ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2023
SCOTLAND COAST TO COAST
A SPECTACULAR 100 MILE ADVENTURE IS WAITING FOR YOU IN THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND...
This is our Essential Event Information document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know before you tackle this brilliant journey. Please ensure you read it all and if you have any questions you can always get us on events@ratrace.com
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This EEI was last updated on 04/09/23
PRE-EVENT ACTIONS
REGISTRATION REMINDERS:
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Registration is Friday 8th September only in Nairn
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You must bring all your mandatory kit to Registration for kit check
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You must bring photo ID to Registration
SKIP TO SECTION
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
• Online Disclaimers must be completed before you come to Registration
• Registration is on the 8th September between 1400 - 2200 at Nairn Sports Club IV12 4BF.
• You will need to show us all your mandatory kit at our kit check before you are cleared for Registration.
• Please come to Registration BEFORE you rack your bike at Cawdor Castle.
• Adventure packs will be picked up at Registration, you must bring photo ID, you cannot pick up someone else's pack.
• Trackers will be picked up at registration, these are issued and operated by Open Tracking.
• The start is at Nairn Links IV12 4NQ on the 9th September.
• The start time for the One Day Participants is 0645.
• The start time for the Two Day Participants is 0830.
• Cut offs are the time you must LEAVE a transition by.
• Bag drop is available at the start line for One Day participants from 0600 and Two Day participants from 0730.
• Pair entry details must be filled in by the 1st September after this date there will be a £15 charge per person.
• The transfer system for this event closes on the 8th AUGUST no entries can be transferred after this date.
• This event is fully waymarked please do not follow any GPX routes you may have found.
• This event takes place on public paths, shared access trails and live roads. Please be courteous of other users.
• There are no closed road sections please always exercise caution.
• We have strict arrangements and routings agreed with landowners and authorities, please follow all instructions.
• Please ensure your supporters follow our instructions as there are numerous points where the route is not accessible.
• The finish is at the Isle of Glencoe Hotel, PH49 4HL. Hotel rooms at a special rate available.
• Bike transitions are fenced and you will need your security wristband to enter these areas. Issued at Registration.
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QUICK REFERENCE POSTCODES
Registration: IV12 4BF
Cawdor Castle Transition: IV12 5RD
Start line: IV12 4NQ
Invergarry Campsite: PH35 4HG
Fort William Transition: PH33 6XZ
Finish location: PH49 4HL
REGISTRATION INFO
MANDATORY KIT CHECK
There is a full mandatory kit check before you will be allowed to enter Registration. 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!
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HOW TO GET THERE
Registration is at Nairn Sports Club on the 8th September ONLY between 1400 - 2200. There is no registration available on the Saturday. The closest parking is in the Central Car Park, Co-op Car Park & Nairn Links Car Park.
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The postcode for Registration is IV12 4BF
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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.
We recommend that people use the Open Tracking website and not the app for the best experience.
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CAMPING TICKETS (2 DAY ONLY)
Those who have pre-booked camping at the halfway point on the 2 day adventure will pick up your camping passes at Registration. These can be purchased up until the 3rd September here.
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ADVENTURE PACK
Each person will receive an Adventure Pack at Registration this will contain:
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Runner number and safety pins
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Bag tags
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Bike number
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Bike compound wristband
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.
BIKES, BUSES & BAGS
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BIKE BEFORE THE EVENT STARTS
IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE AND DRIVING TO REGISTRATION
1. Go to Registration at Nairn Sports Club and pick up your Adventure Pack.
2. Attach your bike number to your bike.
3.Drive to the CAWDOR CASTLE Transition and rack your bike, including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.
You can also cycle to Cawdor from Registration if you prefer and catch our free shuttle service back.
IF YOU ARE HIRING A BIKE AND DRIVING TO REGISTRATION
1. Go to Registration at Nairn Sports Club and pick up your Adventure Pack.
2.Drive to the CAWDOR CASTLE Transition and head to the Cycle Hire Scotland bike pick up station.
3. Attach your bike number to your bike and rack it, including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.
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IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE AND YOU ARE ON THE RAT RACE BUS TRANSFER FROM THE FINISH IN BALLACHULISH
1. You will be taken to Cawdor Castle and register there NOT at Nairn Sports Club.
2. You and your luggage will be unloaded at Cawdor Castle while you register.
3. The bus will wait for one hour before heading to Nairn. This should be ample time to rack your bike and register.
4. For those who take longer than 1 hour we provide a free shuttle service to Nairn which runs on a loop. Please head to this pick up point.
