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ARE YOU READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME? LANDS END TO JOHN O'GROATS BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT.
This is the holy grail of UK adventures and tackling this epic journey is a major physical and logistical undertaking. The entire distance is still fairly seldom attempted on foot in one sitting – and rightly therefore constitutes an enormous lifetime achievement for any runner or walker. We’ve put together a fully supported, truly stunning 1000 mile, 70, 000 ft elevation adventure that spans the entire length of this great nation on a bespoke route designed to take in the most beautiful trails in the UK along the way.
£257.48
SIGN UP NOW FOR ONLY*
*price per month, depending on departure date, click here for more info on pricing
31 MAY - 6 JULY / 2024
30 MAY - 5 JULY / 2025
28 MAY - 3 JULY / 2027
EVENT DATES:
SOLD OUT
DISTANCE:
1000+ MILES (1609 KM) ON FOOT
SLEEP STYLE:
B&B, HOTEL
AND HOSTEL
LOCATION:
CORNWALL - JOHN O'GROATS, UK
DURATION:
37 DAYS /
36 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
This pinnacle running challenge requires commitment. You should be an experienced multi-day endurance runner.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
RUN MAJOR SECTIONS OF BRITAIN’S MOST FAMOUS LONG-DISTANCE PATHS INCLUDING THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH, WYE VALLEY WALK, OFFA’S DYKE, CLYDE WALKWAY, THE ENTIRETY OF THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY AND THE GREAT GLEN WAY.
LARGELY OFF-ROAD ROUTE, AVOIDING MAIN ROADS AND DESIGNED BY RUNNERS FOR RUNNERS. SEE SOME OF BRITAIN’S MOST FAMOUS LANDMARKS EN ROUTE AND EXPERIENCE THE FULL BREADTH OF BRITISH HOSPITALITY.
CROSS 3 COUNTRIES, WITNESS THE EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPE ACROSS 1000 MILES (AND HEAR COUNTLESS LOCAL ACCENTS ALONG THE WAY!)
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
36 nights accommodation (hotel, B&B, hostel)
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional support vehicles, safety staff, Event Doctor and welfare PLUS daily massage and physio support.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff, medics, drivers, route safety staff and Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
ALL MEALS
All meals included as standard, at hotels and in camp, cooked up by our expert catering crew
TRANSFERS
Transfers from Penzance to the start and from John O Groats to Inverness.
EXTRAS
High quality and unique medal, rat rag, premium t-shirt for all participants PLUS free entry into Rat Race The Wall
TRANSFER POLICY
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure.
RAISE £10000 AND GET UP TO £5000 REFUNDED
MORE INFORMATION:
Our route has been put together with painstaking precision, encompassing a real ‘runners line,’ largely avoiding busy roads and packing in huge chunks of off-road terrain. It is a swashbuckling tour-de-force through 4000 years of British History and landmarks, taking you on a journey through the very soul of this storied Isle.
We have also managed to weave together several of the UK’s most famous and enjoyable long-distance paths, including major sections on the South West Coast Path, Wye Valley Way, Offa’s Dyke, Clyde Walkway, the Great Glen Way and all 95 glorious miles of the West Highland Way. The entire distance is still fairly seldom attempted on foot in one sitting – and rightly therefore constitutes an enormous lifetime achievement for any runner or walker.
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You will need everything you have in the tank and more to get the job done here, both physically and mentally. There are no short-cuts: It is 1000 miles on foot, over 5 weeks and across hill, mountain, moor and valley. There will be no winners: It is all about completion. This is and always has been the Rat Race way. As such, we will be with you from the minute you sign-up to get you to the start line and beyond. Our package not only features the best event support in the business, but that support commences from the day you sign up as we look to include major training support to ensure you stand the very best possible chance of getting the job done.
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Ultimately this will be a journey into yourself as much as across Britain; The Holy Grail of your running goals.
PRE-EVENT: ADMIN DAY
Meet at Penzance for kit check and briefing.
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DAY 1 - 7: LANDS END TO BRISTOL
233 MILES
The first week of running sees us taking in a huge chunk of the epic South West Cast path on a route that takes us through Padstow, St Ives, Bude and Bideford, plus a decent stint in Exmoor National Park. This is a big week running with a huge amount of elevation. The perfect warm up for the rest of your journey through the British Isles. We conclude our week in Bristol for our first rest day where you can have friends/family meet you.
