SOUTH COAST CHALLENGE 2017 CHALLENGE MANUAL
Welcome! This guide should give you a good overview of what to expect on the Challenge, and combined with other information within the PARTICIPANT S AREA of the event website, provides all that you ll need to prepare yourself. Please read it carefully and keep visiting the Participant s Area for updates and the latest news. CHALLENGE TIMELINE: July 17 th - Minimum 50% fundraising deadline (for charity fundraisers only) 24 th - Final Event Info & Start Times released plus CHALLENGE APP AVAILABLE! 24 th - Final Route Info, Maps, & GPX files released 28 th - Pre event Briefing video released on website Participant Area August 16 th - E-tickets sent to you (and is needed to register on the day) 23 rd - Good Luck Message & Final Updates 25 th - Early Registration opens (in Eastbourne for Eastbourne starters only) 26 th / 27 th - Registration and THE EVENT 31 st - Official Results & Certificates available September 23 rd - All remaining fundraising due (if applicable for fundraisers) THE CHALLENGE It s Your Challenge - Your Way! Over the weekend of the 26 th 27 th August we are expecting nearly 1,800 challengers to be taking on either the Full, Half or Quarter distances of the South Coast Challenge - with many supporting a special charity, and between them aiming to fundraise over 1 million. There will be a mixture of walkers, joggers and runners - of all ages and experience levels - with runners setting out first for a clear go at the route, then joggers and walkers. Everyone will be fully supported throughout at Rest Stops and by our team all the way to the finish line! Walk it Walkers will make up the majority of the field, as this is an ideal event for anyone; from those taking on a long distance walking event for the first time, to experienced trekkers looking for a new challenge. We anticipate walkers will aim to complete their challenge, including the Rest Stops en route, in the following time frames: Full 100km in 20-33 hours Full Challenge over 2 Days in 10-16 hours each day 1 st Half Challenge (55km) in 10 16 hours 2 nd Half Challenge (45km) in 10 16 hours 1 st Quarter (23km) in 4-6 hours Jog it Ideal for those looking to up their fitness, and set a new personal goal without the pressure of being classified as a full on runner. Take it at your pace - run a bit - walk a bit or just keep jogging! Ideally you will hit the approximate times below (including Rest Stops). There is nothing to stop you taking your time - you can always revert to the walker time lines if needed. Full 100km in 16-20 hours Full Challenge over 2 Days in 8-10 hours each day 1 st Half Challenge (55km) in 8-10hours 2 nd Half Challenge (45km) in 8 10 hours 1 st Quarter (23km) in 3 5 hours 2 www.southcoastchallenge.com
Run it Runners have specifically signed up as such and are up for a tough Ultra, and know what to expect or plan to go further than ever before! Runners get tailored / light menus at the Rest Stops and a free baggage transfer for a small day pack (30L/10kg max) to their finish (+ to the 55km Half Way for full distance participants). There are male and female trophies for the fastest Full 100km Challenge. We expect Runners to hit the following timings (including Rest Stops): Full 100km 9 hours 15 hours Full Challenge over 2 Days in 4 8 hours each day 1 st Half Challenge (55km) in 4 6 hours 2 nd Half Challenge (45km) in 4 8 hours 1 st Quarter (23km) in 3 4 hours FACT Current Course records (2016) MALE = 11 hrs 12 mins - FEMALE = 12 hrs 14 min PREPARING FOR THE CHALLENGE Fundraising If you are fundraising for Charity you should aim to have 50% of your minimum target with your charity by the 17 th July. The full balance of your fundraising target (and any additional money raised) is due to be with your charity no later than 4 weeks after the Challenge. If you are concerned that you are unable to reach your target, you should speak to your charity early for help and advice, or alternatively contact us and we can transfer you to a Self Funding place (you would need to pay the difference in cost compared to the Registration Fee that you had paid already). Training Particularly if you are taking on 100km - a serious test of stamina and determination lies ahead! You will need to train and practice whatever you are planning to do (walking / fast walking / jogging / running) in order to prepare your mind, feet, and whole body for the challenge. Check out our walkers and runners training guides in the Participant s Area of the website for details and advice. For walkers who may be not be used to long distances, the key is to make sure