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IF YOU ARE HIRING A BIKE AND YOU ARE ON THE RAT RACE BUS TRANSFER FROM THE FINISH IN BALLACHULISH
1. You will be taken to Cawdor Castle and register there NOT at Nairn Sports Club.
2. You and your luggage will be unloaded at Cawdor Castle while you register and pick up your bike from the Cycle Hire Scotland station.
3. The bus will wait for one hour before heading to Nairn. This should be enough time to collect, rack your bike and register.
4. For those who take longer than 1 hour we provide a free shuttle service to Nairn which runs on a loop. Please head to this pick up point.
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IF YOU ARE HIRING A BIKE AND USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO COME TO THE EVENT
1. Go to Registration at Nairn Sports Club and pick up your Adventure Pack.
2.Get on our free shuttle bus outside Registration to CAWDOR CASTLE Transition and head to the Cycle Hire Scotland bike pick up station.
3. Attach your bike number to your bike and rack it, including your helmet and bike shoes if you wish to.
4. Catch the free shuttle bus back to Nairn.
CAWDOR CASTLE TRANSITION
OPEN Friday 8th September 1400 - 2300​
Postcode: IV12 5RD
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Cycle Hire picked up here
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Rack your bike here on Friday
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Bike Compound only accessed with security wristband
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Anything left here on event day will be disposed of. DO NOT leave any kit here for us to transport on Saturday.
RAT RACE BUS TRANSFERS
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There are 5 bus transfer options available to help you plan your adventure. Places are limited and so we recommend you book earlier for peace of mind and to secure your seat.
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All seats are £50pp for you + space for your bike
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08/09 12:00 Pre-event Transfer to Nairn from the finish in Ballachulish (pick up location is the Harbour car park next to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel car park) SOLD OUT
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09/09 21:00 Post-event transfer to Nairn from Glen Coe 21 seats remaining
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10/09 10:00 Post-event transfer to Nairn from Glen Coe 20 seats remaining
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10/09 20:00 Post-event transfer to Nairn from Glen Coe 5 seats remaining
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11/09 10:00 Post-event transfer to Nairn from Glen Coe 4 seats remaining
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We operate a free shuttle service for Two Day Participants who may have booked accommodation in Fort Augustus on Saturday evening. This will run between the end of Day 1 location in Invergarry and Fort Augustus throughout Saturday afternoon and then again at 0730 on Sunday morning to get you to the startline for Day 2. No booking required.
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WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BIKE AT THE FORT WILLIAM TRANSITION
AT THE FINAL BIKE - RUN/TREK TRANSITION YOU HAVE 3 OPTIONS ON WHERE WE TAKE YOUR BIKE. PLEASE ENSURE YOU RACK YOUR BIKE IN THE CORRECT LOCATION.
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1. To the finishline for you to pick up after you finish the event.
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2. Back to the start in Nairn (ONLY AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A RAT RACE BUS TRANSFER) You will not see your bike once you have racked it here until you are back in Nairn.
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3. Cycle Hire Scotland hire bike returns
Supporters cannot pick your bike up for you from this location.
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Bikes that are racked incorrectly and subsequently cannot be collected will be delivered to you by courier at a cost of £250.
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You will be supplied in Transition with a plastic kit bag which can be used to store your cycling kit and transported onwards with your bike. Please write your runner number on this bag with the pens provided. If you have a hire bike we will move this kit bag onwards to the finish for you only.
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Bikes will be available to collect from the compound at the Isles of Glencoe hotel once you finish. Spectators cannot collect your bike for you.
FORT WILLIAM TRANSITION
Bike to final Run/Trek Transition
Postcode: PH33 6AN
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Bikes racked according to YOUR requested destination
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Cycle kit can be left here in a transition bag (provided) to transport with your bike
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Bike Compound only accessed with security wristband
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PLEASE ensure you rack your bike in the correct location. Incorrectly racked bikes will be charged a £250 redelivery fee if they cannot be collected.
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IMPORTANT there is a full mountain mandatory kit check at this transition to ensure you have all your required run/trek kit with you. Do not be tempted to put mandatory items in your cycling kit bag.
THE TRANSPORT OF BIKES THROUGHOUT THE EVENT
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You may need us to move your bike during Coast to Coast. We mainly move bikes using articulated lorries. This is supplemented with cage trailers towed by 4-wheel drive vehicles at the busy times at the Fort William transition. Bikes are stacked alternately, in an upright position, and secured with straps. The risk of damage to your bike is no more than most back-of-car carriers or what you will put the bike through while riding it along the route. This is the method we have used for the 10+ year history of the event. Rat Race will not be liable for any damage alleged during transit.
