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MAN VS MOUNTAIN

ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2023

ARE YOU READY FOR ONE FINAL ROUND OF MAN VS MOUNTAIN MADNESS?


This is our Essential Event Information document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know. Before you know it, you'll be shoulder to shoulder inside Caernarfon Castle alongside your fellow #ratracers, all united with Snowdon in your sights...read on to find the answers to all your questions ahead of our final farewell to this legendary mountain adventure!

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This EEI was last updated on 25/07/23

PRE-EVENT ACTIONS
REGISTRATION REMINDERS:

  • Registration is Friday 1st September only in Llanberis, LL55 4UR

  • Online disclaimer must be completed BEFORE you come to registration

  • You must bring all your mandatory kit to registration for kit check 

  • You must bring photo ID to registration

SKIP TO SECTION

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Online Disclaimers MUST be completed before you come to Registration. You can complete this HERE.

  • Registration is on 1st September between 1400 - 2200 at the Finish & Event Village field next to the Llanberis Community Centre, Llanberis, LL55 4UR.

  • You will need to show us all your mandatory kit at our kit check before you are cleared for registration, please bring it all with you, including your trainers!

  • Adventure packs will be picked up at registration, you must bring photo ID, you cannot pick up someone else's pack for them.

  • Trackers will be picked up at registration, these are issued and operated by Open Tracking.  Supporters can track participants via the link here.

  • The start is inside Caernarfon Castle, LL55 2AY. The first wave is at 0800.

  • If you have purchased the Saturday morning bus transfer from Llanberis to the start line, these will depart the Event Village from 0630 on Saturday. 

  • You can leave a bag with us on Saturday morning . You have 2 options: In Llanberis before boarding the bus/finding your own transport to the start or at the start line in Caernarfon Castle.

  • Bag drops and limited toilets are available at the start on the morning of the event​.

  • The transfer system for your entry closes on the 1st August, no entries can be transferred after this date.

  • This event is fully waymarked. Please do not follow any GPX routes you may have downloaded online from previous years.

  • You will carry your bag for the entire route but can remove it before taking on each water activity where total immersion is certain. Water activities are optional and can be bypassed.

  • Pair entry details must be filled in via your RR account by the 25th August. After this date there will be a £15 charge per person.

  • This event takes place on public paths, shared access trails and live roads. There are no closed road sections please always exercise caution.

  • We have strict arrangements and routings agreed with landowners and authorities, it is important that you follow all RR signage you see including instructions. If we ask you to close a gate behind you please do! 

  • Please ensure your supporters follow our instructions as there are numerous points where the route is not accessible by vehicles or they are narrow/private roads.

  • The finish is at our Event Village, next to the Llanberis Community Centre, Llanberis (LL55 4UR).

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REGISTRATION INFO

Registration Info
HOW TO GET THERE 

Registration is at the Event Village next to the Llanberis Community Centre on the 1st September ONLY between 1400 - 2200. There is no registration available on the 2nd September before the start. 

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There is NO PARKING in the Event Village field, however there are plenty of local options, the best of which is Padarn Country Park Car Park Pay & Display (LL55 4TY),  just around the corner on the way to Padarn Parc.

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The postcode for Registration is LL55 4UR

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KEY STAGES OF REGISTRATION

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1) Online Disclaimer - This must be completed before you attend registration. You will not be allowed to continue until this is complete.

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2) Kit Check - You will need to pass our full mandatory kit check before you proceed. Please bring everything on the list, including your trainers. We recommend just bringing everything in a large bag to enable you to show us everything easily. Event ready backpacks are a pain to unpack and repack with people watching! Further guidance on kit below.

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3) Race Pack and Tracker collection – You MUST have photo ID to register. You cannot collect someone else's race pack on their behalf.

 

4) Pre-ordered T-shirt collection -  If you have pre-ordered a MvM, this will be available to collect at registration.

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ONLINE DISCLAIMER

You must fill in your online disclaimer before you arrive at registration. Click the button below to complete yours.

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ADVENTURE PACK

Each person will receive an Adventure Pack at Registration this will contain: 

 

  1. Runner number and safety pins: please ensure you fill in the reverse with your emergency and medical information

  2. Bag Tags: these must be attached to the pack you are wearing for the event and your finish line bag if you are using this service.

  3. Start Wave Wristbands

  4. Pre-ordered bus tickets (if purchased)

TRACKER

You will be issued with your tracker from Open Tracking at registration.


The trackers rely on GSM & satellite signal to report, (which is generally very good across a lot of our route) but there is 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!). 


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.  


You must return this device at the end of the event there is a charge levied of £150 for any tracker that is not returned.


We recommend that people use the Open Tracking website and not the app for the best experience. The tracking  link for family and friends is here.

