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ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2024

WALES COAST TO COAST

Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Events, changes to the event course, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up until 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 the EEI before travelling to the event.

The EEI was last updated on: 10/05/2024 

WELCOME TO WALES COAST TO COAST 2024!

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The countdown is on and we can't wait to welcome you all to this epic adventure through the beating heart of the Welsh countryside in July!

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This is our Essential Event Information Document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know before take on the challenge! Make sure you’ve read this thoroughly well ahead of the event to ensure there are no last-minute panics or surprises, if you have any questions after reading this, please reach out to us on events@ratrace.com.

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See you on the starting line very soon!

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Collette
Event Director, Rat Race Wales Coast to Coast ​

FILES AND DOWNLOADS:
KEY REMINDERS:

Make sure you’ve read this thoroughly well ahead of your departure date to ensure there are no last minute panics or surprises, if you have any questions after reading this please reach out to us on events@ratrace.com

SKIP TO SECTION

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Event Participation Form MUST be submitted NO later 24th May 2024.

  • Medical declaration MUST be submitted NO later than 24th May 2024.

  • Trackers: Please remember that GPS tracker accuracy is not always a-given; you should particularly note this if sharing live links with supporters. Trackers are not part of our event safety system. 

  • Kit: You will need to bring ALL kit that is on the kit list for you to take part. If your kit is not sufficient, we reserve the right to prevent you starting the event. If in any doubt on kit specifically, please get in touch with us at events@ratrace.com and we can help. 

  • Insurance: We recommend that participants have insurance to cover damage, loss, theft, injury and non-attendance. Rat Race accepts no responsibility for the loss of, theft, or damage to any Participant property or the circumstances of Participant non-attendance.

  • Live events decision making: When we are in Wales, in all cases whilst on the trip, the Event Directors decision is final. They are always acting in the combined interest of the safety of the individual and the group, as their paramount concern.  

KEY INFO

TRIP MEETING POINT AND END POINT

MEETING POINT:  Anglesey Arms, Mona Rd, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EA on 23rd July 2024.  Registration will take place here 5pm with a full event briefing at 8pm. 

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The nearest public transport hub is Bangor, which is accessible by bus or train. If you are travelling by public transport, please let us know so we can arrange a pickup from Bangor train/bus station for you.

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END POINT: Cardiff Bay Barrage, CF64 1TP, this is the finish line and where we will wave goodbye and our itinerary ends after an epic journey together! You will need to arrange your own onward transport from here unless you have purchased our post-event transfer back to the start line. You can still purchase this HERE if required. All transport from the start line (Bangor) to the finish line (Cardiff) is included.

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THE START 

The event meeting point is: Anglesey Arms, Monda Road, Menai Bridge, LL59 5EA at 0600 on Wednesday 24th July.

 

We will then head to the start point at Bangor Pier.

 

REGISTRATION

Registration for the event is split into a ‘pre-event’ Registration phase, where we will ask for information to be submitted online (see the top and bottom of this document for what and when). This will be followed up by a physical registration process in person on the 23rd July.

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We will provide you with a safety procedure to follow in case of an emergency while on each phase of the event. This may differ per stage and the safety and emergency protocols will be made clear to you prior to the commencement of each phase.  

TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION

ACCOMMODATION

23rd July - Optional Night: Anglesey Arms, Mona Rd, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EA. We have the option for you to stay with us at the Anglesey Arms for an additional cost following Registration and briefing or you are free to chose another local hotel. We have a bunch of rooms reserved so if you would like one, please do let us know in the pre-event form and an invoice will be sent over to you. The price for a double room to yourself is £137 or if you want a bed in a shared twin room, this will be £78 pp. 

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24th July -  Night 1: Royal Ship Hotel, Queens Square, Dolgellau, LL40 1AR.

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25th July / Night 2: Premier Inn, 36-37 Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth, SY232NN.

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26th July / Night 3: Neuadd Henllan Hotel, Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, LD23SY.

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27th July / Night 4: YHA Brecon Beacons.

