We will be updating the App in the lead up to the Challenge, including maps and special features to use, so make sure you keep it on your phone!

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Blaise Hart
5 years ago
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The 2018 Cotswold Way Challenge is approaching quickly with over 1,800 people taking on the Challenge. To help you make your final plans we have put this Final Event Guide together.

Cotswold Way Challenge APP! Download the Cotswold Way Challenge APP for access to challenge documents & updates.

2 The 2018 Cotswold Way Challenge is approaching quickly with over 1,800 people taking on the Challenge. To help you make your final plans we have put this Final Event Guide together. Please read this alongside the CHALLENGE MANUAL (in the App or the Participant s Area of the website) to ensure you have all the information required to prepare for the Challenge. Cotswold Way Challenge APP! Download the Cotswold Way Challenge APP for access to challenge documents & updates. Available in both the Apple or Google Play stores, search 'Action Challenge' and download using the code AC1 to get started then go to 'load challenge' in the menu and enter the code Cotswold. We will be updating the App in the lead up to the Challenge, including maps and special features to use, so make sure you keep it on your phone! In the APP you will find: The Challenge Manual Training Guides & foot care advice Kit List & discounts Official Map (s) of the route & Rest Stops Challenge menu (closer to the Challenge) Exclusive offers coming soon, and much more! Preparation Videos Check out our series of 7 videos available on the App and Participant s Area, covering some key aspects of preparation for your Ultra Challenge; with our expert panel of Jim Smith - long distance walker / Ultra Challenge Trek Master, Matt Buck - Ultra runner / Running coach and Julian Risley Event Director. CLICK HERE to view the videos >> 2

3 Key pre event information... Start times For anyone registered before the 21 st May, you should have received your allocated start time via this will only be changed in exceptional circumstances and only for those starting from Bath on the Saturday. If you are in a TEAM all members should have the same start time. If you have NOT received your start time by Friday 25 th May (do check your junk inbox) OR you would like to request a start time amendment, OR there seems to be a problem with some of your Team s start times - then please complete the ONLINE FORM below by 8 th May at the latest. Anyone that has registered after the 21 st May, your start time will be confirmed on your e- ticket which will be sent on the 20 th June. Note: Some start-points only have one start time and so we cannot accept amendment requests for these. Full, 1 st Half & 1 st Quarter Challenge Start Saturday 30 th June between 7:00am 09:30am - there are no slots outside of this window. 2 nd Half Challenge Start Saturday 30 th June at 9:00am only if walking & midday only if jogging or running. Full 2 Day Challenge (2 nd Half) Start Day 2 on Sunday 1 st July at 06:00am only. CLICK HERE for online Start Time amendment / re-send form >> E-Tickets & Bib Number Your E-Ticket will be ED to you on Wednesday 20 th June 2018 and it will be required at event registration so you MUST bring it with you (ideally store it on a mobile device to save paper waste from printing). If you have NOT received this E-Ticket by close of play on Tuesday 26 th June (check your junk mail first) there will be a Starting List published on the App and the Participant s Area of the website, where you can check your Bib Number, Start Time and request for your E-Ticket to be re-sent. We ask that you do not or phone to request an e-ticket. 3

4 Optional Extras... Remember that we have some Optional Extras that you can book to make it easier for you on the Challenge. You MUST pre-book these via our Optional Extras form as they are not available to purchase on the day. This form closes 1 week before the Challenge. Camping Wotton-under-Edge Saturday only - for 2 Day Challengers 1 night camping for 1 person - 59 per person 1 night camping for 2 people - 80 for two people to share a tent Package includes: 2 man tent & roll mat - bring your own sleeping bag! Luggage transfer - from start to halfway and back to finish Sunday morning breakfast - before you head out for the day Parking Parking at Tormarton (1st Quarter finish) - 5 per car Parking at Wotton-under-Edge (1st Half finish / 2nd Half start) 5 per car Parking at Cheltenham (Full and 2nd Half finish line) - 5 per car Park and Ride We are offering some park and ride options to get you to the start of your challenge. Please note that these transfers will be operating early on Saturday morning to enable you to reach your start line in good time: 1st Quarter Challengers park at Tormarton on Saturday and take early morning transfer to start line in Bath - 15 per person 1st Half Challengers park at Wotton-Under-Edge on Saturday and take early morning transfer to start line in Bath - 15 per person 2nd Half Challengers park at Cheltenham on Saturday and take early morning transfer to start line in Wotton-Under-Edge - 15 per person NOTE all above park and ride transfers include parking Transfer After the 1 st Half Challenge 1 st Half Challengers - Saturday evening shuttle after your challenge from the finish line in Wotton-Under-Edge to Bath 15 per person 1 st Quarter Challengers there is a FREE shuttle from the finish in Tormarton back to the start in Bath. This service does not have to be pre-booked. 4