your feet are up to it, and that your footwear does not let you down (ie results in bad blistering) as historically this is the reason why many have had to retire before the finish (rather than because of exhaustion or similar!). Training walks We organise a series of training walks which will help you prepare for the Challenge (if you plan on walking). They are a great opportunity to try out your kit, test your walking boots, meet fellow challengers, and ask our leaders for advice about the event itself. To book onto one of our training walks visit the Participant s Area for full details. We have the below upcoming walks: South Downs Walk Sun 11 th June East Grinstead Night Walk - Sat 24 th June London Day Walk Sat 15 th July North Downs Walk Sat 5 th August London Night Walk Sat 19 th August TRAVEL GETTING TO THE CHALLENGE Getting to the Start - 100km, 1 st Half Challengers, & 1 st Quarter The start is Princes Park, Royal Parade Eastbourne, BN22 7LQ if you are travelling by train the nearest station to the start line is Eastbourne. If travelling by car there is no parking on site but there is a pay & display very close by at Royal Parade, BN22 7LQ ( the start will be signed from the car park). There is limited parking so we recommend getting dropped off at the start. Getting to the Start - 2 nd Half Challenge (Hove) The start is Hove Park, Goldstone Crescent, Hove, BN3 6LR if you are travelling by train the nearest station to the start is Hove Station. If travelling by car there is a pay and display car park opposite the start on Hove Park, Park View Road, Hove BN3 7BF. Full travel details are in the Participant s Area of the website 3 www.southcoastchallenge.com
ON THE DAY & THE START Registration Early Registration - is open from 4.30pm until 8.00pm on Friday 25 th August at Princes Park (Eastbourne) if you are in the area. You will be able to register and collect your event pack (100km, 1 st Half & 1 st Quarter Challenges only) - this will save time on Saturday, meaning that that you only need to be at the start about 30 mins before your allocated start time. Main Registration Saturday 26 th August and opens from 7am at Princes Park (Eastbourne) for: 100km, 1 st Half Challenge, & 1 st Quarter only. 2 nd Half Challengers registration opens at Hove Park at 8.00am for Walkers (all start at 9.00am) - and 11:00am for Joggers & Runners (for a midday start). Please arrive on site about 1 HOUR before your start time to register (unless registered on Friday) as it may be busy. You MUST bring your E TICKET with you (which will have been e mailed to you 10 days prior) Collect your EVENT PACK (event pass / timing chip, lanyard, bib number, safety pins) Collect your ROUTE MAP and a branded South Coast Challenge Buff (great for sun, wind, rain, or just looking cool!) The Start At the main Princes Park (Eastbourne) start there will be a range of facilities including complimentary tea / coffee & biscuits in the marquee, medics, toilets, charity representatives, merchandising sales, and food vendors (breakfast), water & energy drink - with entertainment in the form of our warm up act & compere. We recommend breakfast before you arrive, and bring at least 2 litres of water with you, so you are ready to set off. TIP drinking a pint of water about an hour before you set out is the best way to ensure that you start hydrated and top up as required as you head along the course. Arrive early and you will have plenty of time to register, use the facilities, and to make your final preparations without stressing! You will be called in to the start pen 15 or so minutes prior to your start time you must join the correct slot - and there will be a short warm up & final safety briefing. You will then be sent on your way in groups of 300 participants every 30 minutes. NOTE: Due to recent 3 rd party reasons, the Eastbourne Local Council have insisted that we implement a change in the start of the Challenge. This means that start times are later than originally planned the first wave will now off at 7:45am. Other start points: 2 nd Half (45km) Challenge Hove Park Saturday 26 th August Tea / coffee & biscuits, warm up & toilets available Start times These are allocated depending on your selection when you registered, your challenge distance, and if you re running, jogging or walking. Start times from Eastbourne will be 7:45am 9:30am. Your start time will be emailed 4 weeks prior to the Challenge (changes are only allowed in exceptional circumstances) and confirmed on your E TICKET (emailed to you 10 days prior). 4 www.southcoastchallenge.com