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FOOD AND BEV

The inclusive meals are outlined below:

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23rd July - evening meal only included 

24th July - all meals included

25th July - all meals included

26th July - all meals included

27th July - all meals included 

28th July - breakfast and lunch included. Evening meal not included so for those staying in Cardiff, go wild with your new adventure friends and celebrate in style!
 

All food for the 5 event days will be included, except the evening meal on day 5 and any drinks or food beyond those supplied. The food prepared will be varied, substantial and appropriate for the type of undertaking. However, if you wish to bring extra food, snacks and specific gels, bars, etc, please do. Water will also be available at all pit stops and transitions.

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ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND EXTRAS

Where we provide meals as part of the general event service, we will not include alcoholic or soft drinks as standard, and these must be provided by yourselves. See more on local payments, below. 

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At the hotels there will be a bar where you can buy alcoholic and soft drinks. If you put anything onto your ‘tab/room’ please pay for it before you leave the hotel.   

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ABLUTIONS AND HYGIENE

We are staying at quality accommodation throughout which will provide good shower facilities. However, whilst on the event course there will not be toilets available at each pit stop. Therefore, you should keep to a high level of personal hygiene by using wet wipes, washing with minimal water and always keeping hands clean. Check wounds, rashes, and blisters regularly for infection.  
 

The firm advice is always to ensure you are ‘self-contained’ with toilet roll and with anti-bacterial handwash gel for the trail. Do NOT leave toilet paper out on the route, please bring nappy bags to contain used toilet roll and dispose of where at a pit stop or at the hotel.  

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TRANSFER - 28TH JULY

 If you have booked a return transfer this will leave immediately after the event has finished and the last participant has crossed the line and we’ve all said our goodbyes. Travel time is approximately 5 hours. This will take you back to the start line where you can connect with onward transport or your own vehicle if you left it here. If you need to purchase this transfer service, you can do so HERE. 

BAGS & BIKES

TRANSPORT OF BIKES

We use a dedicated bike transport trailer to ensure your bikes are correctly stored while in transit. 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 throughout this event for years. Rat Race will not be liable for any damage alleged during transit.

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Should you wish to protect your bike prior to them being loaded, you can bring your own lagging and tape.

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BAG TRANSFERS

You will need 3 bags for this event: 

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1) OVERNIGHT BAG (up to 70 litres and 15kg) - you will leave this at the start of each day for transportation to the overnight accommodation. It should include anything you don't need during the day.  It can be a maximum of 70 litres and weigh no more than 15kg. This is due to the weight and size limitations of our transport vehicles. We will be checking bag weights if considered bulky and/or overweight. Please do not pack any fragile items or liquids in weak containers as they may leak in transit. Bags should be waterproof as they may be exposed to the elements and may sit on wet ground.

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2) TRANSITION BAG (up to 35 litres)

You may also bring one bag which will be present at all transitions between bike/run/paddle, but not necessarily at other pitstops. This should be no larger than 35 litres, and should contain any clothing changes etc, that you may need for the day’s transitions.

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3) DAY PACK 

This is the bag you with run/bike with each day and will hold all the supplies you need whilst out on the route day to day. 

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To recap: 1 x 70L bag which you will only have access to at the overnight accommodation (15kg max), 1 x 35L will be transported to the transitions during the day for you and 1 x day pack. 

BIKES & BIKE HIRE

The machine of choice has to be a mountain bike. Whilst there are significant sections where you will be on smooth and quiet tarmac roads and lanes, there are other significant off-road sections, ranging from single track to land rover tracks to bumpy off-road routings. The mountain bike will ‘do the lot;’ any other machine will struggle with some sections of the route

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If you are renting from us, the hire bikes will be Marlin 7 Gen 2 (or very similar), see HERE and these will be transported to the start and from the finish for you.  If you wish to hire a bike from us, you can purchase this HERE. Please note there are only very limited numbers/sizes left at this stage. 

