnight. Team Captain’s need to login to their account and add their team members to their team. If you have not registered each individual team member online then we will not have an adventure pack prepared for them. To add them after this deadline will be subject to a £15 per person administration fee.
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HEADTORCH
It is essential you bring a fully charged headtorch that you have tested for running in the dark on off-road surfaces. Without a head torch you will not be able to see waymarking, will not be able to see where you are placing your feet, and will not be allowed to start. The head torch will also help you in the campsite and when using the toilets.
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ID AND CASH
You will need Photo ID to collect your adventure pack and cash to buy things such as food, drink and a parking ticket if you haven’t pre-booked. Card facilities will be available but we always recommend bringing some cash as a back up.
VALUABLE AND BAG DROP
Phone/keys/valuables that can fit into to an envelope can be left in our valuable storage which is a free manned service. Please use it well in advance of your start time to prevent queues. We will have an unmanned, uncovered bag drop – if you wish to leave a bag here with clothes etc in please ensure it is waterproof. Please note that Rat Race cannot accept liability for items brought to the Mighty Deerstalker and you should ensure you have appropriate insurance in place.
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NUTRITION
Please start the race well hydrated and fuelled. There will be one water only stop on the Half Stalker and two on the Full Stalker. You may want to carry energy gels during the race. PLEASE DO NOT LITTER. There will be bins at the water point and in the Event Village. Double Stalkers only will have access to a Pit Stop before their second lap which will have some snacks and cups of tea available before you head out again!
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DOGS
Dogs are welcome in the Event Village, however, they are not permitted in the camping field or marquees within the Event Village.
INCIDENT CONTACTS DURING THE EVENT
1. For all incidents contact the Race Director or Medical Team
2.Failing this, in the event of a true emergency or serious incident call 999....then inform the Race Director or Medical Team
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NOTE: Emergency numbers are issued at Registration. Text or call back if you do not get through.DO NOT leave voicemails. The Rat Race phoneline is only active during this event.
DOUBLE STALKER
Key Info for Double Stalker only:
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Registration opens at 1300
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You will receive a double stalker vest at registration to wearing during the event.
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There will be a pitstop providing snacks and hot drinks before you begin your second lap.
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The second lap cut off is 18.30.
TIMINGS
SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER
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1230 – Parking opens for DOUBLE Stalkers only
1300 - Registration / Camping opens for DOUBLE Stalkers only
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1430 - Parking opens for FULL & HALF Stalkers
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1500 - Registration / Camping opens for FULL & HALF Stalkers
1530 – Double Stalker wave starts
1720 – Wave 1 starts – Full Stalker only
1735 – Wave 2 starts – Full and Half Stalker
1750– Wave 3 starts – Full and Half Stalker
1800 – Registration closes
1805 – Wave 4 starts – Full and Half Stalker
1820 – Wave 5 starts – Full and Half Stalker
1830 – Wave 6 starts – Full and Half Stalker
1830 – Double Stalker lap 2 start cut off
1930 – Live music starts in the Beerstalker Tent
1930 – Half Stalker cut off at 4.1km or 2.5 miles
2130 – Full Stalker cut off at 8.9km or 5.5 miles
2330 – Catering and Beerstalker Tent close
0000 – Main gates locked, no vehicular access
SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER
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0700 – Catering opens for breakfast in the Event Village
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1100 – All tents (and litter) to be cleared from the campsite
1200 – All vehicles to be cleared from the car park
CUT OFFS
In order to effectively and safely manage everyone around the course, we will apply a ‘cut off time’ to all courses. These times will be very generous and give you the best chance of getting to the finish line!
Double Stalkers must start their second lap by 1830. The Half and Full Stalker cut offs below will then be applied to your second lap.
For the Half ‘Stalker route this is at 1930 where you must be past the 4.1km or 2.5 miles mark.
For the Full ‘Stalker route this is at 2130 where you must be past the 8.9km or 5.5 miles mile mark.
If cut off you will be directed to the return route back to the finish.
AFTER PARY & CAMPING
FOOD AND BEERSTALKER PARTY TENT
We’ve lined up some excellent caterers to refuel you after your adventure including:
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Over Hot Coals - Burger
Foodpunks - Pizza
Veitch’s Vegan Catering
Really Awesome Coffee
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Opening times:
Saturday 14:00 - 23:30
Sunday 07:00 - 11:00 (for breakfast)
To get the party started we have some fantastic live music from Sparky and the Choir Boys who are returning to the Beerstalker tent for the 3rd time to send us off in style!
The party is a ticketed event and every race entry includes a party ticket but if you’ve got some supporters with you they will need to pre-purchase a ticket and pick it up at the ticket office. The bill payer will need to collect all tickets purchased.
