A SPECTACULAR 60KM CIRCUIT OF THE ENTIRE VOLCANIC RIM OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS ‘SUNKEN CALDERA’ OF SANTORINI BY FOOT AND KAYAK.
Enjoy sweeping views of picture-postcard Cycladic white-washed villages clinging to the rim of the Caldera, against a backdrop of clear azure seas. Everyone should see Santorini at least once in their lifetime. This rugged and challenging multi-sport attempt creates quite possibly the most memorable way imaginable to experience this magical Isle.
£125
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*price per month, depending on departure date, click here for more info on pricing
2023 DEPARTURES FULL
4 – 7 OCT / 2024
11 – 14 OCT / 2024
EVENT DATES:
DISTANCE:
9 MILES (15 KM) ON KAYAK + 28 MILES (45KM) ON FOOT
SLEEP STYLE:
BED & BREAKFAST
LOCATION:
SANTORINI, GREECE
DURATION:
4 DAYS /
3 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
Absolutely. This adventure is for anyone with a good level of general fitness.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights accommodation / B&B in Oia.
ALL MEALS
Some meals included.
TRANSFERS
Includes airport transfers at the beginning and end.
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional support vehicles, safety staff, medical and welfare.
EQUIPMENT
Includes kayak and associated equipment rental.
TRANSFER
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
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.
RAISE £2000 AND GET UP TO £900 REFUNDED
SET UP YOUR JUST GIVING PAGE HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE
MORE INFORMATION:
This is a full circumnavigation of the World-famous Volcanic island of Santorini including its neighbouring island, Thirassia. It makes a full circuit of the famous sunken Caldera over 60km and includes a climb to bag the high-point of Santorini, giving unbelievable views across the whole archipelago. The route starts and finishes in Oia, the architectural jewel of Santorini and includes 2 x kayak and 2 x foot legs. The island is teaming with classic vistas of Cycladic white-washed buildings clinging to the cliffs, seemingly tumbling into the sparkling sea below. It is also World-famous for its sensational sunsets. Enjoy it all as you embark on this multi-sport tour of one of Earth’s most cherished spots.
After collections and transfers from Santorini International airport and 2 nights quality B and B accommodation on the island, plus Registration and pre-challenge logistics, our journey will commence with an exciting kayak flotilla crossing from the main island to the neighbouring island of Thirassia. We will carry this out right at sun-up, thus taking out some of the heat of the day and hopefully providing us with an amazing sunrise with which to start our adventure. You will come ashore on Thirassia for the first foot foray of the day, covering some 15km of rugged and rocky terrain before taking to the kayaks again. We will again move as a flotilla together, covering the main sea leg with full safety cover and aiming across open water to the Northern tip of Santorini. This is a big outing in the boats and you will welcome the opportunity to get ashore and stretch out those legs as you settle into 36km of full-on trekking or running.
Our Santorini leg will take in the high point of the island – Mount Profitis Ilias – plus some other incredible natural features, affording astounding views over this volcanic chunk of Greek paradise. The route gradually brings you to the rim of the Caldera itself and you will pass through the picture-postcard towns of Fira and Oia with their white-washed Cycladic architecture and classic blue domed roofs. Arriving back in Oia you will have completed a circumnavigation of the Volcano in a 60km-long loop by sea and on foot. Top off this incredible journey with a World-famous Santorini sunset – the perfect ending to a rugged and truly unique Aegean adventure. The evening sees us all enjoy a celebration dinner in a cracking local Taverna and one last night together on this incredible island.
DAY ONE:
You will arrive into Santorini International airport for our RV at 1400 (or overnight in the local area and self-transfer to our hotel to arrive at the hotel at 1500). If arriving into the airport, the team will the transfer you to the accommodation for you to check into your rooms. The rest of the afternoon will be your own. We will set a meeting point for drinks for those who wish; and everyone can get to know one another.
ACCOMMODATION: B and B - shared rooms within an apartment or studio
MEALS: None provided. Pay for your own dinner and drinks
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 safety points. The day is then mostly your own to explore Santorini. If you wish to take part in our optional kayak refresher, this will be in the afternoon and transport will be provided. We will set another RV for another optional dinner together, prior to what many will hope will be an early night. You may of course wish to do your own thing and that is no problem either. there is no shortage of good restaurants on Santorini. For tomorrow, set those alarms as it’s an early one!
ACCOMMODATION: B and B - shared rooms within an apartment or studio
MEALS: Breakfast provided. Pay for your own lunch, dinner and drinks
DAY THREE:
Kayak Start – Oia to Thirassia (5km): It’s an early start to ensure you can have a decent breakfast and get ready for our mass kayak flotilla start from Oia, which will take place at Dawn. This will allow us to avoid some of the heat of the day later on and will give us the best chance of a clam sea state, with minimal boat traffic. It will also be an utterly spectacular way to start your journey. You will be collected from the accommodation and be transported to the startline, where we will amass the boats and head off for the initial 5km crossing to Thirassia.