PRE-ORDERED T-SHIRTS

If you pre-ordered a Man Vs Mountain 2023 t-shirt, please collect this at registration.

INCIDENT CONTACTS DURING THE EVENT

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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

 

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.

KEY INFORMATION

KEY LOCATIONS 

Registration: Event Village next to Llanberis Community Centre, Llanberis, LL55 4UR.

Start: Caernarfon Castle, LL55 2AY.

Finish: Event Village, Llanberis, LL55 4UR.

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START 

You should aim to be at the start one hour before your start time. There are 4 start waves (8:00, 8:15, 8.30, 8:45) and you will only be allowed to enter the wave that matches your wristband. 

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There are many car parks on nearby. Best option is:

  • Slate Quay Car Park, LS55 2AY.

 

The nearest rail station is Bangor and there are regular buses between Bangor and Llanberis.

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There will be limited toilets available at the start.

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EVENT VILLAGE

The finish is at the Event Village next to Llanberis Community Centre, Llanberis, LL55 4UR  

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There is NO PARKING in the Event Village field, however there are plenty of local options, the best of which is Padarn Country Park Car Park Pay & Display (LL55 4TY),  just around the corner on the way to Padarn Parc.

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BUS TICKETS

Our bus transfers to the start line will depart the Event Village in Llanberis from 06:30 and will run until all ticket holders are at the start line.

 

Please note, space on this service is limited and will sell out. You can grab your seat for £10 here.  For those in earlier waves, we will ensure you are on the first buses to leave.

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Bus ticket wristbands are collected from registration and will need to be worn to get access to the pre-event buses.

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BAG DROP + ON COURSE INFO

 

If you wish to leave a bag with us on Saturday morning, you have 2 options: 

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  1. In Llanberis before boarding the bus/finding your own transport to the start line

  2. At the start line in Caernarfon

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If you wish to leave your bag with us at the start line, we provide a free bag transfer service to the finish line on race day.

 

This will be limited to 1 item per person: A bag of 70 litres weighing no more than 15kg. These size and weight restrictions will be strictly managed: too big or too heavy and it won’t be allowed on the vehicle. The bag drop location will take place near to the start line, on the Saturday morning before you start. Bags left with us should be suitable for being sat on wet grass.

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You must ensure the bag tags you collect at registration are fixed to your both your finish line bag and your running pack â€‹

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You will carry your running pack for the entire route but can remove it before taking on each water activity where total immersion is certain.

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TAXI SERVICE TO CAERNARFON

 

If you’re staying in Caernarfon or if you have parked there, we will have a taxi shuttle service available from the finish line. Departing from Llanberis from 1400, taxi seats will be available to take you back to Caernarfon. These services will leave from the Community Centre (LL55 4UR). The cost will be a fixed £5/seat and will be payable on boarding the cab.​

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. Spot checks are carried out throughout the event and you will not be able to continue if you are found to not be carrying the requisite items.

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  • Small Rucksack, Bum Bag or Ultra-Running Pocket Vest or other appropriate method of carrying your kit.

  • Running Shoes - Trail Shoes are recommended.

  • Hydration Bladder or Bottle(s) with a minimum 1000ml capacity: We will likely increase if the forecast is hot and dry.

  • Food – Min 400kcal (about 4 gels): Always plan to have excess. This is a Minimum with a capital M and our meaning here is that you have this fuel on you as a minimum AT ALL TIMES. i.e. you always have 4 gels (or equivalent) as Emergency Supplies. Please take enough food to be on the mountain, possibly in poor conditions, for up to 8 hours. Ensure you have enough salt and calories in your food. 

  • Race Number (Collected at Registration)

  • Waterproof Jacket with TAPED SEAMS as a minimum standard. See image here for an example of taped seams. 

  • Hat (a Rat Rag or buff is OK)

  • Gloves (lightweight running gloves are OK) 

  • Survival Bag - NOT blanket, essential for unplanned stops 

  • Basic first aid kit containing assorted adhesive dressings including 1 at least 100mm x 100mm. Gauze or gauze bandage and paracetamol.

  • Whistle: Effective for getting attention in an emergency 

  • Fully charged Mobile Phone: Good for repatriations at the busy finish.

  • Method of payment (card/cash/apple pay)

  • Additional full length leg cover if you are running in shorts (eg a pair of leggings, if you are wearing leggings you do not need to carry a second pair)

  • Tracker:  This will be provided at registration. You must return this device at the end of the event there is a charge levied of £150 for any tracker that is not returned.

  • Medical contact numbers: (This will be provided at Registration)

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RECOMMENDED KIT

This kit is not mandatory but more 'common sense' additions.