Additional meals All meals are included except the following: 25km for all Full and 1 st Half Challengers. (included for 1 st Quarter Challengers) 79km (24km into Challenge) for 2 nd Half Challengers.

5 Additional meals All meals are included except the following: 25km for all Full and 1 st Half Challengers. (included for 1 st Quarter Challengers) 79km (24km into Challenge) for 2 nd Half Challengers. Breakfast for 2 Day Full Challengers NOT camping (breakfast included for campers). Additional meals to pre purchase: 25km Rest Stop For Full & 1 st Half Challengers o Fresh hot baguette, crisps & drink per person cash on the day o Fresh cold baguette, crisps & drink per person cash on the day o Please complete the Optional Extras form to Pre Order (pay on the day) Wotton-under-Edge 50km Additional meals - 10 per person Sunday Breakfast Wotton-under-Edge for 2 Day Full Challengers who have not booked the camping package - 8 per person Painswick 79km Additional meals per person Cheltenham 100km Finish Additional meals per person Note - you can book any of these meals for non-participating friends / family who may be supporting you. CLICK HERE to book your Optional Extras >> Camping option for 2 Day Challengers IMPORTANT! If you are taking part on the Full 100km - 2 Day Challenge please note that camping at the half way point IS NOT included in your challenge registration and we advise that if you haven t yet organised your own accommodation for the Saturday night near Wotton-under- Edge or booked our camping package then we still have places left! CLICK HERE to book the camping package >> 5

.. Early Registration - Friday 29 th June For those staying locally - we will open Early Registration for BATH starters only from 4.00pm until 8.

6 Merchandise There s still time to purchase your 2018 Cotswold Way Challenge tech T-shirt for just 23! Order now and pick up on the day. We can t guarantee sizes and stock availability on the day so order yours NOW to avoid disappointment! CLICK HERE to view Merchandise >> Registration... Early Registration - Friday 29 th June For those staying locally - we will open Early Registration for BATH starters only from 4.00pm until 8.00pm on Friday at the main start location in Bath - so you can collect your Event Pack (you will need your E-Ticket to register). This will save time on Saturday morning, and means you only need to be at the start 30 mins before your start time. Main Registration Saturday 30 th June Opens from 6.00am at the main start location in Bath The Crescent, Royal Victoria Park, Royal Ave, Bath BA1 2LX look out for the marquee and sail flags! There is a large pay & display car park close to the Bath start at Charlotte Street Car Park, Charlotte St, Bath, BA1 2NE. 6

2 nd Half Challenge Registration Saturday 30 th June Registration for the 2 nd Half Challenge is at Wotton (Wotton Sports Centre, New Road, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8RB) opening for walkers at 8:00am

7 2 nd Half Challenge Registration Saturday 30 th June Registration for the 2 nd Half Challenge is at Wotton (Wotton Sports Centre, New Road, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8RB) opening for walkers at 8:00am to start at 9:00am. It will then open for joggers / runners at 11:00am to start at midday. Please note: If any walkers decide to jog or run the route they will be ahead of our event timings and we cannot ensure that the rest stops are ready, or the route is completely signed. If you wish to jog or run then you must start at midday. 2 Day Full Challenge 2 nd Day Registration Sunday 1 st July Registration for the 2 nd day of the 2 Day Challenge is at Wotton (Wotton Sports Centre, New rd, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8RB) opening at 05:00am on Sunday 1 st July to start at 06:00am. Note: All signs are removed after 06:00am - no one will be permitted to start later. At Registration; You MUST arrive on site 1 HOUR before your start time to register (unless registered on Friday Bath starters only) as it may be busy There is a large pay & display car park close to the Bath start at Charlotte Street Car Park, Charlotte St, Bath, BA1 2NE You MUST present your E-TICKET at the Registration Tent entrance Collect your EVENT PACK (Event Pass / timing chip, lanyard, bib number, safety pins, baggage tags for runners / campers & any meal tickets purchased) Collect your event buff and route card You will need to complete medical details on the reverse of your event bib (if have any serious medical conditions) E tickets are NOT transferable and we may ask for ID to confirm your details if we have any doubts You must come with at least 2 litres of water, either in a bottle or a camel back. 7