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REST DAY IN BRISTOL
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DAY 9 - 14: BRISTOL TO PRESTON
217 MILES
The second week sees us briefly cross the border into Wales as we make our way up the country via Offas Dyke to Monmouth, Haye on Wye and Bishops Castle. Towards the end of the week we head out of the wilderness and into Preston for a well earned rest day.
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REST DAY IN PRESTON
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DAY 16 - 21: PRESTON TO ABINGTON
165 MILES
The third week takes in a little more road running as we pass through Lancaster, Burnside and Bampton Castle en route towards Carlisle. This week we cross the border into Scotland, and no doubt will celebrate with a wee dram before our rest day in Abington.
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REST DAY IN ABINGTON
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DAY 23 - 28: ABINGTON - FORT AUGUSTUS
182 MILES
The fourth week sees us scale Scotland via some of the most beautiful and famous terrain the UK has to offer. We make our way north through Glasgow and on the West Highland Way to Fort William, then towards Fort Augustus on the Great Glen Way.
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REST DAY IN FORT AUGUSTUS
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DAY 30 - 35: FORT AUGUSTUS - JOHN O'GROATS
203 MILES
The final week is an incredible few days of running taking in the entire West Highland Way via Contin and Bonar Bridge. Expect huge vistas, lochs, bogs and legendary Scottish hospitality as we make our way to the highlands and your journeys end at the iconic John O’Groats.
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NB: Detailed work has been done on this route prior to launch. However all distances and elevations are approximate and will remain subject to change at the discretion of the organisers or subject to local factors concerning route choice and suitability. Once you have signed up to Run Britannia you will be able to join our Facebook group and meet other participants, you will also then receive detailed route information including planned daily mileage.
ACCOMMODATION
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Depending on where we are in the country, we will use varying styles of accommodation – and we believe the variety of which will in fact be one of the real draws of our event. In all cases it will be good quality, clean and comfortable. You will need a decent night’s kip after each of our daily stages so we won’t be taking chances on the accommodation. In general, we will choose hotels, B and B or bunkhouse-style digs and often these will be in really great locations. Your accommodation is fully inclusive throughout the challenge.
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Significant others and supporters: Owing to the fairly full-on logistical nature of this undertaking and the challenges on rooming, we regret we cannot provide supporters’ accommodation packages. We do however welcome supporters to make their own arrangements and we can provide the details of our accommodation providers much nearer the time if supporters wish to book beds in the same or proximate accommodation facilities.
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Where possible, hotel and B and B accommodation is typically always offered on a double (if you are attending as a couple) 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. In bunkhouse and other configurations, you should sometimes expect to share with more than 1 other – for example in small communal rooms of 4 participants. This will always be on a same sex basis. Owing to the varying nature of accommodation styles, we regret that there are no single supplements available on the trip as we simply cannot guarantee single room occupancy in all locations.
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MEALS
BREAKFAST
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You will always get a hearty feed before the off. Each day our crew will prepare breakfast, or it will be provided in the accommodation we are using, in line with their standard offerings. As soon as you hit the trail, we will be standing by with our all-day Pit Stop service to keep you fuelled up throughout. See below for more info on Pit Stop provision.
DINNER
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We will always provide you with good, hearty and nutritious evening meals. This may be in a local pub or restaurant or it may be at our accommodation. In all cases, Rat Race will provide a minimum of a hearty main course. Where we eat at a restaurant, you will settle your own drinks bills and alcoholic drinks will always be excluded.
PIT STOPS
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Rat Race is well known for its Pit Stops. Some organisers call these Checkpoints, but we think Pit Stop is more apt: It’s about you coming in, fuelling up and accessing our pit lane team to ensure you can go back out firing on all cylinders. Our support at these locations is legendary and in many respects will be the backbone of how we help you achieve this monumental challenge.
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During the challenge you will have access to our Pit Stops multiple times throughout the day. These will have a minimum of the following food and drink available:
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Pit stops will typically have a minimum of the following available:
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Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
Sports Food Bars – oat-type bars for maximum energy.
Hot drinks – we will ensure we have piping hot water supplies and even fresh coffee on offer at selected Pit Stops
Salty snacks – such as chips and peanuts.
Savoury treats – We will feature some fresh local foods and other goodies at selected pit stops, around lunchtime.