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  • Technical Tee and/or a quality base layer

  • Full Waterproof leg cover with taped-seams (This item may be upgraded to mandatory closer to the event date)

  • Additional upper body thermal layer

  • Sun screen

  • Sun glasses

  • Blister treatment kit

  • Some form of identification

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Still need to grab some kit? Head to the Rat Race Store here.

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DO NOT SKIMP WITH YOUR KIT. RESPECT THE MOUNTAIN.

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KIT CHECK NOTES AND TIPS
In order to speed up kit check at Registration we've put some common reasons people do not pass kit check first time to help you prepare 
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Where we ask you to carry 2L this is a carrying capacity, you do not have to carry 2L of water with you at all times. But we need you to have the ability to do so should you need it. Please be ready to show us 2L not 1.5L.

 

Don't forget your shoes! Wear them to kit check.

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Check your waterproofs are taped seams. You can do this by turning them inside out and it will look like someone has taped them.

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Do not bring your kit 'race ready' and packed into your backpack, we are going to make you unpack the whole thing to check it. Instead bring it in a bigger bag (but bring your running pack!) to let you get everything out in one go then you can repack it at leisure without hundreds of people watching!  A bag for life is your friend here.

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Please do not argue with our volunteers and staff. We are following a tried and tested procedure designed to keep you safe and help you succeed. Aggressively questioning the items on the list isn't going to change the list.

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CHANGES TO THE LIST

We reserve the right to enhance the kit list if we feel it is necessary before the event due to the weather, this will be communicated via email so please ensure you have events@ratrace.com added to your whitelist so you receive any comms we send out.

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ELECTRONICS

Electronics will get submerged if you take them onto the water activities in the activity zone in Dinorwig quarry. You can remove your bag when you undertake each challenge. But just in case, have a plan for any watches, phones, media players, phones, cameras, etc in case of heavy rain or accidental submergence. Consider removing jewellery for the activities and do not wear anything around your neck in the activity zone.

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OUT ON THE ROUTE

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WAYMARKING

You will be shown examples of our waymarking at the startline briefing. This is predominantly hi-vis ORANGE arrows with the RR logo on, in addition you may see large hi-vis orange and yellow information signage or race tape. This will always have the RR logo on, please do not follow any signage that doesn't.

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YOUR SAFETY ON ROADS

When running on public roads you should face oncoming traffic and travel in single file (on the right hand side). However, should you be approaching a blind bend or rise, carefully move over to the other side of the road temporarily. Our signage and marshals will occasionally direct you to do this too, please follow their instructions. Should there be two-way traffic we ask that you stop to allow the car to pass you, ensuring you do not force the car behind you into the path of oncoming traffic. If there is a path available please use it.

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CHALLENGES

As if summitting Snowdon wasn't enough, we've thrown in an array of action-packed obstacles for you to tackle en-route! Here's what you can expect:

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Infamous Vertical Kilometre - What's a little more ascent after a mountain summit...

Walk the Plank Quarry Jump - Will you hold your nerve?

Llyn Padarn Paddle - A picture perfect paddle as you marvel at the mighty Snowdon that you’ve just conquered!

Slide Time - Take on an exhilarating plunge into Llyn Padarn before you head to the finish!

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We will give you the opportunity to drop off your rucksack before taking on each water activity that risks full immersion.

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We require that you tackle our obstacles and activities sensibly. Here are some guidelines for safe practice that you must note:

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  • Consider bypassing an obstacle if you lack confidence, have appreciable fear or are carrying an injury

  • Ensure that the approach, and the obstacle itself are clear from obstruction and there is no risk of collision.

  • If there is a marshal giving instructions, pay close attention.

  • If choosing to help participants, do so carefully, with their consent and without ‘launching’ them.

  • No stunts or ‘showboating’ should be attempted.

  • Pay attention to your surroundings, keeping head, arms and hands clear of any protrusions.

  • Spot your landing before jumping or lowering yourself from any obstacle.

  • Land with both feet. Bend your knees to absorb any shock.

  • Move away from the obstacle promptly.

  • Complete the obstacle ONCE only.

  • Do not rush. Do not barge or jostle with other participants.

  • Do not drink the water.

  • Remember to smile!

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SAFETY

We are taking all necessary measures to ensure you remain safe throughout the event, but part of the plan is the requirement for participants to be mindful of their own safety and act sensibly, follow instructions and take care throughout the event. i.e. Cross a road because you deem it safe to cross not just because a marshal has told you it is safe. You decide.

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The route will be fully waymarked. We will also have a sweep team to make sure everyone is safely around the course, a system that is enhanced by the GPS trackers.

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In case of severe weather on the mountain we may amend and shorten the route as required to ensure everyone’s safety. These decisions will not be taken lightly. Our objective is to get everyone over the summit of Snowdon and through all the obstacles.