8 Baggage If you want to have your baggage transported from the start line to your finish line for Full, Half, and Quarter Challenges - then this is an OPTIONAL service paid in CASH on the morning of the Challenge in the baggage drop point at the start. Full Challenge Direct from Bath to Cheltenham 8 per bag Full Challenge To Wotton-Under-Edge then onto Cheltenham 10 per bag 1 st Half Challenge From Bath to Wotton-Under-Edge - 5 per bag 2 nd Half Challenge From Wotton-Under-Edge to Cheltenham - 5 per bag 1 st Quarter Challenge From Bath to Tormarton 5 per bag 2 Day Full Challenge - for those NOT on our Saturday night camping package, bag transfer to Wotton-Under-Edge, then to Cheltenham - Price 10 per bag 2 Day Full Challenge & Camping : For those who have booked optional Saturday half way camping package you get a FREE baggage transfer (1 bag) to the halfway point so you have access to your overnight kit - and then on the finish. Walkers & Joggers: You MUST bring a day bag (small rucksack) litres max, which you will be expected to carry with you - and holds your essential on event kit. Including whatever you ll need for changing weather and the night sections if on the Full Challenge. Runners: You can carry a lightweight running backpack if you wish. You will also get a free baggage transfer service to your finish line (30 Litres / 10kg max size). Registered runners only! Full Challenge small bag transfer from Bath to Wotton to Cheltenham 1 st Half Challenge small bag transfer from Bath to Wotton 2 nd Half Challenge small bag transfer from Wotton to Cheltenham 1 st Quarter Challenge baggage transfer from Bath to Tormarton Note: Should you, as a runner, have a larger bag, that you want transported, this won t be included in this free service, you will need to book that as a separate option. Also Note: For 100km runners you MUST PICK your bag up at the half way point baggage zone and then (once you ve finished with it even if you don t actually need it) DROP it in the Baggage Drop Zone as signed. Failure to do so will mean the arrival of your bag at the Cheltenham finish is likely to be considerably later than your own arrival!! 8

9 The Route Will be marked with pink arrows. Also you will be supplied with detailed route maps via the Challenge APP so you need a mobile phone - OR print the PDF version off from the Participant Area to bring with you (we are aiming to avoid wasted printing in 2018). This will be available to print from the 20 th June. Google Maps We have created a Google map that has useful information and points along the route. On the map you will find information on Catering, Shuttles and facilities at the Rest Stops as well as information for supporters. CLICK HERE to view the Google map >> GPX files You can now download the GPX files of the routes, to upload into GPS devices (such as Garmins), if you are planning on using such a device to aid your navigation along the route. Full Challenge GPX File 1 st Half (50km) Challenge GPX File 2 nd Half (50km) Challenge GPX File 1 st Quarter (25km) Challenge GPX File Download the GPX files: Follow the above link for your route Selecting the Download GPX icon from the toolbar on the bottom right side of the map save to your computer. Whilst we have gone to great lengths to map the route with various devices & GPS systems to determine exact distances, you may well find discrepancies on the day if you are planning on using your own GPS device. This will be for a variety of reasons, and it has been shown that many GPS devices overestimate distances / ascent by up to 20% due to the nature of how data points are scattered and plotted. For best results TURN OFF your GPS device when stationary for periods (e.g. Rest Stops etc). Please follow signage on the day regardless as safety diversions may be put in place last minute. 9

IF YOU ARE LOST or need to SHARE YOUR LOCATION: Phone the Control Room on 0207 609 6695 and advise of the last KM marker you saw. The Control Room will be able to direct you back onto the route.

Event Timing and Tracking... Don t forget our live timing system, timing and tracking you on the Challenge at check points.

our website on Wednesday 27 th June (3 days before the challenge). You will be issued with a timing chip and lanyard to be worn around your neck during the Challenge.

