ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2024
THE WALL ULTRA
ARE YOU READY TO HIT THE WALL AND TAKE ON OUR ICONIC ULTRAMARATHON?
This is our Essential Event Information Document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know. Soon you'll be stood in the shadow of Carlisle Castle with 70 miles of adventure ahead of you as you weave your way through Hadrian's Wall country to the iconic Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. We promise you're going to have an incredible time on the biggest edition of this adventure ever! With the unwavering support of our crew, volunteers and your fellow #ratracers we are confident you're going to cross the finish line victorious having achieved something spectacular.
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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: 15/04/2024
PRE-EVENT ACTIONS:
REGISTRATION REMINDERS:
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Registration is open from 14:00-22:00 in the Crown & Mitre Hotel, English St, Carlisle CA3 8HZ.
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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.
SKIP TO SECTION
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 14th June between 1400 - 2200 The Crown & Mitre Hotel, Carlisle CA3 8HZ. You must register between these times, there is no option to register on the morning of the event.
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Adventure packs 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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Starting time your bib number (provided in your Adventure pack) will be colour coded to your start pen and start time. BLUE bibs will start at 0640 GREEN bibs will start at 0650 and ORANGE bibs will start at 0700. The Wall is sold out this year to 1500 people and a waved start is necessary to ensure an enjoyable start experience for all #ratracers. You may drop back into a later start time if you are allocated a different time to your adventure buddy but you cannot start earlier.
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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 20th May 2024. After this date there will be a £15 charge per person.
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The transfer deadline is 14th May 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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The start is at Carlisle Castle at 0700 on the 15th June.
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Bag drops and toilets are available in the castle car park on the morning of the event. Please ensure you bags are clearly labelled, bag tags will be provided in your adventure pack. See Bag section for more info.
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Spectators must follow our guidance notes to avoid being turned away at key locations.
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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!
REGISTRATION INFO
HOW TO GET THERE
Registration is at The Crown & Mitre Hotel on the 14th June ONLY between 1400 - 2200. There is no Registration available on the 15th June before the start.
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The location is central and easily accessible from the train station. If you are driving we recommend using a local public car park and walking to the hotel as their is no parking available at Registration.
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The postcode for Registration is CA3 8HZ
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REGISTRATION STEPS
1) Adventure Pack - You will receive your adventure pack through the post 1-2 weeks before the event. International participants will need to collect their race packs in person on 14th June 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 The Wall 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!
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 can be found on the The Wall website closer to the event.
INCIDENT CONTACTS DURING THE EVENT
1. For all incidents contact the Race Director or Medical Team
2.Failing this, in the event of a true emergency or serious incident call 999....then inform the Race Director or Medical Team
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NOTE: Emergency numbers are issued at Registration. Text or call back if you do not get through. DO NOT leave voicemails. The Rat Race phoneline is only active during this event.
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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BAG DROP
LOCATION
0600 - 0700 15th June: Castle Car Park, CA3 8AN
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BAGS TO DROP
We will transport 3 bags for you, please ensure they are clearly labelled (tags provided in your Adventure Pack) and that you put them on the right truck!
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Walltown Quarry drop bag: this is the small disposable bag in your Adventure Pack. This is designed to hold a spare pair of socks, your favourite snack, some gels etc. No other bags will be accepted apart from the one we provide you.
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Hexham bag: this will meet you at the 44 mile mark and must weigh less than 5kg and be a max of 15L in size. This bag will be exposed to the elements so please ensure it is waterproof or that you pack your kit into dry bags inside your bag. This will then be transported from Hexham to the finish after you have used it, you will be directed where to put it at Hexham to ensure it is loaded onto the finish van.
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Finish bag: this will go directly to the finish at Gateshead and it can be a max of 70L and weigh no more than 15kg. This bag will be exposed to the elements so please ensure it is waterproof or that you pack your kit into dry bags inside your bag.
IMPORTANT
Head torches are mandatory so please do not put this piece of kit in your HEXHAM bag. They MUST be carried from the start.
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Bags over the weight limit will not be transported due to legal weight restrictions of the vehicles used. Please don't pack everything and the kitchen sink!
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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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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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Running shoes or walking boots. We recommend road shoes.
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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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Insulating layer merino or synthetic similar
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Full waterproof body cover, long sleeve jacket and full length trousers with taped seams - BUY HERE
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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 Rat Rag and a pair of gloves
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Headtorch
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Rear red light or reflective/hi-vis patch (10cm x 2cm minimum)
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Spare batteries for your headtorch or back up light source
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RECOMMENDED KIT
This kit is not mandatory but more 'common sense' additions that we recommend to give you the very best chance of reaching that bridge at the end!