The Beerstalker Tent is a licensed premises, with restrictions on supply and consumption of alcohol. Proof of age will be required to access the BeerstalkerTent after 2100. Alcoholic beverages on sale will include local ale, lager, wine and spirits. No glass or personal alcohol is to be brought into the Beerstalker tent. Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and you will be removed from the premises.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY, LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER, AND MAKE SURE YOUR GROUP GETS SAFELY TO BED.
CAMPING
Camping is ticketed. Tickets need to be pre-purchased and picked up at the ticket office. The bill payer will need to collect all tickets purchased.
Marshals will be on site to direct you to where you should camp.
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The campsite is TENTS ONLY. Please do not turn up in your campervan, motorhome, caravan or tentbox as you will be turned away.
If you wish to camp with mates, please arrive together. Space will be assigned as you arrive.
All tents should be pitched a minimum of 2m apart from each other. Please take care to ensure your chosen pitch location does not conflict with any other tent’s entrance or guy lines.
The camping location is a short walk away from the car park, next to the event village.
Come prepared with warm clothes and a sleeping bag (or bags). It will be cold and you will be tired.
Please respect other campers and the ground you are camping on. Please take away everything you bring.
Take careful note of your nearest Fire point.
After the party please assume that others are now sleeping. You may want to party on, but others are more likely to want to get some rest.
The following items are NOT permitted within the camping area:
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Tents exceeding 4m x 4m unless accommodating more than 4 people.
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Gazebos and tents for common areas are not permitted.
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Open fires, BBQs, large ‘Calor Gas’ bottle style cooking units/heating units.
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Stereos, or noise making devices. There is a noise curfew of midnight which you are asked to respect.
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Glasses or glass bottles of any kind. With respect to the venue, any of the above items found onsite may be confiscated, and/or the owners may be required to leave the site.
PARTICIPANT SAFETY ADVICE
Our safety system for operating this unique challenge in hilly, dark and wintry conditions has been well proven over the last decade. We have outdoor professionals including private paramedics and professional, dedicated mountain rescue personnel in attendance but caring for yourself and your fellow #ratracer is vital.
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CONSIDER YOUR KIT
Bring full body cover options with you, should the weather deteriorate in the final hours before your run. Consider any other items you may want such as energy, snacks and drinks. There is a water stop on the course, but please do not solely rely on this if you think you will take a while to complete the course.
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BE A GOOD SAMARITAN
During your run look out for the signs of others on the course seriously struggling or injured and report this to the next course marshal, event first aider, or bailout with them to a point of help. If you see someone in trouble: HELP them, you are the nearest person to be able to assist. In reality, incidents like this are extremely rare, and you’ll be amongst hundreds of people having a jolly (if not strenuous) time. Any participant who gives up their race to aid a fellow participant will receive their event entry back in credit to use again. When finishing there is the real threat of getting cold. Fast. The best solution for this is to get to the changing tent and put on a change of clothes before heading the Beerstalker tent to warm up. For those requiring some medical assistance there is a First Aid tent in the event village
TACKLING THE ON COURSE CHALLENGES
We’ve tested and practiced all the activities in this event ourselves, and now we require that you tackle all of mother nature’s challenges sensibly, and with the knowledge that you can make decisions independent from any verbal instruction from marshals that may be present. The hills are both very steep and require care going up and down. You should expect the ground to be loose and/or slippery underfoot and therefore to run in a controlled manner at all times.
Here are some guidelines for safe practice that you must note:
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Be aware of the ever changing terrain and gradient throughout this event and adjust your speed appropriately. Remember the scope and detail of your vision is reduced at night.
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If there is a marshal giving instructions, pay close attention, but ultimately take actions you consider safe.
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If choosing to help another participant, do so carefully and with their consent.
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No stunts or ‘showboating’ should be attempted.
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Pay attention to your surroundings, keeping head, arms and hands clear of any protrusions.
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Move away from the activity promptly once completed. This will make the course run smoothly for everyone.
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Complete the activity ONCE only.
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Do not rush. Do not barge or jostle with other participants.
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Do not drink the water.
ANY QUESTIONS?
CUSTOMER SERVICE
If you have any questions not answered in here please do reach out to us on events@ratrace.com and our friendly team will get back to you as soon as we can. You can also use our live chat function to talk to us (not a robot!) on www.ratrace.com between the hours of 0900 - 1600 Mon - Thurs. 
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TRANSFER ENQUIRIES
The transfer window has now closed as per our standard terms and conditions here. We are unable to process any new transfer requests or make any exceptions as the deadline has passed.
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PAIR AND TEAM ENTRIES
If you are a part of a pair or team entry please ensure all your details are filled in before the 21st November 2023 for each person. Any late submissions will be subject to a £15 admin fee to create your Adventure Pack on the day. Just login to your Rat Race account to add these details.
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That's all for now folks, see you on 2nd December!
Rob Atkin
Race Director, The Mighty Deerstalker