 

RUNNING ON ROADS

Face oncoming traffic when on public roads and travel in single file i.e. run on the Right-Hand Side. However, should you be approaching a blind bend or rise, carefully move across to the other side of the road temporarily. The event signage and marshalling will occasionally direct you to do this too. Should there be two-way traffic, we ask that you stop and allow the car to manoeuvre safely around you – this ensures that you do not force the oncoming car out into the road, and into the path of the other car. If there is a roadside path or pavement, use this as first choice.

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MUSIC PLAYERS 

These must have their volume controlled according to your environment. It is IMPERATIVE that you knock the volume down to zero or very low when you are on public roads and cycleways. Please also be aware that if you cannot hear general voice levels you might miss instructions from marshals or other runners.

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LITTER

Please help us leave this beautiful part of the country litter free by ensuring you have a pocket ready for your on the move rubbish which you can then dispose of at the next Pit Stop. We will gladly take this from you, if you see a discarded gel or sweet wrapper we ask that you pick it up on behalf of your fellow #ratracer who we are sure dropped it by accident.

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PIT STOPS
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There are 2 pit stops en-route. At approximately 8 miles and 18 miles. These will be stocked with an array of tasty small snacks, including hot drinks but please note this is not a full lunch provision. You should plan to be pretty self-sufficient, do not solely rely on pitstops for your nutrition. 

 

We endeavour to cater to a wide range of dietary needs but due to the nature of operation we are unable to guarantee there is no cross contamination. If you have a severe allergy we recommend bringing your own stash with you.

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We do not provide sports specific nutrition products at our Pit Stops as these are a personal choice and you should have tried and tested supplements with you.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Supporter guidance here

Both Pit stops are ONLY accessible on foot. DO NOT attempt to drive to them. There is plenty of opportunity to cheer on your runner during the activities in Padarn Parc, head for Vivian Quarry for a great view of 'Walk the plank'. 

CUT OFFS

Cut offs are enforced and they are applied to your departure time not your arrival time into the location. If you are cut off you will be transported forward on the course using our sweeper vehicle. If you have supporters they can pick you up if you wish.

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Course cut off times will be in place to ensure that as many competitors as possible get to tackle most of the route. These times will be generous and are designed to ensure the event is completed in daylight.

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1200 – 8 miles


1600 – 19 miles (beginning of vertical KM)

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DROPPING OUT 

Once you have started, if you wish to drop out of the event at any point you must contact the Race Team to inform them and return your tracker to a member of staff, even if you do not need further support from us. If you do not have your own pick-up option (eg a support crew with you) we will arrange to collect you and move you forward along the course. We cannot move you backwards. Race Team numbers are supplied at Registration.

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COURSE ETIQUETTE AND LIVESTOCK

Please ensure all gates are closed behind you and never climb over locked gates. This is to ensure livestock do not escape fields so please do not leave it open for the next runner unless they are right behind you.

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ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOSECURITY ACTIONS

The landscapes that we will pass through are exceptionally beautiful and all are delicate in some way. It is everyone’s duty to do what we can to protect them. In all cases, everyone needs to follow the countryside code as a minimum: Respect. Protect. Enjoy

 

Respect other people

Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors. Take great care when passing near other tourist walkers, not to cause them to take hurried steps to avoid you. Hail them and enable them to step onto secure ground OR that you pass around them beside the trail.· Leave gates closed and property as you find it and follow paths unless wider access is available.

 

Protect the natural environment

  • Where there are footing options on the ground do not tread on the more sensitive vegetation, flowers, or mosses.

  • If you detect that you are near a nesting or agitated bird, then take a very wide berth, sticking to a path where possible.

  • Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home.

  • Follow advice and local signs.

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On completion of the event, please ensure that you wash thoroughly all your kit that has been in contact with water when you return home, especially before using it elsewhere.

 

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MY BIB NUMBER PHOTOS
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My Bib Number will be out on the course to capture the day. Sign up HERE before the event to receive a £5 early bird discount off your photos!

SUPPORTER INFORMATION

SUPPORTER ACCESS

Please don't attempt to drive the course or follow your runner in your car, any roads that are used are very narrow and we don't want to increase the risk to runners increasing the number of cars they encounter. 

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Both Pit stops are ONLY accessible on foot. DO NOT attempt to drive to them. There is plenty of opportunity to cheer on your runner during the activities in Padarn Parc, head for Vivian Quarry for a great view of 'Walk the plank'. 

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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 - Fri.   

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TRANSFER ENQUIRIES

If you need to withdraw from Man vs Mountain and go through our transfer process this closes on the 1st August. After this time we cannot process any transfer requests. For all the information regarding transfers please click here. 

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Please note that event credit is non transferable and is exempt from this process.

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ONLINE DISCLAIMER

You must fill in your online disclaimer before you arrive at Registration. Click the button below to complete yours.

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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 25th August  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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