A TRULY EXPEDITIONARY ADVENTURE INTO THE WILDS OF EAST GREENLAND BY KAYAK AND ON FOOT, VISITING AN AREA BARELY VISITED BY MANKIND.
Trek some of the largest glaciers on Earth, kayak Fjords choked with icebergs and paddle in waters teaming with humpbacks. This is off-the-chart adventure, Rat Race style.
12 PLACES AVAILABLE
23 JULY - 6 AUG / 2025
22 JULY - 5 AUG / 2026
EVENT DATES:
DISTANCE:
40 MILES (60KM) ON KAYAK +
60MILES (100KM) ON FOOT
SLEEP STYLE:
LODGE
CAMPING
LOCATION:
EAST GREENLAND,
KULUSUK
DURATION:
15 DAYS /
14 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
This is a seriously remote undertaking and whilst daily distances are not extreme, we will be carrying heavy packs over rough terrain including boulder fields, river crossings and glacial ice. You will need to be in peak physical shape and also able to hold your own in a kayak for several hours per day.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
Lodge accommodation for 2 nights, expedition-grade 2-person tents for the 12 nights in the field
ALL MEALS
All meals while at the lodge and on the expedition are included. Hearty home-cooked meals are served at the lodge and ready-to-eat expedition meals plus lunch items and snacks are provided in the field.
EQUIPMENT
Sea kayaks, paddles, spray decks and PFDs. Group camping and cooking equipment plus fuel included.
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Setting out from our lodge in Kulusuk, weʼll use sea kayaks to stage a multi-day journey northward through the Fjord system, inland to the head of Sermiligaq Fjord. This is the point where the massive Knud Rasmussen Glacier calves into the ocean and is typically choked with icebergs. The Knud Rasmussen is one of the biggest glaciers in the area, providing us with access deep into the Caledonian Alps beyond.
SAFETY
.local and UK staff, kayak guides, IFMGA guides for the glacial traverse and a Rat Race expert on hand throughout the expedition.
TRANSFERS
To reach this event you will be
flying into a gravel airstrip on one
of the wildest coastlines in the world. Luckily, there is a daily direct Icelandair flight from Reykjavik to Kulusuk. From arrival in Kulusk, all transfers and logistics are taken care of.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
TRANSFER POLICY
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks prior to your departure date.
MORE INFORMATION:
East Greenland is the epitome of remote. Inhabited by a tiny handful of Inuit scattered across a very few remote villages, the coastline here is only accessible for a few months a year when the sea-ice melts and reveals a labyrinth of iceberg-packed Fjords alongside huge glaciers tumbling into the sea. Behind them, jagged peaks stretch as far as the eye can see and then in the distance, the Greenland icecap looms for 1000s of km. The silence and peace of the place is matched only by its rugged beauty.
The scale of everything is unbelievable. Wildlife is abundant too, with the waters full of Whales of all descriptions. Of course, the King of the Arctic - the mighty Polar bear – is never far away too. This trip is an utterly unique and totally expeditionary undertaking, comprising a kayak-based journey through the icebergs of the East Greenland Fjord system to reach vast hidden glaciers which the team will attempt to traverse in a self-contained trekking phase. This really is as adventurous as it gets. The beaten track is a long, long way behind you here. Once you have visited Greenland, everywhere else just pales in comparison. This truly is a humbling experience beyond any other adventure we have ever offered.
The following schedule outlines our proposed itinerary. Distances, daily stages and in-trip logistics may change between now and departure and even during the trip, such is the nature of this major adventure undertaking at sea.
Setting out from our lodge in Kulusuk, weʼll use sea kayaks to stage a multi-day journey northward through the Fjord system, inland to the head of Sermiligaq Fjord. This is the point where the massive Knud Rasmussen Glacier calves into the ocean and is typically choked with icebergs. The Knud Rasmussen is one of the biggest glaciers in the area, providing us with access deep into the Caledonian Alps beyond.
With some careful route-finding, there is a way through that should open up the possibility of a multi-day glacier traverse that (to our knowledge) has never been attempted before. Leaving our kayaks behind and taking to foot now we will undertake a truly remote elf-contained trekking journey. This will take the team up this vast ice flow, under some incredibly wild alpine summits and over one or more high glacial passes. If we succeed, the route finishes down the Karale Glacier where boats will pick up the team for the journey back home to Kulusuk.
DAY ONE: ARRIVE AT KULUSUK, PREP KIT AND RELAX
After your flight from Reykjavik, we will collect you from the airport and take you via very short road transfer to our comfortable lodge in the Inuit fishing village of Kulusk. This will be your home for the next night as we issue and check kit, so some Polar Bear safety drills and enjoy some hearty home cooking at the lodge. There will then be some time in the afternoon to relax, settle in, perhaps go for a wander into the main village of Hanga Roa and get onto island time. We will come together for a bit of a welcome briefing and have some dinner together, before bedding down for the journey ahead.
ACCOMMODATION: Shared Bedrooms in lodge accommodation
MEALS: Lunch and Dinner provided
DAY TWO: INTO THE WILDERNESS
DISTANCE: Approx 20km
We'll start the day with a hearty local breakfast at the lodge before casting off from Kulusk in our expedition kayaks! We will spend the day paddling into the Fjord system flanked by imposing mountains and passing icebergs as we make our way deeper into the wilderness. We will camp the night somewhere and there will be time for those brave enough to have a quick dip in these crystal-clear Arctic waters.
