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A 50KM ULTRAMARATHON SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS RAPA NUI STATUES
The stone Moai statues of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) are world-famous and shrouded in mystery. This tiny speck of land is located 3700km off the coast of South America, adrift in the South Pacific. It is the very definition of remote. Yet a warm welcome awaits visitors from the local Rapa Nui population who are rightly proud of their emblematic Pacific island history and culture.
Our bespoke itinerary features a specially-formatted adventure challenge in the shape of a stunning 50km ultramarathon route. In order to see the very best of the island, we have crafted specially-formatted guided runs and hikes on either side of our ultramarathon to allow you to see the world-famous historical sights (and many more off the beaten track locations, besides). This is a completely unique way to traverse and explore this magical place.
Welcome to Easter Island, Rat Race style.
SIGN UP NOW FOR*
£3750
*Price per month, depending on departure date. Split the cost with our interest free payment plan, click here for more info on pricing
EVENT DATES:
7 - 13 MAY 2026
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL
LOCATION:
EASTER ISLAND
DURATION:
7 DAYS /
6 NIGHTS
50KM ULTRAMARATHON
30 - 75KM OF GUIDED RUN/HIKES OVER 3 DAYS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
This adventure is for anyone with a with a moderate level of running/hiking fitness.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
6 nights simple hotel accommodation on a shared basis.
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional support vehicles, safety staff, medical and welfare.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff and medics. Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
TRANSFER
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure date.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
ALL MEALS
All meals included in the itinerary.
RAISE £5000 AND GET UP TO £2500 REFUNDED
SET UP YOUR JUST GIVING PAGE HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE
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Rat Race are fantastic at organising events, and at Easter Island, they truly showcased their epic skills. This adventure is perfect if you want to mix culture, magical discoveries, stunning nature, and fun running. There were surprises at every turn, and I loved them all, from cave explorations to snacking on wild fruit.
James, the race organiser, found the most amazing local guides who gave us a unique look at the island and its secrets.
As always with Rat Race, we could do as much or as little as we felt confortable with. I'm a city runner, and I happily completed all the runs, fueled by wild mangos and guavas. Speaking of fuel, I’m vegan and gluten intolerant, which is tricky in such a remote location, but Rat Race made it work.
In short, I’d do this again in a heartbeat. Can’t wait for my next Rat Race Adventure!
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Beatriz Easter Island Test Pilot 2024
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I was lucky enough to get onto the ‘Test Pilot’ event taking place on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in May 24. We were a small team of runners (all of whom were absolutely lovely) and under the watchful eye of James and Jim from Rat Race plus the super talented James A behind the camera, took in the most beautiful parts of the island on foot. The itinerary was well thought out meaning we got a well balanced mix of local culture and history, combined with enough running to ensure I slept for 90% of a 14hr flight home. Rat Race is a company with morals and ethics at the forefront of what they do. They have a shed load of experience and expertise, but they are also incredibly mindful of the environments they operate in and seemingly create great relationships wherever they go. Currently scanning Rat Race for next adventure(s)….. Thanks all :)
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Helen Easter Island Test Pilot 2024
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You MUST do the Easter Isle (Rapa Nui) adventure as soon as it is available. Picture this, you travel to the most remote, inhabited island in the world. It’s so small that its land mass is 1% the size of the Hawaiian islands. But that also means, you can cover almost the entire island through trekking and running tours, ducking into caves, eating fruit right off the trees, and seeing all the major Moai sculpture sites and many not often seen. Then on top of it you get two half marathons and an ultra marathon to test your grit. My favorite moment? Hard to say but maybe running and diving into the ocean after a 16 mile trek. You want adventure steeped in mystery and magic. Go Rat Race
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Eric Easter Island Test Pilot 2024
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I had the absolute best time on the recent Easter Island 'test pilot' trip — I haven't finished processing it!
Part of a small, likeminded team of runners supervised by James and Jim from Rat Race (and accompanied behind the camera by the uber-talented James Appleton), we were able to explore pretty much all of one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Truly a bucket-list experience.
