ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2024
MAN VS COAST
ARE YOU READY TO TACKLE OUR SPECTACULAR CORNISH COASTAL ADVENTURE?
This is our Essential Event Information document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know. Soon you'll be stood on that seaside start line gearing up for a wet 'n' wild 25 miles packed full of some of the UK's most beautiful trails and more than one dip in the sea...read on to find the answers to all your questions ahead of the big day!
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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: 07/05/2024
SKIP TO SECTION
PRE-EVENT ACTIONS
REGISTRATION REMINDERS:
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Registration is open from 14:00-22:00 at Penzance Leisure Centre TR18 3QW.
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Online Disclaimers must be completed before you register. You will be required to show your disclaimer completion confirmation email at the entrance of Registration before progressing to kit check.
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You will need to bring the key items listed in the Kit List section of this document for inspection at kit check.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Online Disclaimer MUST be completed before Registration, you can do this HERE. You will be required to show your disclaimer completion confirmation email at the entrance of Registration before progressing to kit check and tracker collection.
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Registration is on Friday 5th July between 1400 - 2200 at Penzance Leisure Centre TR18 3QW. You must register between these times, there is no option to register on the morning of the event.
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Bib Numbers will be posted out in advance of the event. You should expect to receive your adventure pack around 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will be required to collect their adventure pack from Registration. If your postal address has changed since you signed up to the event, please contact us on events@ratrace.com with your new address so we can update this.
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Waves will be indicated by your bib number colour. BLUE bibs (Wave 1) will start at 0900. GREEN bibs (Wave 2) will start at 0915 and ORANGE bibs (Wave 3) will start at 0930. A waved start is necessary to ensure an enjoyable start experience for all #ratracers.
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Kit check of key items at Registration. You will need to bring these key items with you and will only be able to progress to tracker collection when you have passed kit check. More information on the key items required can be found in the Kit List section.
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Pair entry details must be filled in via your RR account by the 10th June 2024. After this date there will be a £15 charge per person.
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The transfer deadline is 5th June 2024. You can find more information on our transfer policy HERE and submit a request via your RR account. We are unable to process any transfer requests or make any exceptions after the deadline has passed.​
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Trackers will be picked up at Registration.
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Bag drop and toilets are available at the start on the morning of the event. Please ensure you bag is tagged with the name tags provided with your bib number.
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Waymarking: This event is fully waymarked please do not follow any GPX routes you may have downloaded online from previous editions.
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Road Safety: This event takes place on public paths, shared access trails and live roads. There are no closed road sections please always exercise caution.
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Route: 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!
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Supporters must follow our instructions as there are numerous points where the route is not accessible by vehicles or they are narrow/private roads.
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The finish is at Land's End TR19 7AA
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You can track runners on the day by clicking HERE (this link will not be live until closer to the event).
REGISTRATION INFO
HOW TO GET THERE
Registration is at Penzance Leisure Centre on the 5th July ONLY between 1400 - 2200. There is no registration available on the 6th July before the start.
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Many people travelling by car can underestimate how long it will take to get to beautiful west Cornwall, especially on a Friday. We recommend taking the day off work and heading south-west early. Google might say that it’s 6hrs from London to Penzance but in our experience it’s closer to 8hrs on a Friday afternoon.
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The leisure centre has limited parking available but additional parking is arranged at the Penwith College car park across the road of St. Clare Street
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The postcode for Registration is TR18 3QW
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REGISTRATION STEPS
1) Bib Number - You will receive your bib number through the post 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will need to collect their race packs in person on 5th July from the information/help desk at Registration.
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2) Disclaimer - Show your online disclaimer confirmation email at the entrance of Registration and receive your MVC Rat Rag. You can complete the online disclaimer now HERE, it takes 2 mins and we encourage you to do this now and certainly well in advance of the event to avoid any delays for you on the day.
