Thames Path Challenge APP!

The 2018 Thames Path Challenge is approaching quickly with nearly 3,000 walkers, joggers and runners scheduled to take part within the event. To help you make your final plans we ve 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 that you have all the information required. Thames Path Challenge APP! Download the Thames Path 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 Thamespath. 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

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. 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 and it will appear on your E-TICKET sent to you on Wednesday 29 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 8 th Sept between 6:45am 09:00am - there are no time slots outside of this window. 2 nd Half Challenge Start Sat 8 th Sept 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. 2 nd Quarter Challenge Start Sat 8 th Sept at midday only. 3 rd Quarter Challenge Start Sat 8 th Sept at 9:00am only if walking and at midday only if jogging or running. 4 th Quarter Challenge Start Sun 9 th Sept at 08:00am only. Full 2 Day 100km (2 nd Half) Start Day 2 Sun 9 th Sept at 06:00am only. CLICK HERE for online Start Time Request form >> 3

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. Optional Extras Additional meals to pre-purchase All meals are included except at the: 28km rest stop for all Full and 1 st Half Challengers 78km rest stop for all 2 nd Half Challengers Additional meals to pre purchase: 28km 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 Runnymede 50km Additional meals - 10 per person Sunday breakfast Runnymede for 2 Day Challengers - 8 per person Cookham 78km Additional meals - 8.50 per person Henley 100km Finish Additional meals - 8.50 per person Note - you can book any of these meals for non-participating friends / family CLICK HERE to book your Optional Extras >> 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 >> 4

Travel Getting to the Challenge The Start - 100km, 1 st Quarter, & 1 st Half Challengers - Saturday 8 th September 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, so we strongly recommend to use public transport instead of pickup/drop-off as this area will be very congested. There are plenty of hotels in and around Bishops Park to take a look at some please CLICK HERE >> The Start - 2 nd Quarter Challenge (Hurst Park), Saturday 8 th September The start is Hurst Park, Hurst Road, East Molesey, KT8 9AL. There is limited short stay parking for those being dropped off at the site, as well as on the surrounding roads. The Start - 2 nd Half & 3 rd Quarter Challenge (Runnymede), Saturday 8 th Sept The Start is Runnymede Pleasure Ground, Egham, Surrey TW20 0AE. There is a pay and display car park available at the venue, for anyone being dropped off. The Start 4 th Quarter Challenge (Cookham), Sunday 9 th Sept The start is Marsh Meadow, Cookham, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 9SA. There is no parking here, however limited parking in the National Trust car park within the surrounding area is available if you are being dropped off. CLICK HERE to view further travel information on the Participant s Area >> 5

Registration Early Registration - Friday 7 th September For those staying locally - we will open Early Registration for Bishop Park, Fulham starters only from 4.00pm until 9.00pm on Friday at the main start location in Bishops Parkso 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 Full 100km, 1 st Half and 1 st Quarter Challenges Sat 8 th Sept Opens from 6.00am at the main start location in Bishops Park, Fulham, London, SW6 3LA. Look out for the marquee and sail flags! 2 nd Quarter Challenge (22km) Registration Sat 8 th Sept Address: Hurst Park, Hurst Road, East Molesey, KT8 9AL - opening at 11:00am to start at midday. 2 nd Half and 3 rd Quarter Challenge Registration Sat 8 th Sept Address: Runnymede Pleasure Ground, Egham, Surrey TW20 0AE - 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 route & rest stops are ready. If you wish to jog or run then you must start at midday. 2 Day 100km Challenge 2 nd day Registration Sun 9 th Sept Address: Runnymede Pleasure Ground, Egham, Surrey TW20 0AE - opening at 05:00am to start at 06:00am. Please note: All signage will be removed after 06:00am so no one will be permitted to start later. 4 th Quarter Challenge (22km) Registration Sun 9 th Sept Address: Marsh Meadow, Cookham, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 9SA - opening at 7:00am to start at 8:00am. 6

At Registration You MUST arrive on site 1 HOUR before your start time to register (unless registered on Friday Bishop Park, Fulham 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, 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 Drop (large bag) 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 transfer Bishops Park to Henley - 10.00 / item Full Challenge transfer to Runneymede and then to Henley - 15 / item 2 Day Full Challenge transfer to Runnymede, then to Henley - 15/ item 1 st Half Challenge transfer Bishops Park to Runnymede - 5 / item 2 nd Half Challenge transfer Runnymede to Henley - 5 / item 1 st Quarter Challenge transfer Bishops Park to Hurst Park - 5 / item 2 nd Quarter Challenge transfer Hurst Park to Runnymede - 5 / item 3 rd Quarter Challenge transfer Runnymede to Cookham - 5 / item 4 th Quarter Challenge transfer Cookham to Henley - 5 / item 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 onevent kit - including whatever you ll need for changing weather and the night sections if you are on the Full Challenge. 7