With a packed itinerary of hiking and running (largely accompanied by two extraordinary local guides) plus ample free time to explore Hanga Roa, the main town, this was a well-organised and perfectly executed trip.
On a personal level, this was my first ever ultra and I was considerably less experienced at long distance and even trail running than everyone else in the group. Even though I chose not to join one of the runs so to be as fresh as possible for the ultra day, arrangements were made so I could still join in on the sightseeing parts of that day and not miss out, which was incredibly considerate.
I am also immensely grateful to Jim for sticking by me during the ultra and allowing me the opportunity to learn so much from his experience, from running in the dark with a headtorch, to proper fuelling and hydration, to how best to use an aid station, to how to use poles, to blister care. He possesses an absolute wealth of knowledge but more importantly is happy to share it.
Thank you Rat Race — you have truly lived up to your ethos: "it's about getting to the start line, not how fast you get to the finishline".
Looking forward to the next one!
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Ellie Easter Island Test Pilot 2024
DAY ONE: ARRIVE MATAVERI AIRPORT (IPC)
Arrive from Santiago to the world's most remote airport! We will collect you and take you via a very short road transfer to our lodgings, this will be our base and home for the next 6 days. We will do a simple Registration in the afternoon and our welcome briefing before having dinner together.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared Bedrooms,
MEALS: Dinner
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DAY TWO: A HIKING TOUR OF THE NORTH COAST - CAVES, MOAI AND MORE!
We'll start the day with a hearty local breakfast before hitting the trails! A short road transfer will take us to our starting point and we will make our way together with our local guide into the lesser-visited northern coast area of Rapa Nui. On foot now together, we will explore caves, underground lava flows and you will see your first Moai sites together with rock paintings and loads of other archaeology. This is literally a walking history tour! We will finish the day at the beautiful beach site of Anakena, where some of the best-preserved Moai reside. A short transfer will bring you back to the hotel and we will eat together again.
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Distance: 25km, shorter distance available. All tours are optional.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared Bedrooms,
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. Bring snacks for the trail!
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DAY THREE: RUN/HIKE THROUGH HISTORY
Another sightseeing tour awaits, this time with the choice to do some sections at a faster (or slower) running or walking pace. You will have the option today to split off into a group that suits your own pace – run, jog or walk. We will commence from the door of the hotel and run up to one of the quarry sites at Ahu Akivi before taking in some more of the lava tunnels and more historical sites including some stunning sea caves, before returning to Hanga Roa. Another meal in town, perhaps enjoying one of the massive plates of Tuna Ceviche that the island is famous for. We may also enjoy one of the famous local dance shows on this night (or could be on another night, subject to availability and local schedules). After that, we will again bed down again for the night and wait in anticipation of what tomorrow has in store.
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Distance: 25km, shorter distance available. All tours are optional.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared Bedrooms,
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. Bring snacks for the trail!
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DAY FOUR: SOUTH COAST ADVENTURE 'RUN TO THE RIM'
Today we will again run or trek from the hotel and we will be making our way today towards the old volcanic caldera rim of Volcan Kau. As well as being lovely running, you will get amazing views out to sea towards the miniature offshore island of Islote Motu (Kao Kao), where the famous Birdman ceremonies of the ancient Rapa Nui people took place. Also nestled on the rim is Orongo, the ceremonial centre of the ancient Rapa Nui people. This is a stunning site and we will take time to enjoy this spot before being whisked back to the hotel in our transport. You may want to take your foot off the gas today, for tomorrow, the big one awaits!
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Distance: 15km, shorter distance available. All tours are optional.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared Bedrooms,
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. Bring snacks for the trail!
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DAY FIVE: THE BIG ONE: RAPA NUI ROUND-ISLAND ULTRA
This is the big one – the Rat Race Rapa Nui Round-Island Ultra. If that sounds like a bit of a mouthful – well – we reckon this chunky chappie of a run is worthy of such a tongue-twister! 50km on foot awaits, taking you pretty much on a circuit of the island, taking on several historic spots en route and also bagging stunning island-wide views from the high point of Easter Island – Ma’unga Terevaka – at 507m (1665 ft). This really is an amazing run as well as an utterly unique way to experience Rapa Nui. You may experience sun, rain, cloud, bright skies and the elemental force of this truly mysterious place. it is tropical year-round, so don’t worry too much about the weather.
