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 (in the App and the Participant s Area of the website) to ensure that you have all the information required. Thames Bridges Trek APP! Download the Thames Bridges Trek 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 Thamesbridges. 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! 2
Key pre-event information Start times For anyone registered before the 30 th July, you should have received your allocated start time sent via EMAIL on Monday 30 th July. Start times are between 9.30am 12:00pm there are no start times outside of these. 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 3 rd August (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 17 th August at the latest. Once completed you can assume confirmation of your new start time unless advised otherwise it will appear on your E-TICKET sent to you on Wednesday 29 th August. CLICK HERE for online Start Time Request form >> E-Tickets & Bib Number Your E-Ticket will be EMAILED to you on Wednesday 29 th Aug 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 Tuesday 4 th September (check your junk mail first), there will be a Starting List published on the App and the Participant s Area, where you can check your Bib Number, Start Time and request a new E-Ticket. If you registered on/after 29 th Aug, you ll receive your E-Ticket the week of the Challenge. Merchandise There s still time to purchase your 2018 Thames Path 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 >> 3
Optional Extras Book a meal for your supporters at the finish line - 8.50 per person CLICK HERE to book your Optional Extras >> Travel Getting to the Challenge Getting to the Start - Bishops Park, Putney The start is Bishops Park, Fulham, London SW6 3LA. The closest tube station is Putney Bridge on the District Line; from there it is a 3 minute walk to the start. There is no parking or drop off at the start and very limited parking around the area but you may find street parking available in the west of Fulham. We strongly recommend to use public transport instead of pickup/drop-off as this area will be very congested. CLICK HERE to view further travel information on the Participant s Area >> Registration Early Registration - Friday 7 th September For those staying locally - we will open Early Registration from 4.00pm until 9.00pm on Friday at the start location in Bishops Park- 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 8 th Sept Opens from 8.30am at the main start location in Bishops Park, Fulham, London, SW6 3LA. Look out for the marquee and sail flags! 4
At Registration You MUST arrive on site 1 HOUR before your start time to register (unless registered on Friday) as it may be busy please do not arrive any earlier than 8.30am on the Saturday. 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 regardless of the distance you are completing. Baggage transfer You must bring a day bag (small rucksack) no more than 20-30 litres max which you will be expected to carry with you at all times containing everything you need for the trek (ie clothing / water/ phone etc). We will also be providing an optional baggage service to transport a large bag from the start to the finish. The cost is 5 per item payable by CASH only on the day, and each item max 10kg in weight. The Route The Thames Bridges Trek will be split up into 2 stages with a halfway stop at Vauxhall. The rest stop will be open between 11.00 am and 3.30 pm. The challenge is a trek and NOT a jog or a run and if you try to attempt the route as such you will not be operating within the event s structure and will not have use of the route signage, rest stop or finish line. This means that you will have ample time to enjoy the trek, the route & scenery! We anticipate that it will take between 3.5 7 hours (depending on your pace) hours to complete the trek, and 7 hours is the official upper time limit. 5
It 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 >> GPX files You can now download the GPX files of the route, to upload into GPS devices (such as Garmins). Thames Bridges Trek 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 accurately 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. For best results TURN OFF your GPS device when stationary for periods (e.g. at Rest Stop). Please follow signage on the day regardless as safety diversions may be put in place last minute. 6
Rest Stop & Refreshments Rest Stop Half-Way Stop - 13km - Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Vauxhall, London, SW11 5HY There will be toilets, a covered space, area for seating & medics We will be serving light snacks (bakery, fruit, sweets, crisps etc.) Opportunity for you to refill your water, and / or energy drinks Finish 25km - Southwark Park At the finish line you will be rewarded with a huge cheer, a medal, a glass of fizz, and a finisher s t-shirt Buffet style food will be served in the main marquee, along with drinks (cold drinks + bottled water) Southwark Park is within walking distance to tube stations Bermondsey and Canada Water which also has an over ground station. There is no dedicated parking available in or immediately around the park. 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 5 th September (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 5 th September don t forget to visit our website and / or the app too. 7
Drop Out Procedures and Cut-offs Exiting / Retiring from the Trek If you need to exit / retire please inform Event Staff or by Text SMS to the number provided on the 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. The ideal place to retire is at the Half Way Rest Stop so if dropping out elsewhere along the route make sure to refer to your route map for information on the nearest stations to make your way home. NOTE: There are no shuttles available for pickups of anyone retiring from the trek. Please use local transport (taxi, tube or bus) if needed. If dropping out at the Half Way Rest Stop Go to the Information Point and hand in your Event Pass. Staff will provide details of local transport options. Cut off times The Event will have cut off departure times from the Half Way Rest Stop based on the 7 hour upper end time. If anyone fails to meet these cut off times, the Organiser, reserves the right to withdraw participants from the Event. 8
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 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, 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, that participant will be excluded as necessary. Participants must carry a fully charged mobile phone with them. If you retire early, you must let the Control Room know using the aforementioned procedure. CLICK HERE to view the Event Rules >> 9
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. 10
What can you expect next from us 1. Pre-Event Video Briefing Live! Hosted by the Thames Bridges Trek 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 4 th August. 2. E-Tickets These will be sent to you on the 29 th August keep an eye out for them in your inbox! 3. The Live Event Website & App On the 5 th September the Thames Path 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 12 th September you ll also be able to download your Thames Path Challenge certificate! We wish you the best of luck for your Trek and look forward to meeting you at the start. Thames Bridges Trek Team, Action Challenge, London. info@thamespathchallenge.com Tel: 0207 609 6695 11