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At Fort William we do not do any preparation of the bikes before stacking. There will be bike lagging and tape available should you wish to protect your bike prior to them being loaded. We request that all pedals are removed and stored in your kit bags to assist with stacking the bikes efficiently.
BAG DROP
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We will move bags for you throughout this event only at the below times and locations:
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One Day Participants
9th September from 0600 STARTLINE to the FINISH
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Two Day Participants
9th September from 0730 STARTLINE to INVERGARRY
10th September from 0600 INVERGARRY to FINISH
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WHAT BAGS WILL WE MOVE?
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For One Day and Two Day participants we will move 1 bag each for you to the outlined locations. This can be no bigger than 70L and not weigh more than 15kg due to vehicle weight restrictions.
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Two Day participants may also give us a tent to transport weighing no more than 5kg per person and no more than 15kg in total.
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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Trail shoes.
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Running/trekking backpack.
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Hydration bladder or bottles. A 2L carrying capacity is mandatory.
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Basic first aid kit containing assorted adhesive dressings including 1 at least 100mm x 100mm. Gauze or gauze bandage and paracetamol.
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Food to be carried with you minimum 1000kcals.
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Survival bag, NOT blanket.
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Whistle.
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Reusable cup suitable for hot drinks.
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Waterproof jacket and trousers with TAPED OR WELDED SEAMS as a minimum standard.
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Additional upper body layer.
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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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Cycle helmet.
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Headtorch and spare batteries.
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RECOMMENDED KIT
This kit is not mandatory but more 'common sense' additions.
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Suncream/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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Puncture repair kit and bike pump.
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Bottle cage and bottles for your bike.
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Cycling gloves (good for the kayak too).
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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.
OUT ON THE ROUTE
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WAYMARKING
You will be shown examples of our waymarking at the start line 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. You may download the GPX files below but PLEASE always follow the arrows even if they differ from the gpx route as we may have to make dynamic changes on the day.
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YOUR SAFETY ON ROADS
Running Safety: 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 you must use it.
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Cycling Safety: This event takes place on ‘Live’ public roads, private roads, and shared access trails. You must courteously give way to other users on these routes, whether they are cars, other recreational walkers, horse riders, buggies, older people, hard of hearing etc. Despite pre-event cautions these ambient users may not know that the event is coming through, so slow down, give polite and clear instructions, and take safe passage around them.
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BAD WEATHER CONTINGENCY
With the safety of our participants as number1 priority, we may have to make dynamic changes to how the event progresses to take account of prevailing weather and wind conditions. Unfortunately, an accurate picture of what measures will be in place cannot be given until much closer to the event. If the thresholds are met where it becomes unsafe to operate the kayak leg we will redirect the run leg to Kinlochleven (approximately an extra 2 miles). We will operate a bus transfer from here to the finish hub at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel for participants.
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THE STAGES AND 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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One Day Participants
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Trek/Run 7 miles
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Cawdor Castle Transition
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Road Cycle 44 miles
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Off Road Cycle 20 miles
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Road Cycle 14 miles
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Fort William Transition CUT OFF 1600
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Mountain Trek/Run 14 miles
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Kayak Transition CUT OFF 1930
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Kayak 1 mile
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Course closes 2000
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Two Day Participants
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Trek/Run 7 miles
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Cawdor Castle Transition
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Road Cycle 44 miles
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Off Road Cycle 8 miles
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Road Cycle 1 mile
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OVERNIGHT STOP
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Road Cycle 1.5 miles
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Off Road Cycle 11 miles
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Road Cycle 14 miles
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Fort William Transition CUT OFF 1430
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Mountain Trek/Run 14 miles
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Kayak Transition CUT OFF 1800
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Kayak 1 mile
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Course closes 1900
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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 dispose of in Transition. 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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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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THE START
Nairn Links: IV12 4NQ
Please avoid parking on Cumming Street as we need the access for our large baggage vehicles. You can park on the streets of Nairn and walk down or in local pay and display car parks.
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There are limited services at the start line and no toilets, we recommend that you come ready to run. There are toilets available at the first transition.
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You must carry your pack with you from the start do not leave this at the Cawdor Castle Transition on Friday evening.
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One Day participants will start at 0645 please ensure you are ready at the start line no later than 0615.
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Two Day participants will start at 0830 please ensure you are ready at the start line no later than 0800.