Thirassia Foot Stage (13km / 285m ascent): Coming ashore on Thirassia you will run or trek for 10km, enjoying incredible early morning views back to the ‘mainland’ of Santorini, before jumping back in the kayaks.
Kayaking back to Santorini (8km): For this next kayak stage, we will amass again as a flotilla as this is a committing sea leg, where it is safest for the group to travel together. If you have been fast on Thirassia, shake out the legs and enjoy the peace and quiet of the early morning before taking back to the boats. If it takes you a while longer to do the distance on foot, no problem. We will kayak back to the Northern tip of Santorini, where you will come ashore and have the option to access your transition bag to change clothes or shoes and we will also have a Pit Stop ready and waiting to feed and fuel you.
Run/ Trek Santorini (36km / 1580m ascent): Having refreshed and left the water behind you, there is now 36km of foot travel standing between you and the finish, back in Oia where you began all those hours ago. You will find trail, road and rocky paths all converge to bring you in the first instance to your first objective: The high point of the island, Mount Profitis Ilias (567m). From there, having enjoyed phenomenal views and spotted the impressive monastery of the Prophet Elias, it isn’t quite ‘all down hill;’ but you will gradually descend to the Caldera rim, high above the Ocean. This will afford stunning views back out to Thirassia, from whence you came this morning. At all times, Pit Stops will be positioned approximately every 5km on the run route to assist with hydration and fuelling as the day gets hotter. As you rejoin the Volcanic rim itself high atop the cliffs that flank the island, you will pass through the stunning white-washed ‘main town’ of Fira. After Fira at 40km the route will take a short out and back to Skaros Rock, which offers superb 180 degree views of the Caldera’s rim. With 10km to go, you will make your way along the coastal path back to Oia, where you will descend again all the way to sea level and end up back at the spot where you jumped in the kayaks several hours (and 60km) before. This makes Journey’s End and a full circumnavigation of the entire Volcanic Caldera of Santorini!
Once you have finished, our event vehicles will transport you to the event accommodation. Cue food, beers and revelry (and maybe showers!)
ACCOMMODATION: B and B - shared rooms within an apartment or studio
MEALS: ‘Grab n’ go’ breakfast, Pit Stop service throughout the day, celebration dinner at a local Taverna provided
DAY FOUR:
After a big hearty breakfast we will transfer folk and their gear back to the airport for 10am. If you wish to stay around, no problem, you can simply make your own plan to hang around or go island-hopping to some other Aegean gems. There is no shortage of options in the Cyclades.
ACCOMMODATION: N/A
MEALS: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
We will be using two places to accommodate everyone over the event weekend. Both locations are very close together and will create our base for the duration.
The nature and style of accommodation in Santorini is apartments and studios. This means that there are two rooms with some shared communal space: bathroom, small kitchen and lounge. Accommodation is typically always offered on a shared basis, You can expect to have 3/4 people per studio/apartment.
If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room. If you wish to share a room with a fellow racer, you will have the opportunity to request this on your event participation form, which will be sent to you 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
Pre-challenge, we will designate a local restaurant both nights for those who wish to dine together. There is no obligation on this however and if you wish to make your own plans – no problem. After the Challenge, dinner is on us and Rat Race will provide a 3 course meal and wine for the table. If you wish to augment with other selections in the restaurant that night, you may do so. You will settle the bill for your own drinks outside of our supplied wine. But don’t worry – the first round is most definitely on us to toast a job well done!
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.
Sports Food Bars – oat-type bars for maximum energy.
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.
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 date-range is set and the route is tried and tested. However, our challenges unfold in some of the most spectacular places on Earth. Sometimes we do have to change plans on account of weather or other unforeseen factors. If we do have to do so, you will be informed and usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end! That having been said, our route is likely to remain largely intact, regardless of any on-the-ground changes.
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 £2500. You are of course more than welcome to fundraise for any cause close to your heart.
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.
This is a 60km challenge set over a chunky day out, with an early start. BUT 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 need a good base fitness and train for a big day out on foot and boat. It’s a big day for sure, but it is definitely designed to be ‘doable.’ It is not a suffer fest. You do have it in you. And everyone should see Santorini once in their life. This is certainly a very memorable way to do so! There is enough time to trek the whole thing if you are on foot; and unless you really are off the pace, we will try not to cut you off.
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. The absolute key is that you enjoy this amazing journey around this World-famous Volcanic Caldera; and that you do so within your own limits. On the kayak legs, we will re-group and travel as a flotilla for safety reasons.
