daniellemee
How do we plan our adventures?
An insight into how we start planning a new international adventure.
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CHOOSE TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND EARN UP TO A £1750 REFUND ON YOUR ENTRY FEE. FIND OUT MORE.
A STUNNING ONE WAY JOURNEY FROM THE TIP OF KORCULA TO THE ANCIENT CITY OF DUBROVNIK.
Explore the beauty of this magical country under your own steam against the magnificent backdrop of the Adriatic Coast in this incredible adventure. Croatia is an ancient country steeped in history and this rugged and challenging multisport journey of dreams is one not to miss. For the Game of Thrones fans you’ll get the chance to storm King’s Landing as you charge along the Walls of Stone on the Pelješac Penisula.
£95.64
SIGN UP NOW FOR ONLY*
*price per month, depending on departure date, click here for more info on pricing
25 – 30 APRIL / 2024 FULL
24 – 29 APRIL / 2025
23 - 28 APRIL / 2026
EVENT DATES:
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DISTANCE:
39 MILES (63 KM) ON FOOT + 2 MILES (3 KM) SUP + 22 MILES (35KM) ON KAYAK + 41 MILES (66 KM) ON BIKE
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL AND B&B
LOCATION:
CROATIA
DURATION:
6 DAYS /5 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
This adventure is for anyone with a good level of fitness.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
5 nights accommodation / Hotel and B&B.
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional support vehicles, safety staff, water safety, medical and welfare.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff, water safety, medics, drivers, route safety staff and Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
ALL MEALS
Most meals included.
TRANSFERS
Airport transfers.
EQUIPMENT
Kayak, SUP and all associated equipment rental included.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
TRANSFER POLICY
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure date.
RAISE £4000 AND GET UP TO £1750 REFUNDED
SET UP YOUR JUST GIVING PAGE HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE
MORE INFORMATION:
Our exciting challenge starts with a punchy 50km run/hike as you traverse the entire length of Korcula on foot, winding through dusty trails and back country lanes you will pass huge swathing olive groves, never ending vineyards and quirky villages before finishing in the coastal Korcula Town.
The next morning you’ll board your SUP and paddle 3km across the crystal clear waters before docking in Orebic and transitioning to your bikes and heading for the hills.
Be sure to raise your head from the road and take in the simply magnificent views across Croatia and the Adriatic sea from this high point. As you wind down the tracks you’ll speed past oyster farms and quaint fishing villages before heading to world famous Ston and switching to trainers and heading up on the Ston walls and past the salt flats on this final 6.5km of the day.
On the final day we’re up bright and early for our beautiful kayak stage down the Broce canal greeting the Adriatic sea just as the sun rises. We will paddle to the island of Sipan and come ashore to run/hike over the isle to Sudurad for a quick Cernički ćuptet before getting back on the water for the final kayak stage as we paddle full steam ahead to the Pearl of the Adriatic and our stunning finish line: Dubrovnik. The evening sees us all enjoy a celebration dinner in a cracking local restaurant and one last night together reflecting on the epic journey you’ve all just conquered.
DAY ONE
Arrive at Dubrovnik airport for our RV at 2pm. We will then transfer you to our accommodation in Korcula and you can get checked in and acquainted with your fellow #ratracers and explore the local area.
Bike drop off and bike fitting will need to be completed before heading over to Korcula on the ferry to Orebic. The bikes will be stored in Orebic for the bike transition.
ACCOMMODATION: B&B in a twin or double room
MEALS: NA
DAY TWO
After a leisurely breakfast we will carry out Registration and provide some briefings, including heat management, style of event, intro to the route and we will provide assistance loading the route onto your GPS watches if you require. We will also go through some kayak and SUP safety points. The day is then mostly your own to explore the local area. If you wish to take part in our optional kayak refresher, this will be in the afternoon and transport will be provided.
ACCOMMODATION: B&B in a twin or double room
MEALS: Breakfast provided
DAY THREE
RUN/HIKE: APPROX 31 MILES / 50KM
The first day of the adventure, run/hike 50km traversing the entire length of island finishing in Korcula Town.
ACCOMMODATION: B&B in a twin or double room
MEALS: 'Grab n’ go’ breakfast, Pit Stop service throughout the day, evening meal.
DAY FOUR
SUP: 2 MILES / 3KM BIKE: 41 MILES / 66KM RUN/HIKE: 4 MILES / 6.5KM
Day 2 sees us start with a relaxing 3km SUP to Orebic before getting on the bikes and heading to the hills for a brilliant 66km tour of this island. As Kings Landing comes into view we’ll lace up our trainers and storm Walls of Ston before heading to today’s finish line in Broce.