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The first run involves a narrow track so we recommend faster runners start at the front to ensure an enjoyable run for everyone.
DAY 2 START INFO
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0600 – Invergarry Transition Bag Drop opens
0730 – Bus service from Fort Augustus main car park to Invergarry
0730 – CHALLENGER START WINDOW OPENS Invergarry Transition (slower participants from Day 1 must start early to have chance to complete the course)
0815 – Invergarry Transition Bag Drop closes
0830 – CHALLENGER START WINDOW CLOSES Invergarry Transition (If you were slow on Day 1, do not start this late)
WATER AND SNACKS
Coast to Coast is designed as a traditional self supported adventure. We have outlined below where you can access water/snacks.
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One Day participants: Pit Stop at 60 miles and the Fort William Transition with hot drinks/water/small snacks.
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Two Day Particpants: Hot drinks/water/small snacks at Fort William Transition only on Day 2.
CAMPING AND HOTEL INFO
BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM AT THE FINISH
There's nothing better than finishing an epic adventure and being in a hot shower 5 minutes later. At the Isles of Glencoe Hotel we do a full Rat Race takeover meaning everyone staying there over the weekend is taking part in the event! Rooms are still available to book on the Saturday and Sunday evening.
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USE PROMOCODE RATRACE090923 to access the booking system for our weekend. If you don't it will show as no rooms available!
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CAMPING FOR TWO DAY PARTICIPANTS
We operate a campsite at the end of Day 1 in Invergarry. This campsite has no vehicle access and it cannot accommodate campervans, tent boxes or cars next to tents. Limited parking is available in an adjacent field for Supporters. Please take care and follow marshal instructions.
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We will have a pizza van onsite on Saturday evening so you can purchase a bite to eat. Please note there is no catering on Sunday morning. There will be hot water available for you to make your own breakfast & hot drinks. Please be prepared and bring your own breakfast!
There are communal changing areas and showers available in the small sports club onsite.
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All campers will require a camping pass. These are needed per person and not per pitch. The campsite is pitch your own tent only. There are no pre-pitched or glamping options available. We will transport a tent for you from the start please see bag info.
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SUPPORTER INFORMATION
SUPPORTER GUIDANCE
Bringing a supporter with you will help the logistics massively. This is a one-way adventure in a very rural location.
It is the responsibility of participants to ensure that their Spectators are aware of the event information rather than relying on event staff on the day. Our marshals can be deployed in numerous locations across the route. The event crew members that supporters interact with can be GPS tracking staff, paid agency marshals, volunteers, hired paramedics and mountain safety staff, hired drivers, production crew etc. All are briefed for specific roles and some may not be local. While all will aim to be as helpful and cheery as possible, they may not have much general information about the event beyond the EEI document and their specific role.
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While the Highlands have incredible areas of wilderness and wide-open space, it does also have areas where traffic is very concentrated. Care is needed, and some areas of the route are off limits to supporter vehicles. Please follow our advice in the driving guidance section further on.
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DRIVING GUIDANCE
Whether you are a spectating family member or friend there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to rush or speed. You will have plenty of time to make it through the Great Glen before your participating friend or family member. Please park with care and do not block road users or participants.
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Nairn to Fort Augustus: Please DO NOT use the event route from Nairn to Fort Augustus. You should follow the main A96 from Nairn to Inverness then the A82 to Fort Augustus.
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Invergarry Overnight is open to supporters to access the catering & toilet facilities whilst waiting for their participant to arrive. The bike compound and camping areas will remain wristband controlled throughout the event.
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Fort William Transition: An Aird Park is in the heart of Fort William and adjacent to several pay and display parking options.
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Fort William to Isles of Glencoe Hotel: Spectators can travel straight to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel via the A82.
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Isles of Glencoe Hotel: Limited parking is available at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel and may take a little while to get you in. Please be patient and follow the marshal’s instructions. You can also park elsewhere in Ballachulish and take the short walk in.
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 AND REFUND ENQUIRIES
If you need to withdraw from Coast to Coast and go through our transfer process this closes on the 8th 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. Any transfer requests made via email after this date will not be considered.
All entries are non refundable as standard for any reason. If you purchased Refund Protect as part of your entry and you believe you have a qualifying reason preventing you from attending Coast to Coast you can start a refund request with them here. Please note that this is a 3rd party service and Rat Race cannot influence their decision.
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PAIR AND TEAM ENTRIES
If you are a part of a pair entry please ensure all your details are filled in before the 1st September for each person by the person who purchased the entry. 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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