THE ROUTE

THE ROUTE 

We are very proud of our routes! We’ve taken the main sites on the island and carefully weaved our way between them, connecting up as much as possible into an action packed 5 days. There are some road and track sections, but these are usually brief. The majority of the routes takes place off-road, on the trails.

​

Easter Island is formed by the result of volcanic activity. The results of those processes are clearly visible, which makes is a very cool place to run or hike. It does also present many natural tripping hazards due to the rugged terrain. So, there are definitely places where you will need to take good care and lift your feet up! Some of the trails are easier going, and there are some great grassy trails on the 50K big day.

​

TRAINING AND PREPARATION

​The ideal training for this event would involve a mixture of hiking and running, predominantly on hilly trails. The more you are able to do in the build up, the more comfortable you will be during the adventure. That said, the unique nature of this event (with many stops to talk about the history and culture of the amazing sites we will pass) means that you will have a few enforced breaks to stop and catch your breath. Phew!​​​​

ROUTE FINDING & GPS

We will be supplying GPX files for all activities. There will be some instances where this is more of a secondary feature and you will be asked to follow the local guide. There are other instances where there will not be a guide and this will be your primary method of navigation. This is true of the 50km day, which is supported by Pit Stops, but you will be running or hiking and your own pace, and navigating your own way.

​

Everyone should therefore have some practice and experience navigating from GPX files. We ask that you have a wrist based navigation device (such as a Garmin Fenix, though other devices are available!) as your primary means of navigation and the route downloaded on your mobile device on an app such as Komoot (again, others are available!) as a secondary means of navigation.​​

​

If you’re unsure how to use GPX files, don’t worry. We can help you with this. We also own a set of our GPS watch devices, so if you wish to hire, these are available via your RR account at a cost of £50. These are limited. 

​

To emphasise, the routes will NOT be waymarked. Sometimes you will be following one of our guides and sometimes you will be finding your own way. In all instances, you should have the routes downloaded to your devices in case of separation from the group.

​

GPX FILES 

We will also make available route GPX files for you to upload onto your own devices as you see fit. These files will be provided much closer to the commencement of the event, once we are satisfied, we have the definitive version to share. Experience has shown that we will never share the file until it is the final, final, final version. Or else we end up with version control issues that are hard to resolve. We do not anticipate major route changes from the route published, but never say never.  These files will be issued at the 1-week out email phase.

​

​PIT STOPS

Many of the places that we will take you to on this trip cannot be accessed by vehicle. That is one of the very best features of visiting Easter Island the Rat Race way, as we will show you many places that you would not otherwise see on a normal tour. This does also mean however, that we cannot always gain vehicle access to our routes to provide the normal Rat Race Pit Stop provision.

​

For many of the guides hike / runs, we will ask you to pack your food for the day. You will have your own snacks, water and a packed lunch that you take with you each morning. This will be supplemented by some foraging – Easter Island has an abundance of fruits all over the island – and we will also provide a top up of water and snacks at the event vehicles or the accommodation at the end of each day.

Where we are able to access the route, we will provide our normal Pit Stop service. This involves a minimum of water, some salty / savoury snacks, and a few sweet options.

​

There will be at least 3 Pit Stops on the 50K ultra day.

Whenever our Pit Stops or pre-issued snacks are made available, you must always remember that these are there to supplement your own snacks. We ask that you bring things that you are familiar with to get you through the week. What we provide should be viewed as an extra to top that up.

​

You must bring your own electrolytes / hydration solutions. There are limited supplies of such things on the island and these will NOT be provided at the Pit Stops.

​​​​​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 from where you were cut off the next day. (The event only ever moves forwards). You may however re-start the next day from the official re-start location; subject to the discretion of the event team.  

​

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 camp. We’d rather you re-started the next day vs suffer meaninglessly and spoil it for yourself. We call this being ‘boosted.’  

​

As far as the time available goes to avoid a cut-off, there is no ‘set’ cut off time each day. (ie. Time limit or published time). 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.  

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. 

​

It is important to remember here that all tours are optional. We would love for everyone to do everything. There is no ‘fluff’ in this one; every location that we are taking you to has it’s own story to tell and / or it’s own stunning views to be enjoyed! We do appreciate however that you may not wish to do it all, and that is fine. If this is the case, just let us know. Each evening, we will explain the next day to you and how things will work. You will then have the option to come and speak to us and let us know if you wish to do a little less or miss a day. Neither of those things presents a problem, we just need you to let us know so that we can create the best plan for you.

​

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…

​

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!