ACCOMMODATION: B&B in a twin or double room. Accommodation will be very limited in Broce – it is a tiny little place.
MEALS: ‘Grab n’ go’ breakfast, Pit Stop service throughout the day, evening meal.
DAY FIVE
KAYAK: 22MILES / 35KM RUN/HIKE: 3.7MILES / 6KM
Our final day sees us up before dawn to greet the sun at the mouth of the Broce canal as emerge into the Adriatic. A quick Pit Stop on Sipan gives us a chance to stretch your legs as we trek up and over the isle to Sudurad before getting back in the boats for the home stretch to Durbovnik and our finish line celebrations!
ACCOMMODATION: B&B in a twin or double room.
MEALS: 'Grab n’ go’ breakfast, Pit Stop service throughout the day, evening celebration meal.
*kayak distance approx due to wind, current, tide
DAY SIX
After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell we will transfer you back to Dubrovnik airport for those leaving us today. If you wish to stay around no problem, we highly recommend adding some days on to enjoy this beautiful city in all its glory.
ACCOMMODATION: NA
MEALS: 'Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
We will use a variety of B&B style accommodation throughout. Your accommodation is inclusive within your entry fee for 5 nights (2 nights prior to the Challenge and on the night after the Challenge).
Hotel and B and B accommodation is typically always offered on a double or twin room basis. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room. You will have the opportunity to request to share a room with a fellow racer when filling out your particiapton form which you will receive 3 months ahead of the event.
MEALS
BREAKFAST
This will be served in your accommodation and will consist of typical local choices in line with the hotel’s offerings. On Challenge day, it is an early departure so we will provide ‘grab n’ go’ materials or arrange for an early pre-departure breakfast.
DINNER
Once the challenge commences dinner is included and will typically be a buffet at our fantastic accommodation. On the final night the first round is also on us!
PIT STOPS
During the challenge you will have access to our famously well-stocked Pit Stops multiple times throughout the journey. On all stages, these will typically be set-up from our mobile teams at set spots on the route. You will carry your own supplies, including plenty of water and your sports nutrition, in your pack too. This ensures you are always self-sufficient with food and fluids.
Pit stops will typically have a minimum of the following available:
Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
Salty snacks – such as crisps and peanuts.
Savoury treats – We will feature sandwiches, savoury pastries and other goodies at selected pit stops, around lunchtime.
A fruit option – Either oranges or bananas.
Sweets – such as Skittles (vegan) and Haribo.
A variety of sandwiches, pastries and cakes.
We may even ensure a selection of the local cheeses, dried or cured meats and other goodies are on offer at select Pit stop locations!
Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have. If you have any special dietary requirements then please plan for this and pack your kit accordingly. Rat Race aim to offer Pit Stop snacks that are tasty and functional for as broad a mix of needs as possible. We have options available that are suitable for vegetarian and vegans and availability of this will depend on demand. If peanuts are served these will be in individual portioned bags to reduce the chance of contamination but Rat Race cannot guarantee that the food does not contain contamination from allergens such as nuts or gluten in its preparation or serving.
Please make sure you sanitise your hands prior to eating any food. Please, please, please take care with your trash and help us in our aim of leaving these incredible islands tidier than we find them. This is even more critical in this environment, with any lost trash instantly becoming a choking hazard for the marine life we are here to admire.
The nature of an adventure is that sometimes, the uncertain becomes certain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we ned to wheel put Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!
Click ‘Buy Event Voucher’ and go through the sign-up process, you’ll then be issued with an event voucher which will automatically reserve you a place in the event you have chosen.
Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure. If you wish to participate as a family group or with a responsible adult and you are 16+, we will consider applications on an individual basis. Please contact us if this is the case.
Getting to the start line is important and we are there to help you as best we can. However, if you feel on reflection that it is just not your time yet, we do have a transfer system that you can use to transfer out, receive Rat Race credit and come back again next year or do something else. Credit is typically valid for 12 months and there is a fee to be paid for transferring out in this way. We want to be really clear that this option is there for you if you need it, but it does have a deadline. View our full terms and conditions here.
The latest kit list will be sent to you before the event within the Essential Event Information Document.
Of course. If you run for Children with Cancer UK and raise the target amount for this event per person, we will refund your entry fee up to the amount of £1750. You are of course more than welcome to fundraise for any cause close to your heart. Click here to find out more.