We will support you several times on the route with our pit stops, stocked with local treats, fresh fruit, massive Empanadas and loads of sweet and savoury goodies. We will also cater for attempts at running and walking paces, so provided you can maintain a 4kmh (2.5mph) average, you’re golden.
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Distance: 50km
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared Bedrooms,
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. Bring snacks for the trail!
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DAY SIX: OPTIONAL RECOVERY RUN AND R AND R
Well, if a 50km Ultra on one of the most remote islands on Earth, plus all of the sightseeing runs have not been enough, we do have an option today for a few more miles. For those who want it, our local guide will lead a trekking-pace foray up onto the eastern peak of Poike. We will also provide guided tours of the famous sites of Tongariki and Rano Raraku, the former of which is recognisable worldwide as one of the most famous Moai sites and the latter of which si the utterly breath-taking quarry where Moai lie in various states of fabrication in and on the ground. There are 100s of them!
After a fitting end to our endeavours with a final celebration meal in town, we will bed down one more night in our cosy accommodation.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared Bedrooms,
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner. Bring snacks for the trail!
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DAY SEVEN: HOMEWARD BOUND AND FAREWELL
After a final breakfast we will arrange transfers to the airport for you and your gear to connect with the Santiago flight departing today.
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ACCOMMODATION: N/A
MEALS: Breakfast.
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ACCOMMODATION
​We are based in one hotel for the duration of our adventure. The accommodation is basic but comfortable and pleasant. Rooms are on a shared basis, you will be able to request roommates if you are travelling with partners or friends/family. Solo travellers will be paired with other #ratracers of the same sex. Single supplement subject to availability.
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MEALS
All meals included as outlined in the itinerary and Pit Stop support on the 50km ultramarathon. Dietary requirements will be catered for. If you love fresh fish you are in for a treat here (but there's plenty if that isn't your bag!)
PIT STOPS
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During the ultramarathon you will have access to our Pit Stops.
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Pit stops will typically have a minimum of the following available:
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Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
Salty snacks – such as crisps, dried fruit and peanuts, pretzels
Sweets – including local speciality sweet treats ,chocolate etc
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Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have – if you use gels and other such products – you should plan to bring these with you. If you have any special dietary requirements, then please also plan for this and pack your kit accordingly. Rat Race aim to offer Pit Stop snacks that are tasty and functional, catering to as broad a mix of needs and diets as possible. We have options available that are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets and availability of this will depend on demand. Rat Race cannot guarantee that the food does not contain contamination from allergens such as nuts or gluten in its preparation or serving.
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Please make sure you sanitise your hands prior to eating any food. Please, please, please take care with your trash and help us in our aim of leaving these incredible islands tidier than we find them. This is even more critical in this environment, with any lost trash instantly becoming a choking hazard for the marine life we are here to admire.
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The nature of an adventure is that sometimes, the uncertain becomes certain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we ned to wheel put Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!
You will need to catch the flight from Santiago to Mataveri on the 7th May 2026. A group transfer pick up time will be arranged for the arrival of this flight. Time TBC when flight details are available.
We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace. See below for our notes on route-finding and guidance. There will also be some cut-offs, but in the true Rat Race tradition these will be generous and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out. Of course, we will give you some early starts to allow the very best possible window for route completion. But, if you need us and if you need to abandon the route for whatever reason, we are there for you and can pick you up.
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You will need to navigate on a GPX watch with your smartphone and a mapping app downloaded as a backup (we recommend Komoot). We have devices available to rent if you need one. Run/hike guides will be led by local professional tour guides and you will follow them on these days.
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We will use a mixture of UK safety staff in cars, foot sweeps and local crew. You will be able to interact with medics and the Rat Race crew at Pit Stops.. Our local guides are excellent and they know the island like the back of their hands, on the guided walk/runs their knowledge and expertise ensure that you'll have a brilliantly interesting tour that will show you all the secret spots you could never find otherwise!
