What is the start time?
We will be running a staggered start so as to reduce congestion on the first part of the route.
The start times for 2019 on the Saturday morning are between 7.30am and 8:30am with the faster runners setting off in the earliest wave groups.
You are able to change start wave up until one month before the event. This needs to be a request sent by email.
Please note that to compete for first place, and be in with a chance of winning the trophy you will need to set off in the first wave group (A). If you have chosen a different wave group but would like to qualify for a chance to win please let us know a minimum of one month in advance of the event so that we can put you in the correct wave group.
On the Sunday participants can start any time between 6am and 7am (there are no designated start times per person).
How do I get my race pack?
You will receive your race pack in the post in advance of the event. This was new for our 2018 event, in order to give you as much time as possible to prepare for the big challenge.
Please note, if you are travelling from overseas, you will not receive your pack in the post and you will need to pick it up from the registration desk on the day. This is also the case for anyone who registers after 9am on 29th April 2019.
If you have any questions about your pack, please head to the Info Desk on the day of the event.
How long do I need to train for?
This is dependent on how much exercise you do currently. We provide you with a 20-week training plan for both running and walking, if you are taking part over 2 days or non-stop, or a 16-week plan for doing the one day option. You will also be provided with comprehensive training advice to ensure you are in the best possible shape. Other than that we recommend regular, consistent training – give yourself enough weeks to train but don’t overdo it!
Is there an age limit?
Participants must be aged 18 years or above by the start of the event to be allowed to enter the HEINEKEN Race to the Tower.
Can I enter as part of a team?
You can enter groups of as many people as you want whether it is a sports team, a collection of friends from work, or from a local charity. You can enter as a team, but everyone will need to enter their full details and accept the rules and regulations. During the challenge you will all be able to walk, jog or run together if you wish or people can split into different groups depending on their speed.
Overnight, we allocate tents numerically as participants arrive into basecamp rather than pre-allocating, but if you arrive at the same time then we will try our best to make sure all your tents will be next to one another.
If you enter the same team name and are camping for the event we will endeavour to put you in the same camping zone.
If you are entering as a group of colleagues and are looking in to the possibility of entering a corporate team about a bespoke package, kit design or training days then please get in touch at info@racetothetower.com.
How do I pay to enter?
You need to pay the full amount when you sign up to the challenge, which you can do on the enter now page. You can pay by credit or debit card, but you have to used the online system, as we don’t accept payment over the phone.
When do event entries close?
The closing date for entries will be Sunday 2nd June 2019 at midnight and no entries will be accepted after this time. If the event is sold out, the registration form will close earlier. We anticipate the Weekender and non-stop packages to be popular, so we recommend registering as soon as possible if you don’t want to miss out.
ON THE EVENT
What time do I need to get there?
We recommend arriving 30 minutes before your start time. You will have chosen your start time when registering for the event.
What is the cut-off time?
For those on the Non-Stop package the route is open from 7:30am Saturday 8th June until 8:00pm Sunday 9th June.
For those on the Weekender or 1-Day packages the route is open from 7:30am until 10:00pm Saturday 8th June, and 6:00am until 8:00pm Sunday 9th June.
PLEASE NOTE: Each pit-stop will have a cut off time (determined closer to the start of the event). If you miss the cut off time, regardless of the route opening times, you will be liable for disqualification.
Will there be parking to leave my car at the start on Saturday and collect it once I have finished on Sunday?
Parking will be available to book online at an extra cost from January. Please keep an eye for our monthly emails that will notify you once it is open.
Can I be dropped off at the event?
We have a drop-off zone where your friends and family can drop you off for the event. They are able to wait and watch you start provided they are there no longer than 30 minutes. Please make sure that they are considerate to other participants being dropped off if they choose to leave their car and watch you start.
Will there be buses to / from the start / finish?
Shuttles will be available to book online at an extra cost from January. Please keep an eye for our monthly emails that will notify you once it is open.
Will my bags be transported for me from start to finish?
Your bags will be transported from the start to the finish point each day. If you are doing the event over 2 days you will collect your bags from the basecamp and then drop them back the following morning for them to be taken to the finish.
If you are doing the Double Marathon non-stop your bags will go directly from the start to the finish. There is no option for you sending your bag to basecamp, please accept our apologies for this.
Will there be rest stops along the route?
For Non-Stop participants there will be approx 8 pre-determined pit stops and for Weekenders approx 4 each day. Every pit stop have snacks, drinks, toilets and first aid facilities. These are designed to give you a short rest break (max 20mins) and refuel you for the next stage of the event. The exact distances and cut off times will be shared with you in the lead up to the event.
Supporters – We ask that you don’t arrange to meet friends and family at pit stops as they can become very crowded if each participant has supporters there as well. Instead we recommend they meet you at the base camp or away from the event pit stops.
Can my friends and family come and see me along the route?
Your friends and family are welcome to come and see you along the route, but we ask that they avoid pit stops as these areas are for participants only. A more specific breakdown of the route will be published closer to the event.
What happens if I have to retire from the event en-route?
If for some reason you can’t complete the challenge you will be provided with an event control number, which you must ring to tell us you are pulling out of the event. If it is deemed a medical emergency then we will arrange an evacuation for you. Otherwise, you will have to sort out your own transport and repatriation. This includes transport from the overnight basecamp to the finish if you decide that you do not want to continue after Day 1.