A fruit option – such as oranges, bananas, melon and watermelon.
Sweets – including local speciality sweet treats.
Cake – there is always cake
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Watch out for our regional specialities too! Whether it’s a Cornish Pasty, a Scotch Pie, local fruit, a Cumberland sausage or some Wookey Hole cheddar – we will never be far from a taste of Britain on your plate.
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Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have – if you use gels and other such products – you should plan to bring these with you. If you have any special dietary requirements, then please also plan for this and pack your kit accordingly. Rat Race aim to offer Pit Stop snacks that are tasty and functional, catering to as broad a mix of needs and diets as possible. We have options available that are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 £2500. You are of course more than welcome to fundraise for any cause close to your heart.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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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.
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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.
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If you have chosen to pay in instalments, we will also get in touch with you if any of your payments have been missed.
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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.
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Yes. We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace on the foot stages. See below for our notes on route-finding and guidance. Everyone will start together at the beginning of each day and then it’s down to you on selecting your own pace. There will also be some very generous cut-offs, just to ensure we do have a ‘finish’ to the day for you and for our crew. BUT, in the true Rat Race tradition these will be very generous and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing each daily stage, versus having to pull out. We will give you the maximum possible time window each day for stage completion and we have deliberately scheduled the event in June/ July to guarantee maximum available daylight with which to complete the journey each day.
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We want you to concentrate on the views and the hard work of putting one foot in front of the other. So we don’t want you to be staring at maps or navigational aids any more than you have to. The route will not be way-marked as such with big bright arrows. What we will do instead is to give you a navigational aid with the route pre-loaded onto it. You will press go and follow that line.
If you have your own GPS watch or device, you may choose to use this instead/ as well and we will provide the route files in advance so you can download the routes onto these devices.
You will follow this ‘line’ when on the foot-based route and this will be your main go-to resource for the duration of the challenge.
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We will augment this system with our staff and vehicles at certain junctions where we feel there may be a risk of going the wrong way. And each day, we will start the day with a daily briefing that describes the route and what you can expect from the stage at various points during the day.
You will also have phone contact with our support team and a satellite texting device, so you can always get in touch with us if you need to – whether that is to check your routing or to tell us about a problem.
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Don’t worry – you won’t get lost. But if you do – support is never far away.
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We will use a mixture of run guides, stewards, pit stops and support vehicles to support you at intervals by our mobile ‘pit stop’ team. We will also have our medical team with you all the way, monitoring your progress and providing care and advice for you where needed. Our medical team will feature a physio, too, to ensure you have the very best advice on the route in respect of any musculoskeletal issues.
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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, if you need sustenance, motivational support or otherwise, we will be able to assist. You are in the very best of hands. Our route is well thought out, our plan is heavily developed and our experience in staging this type of challenge is unrivalled.
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Each day will have a different mileage and elevation profile, so it will not be a ‘one-size-fits’all. But whatever limit we do put on daily stages will be very generous and we want to state unequivocally that we do not want you to fail. We want you to complete the stages. The Rat Race ethos is to provide extraordinary challenges for ordinary people. You do not need super-technical skills or to be a seasoned endurance athlete. You will of course need a very good base fitness and serious conditioning for this one simply owing to the mileage and the pure attrition that 35 days on the bounce will give you. There is no question that you need to have done the training for this one. We will help you with that. As with all of our challenges, this is still definitely designed to be ‘doable.’ It is not designed as a sufferfest. You do have it in you. And Run Britannia is a journey that is utterly World-class in every way. We will ensure we support you the very best way we possible can. So suffice to say – unless you really are off the pace – we will try not to cut you off.
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Sorry we cannot accommodate dogs on the route, or in the accommodation.
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If you have to withdraw, we will collect you via the Sweeper vehicles and move you forwards on the course to the stage end and that night’s accommodation (subject to medical advice if it is a medical issue that has forced you to pull out). If you need to pull out on a run/ trek stage where we cannot access the route with vehicles as easily, in all cases we will ask you to move to a road location for extraction. In all cases, the best place to pull out of the event is at a designated Pit Stop location, where we will have vehicles and staff. Subject to medical advice, you may re-start on the following stage. You can do this as many times as you wish.