THE ROUTE

THE ROUTE 

We have planned a blinder of a route that stretches across the entire country from north to south. Packing 350km of mountains, valleys and classic Welsh landscapes you will run or trek, bike and kayak from Bangor to Cardiff, via Snowdonia and the Ogwen valley, over Bwlch Tryfan, across the Dovey Estuary to Aberystwyth via some stunning coastal trails; before heading inland on your bikes across incredible landscapes to reach the Brecon Beacons and an ascent of Pen-Y-fan. From there, take to the Taff trail to descend all the way to the south coast and finish next to the Welsh assembly in the heart of the Capital at Cardiff Bay. 

 

You must remain open to the possibility that our plan may change due to unforeseen factors, such as the weather and diversions. So, while Plan A is Plan A, it is not inconceivable that we may deploy Plan B, C or D if we deem it necessary for your safety.  

 

ROUTE FINDING & GPS

We will NOT waymark the route. Unless the route must be diverted due to an obstruction or last-minute change.  

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In general, this event is operated with GPS as the main method of route guidance. YOU need to bring a GPS watch and a navigation device or application on your phone.  It is imperative that you are well versed in the usage of your own device and that you are confident in their battery life and reliability.

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If you wish to rent a Coros GPS watch from us, that is also possible at a cost of £50. This will have the GPS already downloaded and you will get tuition of how to use the watch on registration day.  You can purchase GPS watch hire via the pre-event online form. Similarly, if you wish to hire a Garmin Edge bike navigation device for the bike stage, you can do so via the pre-even form, 

 

You must return all devices at the end of the event and until then, you keep them with you. 

 

As stated above, you will get to know your devices intimately on this event. We will also make available route GPX files for you to upload onto your own devices. These files will be provided much closer to the commencement of the event, once we are satisfied there are no on the ground changes, and we therefore do not end up with version control issues that are hard to resolve.  

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In the meantime, the map HERE will give you an idea of the adventure ahead! Please note there may be changes to the route, this map is just to give you an idea of the course.

TRACKING DEVICE

At registration, you will be issued with your tracker, (in a ziplock bag (with your name on) inside a small dry bag ). It is your responsibility to look after the device. 

 

Tracking will go live on the morning of the first event day (i.e. the start of the event) at 0700 local time.  

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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!). 

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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.  

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If we have any issues or snagging with tracker units, our basecamp team can see this and we will pull them back in and reset them for you. 

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As with the GPS units, you must return this device at the end of the event or whenever a member of staff asks for you to do so (for example to check a setting or to charge it). Do also hand to a member of staff should you drop out on any day. As with all electronic devices, there is a replacement cost. For the tracker, it is £150.   

 
The tracking link for family and friends will be available closer to the event and will be published on the main event website.

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EVENT INSTRUCTIONS

EVENT REGISTRATION AND PRE-EVENT ADMIN

 

Formal Registration for the event is completed in 3 phases. 


1.) Online enrolment, acceptance of terms and conditions, payment: COMPLETE 


2.) Submission of online event details form and medical form (by 24th May 2024)​

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  • Pre-Event Participation Form - complete HERE

  • Medical Declaration - complete HERE


3.) Physical registration at the Anglesey Arms on 23rd July. You will complete a final physical kit check with our event team, do a short paperwork exercise and a medical check in. You will also receive your numbers and bag tags, GPS devices, trackers and other items.

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ID

By entering this event you agreed that you have entered in your own name (not nickname) and will bring photographic ID to event registration to prove your identity. 

EVENT REGISTRATION PACK 

At Registration, there will be one adventure pack issued per person. This will contain: 

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​Personalised Race Bib: Surname and Number

You must wear this over all clothing so that it is always visible or attach it to your day pack.

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Bike number

To attach to the front of your bike. 

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Baggage labels

For your overnight, transition and running/day bag. These must be attached to your bag before handing them over to our crew to transport.

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Tracker  

We will issue the tracking device and demonstrate its use

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Event T-shirt & Rat Rag

 If you do not select your t-shirt size via the pre-event form in advance, you will automatically be allocated a Large.

MANDATORY KIT LIST

MANDATORY KIT LIST

The full kit list can be found below.

