
The model for City to Summit is a Half Marathon* followed by a 180km bike ride and a marathon* distance final run section.
In reality the half marathon is slightly long and the marathon is slightly short. This is due to the location of the transitions, which are positioned to give you the best possible service and experience.
The distances for each section of the event may change slightly up and down, but as a guide, these are the anticipated distances for 2018*:
Run I: 14.9 miles – 728 ft
Bike: 114.5 miles – 5,364 ft
Run II: 24.5 miles – 6,764 ft
*The use of ‘standard’ terms such as ‘Half Marathon/Marathon’ is terminology used to give a guide on format. In some cases, true event distance will not adhere exactly to that terminology – in short, these are ‘rough guide’ terms. Distances given in GPX and route map materials will be a more accurate representation the actual route. HOWEVER, we use an online resource alongside some real-life measuring to record distances as accurately as possible and these are as accurate as we will publish. There will always be some variation on the ground. Also, the route and therefore the distance are subject to change right up until (as well as during the day of) the event. We will endeavour to make you aware of any major changes in advance; however it may not be possible to share some minor changes as they occur. Please understand that all distances are therefore, by their nature, as exact as we can make them but can never be truly accurate to the metre.
Time trial or TT bikes are BANNED from this event. As are Time trial or Tri bars fitted to a road bike. This is for safety reasons. The ‘head down’ riding style of these types of bikes and bars is not compatible with the traffic conditions experienced along the route. All riders need to take a more ‘heads up’ and alert approach to ensure safe passage. Remember, the challenge is to complete this epic adventure and return to bask in the glory, it is not a race.
Run 1 – 1 pit stop; Water and energy drink only.
Expert Bike (Sunday) – 3 pit stops; water, energy drink, snacks (sweet and salty) and Bananas
Challenger Bike (Saturday) – 2 pit stops; water, energy drink, snacks (sweet and salty) and Bananas. There is no pit stop on the challenger day 2 bike leg.
Run 2 – 1 pit stop; water, energy drink, snacks (sweet and salty) and Bananas
Run 1 – 3hrs
Bike – 9hrs
Run 2 – 8hrs
The check point at the base of Ben Nevis is critical and relates to the safety of everyone on the mountain – participants and crew; if you make it through this check point but are slow it is likely you won’t make it to the summit check point as we will bring this turn around point down the mountain.
If you fail to make the cut-off you will be transported forward to the finish only.
- Finish bag. This is for anything you will need at and after you finish. This can be large bag but is limited to a size of 70L and a weight of 15kg. A perfect bag is the RR Duffel, see here. You can give this to us at Registration on Saturday afternoon of at the start line on Sunday morning.
- T1 bag. This is for you to leave in T1. It is for everything you will need for the bike stage. You can leave behind anything you don’t need for the second run and this bag will be transported to T2 for you.
- T2 bag. This is to be handed in to us at registration and we will take it to T2 for you. It should contain everything you will need for the second run stage. Putting a 2nd pair of trainers in this bag will prevent the need for you to carry the first pair on the bike.