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Insulated jacket - we strongly recommend packing one if you think you might still be going in the early hours of Sunday morning. The most common reason that people retire in The Wall is that they get too cold. Regardless of the weather through the day you will get cold at 2am, find one that packs down small and get it in your pack. It might be the piece of kit that helps you get to the finish.
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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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Anti-chafe lubricant
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Spare socks
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Trekking poles – totally optional but helpful if you are a walker
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Headphones - when the going gets tough the tough listen to music! Please ensure these are not noise cancelling and that you can hear the traffic and people around you.
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USE CODE TW20 FOR AN EXCLUSIVE 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL FULL PRICE KIT AT WWW.RATRACESTORE.COM
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 - 14TH JUNE
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 Trousers and 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) Headtorch & rear red light or reflective/hi-vis patch (10cm x 2cm minimum)
8) 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
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.
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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 of 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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HI-VIS CLOTHING
For the entirety of the event we ask that you do not wear dark or dull colours, or colours that blend with vegetation such as hedges. If you've got a jazzy pair of leggings or shorts throw them on! For an event of this distance that takes you into dusk and beyond, wearing brightly coloured clothing will enhance your safety on public roads. Please ensure you have reflective/hi-vis items ready for the night stages of the event, this will be checked as darkness falls.
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RUNNING IN THE DARK
A little achluophobia (fear of the dark) is very normal in an ultra, it's common to feel a bit tired and emotional as the sun goes down and the batteries are running low. You may feel more vulnerable than usual when running on your own so we whole heartedly encourage you to strike up a conversation with a fellow #ratracer and make a new friend! We advise buddying up from Newburn for the final stretch to the finish line.
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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. There are very few fields with cattle on the route but when you encounter them please do not disturb them and observe the following points: If you are the first person to enter the fields please stop running and be prepare to slow to a walk . Do not pass between calf and cows or cause them to separate from their herd. Stay way from lone calves and never run straight towards a cow. Avoid sudden movements and high pitched loud noises. Although gentle singing and talking will let cows know you are there. Follow other participants and create a predictable route, be aware that dogs can startle livestock so keep a look out for other walkers who may be in your vicinity.
PIT STOP AND
CHECKPOINT LOCATIONS
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CP Irthington Village School 10 miles
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PS1 Lanercost Priory CA8 2HQ 15 miles
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CP Birdoswald Checkpoint 19.5 miles
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PS2 Walltown Quarry Pit Stop CA8 7HF 24 miles
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CP Cawfields Quarry Checkpoint 27 miles
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PS3 The Sill Pit Stop NE47 7AN 30 miles
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CP Newbrough Checkpoint 38 miles
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PS4 Hexham Pit Stop NE46 3SG 44 miles
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CP Styford Toll Checkpoint 49.5 miles
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CP Ovingham Checkpoint 55.5 miles
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PS5 Newburn Pit Stop NE15 8ND 63 miles
CUT OFFS
The Wall is designed to be achievable for walkers who can maintain a 3mph pace, our cut offs reflect that and are as generous as we can make them. Cut offs are enforced and they are applied to your departure time not your arrival time into the location:
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PS1 Lanercost 1230
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PS2 Walltown Quarry 1530
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PS3 The Sill 1800
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PS4 Hexham 0000 (midnight)
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PS5 Newburn 0600 (Sunday)
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FINISH 0900 (Sunday)
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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THE FINISH
We are set up on the Baltic Square to welcome you warmly across the finish line and congratulate you on this epic achievement! In our marquee we have our medic team should you need them, the option to get a post-event recovery massage and some locally provided hot food and drinks(vegan and veggie options available). We encourage you to think about what time you are aiming to finish and book a local hotel room if necessary so you can get a shower and some well earned rest, we do advise letting them know you may arrive after midnight so they don't give your room away. Our marquee is not set up for you to stay for an extended amount of time and it is not going to be a comfy place to sleep! Newcastle Train Station does not open until 0730 on Sunday morning so please ensure you have made a plan for the finish.
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PIT STOPS
The Pit Stops at The Wall are infamous and this event is often dubbed a walking picnic! These are the points where you can grab a snack, interact with the Rat Race team and also your own supporters if you have them. Our Pit Stops have a few staples that you'll see at all stations and also some which are bespoke to that Pit Stop location.
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Standard provisions include
Water
Juice
Sweet snacks
Salty snacks
Fruit
Toilets
Medical team
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Our Pit Stops are well stocked but they do not contain any sports nutrition products as we know you will have your own that you have trained with. The last thing you want to do in an ultra is try an untested gel and suffer the consequences! You should plan to bring your own supplements and be self contained when it comes to gels/electrolyte tablets.