Please note, if you aren’t able to complete the full package you signed up for, then we cannot guarantee you a medal that shows the distance you did achieve.
Can people visit me at the overnight base camp and will there be parking for them?
We are more than happy for friends and family to come and cheer you in at the overnight basecamp. We ask that all visiting friends and family are off site by 9pm. We do ask however that they are aware of other runners if they intend to cheer you along other sections of the route. Please note non-participants are not permitted to stay in the overnight basecamp overnight.
The Friends and Family Parking situation has not been confirmed for 2019 just yet, but keep checking because it will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
Can my friends and family come and visit me along the route?
Your friends and family are welcome to come and see you along the route, but we ask that they avoid pit stops as these areas are for participants only. A more specific breakdown of the route will be published closer to the event.
Am I allowed to bring my dog?
Dogs (aside from assistance dogs) are not permitted on the route as part of the event, due to the volume of people on the trail and the challenging nature of the course. Participants will do a lot of training in the run up to the event, and we cannot ensure that dogs have the stamina to complete the route or be responsible for them.
Are UTMB points available?
Yes, 3 UTMB points will be awarded for participants who complete the double marathon non-stop course.
Will there be live tracking on the event?
No, you cannot be live tracked through the event. We would recommend using a tracker app if your friends and family want to keep track of your progress.
WHAT TO BRING
If I am staying overnight, do I need to bring my own tent and sleeping mat?
No. Your tent will be pitched ready and waiting for you when you arrive at basecamp and you will collect your sleeping mat when you check in to tent allocation. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Tents are 2 man pop up tents (allocated one per person) so if you are participating in a couple you can opt to put your bags in one tent and yourselves in another.
Can I pitch my own tent?
You are not permitted to provide your own tent and camp on site. All basecamp space is reserved for the event set up and event vehicles. If you wish to camp overnight on site you will need to book the “2 days with camping package”
Do I need to carry all of my own equipment?
It’s not compulsory to carry but we would advise that you carry a small rucksack with you containing essentials such as a water bottle, first aid kit, spare pairs of socks and another layer of warm / waterproof clothing in case the weather changes.
We provide transport for a bag to your final destination of the day, so you don’t need to carry too much.
Will there be medical support on the route? Do I need to bring a first aid kit?
We will have medics out on the route to help with any significant issues, but we do ask all participants to bring a small first aid kit to be able to deal with their own minor issues e.g. blisters, chafing.
N.B. 50km/100km on foot is extremely hard on your feet, it is fair to expect the odd blister, please bring appropriate strapping or blister plasters to alleviate these problems.
What kit should I wear?
There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. There is nowhere where this rings truer than England and if you are out on the Ridgeway you need to be prepared for anything from hot sun to torrential rain.
As a minimum you will need to worry about what is between you and the Ridgeway: A GOOD pair of trail trainers or boots. Make sure you break in your chosen footwear before the event. You should have a thumb’s width between the end of your toe and the end of the shoe. Ask the experts. High street hiking stores have trained staff to help you. Use them!
Socks are as vital as boots, the wrong pair can cause discomfort even in well-fitting boots. Your socks should fit snugly, and be a comfortable length so they don’t fall down when you’re walking. Look for socks made from natural materials like wool.
In addition you want to layer up dependent on the weather. We will send a kit list before the event with more detailed guidance but in summary: trail trainers / boots, socks, a short and long sleeve breathable sport top, a waterproof shell jacket, sun hat, woolly hat, gloves.
IF YOU CAN NO LONGER ATTEND
What happens if I want to cancel my place?
We operate a 7-day cooling off period – during the first 7-days after registration your fee if fully-refundable should you change your mind. After this point your entry fee becomes non-refundable under any circumstances. Please refer to the Rules and Regulations for further details.
We do provide some options for you if you cannot attend, and they are listed in the following sections.
Event Deferral
If you wish to cancel your place due to injury or any other circumstances, unfortunately your entry fee is non refundable. We have listed below your Transfer options (each option will incur an admin fee).
We have a few options for you if you cannot attend the event. One is to defer to the following year. The others are listed in the next section of the FAQ’s.
If you would like to postpone your entry until the following year, we kindly ask that you email or call the team. Please note that this will incur an admin fee of £25, but will GUARANTEE you a place on the following year’s event. Also, you may only defer once, so if you have already deferred the previous year, this option no longer applies to you. Please refer to the Rules and Regulations for further details.
Registration Transfer Options
If you wish to cancel your place due to injury or any other circumstances, unfortunately your entry fee is non refundable. We have listed below your Transfer options (each option will incur an admin fee).
There are 2 different Transfer options, either to another participant or to another event.
- Transfer your entry to another 2019 Threshold Trail Series event. In order to transfer to HEINEKEN Race to the Tower 2019, the Participant must inform this intent to transfer by midday on Friday 10th May 2019. In order to transfer to Race to the King 2019, the Participant must inform this intent to transfer by midday on Friday 24th May 2019. Please refer to the Rules and Regulations for further details.
- Transfer your place to another participant. In order to transfer entry to another individual this must take place before midday on Friday 5th July 2019. To process a Participant Transfer there is an administration fee of £25.00 if the Participant informs Threshold by Friday 31st May 2019. If the Participant informs Threshold after Friday 31st May 2019 and before Friday 5th July 2019, there is an administration fee of £30.00. These must be made payable to the Event Organisers by the outgoing participant. Please refer to the Rules and Regulations for further details.