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3) Mandatory Kit Check - We will need to see the some specific key items to allow you to proceed, please see the Kit List section for a list of the kit we will be checking at Registration and ensure you bring all of the items to Registration with you.​
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4) Tracker Collection - You will be issued your tracker from Open Tracking. There will be a link available on the website closer to the event for you to share with friends/family so they can track your progress over the weekend. There is some important guidance on the trackers below so please do ensure you read this.
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Registration complete!
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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.
PRE-ORDERED T-SHIRTS
If you pre-ordered an 2024 event tech t-shirt, these will be available for collection in the Rat Race Store in the Registration Hall.
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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.
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We recommend that people use the Open Tracking website and not the app for the best experience. The tracking link can be found on the The Man Vs Coast website closer to the event.
KEY INFORMATION
KEY LOCATIONS
Registration: Penzance Leisure Centre TR18 3QW
Start: Station Carpark, Marazion TR17 0DA
Finish: Land's End, Sennen, TR19 7AA
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START WINDOW
There will be limited parking available in this carpark. We have an additional car park 200m away, next to the Lodey Kite Loft, TR20 9TT, this will be signed.
All day parking is available very close by for £5 for the full day. All cars must be collected by 21:00 on Saturday 6th July. Cars MUST NOT be left overnight under any circumstances. They will be locked in. There will be toilets available at the start.
You should aim to be at the start one hour before your start time. There are 3 start waves (9:00,9:15, 9:30) and you will only be allowed to enter the wave that matches your coloured bib number.
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EVENT VILLAGE
The finish is at Land's End which is also where the Man vs Coast finish line parking is.
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FINISH LINE PARKING
Finish line parking will open at 0530 on Saturday 6th July (1.5 hours before the first bus transfer departs). The parking will close at 2100 on Saturday 6th July. All vehicle must be off site by this time.
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Please note there is strictly no camping or overnight stays permitted in the car park. Anyone found camping will be ask to leave the site by the event team.
Directions - follow the signs for Land's End, Sennen, TR19 7AA. You will then pick up our Rat Race Parking signage, please follow these to the finish line car park.
Parking Tickets - If you have purchased parking already, you must show your email confirmation at the entrance of the car park. We strongly recommend you screenshot this email confirmation on your phone ahead of arriving to speed up the entry process and avoid any delays for you if internet/signal is limited.
If you intend to use our finish line car park, you must purchase this HERE before 2nd July. After this date, there may be limited availability on the day but this is not guaranteed.
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START LINE PARKING
Start line parking will open at 0730 on Saturday 6th July. The parking will close at 2100.
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Please note there is strictly no camping or overnight stays permitted in the car park. Anyone found camping will be ask to leave the site by the event team.
Directions - follow directions to the following postcode: TR20 9TT. You will then pick up our Rat Race Parking signage, please follow these to the start line car park.
Parking Tickets - If you have purchased parking already, you must show your email confirmation at the entrance of the car park. We strongly recommend you screenshot this email confirmation on your phone ahead of arriving to speed up the entry process and avoid any delays for you if internet/signal is limited.
If you intend to use our start line car park, you must purchase this HERE before 2nd July. After this date, there may be limited availability on the day but this is not guaranteed.
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FOOD
We have the following food vendors joining us in the Event Village to help you refuel and caffeinate! There are also lots of local options for food depending on what you fancy.
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Brewing Duck Coffee (1-9pm)
Smashed Tomato pizza (1-9pm)
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RAT RACE BUS TICKETS
You can book a seat on our buses leaving the event village for the start line. These are at 0700 and 0800. Book your seat here for £12.50 per person.
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You will be able to purchase tickets, subject to availability, until 2nd July. After this date, there may be bus tickets available to purchase at Registration but this is not guaranteed.
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PRE-BOOK TAXIS
Penzance Taxis offer a pre and post adventure shuttle service. These are coordinated with Penzance Taxis and not with Rat Race.
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On the morning of the event, taxi's will be available from the event village in Land's End to the start for £11 per person.