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As part of your entry you can claim a free solo entry in The Wall Ultra to help with your training. To claim your free code to enter please email us on events@ratrace.com after you have signed up and we will issue them to you and your unique 15% discount code for all our events around the world and for the Rat Race store.
Varied! We have designed this route to keep you off busy roads as much as possible. The route is 50% off-tarmac and the 50% that is on tarmac varies between minor roads and many traffic-free sections of tarmac-ed pathways. All of which means it will be rocky, hilly, lumpy and bumpy in places. It is neither all trail or all paved. Which means your footwear choice is important of course. You may end up in trail shows some days and road shoes the next. Or in both pairs in separate parts of individual daily stages.
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Oh yes. We reckon for an undertaking of this magnitude that we really do need to push the boat out on the bling. Your entry includes a glorious 3-part medal – with segments each for the completion of English, Scottish and Welsh legs of the journey respectively.
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We will request your t-shirt size and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.
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This kit list is from our 2023 event - you will be notified of any changes to this list ahead of the event you have signed up for.
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GENERAL ADVICE ON HEAT
This event will take place in the British summer. Typically temperatures can be warm, mild or even cool. But over 35 days, there are bound to be some ‘hot ones.’ Given it is not consistently warm on these shores, it is important you are prepared for those days where the sun can beat down and dehydrate you, perhaps without you even knowing it. So a wide-brimmed sunhat, sun-cream and lightweight and breathable fabrics (ideally with SPF protection) should be used. Given the sweating you will endure, application of waterproof sun-cream and hat selection is very important for such a long multi-day undertaking where you are outdoors for the majority of the day. As the sun comes up, sunglasses with at least Cat 3 protection are required.
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The beauty of the support afforded by the vehicles is that we can interact with you many times on the route. So whilst we require you to take water with you at all times (and always leave a pit stop with full supplies), we can also re-supply you often.
Do not underestimate how much the heat will take out of you, when that sun does bear down on a clear cloudless day. Even if you think you are going well earlier on, as soon as that sun starts warming you up, it’ll start sapping energy. You really do want to ensure you have max sun protection and keep taking on fluids and salts.
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For your feet, we would advise you bring both trail running footwear and road shoes. You do not need a very aggressive chunky sole however. There will be times where one pair is advised over the other and there may also be certain stages where we permit you to change footwear within the stages (i.e. at designated Pit Stops). We will advise you of such occurrences throughout the journey. We will provide access to Pit Stop bags on certain stages at certain locations, allowing you to change clothes, socks and stash favourite snacks in your gear to access later on the day, when you need them most on a stage.
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In terms of how much kit you should bring (i.e. how many changes of clothes), we would advise that you look to change your socks and underwear daily. You may also wish to change your running tops and bottoms every 2/3 days. Remember in all cases we will have a ‘laundry day’ at the end of each stage. So in essence, you are looking to provide a weeks’ worth of clean clothes in any given case.
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Here’s a kit list. It may change between now and the event – but the general list will remain pretty consistent:
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MANDATORY KIT LIST
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Running/Trekking
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Trail running footwear
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Road running footwear
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Shorts
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T-shirt
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Ultra vest or small daypack
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CAT 3 sunglasses
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Bladder or bottles/ soft flasks (aim to be able to carry a MINIMUM of 1.5l)
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Hat – cap or wide brimmed are fine
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Waterproof jacket and trousers with taped seams
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Socks – and plenty of spares!
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Buff or similar neck gaiter
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Blister care kit
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Scooby snacks of choice*
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Either a GPS handheld device or Smartphone capable of following a GPX file (phone with Viewranger App is recommended – see section on ‘route finding’ below) OR a GPS watch for following the route
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In all cases, participants must carry a Smartphone for comms purposes (so if using a watch for following the route, you must also have a Smartphone in your kit)
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Power pack and cable for recharging phone, in waterproof bag (ziplock or dry bag)
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Headtorch, waterproof to IPX7 standard, minimum 150 lumens + spare batteries or second headtorch
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Salt tablets and dissolvable electrolyte tablets for water. You will 100% need these on this trip and they are MANDATORY
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First Aid kit (small personal kit with a triangular bandage, steri strips and an adhesive dressing as a minimum). Also include any personal medication
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Trekking poles – totally optional
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Dry bag or small zip lock bags: Very useful for general gear storage/ organisation/ protection – especially for your day pack
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Bivvy bag
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Whistle
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*Whilst the Pit Stop vehicles will be stocked up with yummy things, including drinks and sweet/ savoury snacks, sports nutrition can be a very personal thing so we would advise that, regardless of our Pit Stop service, you pack items that you know will work for you out on the course.