We want you to concentrate on the views and the hard work of putting one foot (or paddle) 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, but there will be some assistance from our staff and static marshals will be deployed in the trickier sections.
We will also be asking you to download a route file that you will be able to download onto your smartphone. 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. 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.
We will undertake the 2 x kayak legs as a flotilla (a group of boats travelling together). The first one is at the very start, so we will all be together anyway. The second leg is AFTER the 9km foot section on Thirassia, so there will be a pause at that stage to allow folk to re-group and then we will travel across to Santorini in one flotilla.
Weather and sea conditions are clearly variables which are very important for the safe completion of the kayak phases. The 2 kayak stages have slightly different tolerances and variables so it may be the case that one operates and the other does not; that both operate or that neither operates. In all cases, our contingency if this occurs is to transfer to Thirassia with our safety boats, complete the run/ trek stage there and use the safety boats to transfer back to Santorini. In the case that this is not possible, we will abandon the Thirassia route altogether and concentrate on the Santorini run/ trek stage only.
Unfortunately, due to the size of the accommodation options available to us in Santorini, we are unable to offer single supplement rooms. You will be allocated a room with racers of the same sex on a shared basis.
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.
General advice on heat
The heat of the day as it warms up can be fierce, so a wide-brimmed sunhat, sun-cream and lightweight and breathable fabrics (ideally with SPF protection) should be used. On the kayak stages, you will receive reflected rays from the water, so thorough application of waterproof sun-cream and hat selection is very important. As the sun comes up, sunglasses with at least Cat 3 protection are required. There is not a massive level of shade on Santorini given its fairly barren rocky topography. So as the day heats up, we will be exposed more to the relentless Aegean sun.
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 a lot of 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. Even if you think you are going well earlier on, as soon as that sun comes up, it’ll start sapping energy. You really do want to ensure you have max sun protection and keep taking on fluids and salts.
For your feet, we would advise trail running footwear for trek and run attempts. You do not need a very aggressive chunky sole however. If you want to switch footwear between Thirassia and Santorini (as you may have got wet feet in the boats on the kayak legs prior to the ‘big’ Santorini foot leg), you will be able to. We will provide access access to transition bags between the final kayak stage and the long run/ trek stage. See below on the likely transitions and bags required for these.
THE KIT LIST
Here’s a rundown. We may revise this nearer the time but this should give you a good idea at this stage.
Note: All items are mandatory, unless it says recommended, where they are, well, recommended!
Running or trekking
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Trail running footwear
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Shorts x2
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T-shirt x2
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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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Socks x2
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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 watch or Smartphone capable of following a GPX file (phone with Outdoor Active 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 (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 IPX5 standard, minimum 150 lumens + spare batteries or second headtorch
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Salt tablets and dissolvable electrolytes for water. Please bring salt tablets and some electrolyte mix for drinks. 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 on the kayak but also in general for your day pack (zip locks are also good for doing your business and disposing of the toilet paper if caught short)
* 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 work for you out on the trail.
Kayak
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Hat
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Wicking Top
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Sunglasses
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Running Shorts
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Shoes you don’t mind getting wet (water shoes/spare trainers or sandals)
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Swimming Shorts / Bikini
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Kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid will be provided.
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One set of clothes for kayaking as suggested above. Swimming shorts/costume/bikini and a T-shirt would be adequate OR you could wear running kit, it will get wet but you are then able to jump out of the kayak and run Thirassia by just changing shoes.
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Our advice at this stage is to paddle in comfortable wicking garments; a second set of run kit would be fine. You will be completing 2 x kayak leg and a run/ trek leg between these, so clothing that is comfortable in the boat and on land is suggested.
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You WILL need a full change of run clothes for Thira (Main Santorini island). This is so you start the longer run dry and with clothes that are fresh to avoid chaffing from the salt water.
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20/30L drybag will be useful to collate your bits n’ bobs into, plus your run pack for the run stage on Thirassia that you can put IN your dry bag. Definitely ensure that you have some water-resistant sun-cream and a wide-brimmed hat for these stages. We will be starting the kayak at dawn, but it is likely that it will get hot, quick.
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Water-resistant suncream.
Overnights
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Personal toiletries and medication
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Towels will be provided in the a/c but we would recommend bringing one as it will be useful on the challenge itself and in transitions, most likely
General
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Casual clothing for use in evenings at hotels and transit stages
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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
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Power bank for mobile phone and/ or GPS unit
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International plug adaptor
IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES FOR THE EVENT THIS WILL BE COMMUNICATED IN THE PRE-EVENT DOCUMENTATION
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:
1. It helps you to help yourself should you have a problem.
2. We are in this together and you may need to assist others if they have a problem.
3. In the case of an incident our Event and Medical teams will make decisions based on the knowledge that you all have this equipment.