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After the event taxi's will be available from the event village to Penzance Train Station for £8 per person.
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Shuttle tickets can be purchased at Registration but can also be pre-ordered with Penzance Taxis via laura@mountlidden.com and paid in cash on the day. Alternative destinations are available and can be pre-booked in advance or requested on the day.
BAG DROP + ON COURSE INFO
We will transport a small bag from the start to the finish for you if needed max 20kg. Please ensure this is tagged with your bag tag (provided with your bib number) and that it is waterproof as it will be exposed to the elements.
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Please ensure the pack you are wearing during the event is tagged with your named bag tag. You will drop this at designated places before water activities and come back to pick it up. We recommend waterproofing electronics and essential kit with dry bags to protect it.​
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.
MANDATORY KIT LIST
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Trail shoes
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Running pack/vest or other appropriate method of carrying your kit. We recommend our Great Glen bag that is tried and tested!
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Hydration bladder or bottles. A 2L carrying capacity is required.
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Basic first aid kit containing a triangular or conformable roller bandage, assorted adhesive dressings including 1 at least 100mm x 100mm. Gauze or gauze bandage and paracetamol.
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Spare food to be carried with you
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Survival bag, NOT blanket - BUY HERE
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Whistle - BUY HERE
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Reusable cup suitable for hot drinks at Pit Stops - BUY HERE
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Waterproof Jacket with TAPED OR WELDED SEAMS as a minimum standard - BUY HERE
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Insulating layer merino or synthetic similar
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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)
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Fully charged phone
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Method of payment (card/cash/apple pay)
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Tracker (supplied)
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Hat or buff suitable for weather conditions and a pair of gloves
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Waterproof bag liner/dry bag to keep your kit dry
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RECOMMENDED KIT
This kit is not mandatory but more 'common sense' additions.
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Sun cream/sunglasses
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Blister treatment kit. Our paramedics will prioritise live cases and they are not a foot care service, we recommend that you know how to treat your feet if hot spots and blisters do occur and that you are self contained.
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Waterproof leg cover with taped seams.
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CHANGES TO KIT LIST
IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES FOR THE EVENT THIS WILL BE COMMUNICATED BY EMAIL PRIOR TO THE EVENT​.​
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The emergency kit is important for several reasons:
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It helps you to help yourself should you have a problem.
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We are in this together and you may need to assist others if they have a problem.
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In the case of an incident our Race Control and Medical teams will make decisions based on the knowledge that you all have this equipment.
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Carrying the kit is a requirement for everyone and hence provides an equal and fair challenge.
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It is part of our risk assessment process that is shared with insurers. Your insurance may be invalid if you do not follow our advice.
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If your lack of kit preparation contributes to making an incident more serious, then you may be avoidably drawing resources from our medical team and the emergency services at the expense of others.
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Without the kit you will be unable to complete registration. If during the race you are not carrying the mandatory kit then you will be disqualified and deemed to have not completed the challenge.
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WATERPROOFS AND BIVVY BAG NOTES
Our kit list includes waterproof trousers and jackets with TAPED SEAMS as a minimum standard. See photograph of what a taped seam look like HERE so you know what our team will be checking. There is also a need for an emergency bivvy bag. Blankets are NOT acceptable as these do not meet the needs of having to survive when injured and immobile in bad weather while waiting for assistance.
REGISTRATION KIT CHECK - 5TH JULY
In order to complete Registration and receive your tracker, you will need to bring and show the following key mandatory kit list items to be checked. It does not have to be event ready and we recommend bringing it in a big bag for life or similar to pass through the station quickly:
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1) Running pack/vest or other appropriate method of carrying your kit.
2) Waterproof Jacket with TAPED or WELDED SEAMS as a minimum standard (see photograph for seam example)
3) Bivvy Bag (NOT blanket)
4) Personal basic first aid kit (see kit list for require contents)
5) Insulating layer merino or synthetic similar
6) Hat suitable to the conditions (a Rat Rag is OK).