 

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. Some of it is simply to keep you from perishing. It is a serious list, and we know everyone knows this, but we ask that you please do work with us on this. Please do not skimp on kit. The weather in Wales (even in July) is changeable. Spare sets of kit will be worn, you will get wet, and you will want to get dry and comfortable again. As such, do not skimp on kit! 

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GENERAL KIT

  • Headtorch rated to 150 lumens minimum.  

  • Spare batteries for headtorch 

  • Sunglasses with Cat 3 protection 

  • Sun hat and sunscreen  

  • Phone and means of keeping it dry (e.g. small drybag or waterproof phone cover/ pouch) 

  • Casual clothing for use in evenings and transit stages – no formal wear required 

  • Personal toiletries including any personal medication required 

  • Mobile phone 

  • Power bank for mobile phone  

  • Overnight bag: Such as a duffel or rucksack 

  • Transition bag: A smaller duffel, or a small rucksack or drybag. This can double up as your day pack from the foot stages, as you only need this bag on the bike and kayak stages 

  • Recommended: GPS enabled watch or device  

  • Snacks 

 

FOOT STAGE KIT

  • Trail running footwear 

  • Trail running apparel – shorts, technical wicking tee/ base layer, long-sleeved wicking layer, mid-layer (e.g. microfleece) 

  • Recommended: Running tights 

  • Windproof and/ or waterproof upper body and leg cover 

  • Buff or similar neck gaiter 

  • Spare base and mid layers 

  • Socks 

  • Blister care kit 

  • 1 person bivvy bag (not survival blanket, must be a bag) 

  • Personal First Aid kit – more detail to follow on exact spec nearer to event date.  

  • Running day pack to carry spare clothing, bivvy bag, first aid kit, spare food. Recommended capacity 15 – 30l  

  • Hydration system for pack – either bladder or bottle to be secured to pack. Minimum of 2l carrying capacity at all times  

  • Cap or wide-brimmed sun hat 

  • Recommended: Trekking pole 

 

BIKING KIT

  • Bike (or rental bike). Mountain bike 

  • Water bottles: Recommended 2 x 750ml bottles 

  • Tools – to comprise a minimum of: Cycling multitool, peddle spanner and chain link removal tool 

  • Puncture repair kit (or slime if you are using that)  

  • Your own peddles (if you wish to use them. (You will be issued flats on the hire bikes) 

  • Cycling footwear 

  • Cycling gloves. 

  • Full length upper body and leg cover suitable for cycling 

  • Cycle helmet 

  • Wind/ waterproof upper garment 

  • Full length bottoms (e.g. tights or cycle bibs) 

  • Spare cycling clothing in case you get drenched  

  • Socks 1 pair each day minimum 

  • Recommended: Spare pair of full-finger length gloves in case of wet/ windy weather 

  • Recommended: Pair of overshoes/ booties are useful for insulation and waterproofing 

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BIKE SPARES

  • Our minimum spec for mandatory spare bike kit is outlined below. Items with an * need to be carried whilst riding: ​

  • 4 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre * (always carry 2 with you when riding) 

  • Tyre levers* 

  • 1 x puncture repair kit* 

  • If running a tubeless set up, have a slime spare and repair kit* 

  • Peddle spanner 

  • Bike multitool* 

  • Chain link remover* 

  • Chain links x 2* 

  • Small pump* 

  • 1 x gear cable 

  • 1 x brake cable 

  • Cable ties* 

  • Rear Hanger suitable for your own bike 

  • Small bottle of oil 

  • An old rag and toothbrush for bike cleaning 

  • For rental bikes, you will be issued with a spares kit. 

 

*For rental bikes, you will be issued with a spares kit.