4. Carrying the kit is a requirement for everyone and hence provides an equal and fair challenge.
5. It is part of our risk assessment process that is shared with insurers. Your insurance may be invalid if you do not follow our advice.
6. If your lack of kit preparation contributes to making an incident more serious, then you may be avoidably drawing resources from our medical team and the Emergency services at the expense of others.
7. Without the kit you will be unable to complete registration.
TRANSITIONS
Your transition bag can contain anything you wish and will be available to you when you come ashore from the final kayak leg, prior to commencing the ‘main’ foot stage on Santorini. A full change of running clothes and dry trainers. You can remove and leave anything you do not wish to take on this stage, also. Any discarded items at transition will be taken back to the accommodation.
Transition 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.
Bags
There are therefore multiple bags to be considered for this journey.
1.) General ‘overnight’ bag (Recommended: Holdall or duffel and no suitcases) for spare and general kit. Please go for a MAXIMUM size of around 60 litres and no more than approx 15kg pls. This bag will be transported to the event accommodation with you and remain there throughout.
2.) Daypack or running vest. This is the bag you will carry with you for the run and trek stages. It should contain the mandatory kit, spare clothes, food and water. You may use the same pack throughout, but this will need to go with you on the kayak legs if so (you can keep it dry in a drybag during these stages). OR you may use another separate daypack or vest for Thirassia and the kayak stages and then use a different one when you transition upon coming ashore for the final time in Santorini.
3.) Transition bag – can contain anything you wish and will be available to you when you come ashore from the final kayal leg, prior to commencing the ‘main’ foot stage on Santorini. A full change of running clothes and dry trainers. You can remove and leave anything you do not wish to take on this stage, also. Any discarded items at transition will be taken back to the accommodation.
HOW TO TRAIN
For an undertaking of this nature, it’s a lot of foot travel with some descent ascents; and a rugged Mediterranean flavour. Remember, it is not a race. If you have a good fitness base and plan for success in doing the distance and being on your feet, you’ll be fine. Slow and steady. A robust endurance base is what you need, not speed or heroics. If you can, get a good few longish mountain days in – either running or hiking. there is a fair amount of ascent in this route, but more than that, the long and committing nature of mountain days in general will provide you with a good general base for such a challenge.
For the kayaking, some kayaking practice is great and you will need to be comfortable in a closed-cockpit sea kayak. But these are stable boats. You do not need massive skills to paddle these boats. Some familiarity with sea conditions though will stand you in good stead and will increase your confidence. One of the kayak legs is short and the other one is long, so some endurance and expectation of the muscle groups used on these stages is definitely a major bonus. We do have some weekend paddling courses that operate in the UK to practise these skills and we also offer a kayak refresher afternoon on the day prior the Challenge, on Santorini.
General fitness and endurance will carry you through; and a good propensity to dealing with heat; plus whatever else the weather throws at us. Go at your own pace, front up to several hours on your feet and on your bum in the boats. And you’ll be OK. Know your limits and enjoy striding out and taking on this stunning objective. It is not a race.
KAYAK COURSES IN THE UK
If you fancy a more in-depth foray into the art of sea kayaking, we have some superb weekend kayak skills training workshops designed specifically for those embarked on Rat Race events that feature sea kayaking. These courses will suit both novices and those with experience and will be carried out by experienced UK-based instructors; very much with a slant towards the sort of paddling you will find yourself doing on our events.
Courses typically take place at Dartmouth on the South Devon coast, which is a fantastic paddling area in itself and an absolutely beautiful spot in general. Accommodation or meals are not provided (although there is plenty of choice in the area) and course typically run Saturday and Sunday, priced at £275pp. Please get in touch for more information events@ratrace.com
KAYAK REFRESHER SESSION IN SANTORINI
(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. £49pp.
KAYAK REFRESHER
Session in Santorini on the afternoon of day 2. 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.
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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*. The payments will be split equally allowing you to budget and plan for this stunning journey. All payments to be made before June, 3 months prior to event for respective events.
*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.
Debbie
October 2022
"Harder than anything I had done before in terms of ultras but more amazing than any event I had completed previously."
Just the best adventure with friendly, supportive crew who had your back at every stage, making sure we were safe. You fostered a great vibe within the group.it was humbling to be amongst some incredible people & adventurers.
Dan
October 2022
The route was great. Pit-stops were well placed and greatly supported."
What a blast. All of the staff was amazing. Support from the group was brilliant. Closed Whats-App group, then open at the end, was a perfect idea. Communication was great. I loved all of it. Thank you to Abby and the rest of the crew. I would recommend this event. Thanks again!
RAISE AT LEAST £2000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET UP TO £900 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 £2000, 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.
Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