7) Minimum 2L carrying capacity hydration bladder or bottles
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You will NOT be able to proceed to tracker collection until the Reg team have checked all of these items. Please note the entire mandatory kit list is just that, mandatory. We will be checking key items but you MUST carry the full kit list with you at all times. The event team reserve the right to check you are carrying the full kit list at any point during the event.
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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THE SEA, CLIFFS AND FORESHORE ROCK
The cliffs of Cornwall have a reputation for a good reason, and you need to exercise caution. With the safety of our participants as number1 priority, we have studied the environment to ensure that everyone makes safe passage and gets to fully enjoy this unique landscape. To achieve this, we may have to make dynamic changes to how the event progresses to take account of prevailing weather and sea conditions. Unfortunately, an accurate picture of what measures will be in place cannot be given until much closer to the event as it is the weather and the tides that will drive what action we take. IN ALL CASES, you must obey whatever instructions you are given at each activity location. Doing as you are told will keep you safe, our decisions will only be made on safety grounds and it is imperative that you trust us to keep you safe and that you play your part by following the instructions.
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THE ROUTE
At 25 miles and over 3000ft of ascent this is a beast! The route will be fully waymarked so there is no need for navigation. We thoroughly recommend you keep your head up not only to see the signs but to also appreciate the magnificent views of Cornwall, from moor to cliff and sea, and the achievement of crossing Cornwall and reaching Land’s End in a day! Once you reach the North Coast, you will be predominantly following the South-West Coast Path, with some short excursions off of it – for some action! Whilst tide times are reliable sea states and swell predictions are not.
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Your safety is always our priority so there maybe activities that are planned that we just can’t do on the day. Of course, we will do everything we can to give you all the activity we want to do but even Rat Race can’t control the sea. This means the actual route completed may differ slightly from this published version. Here is the planned activity list for the route, sea state allowing. These activities are a mixture of purely natural challenges and some where we have augmented the work of mother nature and are fairly spread across the route. Here is an overview and teaser of what to expect! Please remember that every activity can be bypassed if you are not comfortable taking part in it.​
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400m: That's right you're going straight in! Full immersion round a swim buoy.
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1 mile: Pipe Laying. Wading, wet legs only.
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1.5 miles: Rock and Roll. Wading. Wet legs only.
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2.5 miles: River Scramble / WET LEGS​
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11 miles: Hit the Beach / FULL IMMERSION​
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11.5 miles: Foreshore Scramble / MAINLY DRY
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14 miles: Foreshore Scramble / MAINLY DRY​
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16.8 – 17.4 miles: Vertical Kilometre​
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21 miles: Surf’s Up! FULL IMMERSION​
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22 miles: Harbour Launch / FULL IMMERSION​
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22 miles: Foreshore scrambling, rope bridges and coasteering jumps / FULL IMMERSION
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25 miles: Finish line and ice cream! Grab a celebratory ice cream at the finish line on us!
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The term ‘Scrambles’ is deliberate. Expect to use your hands. Activity supervisors are on standby to help you if needed.
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The activities on Man vs Coast pit you against the sea, tides, swell , wind and whatever the weather decides to bring. Cornwall is surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean and despite trying we can't control that. We will always make decisions that ensure you are safe throughout the event. That may mean if the conditions become unfavourable that an activity may be removed from the event. This may be until conditions improve or for the remainder of the event. We will start with everything ready and best intentions to do everything, lets hope the sea lets us do just that. ​​
PIT STOPS
​There will be 3 Pit Stops at approx 6.5 miles, 12 miles and 17 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! 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.
We do not provide sports nutrition products at our Pit Stops as these are a personal choice and you should have tried and tested supplements with you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unfortunately, these Pit Stops are not at locations where we can allow direct vehicle access for supporters however, Pit Stop 2 and 3 can be reached on foot from nearby villages. We do also have alternative advice where they can see you throughout the day, see below for more details.