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 to their finish line (30/35 Litres / 10kg max size). Full Challenge small bag transfer Bishops Park to Runnymede then to Henley 1 st Half Challenge small bag transfer Bishops Park to Runnymede 2 nd Half Challenge small bag transfer Runnymede to Henley 1 st Quarter Challenge small bag transfer Bishops Park to Hurst Park 3 rd Quarter Challenge small bag transfer Runnymede to Cookham Note: Should you, as a 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 Full Challenge runners or walkers who select their bag to go to half way then the finish 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 Henley finish is likely to be considerably later than your own arrival! Any bag not collected by the finish of the Challenge (in relation to either 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 postage / courier for it to be returned. There will also be a storage and handling charge of 25. 8

Rest Stop Locations REST STOP Leg KM Total KM FOOD / CATERING SHUTTLE SERVICES 1: START: Bishops Park, Fulham, London, SW6 3LA 2: MID POINT: Old Deer Park, Richmond 3: REST STOP: Hurst Park, Hurst Road, East Molesley, KT8 9AL 14 14 0 Tea, coffee, biscuits, energy drink, & water provided. Breakfast VENDORS on site 14 Variety of free snacks, tea, coffee, energy drink, & water provided. 28 Bring your own PACKED LUNCH or purchase from baguette vendor on site. Also, tea, coffee energy drinks, water, & a range or snacks. 9 4: MID POINT: Manor Park 37 Variety of snacks, tea, coffee, energy drink & water provided. 5: REST STOP: Runnymede Pleasure Ground, Windsor Rd, Egham, TW20 0AE 13 50 Selection of hot meals, tea, coffee, energy drink, water & a range of snacks. Meal is for Full 100km, 2 Day 100km, 1 st Half, & 2 nd Quarter Challengers. 13 6: MID POINT: Eton Wick FC 63 Variety of snacks, tea, coffee, energy drink & water provided. 15 7: REST STOP: Marsh Meadow, Cookham, Maidenhead, Berks, SL6 9SD 78 Hot meal selection, tea, coffee, energy drink, water & a range of snacks provide. 2 nd Half 50km Challengers must bring packed / own lunch - but can purchase this meal as OPTION. 9 8: MID POINT: Hurleyford Farm 87 Variety of snacks, tea, coffee, energy drink & water provided. 13 9: FINISH: Mill Meadows, Meadows Road, Henley-on- Thames, Oxon, RG9 1BF 100 Hot meal provided for finishers & tea / coffee. n/a n/a Shuttles available to Hampton Court Station Shuttles to Runnymede rest stop Shuttles available to Staines station Shuttles available to Henley finish For 3 rd Quarter finishers shuttles to Maidenhead station. For others, shuttles to Henley Finish. Shuttles available to Henley finish Henley Train Station is a 2 min walk away. 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). 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 (28km) Challenge GPX File 2 nd Quarter (22km) Challenge GPX File 3 rd Quarter (28km) Challenge GPX File 4 th Quarter (22km) 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. Please follow signage on the day regardless as safety diversions may be put in place last minute. Note: 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 10

on walks / treks. 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. 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 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. 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 5 th September 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, fizz, T-shirt, and a big warm welcome! Once you re ready there s a hot meal and space for a rest. There will be shuttles from the finish point to the closest mainline station for the first three finish points. 1 st Quarter Challenge Shuttles to Hampton Court Station. 2 nd Quarter & 1 st Half Challenge Shuttles to Staines Station. 3 rd Quarter Challenge Shuttles to Maidenhead Station. Full, 2 nd Half and 4 th Quarter Challenge - Henley Station is a 2 min walk from finish. Runners / Fast Joggers: Most runners taking part in the Full 100km Challenge will finish somewhere between 6:00pm 10:30pm on Saturday. 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: For those arriving at the finish line when the trains are not be running, there will be a quiet area available for you to rest until the first train in the morning. 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): 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. 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 28km 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. 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 (50km) and 8 hours for the Quarter (28km) 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. 13

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 >> 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 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. 15

What can you expect next from us 1. Pre-Event Video Briefing Live! Hosted by the Thames Path 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 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 challenge and look forward to meeting you on the event! Thames Path Challenge Team, Action Challenge, London. info@thamespathchallenge.com Tel: 0207 609 6695 16