Baggage Transfer (large bag max 10kg your overnight bag or vital supplies!) If you want to have your baggage transported from the start to your finish line - then this is an OPTIONAL service paid in CASH on the morning of the Challenge in the baggage drop point at the start venue. For 100km challengers there s the NEW Full Service option that means you can also access your bag at the half way point in Hove which is ideal if you want to change clothes, or get warmer items for the night section, or stock up on your favourite snacks and your bag will then meet you at the finish! 100km Challenge transfer from Eastbourne start to Arundel finish - 8 / item 100km Challenge FULL SERVICE OPTION - transfer from start to Hove Park ( ½ way point), then on to Arundel finish - 12 / item 100km 2 Day Challengers baggage transfer to Hove Park, then to Arundel on Sunday morning - 10 / item 1 st Half 55km Challenge transfer from Eastbourne start to Hove Park finish - 5 / item 2 nd Half 45km Challenge transfer from Hove Park start to Arundel finish - 5 / item 1 st Quarter Challenge transfer from Eastbourne start to Alfriston finish - 5 / item Before the event ideally let us know if you are planning on using the Baggage Transfer Service so we can plan our logistics vehicles effectively (it s still payable by cash on the day of the event). CLICK HERE to let us know if you plan to use the Baggage Transfer Service >> Walkers & Joggers: You MUST bring a day bag (small rucksack) - 30-35 litres max - which you will be expected to carry with you all the way - and holds your essential on-event kit - including whatever you ll need for fast changing weather and the night sections if you are on the Full Challenge. Runners: Can carry a small lightweight running backpack if they wish with essentials in it (recommended). Runners will also get a FREE baggage transfer service (30/35 Litres / 10kg max size). 100km Challenge small bag transfer from Eastbourne to Hove Park ( ½ way) then on to Arundel finish 1 st Half 55km Challenge small bag transfer from Eastbourne to Hove Park finish 2 nd Half 45km Challenge small bag transfer from Hove Park to Arundel finish 1 st Quarter (23km) Challenge baggage transfer from Eastbourne to Alfriston finish Note: Should you as runner have a larger bag, that you want transported, that won t be included in this free transfer, and will require taking up the Optional Service as described above. This free service is strictly for registered RUNNERS only. 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 Arundel finish is likely to be considerably later than your own arrival!! Any bag not collected by the finish of the Challenge (in relation to any of the above services) will result in it being taken back to our London warehouse and you will have to either collect it in person or pay for a courier so it can be returned. There will also be a storage and handling charge of 25. REST STOPS & CATERING Rest Stops Rest stops are major sites, with covered marquee infrastructure (with areas to eat, rest & relax), catering, facilities, toilets, medical & massage (massage only available 55km, 80km & 100km and is predominately for those continuing the challenge to help keep them going). Our Event Management and Medical Teams man them. The site Info Point will provide you with all the support you need if you are retiring from the Challenge, looking for a shuttle to the station, or in need of a taxi for onward travel. 5 www.southcoastchallenge.com
Mid-Point Stops Mid-Point stops are smaller sites that allow you to top up your water, energy drinks & snacks, and have a short rest & visit the toilet. They are all under cover, and will be manned by our Event Team & medics. REST STOP Leg KM Total KM FOOD / CATERING SHUTTLE SERVICES 1: START: Princes Park, Royal Parade Eastbourne, BN22 7LQ 2: MID POINT: Birling Gap, East Dean, E Sussex, BN20 0AB 3: REST STOP: Bank House Farm, 2 North Street, Alfriston, E Sussex, BN26 5UG 4: MID POINT: Southease Village Farm, E Sussex, BN7 3HX 5: REST STOP: Hove Park, Goldstone Crescent, Hove, E Sussex, BN3 6LR 6: MID POINT: Peartree Cottage, Botolphs, W Sussex, BN44 3WB 7: REST STOP: Windlesham House School, Washington, W Sussex RH20 4AY 8: MID POINT: Houghton Farm, Houghton W Sussex, BN18 9LW 9: FINISH: Arundel Football Club, Mill Rd, Arundel, W Sussex, BN18 9PA 11 12 12 0 Tea, coffee, biscuits, energy drink, & water provided. Breakfast VENDORS on site 11 Variety of free snacks, tea, coffee, energy drink, & water provided. 23 Bring your own PACKED LUNCH/buy a baguette (must express interest in advance) pre-purchase full meal. Tea, coffee, & snacks incl. Finisher s meal incl. for ¼ Challengers 35 Variety of free snacks, tea, coffee, & energy drinks provided 20 There will be a water point between these 2 stops. 