Yes, you can. We welcome support on almost all of our events and if you do decide you want to come and work with us, we will make sure we look after you. Click here to find out more about volunteering for Rat Race.
We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free. There is no credit check required to use this facility. When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel and which covers participation in outdoor sports. You will also need what is called an Evacuation Insurance Policy, which is for if we need to send you back to the closest city for urgent medical attention via a helicopter or similar. We also recommend you have this in place as soon as you enter this event and that if you book flights, we highly recommend booking a flexible option for any last-minute changes you might need to make or to ensure you have maximum flexibility if you cannot attend for any reason.
Travel insurance is compulsory for our events, so please make sure your insurance policy covers the activities you will be participating in. There are a number of specialist providers available including Mann Broadbent.
Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will be kept in the loop closer to the event when we will send out our Essential Event Information approximately 12 weeks ahead of the event, detailing the full itinerary, what you need to bring and other important information relating to the specific event you have signed up for. We will also host webinars which you will be invited to (again, closer to the event), where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and go through your kit. There will be a final email one month ahead of the event, just to check you’ve completed all the important forms and are ready for the event ahead.
If you have chosen to pay in instalments, we will also get in touch with you if any of your payments have been missed.
Rat Race have been audited and accredited to the prestigious BS8848 expedition safety standard. We have firm emergency protocols and response systems in place whilst out on our adventures. Our main priority above all else is to keep you and our staff safe. Before we leave for each trip a comprehensive in-country risk and threat assessment has been conducted by the Head of Expeditions. All protocols are put in place relating to those assessments. We make sure that the staff involved have the highest level of first aid training; a higher level of medical cover is also put in place if needed; all instructors have qualifications and/ or competencies to match the adventure we will undertake. In the event of an emergency, Rat Race staff and appointed contractors have comprehensive knowledge of procedures which will rapidly be put in place. If needed, our staff will provide first aid and then further medical assistance and evacuation if needed in line with a published Medical Procedures Plan. We have medical back-up and Clinical Directorship provided by a specialist events medical company and we have further emergency response support services provided by competent contracted partner. All our cover is available 24/7 while operations are underway. We use our knowledge and emergency procedures to provide the best possible care in our often remote and austere environments. Before leaving on a trip, we will advise on the insurance cover you are required to have in place for the trip; we will ask for a copy of these insurance details before the departure date.
Race entry includes a glorious finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tee. We will request your tshirt size and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.
The short answer is no. The price for this event is for everything outlined on the website and it is very difficult for us to split this out. Our accommodation is based on group rates and is on a shared basis. All of our event logistics, support and organisation has been designed to have all the participants in the same locations to allow transfers, briefings etc to run smoothly and to let you bond with your fellow #ratracers! You are welcome to arrange your own accommodation if you wish but this will not result in a reduction in the event fee from us, you will also then be responsible for ensuring you are at our meeting points at the arranged time and we will not be able to transport you to and from your own accommodation, you will need to be able to do this independently.
No problem. Where we use hotels, rooms are offered on a twin / shared basis. If you wish to share with a fellow participant, you will be asked to add this information to your event participation from which we will issue you with approximately 12 weeks ahead of the event.
Unfortunately for this style of event, we cannot accommodate any supporters.
We would recommend a Hybrid for this event. Although, a mountain bike or even a gravel bike could be an option depending on what you have already.
We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace on the foot and bike stages. See below for our notes on route-finding and guidance. There will also be some cut-offs, but in the true Rat Race tradition these will be generous and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out. Of course, we are giving you a very early start to allow the very best possible window for route completion. But, if you need us and if you need to abandon the route for whatever reason, we are there for you. On the kayak and SUP legs, we will re-group and travel as a flotilla for safety reasons.
GPX routes will be provided one week ahead of the event, or you can hire one of our hi-tech navigational aids with the routes pre-loaded for the duration of the challenge. On the kayak you will travel as a flotilla and will not be required to navigate at all Don’t worry – you won’t get lost. But if you do – support is never far away.
We will use a mixture of guides, stewards, pit stops and support vehicles to support you at intervals by our mobile ‘pit stop’ team. We will also have our local safety team with you all the way on the water, whilst you are kayaking. Across the challenge, we will have multiple vehicles at our disposal, plus multiple staff members, snacks and drinks to distribute. So, if it does get too much, if you overheat, get too cold (unlikely!), need sustenance, motivational support or otherwise, we should be able to assist. You are in good hands.
A kit list for this event will be published 3 months prior to the event.