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We aim to cater to a wide variety of dietary needs, every Pit Stop will have options for vegetarians and vegans, plus we have a box of gluten free/dairy free snacks for those with intolerances that are kept separate please ask our staff for more info when you arrive. While every effort is made to keep these snacks separate we cannot guarantee there is no cross contamination from allergens such as gluten/peanuts due to the nature of the Pit Stop during a live event.
WHAT IS A CHECKPOINT?
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​This is a manned point where you can check in with a marshal and let them know if you need any assistance outside of our Pit Stop locations. They are deliberately discrete and supporters are not allowed to meet you here. They are designed for you to grab a quick drink and a handful of sweets, they are not refill points for your bladder/bottles and you will only be able to fill your disposable cup here not your hydration bottles/bladders.
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CP Birdoswald Checkpoint 19.5 miles
CP Newbrough Checkpoint 38 miles
CP Styford Toll Checkpoint 49.5 miles
CP Ovingham Checkpoint 55.5 miles
PITSTOP BREAKDOWN INFO
PIT STOP 1 / LANERCOST PRIORY
Distance: 15 miles
Cut off time: 1230
Postcode: CA8 2HQ
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Skipped breakfast or ready for second breakfast? We got you covered with fresh fruit and pastries available.
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Distance to next Checkpoint: 6 miles
Distance to next Pit Stop: 10.5 miles
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PIT STOP 2 / WALLTOWN QUARRY
Distance: 24 miles
Cut off time: 1530
Postcode: CA8 7HF
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Ready for a cup of tea and a spot of lunch? We've got hot drinks, cakes and sandwiches waiting for you in the quarry!
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Distance to next Checkpoint: 3 miles
Distance to next Pit Stop: 6 miles
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PIT STOP 3 / THE SILL
Distance: 30 miles
Cut off time: 1800
Postcode: NE47 7AN
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Afternoon snack? Grab a coffee, some biscuits and some other savoury treats as you get ready to cross the halfway mark on the next leg.
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Distance to next Checkpoint: 8 miles
Distance to next Pit Stop: 14 miles
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PIT STOP 4 / HEXHAM
Distance: 44 miles
Cut off time: 0000 (midnight)
Postcode: NE46 3SG
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This is our enhanced Pit Stop where you get access to your bag, you can grab a cup of hot soup, a slice of pizza and a sausage roll. This is the big one, take your time here, change your socks, refuel and get ready for the big push to Newburn.
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Distance to next Checkpoint: 5.5 miles
Distance to next Pit Stop: 19 miles
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PIT STOP 5 / NEWBURN
Distance: 63 miles
Cut off time: 0600
Postcode: NE15 8ND
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You've made it to Newburn! You're so close now, do not linger here, those who stop too long do not get back up. Get yourself a cup of tea, grab something for energy and buddy up for the final stretch through Newcastle.
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Distance to the FINISH: 7 miles
SUPPORTER INFORMATION
SUPPORTER ACCESS
The Wall passes through some beautiful countryside and outstanding historic points of interest. It's also rural and idyllic, you will have plenty of time to stop off along the A69 and explore this stunning part of northern England. This event is well supported by friends and family and therefore we are conscious of the extra traffic we generate on these quiet roads. We ask for your support in minimising the impact to the event by following these requests:
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Do not attempt to access checkpoint locations, these are remote and vehicle access is not easy, you will block the route.
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Only interact with your participant at our Pit Stop locations.
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Listen to our marshals when they try and park you at our Pit Stops, spaces are limited and you may need to wait or turn around to allow people to leave on single track roads.
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Do not head to The Sill until your participant has passed the 25 mile mark, this is our busiest Pit Stop and parking is limited.
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Please do not drive along the route, it isn't the fastest way to move between locations and adds traffic to the road shared by our participants.
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Please pick up a supporter car pass at Registration so our marshals know you are a supporter vehicle at Pit Stops. You can also print a pass yourself HERE to avoid queues at reg.
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Most importantly have a brilliant day out seeing some incredible efforts of all our #ratracers!
PIT STOP LOCATIONS
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PS1 Lanercost Priory CA8 2HQ 15 miles
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PS2 Walltown Quarry Pit Stop CA8 7HF 24 miles
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PS3 The Sill Pit Stop NE47 7AN 30 miles
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PS4 Hexham Pit Stop NE46 3SG 44 miles
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PS5 Newburn Pit Stop NE15 8ND 63 miles
VOLUNTEERS AND MERCH
GOT A SUPPORTER WHO WOULD LOVE TO JOIN THE CREW?
We're on the look out for some extra volunteers to help man the finishline 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 The Wall 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.
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ORDER YOUR MERCH
Pre-order your The Wall 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.
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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!
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TRANSFER ENQUIRIES
If you need to withdraw from The Wall and go through our transfer process this closes on the 14th May. After this time we cannot process any transfer requests. For all the information regarding transfers please click here.
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