Covid-19 Secure Event Protocol

This advice will be updated in line with national and local regulations in place at the time of the event.

The ULTRA NORTH event will be taking place with approval from Newcastle City Council, and all other stakeholders, to ensure we comply with the latest regulations and guidance to deliver a Covid-secure event. We will continue to liaise and plan right up until the event, and due to Covid-19 we will be introducing a number of additional measures to ensure the event can go ahead.

As guidance is subject to change, please make sure you monitor the website, check your emails and follow the latest communications and instructions right up until event day.

Entry into the event

Exclusive finishers medal

Exclusive finishers tee shirt

Chip timing

A fully signed route

Checkpoints/aid stations along the route with food and drinks

Medical support

If you’re a walker looking for a challenge ULTRA NORTH could be for you!

The events are not a walk-in-the-park (ahem) – but as long as you can complete the distance within the specified cut off times then why not join us? A 25K walk can be completed in 5 hours at a relatively comfortable pace for most people.

The cut off times are not particularly difficult and the required pace is designed to be achievable by most walkers– the shorter distance option also requires a slightly slower pace than the longer distances.

WHAT PACE WILL I NEED TO WALK AT?

For those taking part in ULTRA NORTH 55, an average speed of approx. 12 minutes per KM (19 minutes per mile) to ensure you make it to the checkpoints by the designated cut off time.

And for those taking part in NORTH 25, an average speed of approx. 19 minutes per KM (30 minutes per mile) to ensure you complete the distance in time.

RUN-WALKERS
Did you know that the vast majority of participants will mix up running and walking during their ultra? That’s right, very few participants will even attempt to run the entire distance.

Generally speaking you will find that walking the inclines and then running/jogging the flat and downhill sections are the way to go. But it's entirely up to you.

As with any challenge it’s important to ensure that you are well prepared. That means some training! A quick web search for run-walk training plans will offer up some plans that you might like to follow.

A good tip is to find your 'level' during training and then make sure you stick to that during the event. It's very tempting to get carried away at the start of an event and head out a little too fast!

If your level is, say, jogging 5 minutes and then walking 1 minute, then try to stick to that from the start.

All participants must carry some basic provisions and equipment with them at all times, including:

- A mobile phone with a fully charged battery on race day morning
- Debit/Credit card to enable purchases from shops if required, and use on public transport
- Small foil blanket or a warm layer of clothing.
- Water bottle/foldable cup for water
- Your own initial water supply and any specific fuel/food required.
- Suitable footwear

Participants will be advised of the full mandatory equipment list well in advance of the event date.

ULTRA NORTH 55: there are three checkpoints along the route, plus the finish.

NORTH 27.5: there is one checkpoint along the route, plus the finish.

Specific details of the checkpoints will be shared with all participants prior to the event.

This event will have strict cut-off times that will be enforced. The cut-off times are to ensure that all participants have completed the route by 19:00.

ULTRA NORTH 55: there is a required completion time of 19.00hrs (this is an average speed of approx. 12minute/km, not including stopping time at checkpoints).

The first cut-off time will be (approx. 15km) at 11:10hrs - location TBC. Any ULTRA NORTH 55 participant who has not passed this point by 11:10hrs will not be permitted to continue.

The second cut-off time will be (approx. 38km) at 15:45hrs - location TBC. Any ULTRA NORTH 55 participant who has not passed this point by 15:45hrs will not be permitted to continue.

A final cut-off time is in place at the finish (approx. 55km) at 19.00hrs for any participant who has not yet reached this point.

NORTH 25: there is a required completion time of 19.00hrs (this is an average speed of approx. 19 minute/km). A cut-off time is in place (approx. 11km) at 14:10hrs - location TBC. Any NORTH 25 participant who has not passed this point by 14:10hrs will not be permitted to continue.

A second cut-off time is in place at the finish (approx. 25km) at 19.00hrs for any participant who has not yet reached this point.

To enter ULTRA NORTH 55 you must be aged 20 or over.

To enter NORTH 25 you must be aged 18 or over.