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You will be picked up from Mataveri airport and returned there at the end of the itinerary if needed. All transfers to and from the airport are included on the specified days within our event.
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Click Enter Now and go through the sign up process, you’ll then be issued with an event voucher which will automatically reserve you a place in the event you have chosen.
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Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel and which covers participation in outdoor sports. You will also need what is called an Evacuation Insurance Policy, which is for if we need to send you back to the closest city for urgent medical attention via a helicopter or similar. We also recommend you have this in place as soon as you enter this event and that if you book flights, we highly recommend booking a flexible option for any last-minute changes you might need to make or to ensure you have maximum flexibility if you cannot attend for any reason.
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Travel insurance is compulsory for our events, so please make sure your insurance policy covers the activities you will be participating in. There are a number of specialist providers available including Mann Broadbent.
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No problem. Where we use hotels, rooms are offered on a shared basis. If you wish to share with a fellow participant, you will be asked to add this information to your event participation form which we will issue you with approximately 3 months ahead of the event.
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The short answer is no. The price for this event is for everything outlined on the website and it is very difficult for us to split this out. Our accommodation is based on group rates and is on a shared basis. All of our event logistics, support and organisation has been designed to have all the participants in the same locations to allow transfers, briefings etc to run smoothly and to let you bond with your fellow #ratracers!
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Yes! The completion speed for this one is 2.5mph.
Our trip is as detailed above, we can put you in touch with local operators if you wanted to look at extending your stay.​
We will utilise all the daylight we have available for our 50km ultramarathon giving you at least 12 hours to complete this stunning tour of the island.
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We have firm emergency protocols and response systems in place whilst out on our adventures. Our main priority above all else is to keep you and our staff safe. Before we leave for each trip a comprehensive in-country risk and threat assessment has been conducted by the Head of Expeditions. All protocols are put in place relating to those assessments. We make sure that the staff involved have the highest level of first aid training; a higher level of medical cover is also put in place if needed; all instructors have qualifications and/ or competencies to match the adventure we will undertake. In the event of an emergency, Rat Race staff and appointed contractors have comprehensive knowledge of procedures which will rapidly be put in place. If needed, our staff will provide first aid and then further medical assistance and evacuation if needed in line with a published Medical Procedures Plan. We have medical back-up and Clinical Directorship provided by a specialist events medical company and we have further emergency response support services provided by competent contracted partner. All our cover is available 24/7 while operations are underway. We use our knowledge and emergency procedures to provide the best possible care in our often remote and austere environments. Before leaving on a trip, we will advise on the insurance cover you are required to have in place for the trip; we will ask for a copy of these insurance details before the departure date.
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Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will be kept in the loop closer to the event when we will send out our Essential Event Information approximately three months ahead of the event, detailing the full itinerary, what you need to bring and other important information relating to the specific event you have signed up for. We will also host webinars which you will be invited to (again, closer to the event), where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and go through your kit. There will be a final email one month ahead of the event, just to check you’ve completed all the important forms and are ready for the event ahead.
If you have chosen to pay in instalments, we will also contact you if any of your payments have been missed. Please ensure you regularly check your spam folders and have events@ratrace.com and noreply@ratraceentries.com added to your ‘approved / safe’ email senders.
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At Rat Race we are determined to get you on the start line even when life throws up its own obstacles! If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice, whether that be the same event a year later or a completely new adventure! Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed. For Easter Island Ultramarathon this is 12 weeks from the Event start date. Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit voucher are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE
Race entry includes a brilliant finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tee. We will request your t-shirt size in the event details form 3 months ahead of the event and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.
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See the 'Kit List' section.
If you need to bail we will collect you via the Sweeper vehicles and move you forwards on the course (subject to medical advice if it is a medical issue that has forced you to pull out). We are unable to transport you backwards (i.e. we cannot take you back to the start). If you need to pull out where we cannot access the route with vehicles as easily, in all cases we will ask you to move (or assist you to move) to a location where we can access by vehicle, or we will evacuate with medical and/ or safety personnel if required.