REG KIT CHECK 

 

At registration you will be required to show us a minimum of the following to receive your Adventure pack:

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  • Waterproof jacket and trousers with TAPED or WELDED seams

  • A working headtorch

  • Survival bag (NOT blanket)

  • A First Aid Kit including a triangular or conformable roller bandage and a separate sterile absorbent material (e.g. gauze or gauze bandage)

  • Cycling helmet

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Subject to the weather forecast conditions, you may be asked to show any other items from the mandatory kit list. This will be communicated in advance if this is the case. If you do not have the appropriate kit with you when you register, you will not be allowed to race. Much of the kit is not for when you are moving but if you become unable to move and are awaiting assistance. It is your responsibility to work with this system and respect the plan put in place by our safety team.

WATER/KAYAK STAGE

  • Buoyancy aid, paddle and Kayak will be provided 

  • You should dress in technical wicking undergarments and mid-layers. These can be the same ones you have used on the run stage, but for the water stage please remember you will be sitting stationary, and you may get cold. Avoid cotton and use technical wicking fabrics.  

  • If you do have kayaking or rafting gear, (such as a cag), then please do bring these 

  • Light waterproof jacket/trousers if it’s cold 

  • Water shoes 

  • Dry bag small size: For phones, small snacks and other personal items 

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PERSONAL MED KIT

Our minimum spec for mandatory medical kit (to be carried at all times) is as follows:  ​

  • 1 x triangular bandage 

  • 1 x crepe roll bandage 

  • Gauze or similar absorbent dressing 

  • Small set of scissors 

  • Pain Killers ( paracetomol or/and ibuprofen) 

  • Steri-Strips 

  • Antiseptic (spray or cream) 

  • Assorted plasters 

  • Rubber gloves 

  • Prescribed medication 

  • Zinc oxide tape 

  • Compeed – various sizes 

  • Lube stick 

  • Sudacrem 

  • Recommended: blister kit containing Zinc Oxide tape, Small pair of scissors, Compeed, Sterile needles, Disinfectant solution and rubbing alcohol (used for drying feet and help prevent fungal infections) 

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IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES FOR THE EVENT THIS WILL BE COMMUNICATED.

  

Carrying this kit is a requirement of the Event and forms part of our planning in ensuring reasonable measures are put in place to keep you safe should anything go wrong during this adventurous endeavor. We ask you not to take short cuts or ‘second guess’ our advice. For instance, the carrying of waterproofs is required even if rain is not forecast as a means to prevent cooling down too fast if you get injured in a location that is very exposed to wind – remember you may be very tired and sweaty, and who says the forecast is always right? In Wales you can experience all 4 seasons in one day and the weather is well-known to change extremely quickly, especially in the hills.  It is therefore important that you carry the mandatory kit at all times. 

  

The emergency kit is important for several reasons: 

  

1.            It helps you to help yourself should you have a problem. 

2.            We are in this together and you may need to assist others if they have a problem. 

3.            In the case of an incident our Event Control and safety teams will make decisions based on the knowledge that you all have this equipment. 

4.            Carrying the kit is a requirement for everyone and hence provides an equal and fair challenge. 

5.            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. 

6.            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. 

7.            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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EVENT ETHOS: ‘RACING’ AND OUR FINISH TIMES SERVICE 

Completing not competing. Rat Race’s ethos has always been about inspiring folk to undertake challenges in awesome outdoor locations. Croatia is just that, taken to an epic level. This is not a formal race environment and there are no winners and losers. We do not award prizes for the fastest folk. There will be no splits. Indeed, there will be no timings. Rat Race totally appreciate the incredible commitment of those taking on the challenges we lay down and each participant is as important as the next regardless of how fast you can cover the distance. This is akin far more to an expeditionary undertaking than anything else. 

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In delivering this unique challenge we prioritise factors such as safety, camaraderie and environmental concerns. Respecting the wishes of local stakeholders with our route management and litter policies is vital in being able to bring folk together for this unique experience. Safety above all else is paramount, as you will fully appreciate. To reasonably balance all these factors, we emphasise that the event is not a formal race environment, rather it is a challenge in the great outdoors where great folk come together with a common purpose. 