10 IF YOU ARE LOST or need to SHARE YOUR LOCATION: Phone the Control Room on and advise of the last KM marker you saw. The Control Room will be able to direct you back onto the route. You may be asked to share your location via Google Maps and this is possible following the instructions below. The number to text your location to if asked is: Event Timing and Tracking... Don t forget our live timing system, timing and tracking you on the Challenge at check points. Friends and family will be able to monitor your progress through the challenge check points seeing your results live and in real time as you make your way along the course this will be available on our website on Wednesday 27 th June (3 days before the challenge). You will be issued with a timing chip and lanyard to be worn around your neck during the Challenge. Scanners will be positioned at the start and all finish lines, as well as at all rest stops. You will need to pass through any check points and get scanned in order for your tracking profile to be updated. Friends and family can use this to monitor your progress during the event. Your finish time, and split times at these rest stops will be immediately available following your completion of the Challenge. 10

11 Share your location online! You can opt in to linking your Facebook profile with our timing system so from the moment you step across the start line, all timing check points and then the finish line your timing chip will send an automatic alert to your Facebook page and update all your friends with your progress! A great way to incentivise more sponsorship! This will be going live - on the 27 th June don t forget to visit our website and / or the app too. The Finish Line & departing the Challenge At the finish you ll get a medal, souvenir T-shirt, and a big warm welcome! Once you re ready there s a hot meal and space for a rest. For those who are being picked up by friends and family there is ample parking available (at Wotton-Under-Edge and Cheltenham). There will be shuttles from the finish point to the mainline station (Cheltenham Spa Station for Full & 2 nd Half Challengers and Stroud for 1 st Half). For 1 st Quarter Challengers, there will be shuttles back to the start line in Bath. 1st Quarter Challenge Finish Line Tormarton Once you ve finished there will be a meal and shuttles back to the Bath start. For those being picked up by friends / family there is short term/pick up parking available at the rest stop. 1st Half Challenge Wotton-under-Edge There will be a hot meal and space for a sit down and shuttles to Stroud station. For those being picked up by friends / family there is short term/pick up parking available at the rest stop. Full Challenge Finish Line Cheltenham Spa Runners / Fast Joggers: Most runners on the Full 100km Challenge will finish somewhere between 6:00pm 10.30pm on Saturday - when you arrive at the finish there will be a shuttle service to Cheltenham Spa while the trains are in service. For those being picked up by friends / family there is short term/pick up parking available at the rest stop. Please bear in mind as the runners arrive relatively spread out at the finish line, the finish line can be quiet at times. Joggers / Walkers: There s a finisher s meal and space to rest at the finish in the marquee, however this will be chairs and not for those looking to sleep. If you anticipate finishing outside of public transport operational times, we recommend that you book your own accommodation. Shuttles will take finishers to the Cheltenham Spa station during service hours. 11

12 Drop Out Procedures and Cut-offs... Emergency Numbers... During the event there will be a control room in operation, this will be in our head office and will be manned for the duration of the Challenge. Please ensure that you save these numbers on your phone prior to the Challenge. Emergency Number (if you are injured but non-life threatening): Control Room Number (for non emergencies i.e. you are lost): Control Room SMS (to inform if you are retiring from the event): Life Threatening Incidents CALL 999 first, then the emergency number above Exiting / Retiring from the Challenge If you need to exit / retire from the Challenge, please inform Event Staff or by Text SMS to the number provided on the Route Card procedure details below. The ideal place to retire is at any Rest Stop / Mid Point Stop so unless it is an absolute emergency please do your best to carry on to one of these stops. There will be shuttle buses picking up those who have retired from the event from the 25km rest stop onwards, to take you to Bristol Parkway (from 25km), Stroud (from 38 & 50km) or the finish in Cheltenham. However, these buses will be doing round trips stopping at all rest stops on the route, so this may involve a wait during busy times. If dropping out at a Rest Stop / Mid Point Go to the Information Point and hand in your Event Pass which you should write your exit time on. Staff will provide details of shuttle services or other ways to exit. The shuttle service is only available from the 25km point onwards - before that point, retirees will need to make their own travel arrangements, unless in an emergency when we will have vehicles and medics available. If exiting the event on the course Text (SMS) the Drop Out phone number (on route card) with - your NAME, BIB NUMBER, APPROXIMATE KM and TIME - with the words DROPPING OUT. Please include details for Team Mates exiting the event with you, if applicable. 12