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It is a mix of trails, road and gravel paths. It is a young volcanic island and some of the ground is very rough, this can make it more technical in places but it's also lots of fun! There is a real mix over the whole trip with lots of really smooth, easy to run trails.
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This kit list is an example one from similar events, it may be subject to small changes which will be communicated in the EEI 3 months before the event date:
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THE KIT LIST
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Running or trekking
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Trail running footwear
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Shorts
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T-shirt
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Ultra vest or small daypack
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CAT 3 sunglasses
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Bladder or bottles/ soft flasks (aim to be able to carry a MINIMUM of 1.5l)
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Hat – cap or wide brimmed are fine
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Socks
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Buff or similar neck gaiter
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Blister care kit
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Scooby snacks of choice*
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Waterproof jacket
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Either a GPS watch or Smartphone capable of following a GPX file (phone with Outdoor Active App is recommended – see section on ‘route finding’ below) OR a GPS watch for following the route
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In all cases, participants must carry a Smartphone (so if using a watch for following the route, you must also have a Smartphone in your kit)
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Power pack and cable for recharging phone, in waterproof bag (ziplock or dry bag)
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Headtorch, waterproof to IPX5 standard, minimum 150 lumens + spare batteries or second headtorch
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Salt tablets and dissolvable electrolytes for water. Please bring salt tablets and some electrolyte mix for drinks. You will 100% need these on this trip and they are MANDATORY
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First Aid kit (small personal kit with a triangular bandage, steri strips and an adhesive dressing as a minimum). Also include any personal medication
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Trekking poles – optional but recommended.
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Dry bag or small zip lock bags: Very useful for general gear storage/ organisation/ protection
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* Whilst the Pit Stop vehicles will be stocked up with yummy things, including drinks and sweet/ savoury snacks, sports nutrition can be a very personal thing so we would advise that, regardless of our Pit Stop service, you pack items that you know work for you out on the trail.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
£
/ PER MONTH. DEPENDING ON DEPARTURE
INTEREST FREE!
PAY IN FULL
£3750
USD
All prices are in GBP. An admin fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments.
PAY MONTHLY INTEREST FREE!
ENTER NOW AND SPREAD THE COST INTEREST FREE WITH OUR INSTALMENT PLAN
We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free*. The payments will be split equally allowing you to budget and plan for this stunning journey. All payments to be made before December the year before the event.
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*When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
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Please see here for full terms and conditions and our cancellation policy.
PROTECT YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING WITH REFUND PROTECT
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
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To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
At Rat Race, we create extraordinary adventures for everyone people. We know we’re a premium brand and that those adventures are premium experiences. In our 20th year, we have decided that our commitment to investment in our standards, safety and quality of experience should be matched in our commitment to the transparency in showing how we spend your hard-earned cash in bringing these adventures to life.
So here it is. A pie chart of how we spend your money in bringing our events and trips to life.
RAISE AT LEAST £5000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £2500 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!
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Our longstanding partnership with Children with Cancer UK gives #ratracers the opportunity to raise much needed funds for this great cause in exchange for a refund of their entry fee. So far our #ratracers have raised over £2million for Children with Cancer UK and we would love for you to join the team to help us chase down that £3million target!
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The funds you raise will be invested into vital specialist research to improve survival rates in children and young people and help more of them ring the end of treatment bell.
All you need to do is set up a Just Giving page here and start your fundraising! You will have until 1 month after the event date to hit your target and then send us the link to your page which will allow us to process your refund. Refunds will be made 2 – 3 months after the event completion date.
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Refunds are not mandatory you are welcome to opt-out of receiving a refund. Should participants opt-out their refund will instead be used by Children with Cancer UK to help fund their research.
If you choose to support Children with Cancer UK and raise £5000, you will also receive:
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A Children with Cancer UK fundraising and training pack
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Regular Children with Cancer UK updates
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A dedicated point of contact at the charity
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A technical Children with Cancer UK t-shirt to wear with pride
For more information on Children with Cancer UK please visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Alternatively please contact the Sports Team on 020 7430 7788 or email sports@childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
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Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
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