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MEDICAL OPERATION & PARTICIPANT SAFETY

COURSE CUT OFFS & WITHDRAWALS 

This event is not about cut-offs. But, having a ‘cut-off’ and a ‘sweeping’ structure is an important part of our Event Management Plan and Risk Assessment processes. Cut off times are independent of any other factors that occur earlier in the course such as start time, injury, going the wrong way, time taken at Pit Stops, head winds; and whether it is your fault or not. We understand that missing cut offs can be tough to take but please remember this is not the crew member’s fault that breaks the news to you, should it happen to you. Please also remember that if this does happen to you, the Event team’s decision is final.  

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If you are cut off, there will be no option to re-start from where you were cut off the next day. (The event only ever moves forwards). You may however re-start the next day from the official re-start location; subject to the discretion of the event team.  

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There are a number of reasons why you may be cut-off or withdrawn from the event. These could be medical, pace, kit, personal or other factors.  
 
It is OK to retire and to be taken forward to the overnight spot. We’d rather you re-started the next day vs suffer meaninglessly and spoil it for yourself. We call this being ‘boosted.’  

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Above all else, please remember, this event is not about cut-offs. It is about getting the most out of this magical environment. We will not cut you off and sweep you forward unless we really must. And if we do, it is for your own safety. 

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IMPORTANT: Cut off times are leaving times from the transition, not arrival times.

 

'BEDDING DOWN INTO THE COURSE'

It is probable that when you set off on the Challenge on day 1, the first hours of the first day may be a bit hit n’ miss. Pace, temperature regulation, kit selection, footwear or bag niggles. All to be expected. Embrace that ‘bedding down into it’ phase and listen to your body and to your kit. Expect some unexpected phenomena (not UFOs, just unusual kit or boot issues that you may not have quite been expecting). Use this time to just get used to the environment, the gear and the temperature. Go with it and relax. By pit stop 1 or 2, you’ll have worked out enough to be comfortable.  

 

MEDICAL OPERATIONS 

Our team is there for you in case you have an incident with which you require assistance. The team will shadow the progress of the challenge each day in vehicles, on foot, bikes and kayaks; before establishing a med centre each afternoon at the location to which we are heading for our accommodation. Whilst the medics are there for ‘what ifs,’ they are also a great source of preventative advice; so please do use them to ask questions and check best practice, particularly in suspected foot injury or issues such as blisters. We will also have medical staff along the course with you for some specific sections of the route.  

  
MEDICAL PRE-SCREENING 

We have invited you to have a medical screening process, which can be completed via the link below. Please complete this as soon as possible – and certainly please, no later than 24th May 2024. If you do have any condition that you feel we should know about, however small you feel it may be, please do share this with our Medics. Experience has shown that early pre-screening can assist both us and you greatly in enabling the care you need pre and during the trip. If you do not share information on conditions which are likely to affect your participation or decide to share them very late in the process, we are all under pressure and we will always reserve the right to cancel your participation if we feel there is a medical issue that may affect yours, or others’ safety.  

  

IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS AND MEDICAL INFORMATION: 

We are very fortunate to have an excellent Medical Director providing oversight, planning and screening on all of our international trips, who in turn engages seriously professional and qualified staff to join you on the trip. Rat Race also conforms and has been audited to the rigorous BS8848 standard of expedition management. This means our approach to all things safety and medical is extremely thorough and it is designed throughout with your best interest at heart.  

 

Your medical screening details will be sent direct to our medical team and under medical confidentiality rules, this will only be shared with our medics and no-one else. If they decide this is info that is in the best interests of everyone for us as organisers to be privy to, they will seek and gain your consent before doing so. It is therefore important you complete the link to the medical survey only which can be found HERE; do not send Rat Race medical information direct. If you have any queries at all on the medical side of things in relation to this event, you can email our Medical Director, Dr Patrick Musto directly and confidentially on office@trailmed.com and he will assist. 

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INSURANCE

We recommend that participants have insurance to cover damage, loss, theft, injury and non-attendance. Rat Race cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of, theft, or damage to any Participant property or the circumstances of Participant non-attendance. Within the 12-week departure window, we cannot provide any transfers and, in all cases, we cannot entertain requests for refunds. We respectfully remind all participants that unforeseen circumstances preventing attendance is what travel insurance is designed for and is the reason for this as a strong recommendation on such undertakings.  