55 Hot meal incl for all participants, hot drinks, energy drinks, water, snacks. 14 11 12 8 69 Variety of free snacks, tea, coffee, energy drinks, & water. 80 Hot meal + tea, coffee, energy drinks, & water. 92 Variety of snacks, tea, coffee, energy drink & water provided. 100 Hot meal provided for finishers & tea/coffee. Spectators may prepurchase a meal here. n/a n/a Shuttles to Berwick Train Station. Shuttles available to nearest mainline train station (Lewes). Shuttles available to Brighton Train Station for trains to London. Shuttles available to Amberley which has trains to London whilst trains are running - or to finish. Shuttles available to Amberly (has direct trains to London whilst trains are running) or to the finish. Shuttle available to the finish Shuttles to Arundel Station Food & Snacks All dietary requirements will be catered for, and the meals and FREE snacks provided will be nutritious, plentiful and varied. If there are certain snacks that just work for you we recommend bringing some supplies with you. There s also free coffee & tea at all stops along with energy drinks and water. OPTIONAL EXTRAS There s a few additional extras to help you along the Challenge. These extras can be booked up to 2 weeks before the Challenge Additional meals to pre-purchase 1 st Half and 100km Challengers o Hot meal at the 23 km rest stop - 7.50 o Register your interest to buy a baguette, crisps and drink ( 6.00) 2 nd Half Challengers Meal at the 80 km rest stop - 7.50 2 Day Challengers Sunday morning Breakfast at Start (Hove Park)- 7.50 Spectator meals at any 55km, 80km or Finish - 7.50 6 www.southcoastchallenge.com
Additional Shuttles Saturday evening shuttle from Hove Park back to Eastbourne (start) - 15 per person To book any of the optional extras please visit the Participant s Area of the website, Optional Extras page. THE ROUTE The full route can be viewed by going to the ROUTE page (link on left hand side on the Participant s Area). Maps You will be supplied with a route map when you register on the morning of the Challenge and you MUST carry this with you at all times as it will contain emergency numbers for our Event Management Team. The route will be fully signed throughout the duration of the challenge with Pink Arrows/Flags/Ribbons and glow sticks at night! You must always follow our route signage - not the plotted route or downloaded GPX files (in case it needs to change at short notice) Online Google Route Map We have plotted the Route and Rest Stops in Google Maps, use the links below and save to your phone s web browser - so in an emergency, or you are lost on the Challenge you can use your phone s GPS signal to locate yourself on the route. 100km Full Challenge Google Map >> 1 st Half 55km Challenge Google Map >> 2 nd Half 45km Challenge Google Map >> 1 st Quarter Challenge Google Map >> Please Note there may be amendments to the route in the lead up to Challenge so the full route will be confirmed in the Final Event Guide on the 24 th July. GPX devices & distances a word of caution! Whilst we have gone to great lengths to map the route with various devices & GPS systems to determine distances, you may well find discrepancies on the day if you use 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 (eg at Rest Stops etc). OS Locate App IMPORTANT! This FREE app from Ordnance Survey converts GPS readings from your phone into a grid reference - enabling you to determine your location. ALL participants should download this to use in case of emergency. CLICK HERE for the app in the Google Play Store (Android) >> CLICK HERE for the app in itunes (Apple) >> Or search for OS Locate in either store Using the OS Locate app on the Challenge: Use on the Challenge if you are lost - to communicate to our Challenge Control Room Open the app your location is marked by the Longitude (number) and Latitude (number) Use the left hand share widget to then SMS us your location or better to write it down and call our Control Team. Supporters Friends and family are welcome to come along and cheer you on at the start and finish and some of the other major Rest Stops. They should come well equipped with their own food, drinks and supplies. During busy times we might ask for space to be made in the marquee areas for our Challengers - who may well be in need of a seat to rest their legs! There are constraints at some Rest Stops (space / neighbours) so only the ones below are open for supporters. 7 www.southcoastchallenge.com