Overnight
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Personal toiletries and medication
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Towels will typically be provided in many accommodation types; but not always. We would recommend bringing one for overnights and a separate one for use on the challenge itself and at Pit Stops, most likely
General
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Casual clothing for use in evenings at hotels and rest days
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General ‘overnight’ bag (holdall, duffel) for spare kit – pls don’t bring a hard suitcase – ensure all bags are soft (much easier for managing in vehicles)
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Towel – travel micro towel or full-size. 2 total (one for overnight and 1 for Pit Stop use as specified in ‘overnight’s above)
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Power bank for mobile phone and/ or GPS unit
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International plug adaptor for UK use if coming from overseas
IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES FOR THE EVENT THIS WILL BE COMMUNICATED IN THE PRE-EVENT DOCUMENTATION
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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 endeavour. 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?
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 Event 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.
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PIT STOP KIT
In order to allow you to access the right kit at the right times during a stage, on some stages we will permit a Pit Stop bag to be used, which you will be able to access at specific Pit Stops. This will be particularly handy if you need to change footwear selection, for example.
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Pit Stop bags must be soft (and not hard suitcase-style cases) and can be up to circa 30l each in size. Small holdalls, duffels or rucksacks are perfect.
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BAGS
There are therefore 3 bags to be considered for this journey.
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1.) General ‘overnight’ bag (Recommended: Holdall or duffel and no suitcases) for spare and general kit. Please go for a MAXIMUM size of around 80 litres and no more than approx 25kg pls. This should be plenty of weight and space. This bag will be transported to the event accommodation with you and remain there throughout.
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2.) Daypack or running vest. This is the bag you will carry with you for the daily stages. It should contain the mandatory kit, spare clothes, food and water. You may use the same pack throughout, or bring a couple and alternate if you think one will succumb to wear and tear over this distance. Your choice. Either way, you will need a decent daypack or run vest on your person each day throughout the challenge.
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3.) Pit Stop bag – can contain anything you wish and will be available to you when you come into specified Pit Stops on specified stages. You can remove and leave anything you do not wish to take on the stage, also. Any discarded items at Pit Stops should be stowed in your Pit Stops bags and will be taken by the crew back to the accommodation.
BLISTER KIT
Your feet are your best friends on this adventure and looking after them is essential to completing your challenge. Its important not to take them for granted and treat any issues or hotspots immediately rather than wait for them to get worse. Prevention is way better than cure. It’s pretty rare for me to suffer from blisters and it’s something you shouldn’t have to suffer with either. Here are my top tips for keeping those toes happy.
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Wear the right shoes – your shoes should ideally be half a size bigger that you would normally wear – your feet will swell on hot multi day events. A wide toe box will also stop your toes hitting the end of your shoes and so reduce black toenails and blisters. Altra and HOKA do great wise toe box trail and road shoes. You should be training in the shoes that you plan to wear so test out a number of options before you commit.
Have a morning and evening routine. I find the following works really well for me. in the morning, make sure your feet are dry and lube them with a silicon based lube like Uberlube, put your socks on (wicking merino running socks like these are brilliant) and go. If you do have hotspots, look at covering them with a plaster and KT tape before you lube them. Tape won’t stick to slippery feet! In the evening, socks off, wash feet and if you have anything like a blister forming, rub them in rubbing alcohol – this dries out the blister overnight and prevents you having to pop it – popping them can lead to infection and further discomfort so should be a last resort. If your feet get wet during the day, change socks and shoes if you can. Again rubbing alcohol will dry them out very fast. I would recommend taking a pair of waterproof socks with you so if your feet get wet and you don’t have the option of changing shoes, you can dry your feet, put the waterproof sock on and put your feet back into wet shoes. As always we will have out medics o hand should you have any feet disasters but its your responsibility to stop your feet getting bad enough to need them!
You should carry a blister kit with you in your vehicle drop back that contains the following items:
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Compeeds or other blister plaster pads
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General plasters – various sizes
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KT (Kinesiology) Tape – for taping feet and for taping other joints
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Hypafix tape – ideal for covering blisters. Hypoallergenic and wheras KT tape won’t hold feet when wet, hypafix tape will
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Rubbing alcohol (70% alcohol)
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Sterile needle or scalpel blade
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Iodine
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PAY IN INSTALMENTS
£257.48
/ MONTH
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INTEREST FREE!
