SOUTH COAST CHALLENGE 25/26 AUGUST 2018 FINAL EVENT GUIDE 2018
The 2018 South Coast Challenge is approaching quickly with over 1,200 people taking on the Challenge, this is going to be an amazing weekend! 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. South Coast Challenge APP! Download the South Coast 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 Southcoast. 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 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
Key pre-event information... Start times For anyone registered before the 16 th July, you should have received your allocated start time sent via EMAIL on Monday 16 th July. Although we have tried to allocate a start time as close as possible to the start time slot selected when registering, please note that due to site restrictions, some start times have had to be pushed back slightly. Your start time will only be changed in exceptional circumstances - and only for those starting from Eastbourne on the Saturday. If you created or joined a team when you registered, members of the team will be allocated the same start time as the team captain. If you have NOT received your start time email by Friday 20 th July (do check your junk inbox) OR in exceptional circumstances 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 3 rd August at the latest. Anyone that has registered on the 16 th July or after, your start time will be confirmed on your e-ticket which will be sent on the 15 th August. Note: Some start-points only have one start time and so we cannot accept amendment requests for these. Full 100km, 1 st Half & 1 st Quarter Challenge Start Sat 25 th August between 8:00am 10:00am - there are no slots outside of this window. 2 nd Half Challenge Start Sat 25 th August at 9:00am only if walking and at midday only if jogging or running. Note runners and joggers will be disqualified if attempts are made to start at 9:00am. CLICK HERE for online Start Time request form >> E-Tickets & Bib Number Your E-Ticket will be EMAILED to you on Wednesday 15 th August 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 21 st August (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 a new E-Ticket to be sent. We ask that you do not email or phone to request an e-ticket. 3
Optional Extras There s a few additional extras to help you along the Challenge. These extras can be booked up to 1 week before the Challenge. Transfers - Before your Challenge: 1 st Half Challengers Saturday morning transfer from Hove to the start line in Eastbourne - 10 per person 2 nd Half Challengers - Saturday morning transfer from Arundel to the start line in Hove - 10 per person Please note that parking is NOT included in the above transfers. Additional meals to pre-purchase All meals are included except the following: 23km for all 100km and 1 st Half Challengers. (included for 1 st Quarter Challengers) 80km (25km into Challenge) for 2 nd Half Challengers. Breakfast for 2 Day Full Challengers. Additional meals to pre purchase: 23km Rest Stop For Full & 1 st Half Challengers o Fresh hot baguette, crisps & drink - 6.50 per person cash on the day o Fresh cold baguette, crisps & drink - 5.50 per person cash on the day Hove 55km Additional meals - 10 per person Sunday Breakfast Hove for 2 Day Full Challengers - 8 per person Windlesham 80km Additional meals - 8.50 per person Arundel 100km Finish Additional meals - 8.50 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 >> 4
Merchandise There s still time to purchase your 2018 South Coast 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 >> Travel Getting To The Challenge Getting to the Start - Full, 1st Half Challengers, & 1st Quarter Challenge Address - Eastbourne Sports Park, Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, BN21 2UF Travelling by train: If travelling by train, the nearest station is Hampden Park. Trains from London depart from London Victoria (change at Brighton). 1 st train on Sat morning departs London Victoria at 5:02am and gets in to Hampden Park at 7:42am, so it is possible to travel on the day in time for the start Friday travel recommended. By National Express: Direct coaches available from London Victoria to Eastbourne - 3 hours There are no Saturday morning coaches - recommend travelling Friday Travelling by car: There is FREE parking available at the start venue from Saturday morning until Sunday. Alternatively there is a NCP car park located at Trinity Place, Eastbourne, BN21 3BZ - this is pay & display and can be booked for 1-24 hours then a 10 minute taxi ride to the start. There s also a pay & display car park located at Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7LQ then a 8 minute taxi ride to start. 5
1 st Half Challengers Transfer Service Park your car in Hove Saturday morning - pay & display opposite rest stop Transfer to the start in Eastbourne Book via Optional Extras form transfer only - 10 per person Getting to the Start - 2nd Half Challenge Hove The start is Hove Park, Goldstone Crescent, Hove, BN3 6LR Travelling by train: The nearest station is Hove train station, which is a 5 minute taxi journey away from start (rank outside station) Trains from London depart Victoria (change at Brighton) 1 hour 10 mins Trains depart London from 5am on Saturday morning, so it s possible to travel by train to the start on the day. Alternative is travelling to Brighton train station 10 minute taxi journey to start. Direct trains from London Victoria or London Blackfriars By National Express: Direct coaches available from London Victoria to Hove - 2 hours There are no Saturday morning coaches - recommend travelling Friday Travelling by car: There is a pay & display car park opposite to the site & limited free on street parking 2 nd Half Challengers Transfer Service Park your car at the finish in Arundel Saturday morning pay & display nearby Transfer to start in Hove - book via Optional Extras transfer only - 10 per person 6
Registration Early Registration - Friday 24th August For those staying locally - we will open Early Registration for EASTBOURNE starters only from 4.00pm until 8.00pm on Friday at the main start location in Eastbourne - 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 minutes before your start time. Main Registration Saturday 25th August Opens from 7.00am at the main start location in Eastbourne Sports Park, Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, BN21 2UF look out for the marquee and sail flags! 2nd Half Challenge (45km) Registration Saturday 25th August Registration for the 2 nd Half Challenge is at Hove (Hove Park, Goldstone Crescent Hove BN3 6LR) 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, or you will be disqualified from the Challenge. 2 Day Challenge Registration Sunday 26th August Registration for the 2 nd day of the 2 Day Challenge is at Hove (Hove Park, Goldstone Crescent Hove BN3 6LR) opening at 05:00am on Sunday 26 th August to start at 06:00am. Please note: All signage will be removed after 06:00am so no one will be permitted to start later. 7