START - for 100km, 1st Half & 1st Quarter Challenge Princes Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 7LQ o Parking: There is a limited amount of parking available in a pay and display car park near to the start location. The address for this car park is Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7LQ. o Facilities: Toilets, marquee, and charity area o Catering: Breakfast & coffee vendors ( Free coffee + tea is available for participants only or for those spectators that are happy to make a 50p donation to Charity.) 23km Bank House Farm, Alfriston, BN26 5UG o Parking: There is a pay and display car park next to our site. o Facilities: Toilets & marquee rest area - during busy times we will ask that space be made for participants. o Catering: Hot Supporters meal available to purchase in advance - SEE OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Pg 6) MUST be purchased by the participant so we can include the meal ticket in your registration pack. o NEW: Register your interest via the Optional Extras Form in the Participant s Area to buy a Baguette, crisps and drink on the day. Available to supporters and participants. 55km Hove Park, Park View Rd, Hove BN3 6LR o Parking: There is a pay and display car park opposite our rest stop. o Facilities: Toilets, and marquee - during busy times we may ask that space is made for participants o Catering: Supporters meal available to purchase in advance - SEE OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Pg 6) MUST be purchased by the participant so we can include the meal ticket in your registration pack. 100km Arundel Football Club, Mill Rd, Arundel BN18 9PA o Parking: There will be spaces available near to the finish site, and it will be tied in with the Arundel Festival Parking. Please note The High Street in Arundel will be shut and have no access throughout the event due to the Arundel Festival taking place. o Facilities: Toilets, finish area o Catering: Supporters meal available to purchase in advance - SEE OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Pg 6) MUST be purchased by the participant so we can include the meal ticket in your registration pack. Please ensure your supporters refrain from visiting the other Rest Stops unless you are EXITING from the event and/or need assistance that is an absolute necessity. These other Rest Stops are small or in residential neighbourhoods with no parking and we don t want to upset the local communities by creating noise or disruption. IS THIS CORRECT Timing Your event pass has a timing chip, and you will be scanned at Rest Stops. There will be live feed of data to the Challenge Website so friends and family can track your progress throughout the Challenge at the rest stops. You will also have the option of linking up your Facebook page for automatic updates to all of your friends as you pass through rest stops. 3 days after the challenge we publish official times and Challenge certificates (further details of all this will be set out in the Final Event Guide). Support & Hospitality What you will get Full Challenge / Full 2 Day Challenge: Tea/coffee, water/energy drinks at all stops A full range of free snacks at all Rest Stops & Mid Point Stops At 23 km - option to pre purchase meals or register for a Baguette if not bring provide your own packed lunch Hot meals at 55km and 80 km Rest Stops Hot meal at the 100 km finish A medal, glass of fizz, and a finishers t-shirt Shuttle service to Arundel Train Station 8 www.southcoastchallenge.com
Half Challenge: Tea/coffee, water/energy drinks at all stops A full range of free snacks at all stops At 23km option to register for a Baguette 80 km option to purchase lunch or provide your own packed lunch Hot meal at your finish A medal, glass of fizz, and a finishers t-shirt Shuttle service to Brighton Train Station or Arundel (for 2 nd half Challengers) Quarter Challenge: Tea/coffee, water/energy drinks at all stops A full range of free snacks at all stops Lunch at your finish A medal, glass of fizz, and a finishers t-shirt Shuttle service to Berwick Train Station Medics Your safety and welfare are taken very seriously. There will be medics available at all Rest Stops and Mid Point Stops - as well as mobile medics in rapid response vehicles for emergencies, injuries and accidents. Medics vary from first aid qualified staff, nurses, paramedics and doctors. There will also have a number of massage/ sports/ physiotherapists at the later stops and are generally reserved for those who genuinely need treatment - as determined by our medical staff. TrekMasters We will have Trekmasters who will