KAYAK REFRESHER SESSION IN CROATIA
(The day before the challenge itself)
If you fancy a quick check-in on your paddle strokes, our instructors will be available in the afternoon of Day 2, prior to the challenge to allow you some sea-time. This is a session designed to familiarise yourself with the boats you will be using and to dust off those paddling skills to ensure you’re all set for the travails of the following day. All equipment provided. £50pp.
Many of our #ratracers in 2023 completed the kayak section with little to no previous experience, the refresher is a great way to learn some top tips!
KAYAK REFRESHER
Practice kayaking the day before the events begins. Price is per person. All equipment provided.
CLICK HERE TO BUY
BIKE RENTAL
There is bike hire available for this event. If you have decided that you do not want to bring your own, a bike can be hired through us.
CLICK HERE TO BUY
KAYAK REFRESHER
Practice kayaking the afternoon before the events begins. Price is per person. All equipment provided. Kayak session will be in Croatia.
CLICK HERE TO BUY
Pricing
All prices are in GBP. An admin fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments. Your first payment is your Registration Fee .
PAY MONTHLY INTEREST FREE!
ENTER NOW AND SPREAD THE COST INTEREST FREE WITH OUR INSTALMENT PLAN
We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free*. The payments will be split equally allowing you to budget and plan for this stunning journey. All payments to be made before January, 3 months prior to the event.
*When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
Please see here for full terms and conditions and our cancellation policy.
PROTECT YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING WITH REFUND PROTECT
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
£95.64
/ MONTH. DEPENDING ON DEPARTURE
SIGN UP TODAY
PAY IN FULL
£1950
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
SIGN UP TODAY
Abbi Naylor
April 2022
"Seriously this one is going to be a blinder. I am in love with it already!"
I didn’t realise I would fall in love with the place so much. To be able to run, kayak, SUP, bike and jump in the sea in the most stunning of locations. With great and very cheap wine! What more could you ask for?
Georgia Fuller
April 2023
"Honestly can't imagine going anywhere else for epic adventures free from judgement"
The team are all incredibly friendly and happy to answer any questions; they’re also really experienced and know what you’re going through. I always hit a wall 2/3rds in and the team know, Abi is fab at giving me enough tough love that I remember why I’m doing it, Jim is just a machine and celebrating with them all at the end is something you’ll never forget.
Dawn Burr
April 2023
"Without question the most beautiful route I've done in 20 years"
Good quality accommodation, plentiful and varied sustenance on and off the course. Add to that an impressively professional support team - not only perfectly organised (even the weather went to plan!) but with warm and personal touches and a fab group of fellow athletes made for a pretty much perfect trip. I would thoroughly recommend.
Michelle Foster
April 2023
"If you are on the edge about booking, just book it"
It's the best thing I ever did! I loved every minute. I had never done these distances before, in any of the disciplines, let alone on back to back days. But it was all possible with the amazing support of the Rat Race team and the other participants. Book it, you won't regret it!
"At the same cost as a package holiday, I genuinely think this is one of the most satisfying ways to experience a picturesque part of the world – and all while pitting yourself against a genuinely hardcore challenge."
Croatia Multisport balances the desire to get uncomfortable with a solid support network, creating a space in which anyone can launch themselves into a challenge, safely and enjoyably. And that really is something special.
Flora Beverley
April 2023
Charity
RAISE AT LEAST £4000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET UP TO £1750 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!
Our longstanding partnership with Children with Cancer UK gives #ratracers the opportunity to raise much needed funds for this great cause in exchange for a refund of their entry fee. So far our #ratracers have raised over £2million for Children with Cancer UK and we would love for you to join the team to help us chase down that £3million target!
The funds you raise will be invested into vital specialist research to improve survival rates in children and young people and help more of them ring the end of treatment bell.
All you need to do is set up a Just Giving page here and start your fundraising! You will have until 1 month after the event date to hit your target and then send us the link to your page which will allow us to process your refund. Refunds will be made 2 – 3 months after the event completion date.
Refunds are not mandatory you are welcome to opt-out of receiving a refund. Should participants opt-out their refund will instead be used by Children with Cancer UK to help fund their research.
If you choose to support Children with Cancer UK and raise £4000, you will also receive:
-
A Children with Cancer UK fundraising and training pack
-
Regular Children with Cancer UK updates
-
A dedicated point of contact at the charity
-
A technical Children with Cancer UK t-shirt to wear with pride
For more information on Children with Cancer UK please visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Alternatively please contact the Sports Team on 020 7430 7788 or email sports@childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
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