At Registration You MUST arrive on site 1 HOUR before your start time to register (unless registered on Friday [see below] Eastbourne starters only) as it may be busy You MUST present your E-TICKET at the Registration Tent entrance Collect your EVENT PACK (Event Pass / timing chip, lanyard, bib number, safety pins, free baggage tags for runners & any meal tickets purchased) Collect your route card and buff 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 Baggage If you want to have your bag transported from the start line to your finish line for Full, Half and Quarter Challenges. This optional service is paid in CASH on the morning of the challenge at the baggage drop tent. Full (continuous) Challenge optional baggage transfer from Eastbourne to Arundel - 10.00 / item Full (continuous) Challenge optional baggage transfer from Eastbourne to Hove to Arundel (start half way-finish line) - 15 / item 1 st Half Challenge baggage transfer from Eastbourne to Hove - 5 / item 2 nd Half Challenge baggage transfer from Hove to Arundel - 5 / item 1 st Quarter Challenge baggage transfer from Eastbourne to Alfriston - 5 / item 100km 2 day bag transfer to from Eastbourne to Hove, then to Arundel on Sunday - 15.00/ item Walkers & Joggers: You MUST bring a day bag (small rucksack) - 30-35 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. Joggers should do like-wise. 8
Runners: You can carry a small 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! 100km Challenge small bag transfer from Eastbourne to Hove to Arundel 1 st Half Challenge small bag transfer from Eastbourne to Hove 2 nd Half Challenge small bag transfer from Hove to Arundel 1 st Quarter Challenge baggage transfer from Eastbourne to Alfriston Note: Should you, as a runner, have a larger bag, that you want transported, that won t be included in this free service, you will need to book and pay for that as a separate option. Also Note: For 100km runners and walkers using our Eastbourne-Hove-Arundel service 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!! 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). 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 >> 9
Rest Stop Locations REST STOP Leg KM Total KM FOOD / CATERING SHUTTLE SERVICES 1: START: Eastbourne Sports Park, Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne BN21 2UF 0 Tea, coffee, biscuits, energy drink, & water provided. Breakfast VENDORS on site n/a 11 2: MID POINT: Birling Gap 11 Variety of free snacks, tea, coffee, energy drink, & water provided. 12 3: REST STOP: Bank House Farm, 2 North Street, Alfriston, E Sussex, BN26 5UG 4: MID POINT: Southease Village Farm 5: REST STOP: Hove Park, Goldstone Crescent, Hove, E Sussex, BN3 6LR 23 Bring your own PACKED LUNCH/buy a baguette. Tea, coffee, & snacks incl. Finisher s meal incl. for ¼ Challengers 12 35 Variety of free snacks, tea, coffee, & energy drinks provided 20 There is a water point between these 2 stops. 55 Hot meal incl for all participants, hot drinks, energy drinks, water, snacks. 14 6: MID POINT: Botolphs 69 Variety of free snacks, tea, coffee, energy drinks, & water. 7: REST STOP: Windlesham House School, Washington, W Sussex RH20 4AY 11 80 Hot meal + tea, coffee, energy drinks, & water. For 2 nd Half Challengers bring a packed lunch or purchase meal 12 8: MID POINT: Houghton Farm 92 Variety of snacks, tea, coffee, energy drink & water provided. 8 9: FINISH: Arundel Football Club, Mill Rd, Arundel, W Sussex, BN18 9PA 100 Hot meal provided for finishers & tea/coffee. Spectators may pre-purchase a meal here. n/a Shuttles to Hampden Park Station Shuttles available to Hove Rest Stop. Shuttles available to Brighton train station. 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 available to Arundel train station 10
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 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. 11
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. 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: 07800 005 012. 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 22 nd August (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. 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 18 th July don t forget to visit our website and / or the app too. 12
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 nearest mainline station. 1st Quarter Challenge Finish Line Alfriston Once you ve finished there will be a meal and shuttles to Hampden Park station. For those being picked up by friends / family there is limited parking available at the Rest Stop. 1st Half Challenge Finish Line Hove Once you ve finished there will be a hot meal and space for a rest and shuttles to Brighton train station. For those being picked up by friends / family there is a pay and display car park opposite the Rest Stop. Full & 2nd Half Challenge Finish Line Arundel Runners / Fast Joggers: Most runners taking part in the full 100km Challenge will finish somewhere between 5.00pm 10.30pm on Saturday 25 th August and when you arrive at the finish there will be a shuttle service taking participants to the Arundel train station while the trains are in service. 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. Walkers/ Slower 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 to Arundel train station for the train during operational hours. 13
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): 0203 915 6682 Control Room Number (for non emergencies i.e. you are lost): 0207 609 6695 Control Room SMS (to inform if you are retiring from the event): 07800 005 012 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 23km rest stop onwards, to take you to Hampden station (from 23km), Hove rest stop (from 35km) or Brighton station (55km). 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 24km 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. 14
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 Half (55km / 45km) and 8 hours for the Quarter (23km) 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 >> 15
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. 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. 16
What can you expect next from us 1. Pre-Event Briefing Hosted by the South Coast 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 the Participant s Area on 26 th July. 2. E-Tickets These will be sent to you on the 15 th August keep an eye out for them in your inbox! 3. The Live Event Website & Live App On the 22 nd August the South Coast 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 29 th August you ll also be able to download your South Coast Challenge certificate! We wish you the best of luck for your challenge and look forward to meeting you on the event! The South Coast Challenge Team, Action Challenge London info@southcoastchallenge.com 17