walk sections of the course in a supporting role. Their jobs are to motivate and encourage, as well as advise the control room of any new hazards that should develop along the route. Trekmasters will be out in full force over the night stages. There will be group departures operating during the night stages to ensure that no one is having to walk alone. Signage The final route will be posted to the Participant Area as links, a PDF document, a GPX file, and KML file (for use on Google Earth and Google Maps). You will also be handed a hard copy of the route at Registration. The route will be signed with PINK ARROWS and PINK RIBBON, with glow sticks during the night time. In the outskirts of villages/towns this signage may become harder to spot, so please familiarise yourselves with the route before the Challenge, and have the Route Map with you and track your progress on it so you are aware of your assumed location. It is your responsibility not to get lost! Control Room We have an Event Control Room manned by our Management and the Medical response coordinators. You will be able to contact the Control Room at any time throughout the Challenge in emergencies or in situations that you feel you want advice or help. We will also have Info points at all Rest Stops manned by our Event Staff and they are there to help you! The Control Room will be manned with our Management and Medical teams, and will handle minor medical issues and Non-Emergency (e.g. you re lost) calls. For life threatening issues, please call 999. The Finish Line & departing the Challenge At the finish you ll get a medal, 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 parking available near the finish (at Arundel & Hove Park). There will be shuttles from the finish point to the mainline station (Arundel Station for Full 100km & 2 nd Half 45km Challengers, Brighton Station for 1 st Half 55km & Berwick Station for 1 st Quarter Challengers). Runners / Fast Joggers: 9 www.southcoastchallenge.com
Most runners taking part in the full 100km Challenge will finish somewhere between 5.00pm 10.30pm on Saturday 26 th August and when you arrive at the finish there will be a shuttle service taking participants to Arundel Station while the trains are in service from where you can get a train for your onward journey. Alternatively you can be collected from the site. Please bear in mind as the runners arrive relatively spread out at the finish line, the finish line can be quiet at times. Joggers: For those arriving at the finish line when the trains are not be running, there will be a place to rest in the main marquee however this will be chairs and not for those looking to sleep. If you anticipate finishing outside of the train operational times, we recommend that you book your own accommodation near the finish or ask at the info point where staff will be able to give you a local taxi number. Shuttles will take finishers back to Arundel Station for the train during operational hours. What to do next 1. Keep Updated - Refer back to the Participant s Area of the website on a regular basis to check for important updates. 2. Get Online - Join the Ultra Challenge Facebook page/ Event page so you can meet Challengers/share tips/stay in the loop! 3. Fundraising Keep up the fundraising if you are supporting a charity every little helps! 4. Team Captains - Get recruiting! - Make sure you get your team mates signed up as soon as possible! 5. Training - Read our South Coast training guide - to aid your preparation for the challenge ahead. 6. Merchandise - Check out the website to buy your merchandise prior to the event LAST ORDERS 13 August 7. Join a training walk - Join us on one of our night or day training walks meet fellow challengers! 8. Get your boots on! - Make sure you have a well worn in pair of boots or shoes before taking on the challenge. 9. Check your kit! - Take a look in the Participant s Area to see kit you ll need for training and on the day. 10. What to expect next - The Final Event Information will be released on the 24 th July! 11. Get family and friends involved! - As part of the South Coast Challenge, we are also hosting the ARUNDEL 10k on Saturday 26 th a walk open to all ages with a family BBQ. Make it a Bank Holiday weekend to remember! 10 www.southcoastchallenge.com
We hope that you are looking forward to taking on the South Coast Challenge this year and look forward to seeing you at the start line in August. If in the meantime you have any questions, please email us and we will get back to you. The South Coast Challenge Team Action Challenge, London 11 www.southcoastchallenge.com