13 Cut off times The Event will have cut off departure times from each Rest Stop/Mid-Points based on the 34 hour upper end time (Full Challengers), 16 hrs for the 50km / 50km and 8 hours for the Quarter (25km) Challenge. If anyone fails to meet these cut off times, the Organiser, reserves the right to withdraw participants from the Event. We will, however, do everything we can to ensure that participants, who want to continue, can continue to do so as we are fully aware of what finishing means to many. Event Rules... There aren t too many rules but the ones we have are important. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with all the rules prior to the Challenge (on the Challenge website), and set out below are some important ones: NO LITTERING along the route. Your event Bib and Event Pass must be worn at all times. You must have a route map with you either printed or on your phone. Participants must ensure they are adequately hydrated (MUST carry at least 2 litres of water), fed and rested before commencing any stage of the Event and report any concerns to an Event Medic or Event Staff. If, in the opinion of an Event Medic, a participant is considered unfit to complete the next stage, or further stages, that participant will be excluded as necessary. All Full distance and Half distance challengers must carry a head torch and wear it during the hours of darkness. You will NOT be allowed to leave Rest Stops and participate without wearing a head torch. Participants must carry a mobile phone with them & a power pack. The Event Organiser reserves the right to operate a 34 hour cut off time for all Participants attempting to complete the Event Rest Stop s closing times will be in accordance with this time frame. No individual should leave a rest stop alone during the hours of darkness you must walk with a TREK MASTER guided group or be part of an official Team or have formed a group en route. CLICK HERE to view the Event Rules >> 13

LET S HELP THE ENVIRONMENT... It s in the news and we all know it s a problem - and many of our participants have also emailed in with concerns over single use plastic waste items on our events.

14 LET S HELP THE ENVIRONMENT... It s in the news and we all know it s a problem - and many of our participants have also ed in with concerns over single use plastic waste items on our events. For 2018, Action Challenge is determined to reduce the environmental impact, and we hope all our participants will be on board with these initiatives. For this year - we are expecting over 20,000 people to be taking part in our UK challenge events and they consume a lot to keep going! We re focussing on cups, bottles, cutlery and printing initially: 80,000 single use hot drink foam cups will be replaced with eco paper cups 200,000 items of plastic cutlery will be replaced by eco wooden items alongside paper plates 20,000 heavy duty single use plastic fizz flutes will be replaced by paper fizz cones 60,000 plastic bottles saved - as pre bottled water will only be used in emergencies 120,000 pages of A5 printed laminated maps will be saved by utilising the Action Challenge APP 100,000 pages of A4 printing by participants will be saved by using our APP We ll also have full recycling set ups at the Rest Stops on each event and all of our participants can help by properly sorting their own waste, and of course following Rule Number 1 - which is absolutely no litter of any kind on the routes and trails themselves. We also have other initiatives in hand including the aim to replace our plastic arrows (they are multi use and last for quite a few events) - without compromising participant safety in any way. 14

15 What can you expect next from us 1. Pre-Event Briefing Live! Hosted by the Cotswold Way Challenge team, our Pre-Event Briefing will give you a quick rundown on what you can expect on the day, the route, hints & tips for training and more! This will be live on the App and Participant s Area on 31 st June! 2. E-Tickets These will be sent to you on the 20 th June keep an eye out for them in your inbox! 3. The Live Event Website & App On the 27 th June the Cotswold Way Challenge website & App will go live for the event with our timing & tracking website, social media feed, competitions & much more so don t forget to check it out! 4. Official Results & Certificates Released Your final times will be released via the timing website on the 4 th July you ll also be able to download your Cotswold Way Challenge certificate! We wish you the best of luck for your challenge and look forward to meeting you on the event! The Cotswold Way Challenge Team, Action Challenge info@cotswoldwaychallenge.com

Thames Bridges Trek APP!

Thames Bridges Trek APP! The Thames Bridges Trek is approaching quickly with 2,500 trekkers taking part. To help you make your final plans we have put this Final Event Guide together. Please read this alongside the CHALLENGE MANUAL