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You can submit copies of your insurance via the online form here. Alongside this, we ask that medical screening is completed, plus an online waiver. Please see the actions list at the bottom of this document for details. 
 

Some suggested providers are as follows:  
 
For UK and Channel Island residents Rat Race’s own insurer brokers have a brand-new product: https://www.mannbroadbent.co.uk/sports-travel-insurance/. 

 
Note: This is Rat Race’s UK-based insurance broker, specialising in the leisure insurance market. This is a specialist sports travel cover product; however, Rat Race is neither an insurance broker or underwriter. We can recommend Mann Broadbent wholeheartedly as good people to deal with, but please remember that this is not a ‘Rat Race product’ and we have no say whatsoever on claims decisions made by the insurers, in the event that you raise such a claim via one of these policies.  
 

Other providers: 
 

 

Note: We have no relationship with any of these providers, but previous customers have found them reasonable to deal with regarding some of our similar Bucket List challenges.  
 
Note: For all insurance, please remember that cover is offered based on several factors, (the nature of the event disciplines being one of them), but your own insurance profile, age, health and other details form a big part of this. As such, we are always happy to provide details to insurers in support of cover requests from customers, but we cannot influence their decisions as to whether to offer cover to individuals.  

 

POOR WEATHER CONTINGENCY 

 The event will proceed in many conditions, but if it is deemed unsafe to continue due to weather conditions, the event will be halted at the current hotel or accommodation location. If required, we will await more favourable conditions to re-commence. This may result in some stages being cut short to achieve daily mileages within the time available.   

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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. The use of a bike bell is surprisingly effective.

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LITTER  

We need to show that this event has exemplary control of littering. Please help us achieve that. Pack your litter into your pack, pockets or nearby bin.

 

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL  

In the event of a true emergency or serious incident call 999. Then contact the Race Director (number will be shared closer to the event). In the event of a non-emergency incident but for which action is requested from the organisers then call the Race Director. This might be medical, logistical or complete mechanical breakdown as examples. We politely ask that you stop and help someone that is in difficulty – you will be the first person to find them. Also consider passing a message to a participant as they can then pass this onto the next course marshal that they meet – remember to take note of time, place and race number at the incident site.

 

MUSIC PLAYERS  

While these are allowed, we would prefer you to take in the peace and tranquility of much of your route. If you must listen to music, please control their volume according to your environment. Use your judgement and you MUST turn music players off when on live roads. Please also be aware that if you cannot hear general voice levels you might miss instructions from marshals, other runners/cyclists or approaching traffic. We suggest that you run the leads behind you so that approaching runners/cyclists from behind can see that you are wired for sound. If event staff ask you to remove headphones or turn music off/down, there will be a good reason. Please respect their request.  

CONTACT DETAILS AND ACTIONS CHECK LIST

1.) For ALL pre-event email correspondence prior to departure: 


2.) Emergency correspondence from people who need to get in touch with you (i.e. from those who need to contact you) IN EMERGENCY ONLY while you are embarked on the event: events@ratrace.com.


The originator should quote ‘Emergency correspondence for (yourname)’ in the email title and they must provide a phone number for return comms. This will be patched through to our crew’s mobile phones, (or satellite messaging platform if we are out of reception) from our office and a satellite phone will be made available for you to return the comms to the originator. We would aim to provide a suitable response period of within 24 hrs for this service to the originator. 


Please, please, please do tell your family and supporters NOT to contact us about Tracker Emergencies!


3.) A WhatsApp group will be created a few days before departure. This will be the main point of contact leading up to the event itself.

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FINAL CHECK LIST 

Submit pre-event form details by 24th May 2024.  

Medical forms must be filled out by 24th May 2024.

That’s it. Pheeeww!  

  

See you in Wales!

 

Collette

Wales C2C Event Director 
 

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