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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PS1 6.5 miles Boskednan 1230
PS2 12 miles Pendeen 1430
PS3 17 miles Carn Gloose 1630
Sennen Cove (activity) 18:30
Course closes 19:30
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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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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
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Where there are footing options on the ground do not tread on the more sensitive vegetation, flowers, or mosses.
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If you detect that you are near a nesting or agitated bird, then take a very wide berth, sticking to a path where possible.
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Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home.
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Follow advice and local signs.
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For this event there is an extra level of vigilance required with regards to biosecurity and the need to prevent invasive non-native species (INNS) from entering the local eco systems. To help prevent the spread of INNS, be prepared before you arrive. We ask that ALL your kit (shoes, shorts, bags etc) are CLEAN and DRY BEFORE you come to the event. This is simply the good practise and as we all know –clean kit is faster than dirty kit!
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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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SUPPORTER INFORMATION
SUPPORTER ACCESS
Bringing a supporter with you will help the logistics massively. This is a one-way adventure in a very rural location so it’s difficult to rely on public transport to move between the key locations. When you’re feeling at a low point, sometimes just a smile from a friend can be enough to pick you up and keep you going so it will be nice to see them as well!
We can recommend Supporter locations as follows:
Pit stop 1 is inaccessible to supporters.
Pit stops 2 and 3 can only be accessed on foot. They are a 10-minute walk from a village.
Pit Stop 2: The Old Coast Guard's campsite (very near Lighthouse). At 12 miles. This MUST ONLY be accessed after parking in Pendeen village. Pendeen village has many amenities.
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Pit Stop 3: Carn Gloose. At 17 miles. This MUST ONLY be accessed either by parking in St. Just village main car park and then following signs towards Cape Cornwall – then Carn Gloose Road, or by parking at Cape Cornwall and then walking onwards on the route to the Pit Stop – 800m. At Cape Cornwall the National Trust (pay) car park has toilet facilities and the runners pass close by. St. Just is very well appointed with amenities.
Supporter Point, Sennen Cove: At 21.5 miles. This busy village is an excellent location to watch the runners pass through, and along the beach. Your car parking options are best as:
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. The large field car park before the Cove, at the top of the steep hill TR19 7BT, then walking 1km downhill to the beach.
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The car park at the beach, TR19 7DG.
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The smaller Gwynver Beach surfer’s car parkat TR19 7BB.
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The smallest Harbour Commissioners car park at TR19 7DB.
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The Finish: Here we ask that you park in the designated event parking areas, charged at £5 per car for those that are there on Saturday afternoon only.
VOLUNTEERS & MERCH
GOT A SUPPORTER WHO WOULD LOVE TO JOIN THE CREW?
We're on the look out for some extra volunteers to help during Registration, man the finish line handing out medals and also cheer you all on at the Pit Stops. Volunteers help contribute to the amazing, friendly atmosphere you'll find at Man Vs Coast and they have an incredible day supporting our #ratracers to boot.
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As a volunteer you will receive:
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£50 cash travel contribution
£100 event credit or a Rat Race duffel bag
A crew Rat Rag
Access to hot drinks/snacks/food
A fun day out!
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AVAILABLE SHIFTS
You can sign up to any available shift here and the Rat Race team will be in touch ahead of the event to answer any questions you may have and give you your briefing documents.
ORDER YOUR MERCH
Pre-order your Man Vs Coast finisher hoodie and the legendary finishers t-shirt with your name on it! A very limited number of general The Wall hoodies and tees will be available to buy at Registration and at the finish line, secure your choice of design and size in advance.
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Finisher named hoodies and t-shirts are produced after the event and are exclusively pre-order only.
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!
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TRANSFER ENQUIRIES
If you need to withdraw from Man Vs Coast and go through our transfer process this closes on the 5th June. After this time we cannot process any transfer requests. For all the information regarding transfers please click here.
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PAIR ENTRIES
If you are a part of a pair entry please ensure both your details are filled in before the 10th June. 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.