All prices are in GBP. An booking fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments. Monthly price is dependant on the date of the event.
PAY IN FULL
£8500
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
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All prices include VAT
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 March, the year of the event.
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*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.
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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.
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To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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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.
What an incredible experience!!! We ran Lands End to John O Groats the scenic way so 1031miles. Traveling through some of the U.K's most stunning scenery. It was 5 weeks with all food, accomodation and logistics covered. Fantastic value for money. Fantastic team, couldn't do enough for us, so helpful and lovely every single day. I couldn't recommend it highly enough. It's an amazing adventure!
Susan
2023 Finisher
A 5 week exceptional run from Lands End to John o'Groats! What a journey. Exceptional RD and crew who really wanted you to do your best. They went over and above to look after, support and encourage us! Nothing was too much trouble, and they were part of what made it happen! Great support leading into this. Enabled me to complete a life changing experience.
Suzanne
2023 Finisher
Rat Race delivered in a huge way on Run Britannia. The course was phenomenal in both scenery and challenge. Course support and logistics were excellent and the team went out of their way to ensure each individual was provided the best opportunity to complete the event. Further, they cared for everyone in a way you simply cannot buy with money. In short, it was an epic event run by an epic company.
Jessica
2023 Finisher
The thing that stood out on this event was the fantastic event director and support crew. They could not do enough for you and bent over backwards to provide us with everything we needed!
The route was amazing, really scenic, covering some of the best national trails. If running the length of the UK is on your bucket list, the support and encouragement Rat Race give you make it achievable - I cannot recommend this event highly enough.
Nick
2023 Finisher
I have completed many Rat Race events over the years, most recently Run Britannia. I have no hesitation in giving Rat Race events a 5 star review. Indeed, I would like to give more if it were only possible. The events are 'one of a kind', the support exemplary and they are great value for money. I intend to do more events in the future, and thoroughly recommend them to any other adventurer too!
Stefan
2023 Finisher
Fresh back from Run Britannia and I loved it. The support crew always went that extra mile and made the hard long journey that little bit more enjoyable. Highly recommend someone giving this event a go. Yes it’s expensive but well worth the cost and as a bus driver I’m not rich.
Matt
2023 Finisher
Thank you Rat Race. This truly was a bucket list experience which was complemented by the professionalism and care shown by Rat Race. The staff were incredible and really ensured that we were looked after. I honestly cannot recommend them enough. Thank you
Daniel
2023 Finisher
The organisation of an event of this scale is enormous. There were no major issues throughout the whole 5 weeks of the event. Any problems were resolved by a member of the team without a problem. Food, accommodation, support and enthusiasm of all the team was 1st class. I made friends for life both in the crew and the runners. My experience was difficult to say the least picking up an injury early in the event, but with the support of everyone there I was able to overcome it and complete as much as possible. I will never forget the team and experience we had together. Well done to all🥰
Phil
2023 Finisher
Just finished Rat Race Run Britannia 2023. Was a great experience the crew were amazing. James was a great organiser. We had some great physios and medics who put us back together as we went.
The group was amazing and have met some great friends along the way.
So any one thinking of doing this. I would highly recommend it.
Kerry
2023 Finisher
Run Britannia was THE most incredible adventure, a trip to be remembered for a lifetime. Despite the huge logistical undertaking for such an event, the organisation was second to none. Highly recommend!! Thank you James, all of the crew and Rat Race 💗
Karen
2023 Finisher
Rat Race, specifically James are brilliant creators of life changing adventures. Run Britannia was an experience that I will never forget, from a route that offered stunning, challenging terrain every day to providing crew to take care of your every need to ensure that you can concentrate on your run; Rat Race has everything taken care of. Sign up now and experience your own life changing adventure !
Andrea
2023 Finisher
RAISE AT LEAST £5000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £2500 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED OR RAISE £10,000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £5000 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!
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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!
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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.
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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 £5000, you will also receive:
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A Children with Cancer UK fundraising and training pack
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Regular Children with Cancer UK updates
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A dedicated point of contact at the charity
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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.
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Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
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