Race to the Tower

Taking on a challenge such as this can be pretty daunting, so we are here to guide you through every query or worry you may have. From the moment you sign up, we will be on hand to help, whether that’s providing training plans for you to follow, sending you our top tips or just to be a friendly face out on the trails.

PRE-EVENT:

Whether you are walking or running this fabulous challenge, we have the perfect training plan tailored to the distance you are undertaking:
– Monthly emails sent straight to your inbox with our top tips and essential event information
– Exclusive offers from our event partners and suppliers
– Top tips, information guides and anything else you could possibly need, we are there to give you advice on how to make the most of this challenge
– Event team on hand to answer any questions you may have

ON EVENT:

Fully-signposted route
Loaded pit stops
On route medical support
Event timing from Results Base
Finisher's medal
Bag transport to the finish for all participants
Map book with information about the route, views and landmarks

BASECAMP:

2-course meal
Relax and recharge area
Hot showers
Massage
Access to basecamp bars and concessions

PIT STOPS:

Addresses:

Start address: Bird in the Hand Farm, Main Road, Whiteshill, Stroud, GL6 6JR
Basecamp (midway point and Day 2 start): Colgate Farm, Ham Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, GL54 4EZ
Finish address: Broadway Tower, Broadway, WR12 7LB

Age Limits:

Participants must be aged 16 years or above by the start of the event to be allowed to enter the event.

Participants under the age of 18 years (but over the age of 16 years) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for health and safety reasons.

Team Entry:

Teams of friends: as we need all medical and dietary info from each participant we need each individual to register individually. There will be a section on the registration form that allows you to write in your team name, so that we can link you with your other team mates. This is important so that we know to put you in the same camping zone for the event.

Corporate teams: if you are interested in entering a corporate team, please contact us at [email protected] We can invoice your company for the places so the individuals don’t have to pay on registration when signing up. We will also let you know how we can support your pre-event experience on elements such as kit design and training days.

Race Pack:

Your race packs will be posted out to you around 1 week before the the event start date.

If you are travelling from overseas, you will not receive your pack in the post and you will need to pick it up from the registration desk on the day. This is also the case for anyone who registers after 19th June.

The race pack will include your bib number with safety pins, a luggage label and your participant wristband. If you booked parking before 19th June, you will receive your permit in your race pack.

If you have any questions about your pack, please head to the Info Desk on the day of the event.

Start Times:

SATURDAY –
We will be running a staggered start so as to reduce congestion on the first part of the route. You will have chosen your start time when registering for the event.

The start times for 2020 on the Saturday morning are between 7:30am-8:35am with the faster runners setting off in the earliest wave groups. We recommend you arrive 30-45 mins before you start time.

You are able to change start wave up until one month before the event. This needs to be a request sent by email

SUNDAY – 
On the Sunday participants can start any time between 6am and 7am (there are no designated start times per person).

Prizes:

We will be awarding prizes for the fastest males and female for each distance.

To compete for first place, and be in with a chance of winning the trophy you will need to set off in the first wave group (A).

If you have chosen a different wave group but would like to qualify for a chance to win please let us know a minimum of one month in advance of the event so that we can put you in the correct wave group.

Bag Transport:

We will transport your bags for you from the start to your final destination each day. In your registration pack you will be given a luggage label with your participant number on it to attach to any luggage so it is easy to find at the end of the day. You’ll just need to drop bags with us in the morning and it will be there for you to pick them up at the other end.

Camping:

Your tent will be pitched ready and waiting for you when you arrive at basecamp and you will collect your sleeping mat when you check in to tent allocation.

You will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

Tents are 2 man pop up tents (allocated one per person) so if you are participating in a couple you can opt to put your bags in one tent and yourselves in another.

You are not permitted to provide your own tent and camp on site.

All basecamp space is reserved for the event set up and event vehicles. If you wish to camp overnight on site you will need to book the relevant package.

Pit Stops:

NON-STOP – 
For those running Non-Stop there will be approximately 7 pre-determined pit stops.

WEEKENDERS/1-DAY – 
Each day there will be approximately 3 pre-determined pit stops.

All the pit stops provide snacks, drinks, toilets and first aid facilities. These are designed to give you a short rest break (max. 20 mins) and refuel you for the next stage of the event. The exact distances and cut off times will be shared with you in the lead up to the event.

Please note: we ask that you don’t arrange to meet friends and family at pit stops as they can become very crowded if each participant has supporters there as well. Instead we recommend they meet you at the base camp or away from the event pit stops.

Cut-Off Times:

NON-STOP – 
The route is open from Saturday 18th July, 7.30am until Sunday 19th July, 8.00pm

WEEKENDER/1-DAY – 
The route is open from 7.30am to 10.00pm on Saturday 18th July, and Sunday 19th July from 6.00am to 8.00pm

Please note: each pit stop will have a cut-off time (determined closer to the start of the event). If you miss the cut-off time, regardless of the route opening times, you will be liable for disqualification.

Cheering fans are encouraged! The route is open to all, however please note that the pit stops will be closed off to prevent overcrowding.

Spectators are allowed into the basecamp. Limited parking will be available for them. All non-overnight participants will need to be off the basecamp site by 10.00pm.

How much training am I expected to do?

This is dependent on how much exercise you do currently. We provide you with comprehensive training plans for all distances for both running and walking.

You will also be provided with training advice to ensure you are in the best possible shape. Other than that we recommend regular, consistent training – give yourself enough weeks to train but don’t overdo it!

Will there be live tracking?

In partnership with Open Tracking, you can now hire a GPS tracker for the duration of the event!

Your tracker will provide accurate location data, available online for your friends and family to view, so they can see how well you’re progressing along the route. This is NOT linked to your event timing but it does mean your supporters can see more accurately where you are throughout the event and how close you are to the finish line!

Links to book this will be made available closer to the event.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs (aside from assistance dogs) are not permitted on the route as part of the event, due to the volume of people on the trail and the challenging nature of the course. Participants will do a lot of training in the run up to the event, and we cannot ensure that dogs have the stamina to complete the route or be responsible for them.

Dogs are only allowed on certain basecamps due to the health and safety regulations on the farms, so please email us directly if you would like to find out which basecamps they will be able to visit.