ACCOMMODATION: 2-person expedition tents
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch included, dinner will be our first (of several!) expedition meals
DAY THREE AND FOUR: CONTINUE THE KAYAK ODYSSEY
DISTANCE: Approx 40km over a further 2 days (60km approx. in total in the kayaks over 3 days)
As we make our way further up Sermiligaq Fjord, the scenery becomes more and more impressive. More icebergs, bigger mountains, more glaciers tumbling into the sea. It truly is an awe-inspiring location and to traverse this area at sea level in a kayak is an utter joy to behold – and rarely done. As we approach the looming mass of the Knud Rasmussen glacier, you are a tiny speck in a vast landscape and you will be humbled with every paddle stroke. Enjoy it all and take it in. this is one of the Earth’s true wilderness settings and you are one of very very few people to have been here, ever. We will make our final camp on shore, then camp one final time on the Fjord before heading into those mountains beyond.
ACCOMMODATION:2-person expedition tents
MEALS: All meals are expedition freeze-dried meals, plus lunch items and snacks provided by us. You should bring your own snacks to augment these selections with items that you are familiar with
DAY FIVE TO THIRTEEN: GLACIAL TRAVERSE IN REMOTE COUNTRY
DISTANCE: Approx 100km over 9 days
Today it is all about the trekking. We wave goodbye to our kayaks (and to the icebergs) and say hello to ice of a different variety – a lot of ice. Strapping on our backpacks, we will be using the Knud Rasmussen glacier and its environs as a huge ‘ramp’ to access the jaw-dropping tangle of mountains and glaciers beyond. Making our way through heavily crevassed terrain, we will rise from sea level and spend the next 9 days picking our way as a team across these glaciers, over mountain passes, between peaks and finally down to sea level again, for our collection by boat and journey back to Kulusuk.
What we are attempting here is an area seldom visited on foot and is truly exploratory. You will be rewarded with incredible views, long, long days, potential Northern Lights sightings, huge glacial crossings and some of the finest trekking you have ever experienced in one of the most special places on the planet. This is the absolute pinnacle of Rat Race’s expeditionary endeavours and those who make this journey will remember it for the rest of their lives. There really isn’t the words to explain the tangible quality and life-defining attributes of this journey.
Our plan is to traverse an unknown glacier and end up coming out of the area via the vast Karale glacier. That plan may have to change due to operational considerations, weahter group speed of travel or other factors. You must be adaptable and understand that the plan could change at any time. But that is of course one of the joys of expeditioning in its own right. We have numerous options available to us if we need to alter the plan and our expert guides will of course have your safety and welfare at the top of mind at all times, above all else.
ACCOMMODATION: 2-person expedition tents
MEALS: All meals are expedition freeze-dried meals, plus lunch items and snacks provided by us. You should bring your own snacks to augment these selections with items that you are familiar with
DAY FOURTEEN: RETURN TO KULUSUK VIA FAST BOAT
After one more expedition breakfast together on the beach, backed by glaciers again tumbling into the sea all around us, we will perhaps scour the beach for Polar bear tracks before jumping on board our fast boat, which will have been sent to meet us and take us back to Kulusuk. On the way back it is entirely probable that we will see Whales and enjoy our final sightings of icebergs sitting in the Fjords again, before arriving back to the village and to the warmth (and hot showers!) of our cosy lodge.
ACCOMMODATION: Shared Bedrooms in lodge accommodation
MEALS: Our final Exped meal for breakfast, then lunch and dinner provided at the lodge (lunch depending on arrival time back in Kulusuk).
DAY FIFTEEN: DEPART
After a final breakfast at the lodge, we will transfer you to the airport, to connect with the Reykjavik flight. We will say our farewells and bid a fond farewell to this truly magical place.
ACCOMMODATION: N/A
MEALS: Breakfast provided
ACCOMMODATION
NIGHTS AND STYLE
14 nights, 2 are lodge-based and 12 are wild remote camp spots in expedition-quality 2-person tents
All meals while at the lodge and on the expedition are included. Hearty home-cooked meals are served at the lodge and ready-to-eat expedition meals plus lunch items and snacks are provided in the field.
MEALS INCLUDED
This is a small group expedition, this means the team move together as a group. The kayak stage of the trip will be lead by the guide with the group moving together to get to each camp location. The kayak days will include breaks to ensure the team is warm, rested and well fed as well as moving at an efficient pace.
The trek will be guided by highly qualified IFMGA guides. The nature of the glacial terrain is taxing, at points we may even be roped together whilst navigating the terrain. The packs we will be carrying will be very heavy, working together as a team is the best way to support you and each other.
You don't need to! Our guides will be navigating for us.
Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure. If you wish to participate as a family group or with a responsible adult and you are 16+, we will consider applications on an individual basis. Please contact us if this is the case.
Getting to the start line is important and we are there to help you as best we can. However, if you feel on reflection that it is just not your time yet, we do have a transfer system that you can use to transfer out, receive Rat Race credit and come back again next year or do something else. Credit is typically valid for 12 months and there is a fee to be paid for transferring out in this way. We want to be really clear that this option is there for you if you need it, but it does have a deadline. View our full terms and conditions here.
The latest kit list will be sent to you before the event within the Essential Event Information Document.
You will be supported with qualified guides for both the kayak and trekking phases. You will also be accompanied by Abbi, Rat Race Head of Expeditions who will be with you every paddle stroke and step of the way.
The guides in Greenland are extremely experienced with a high level expertise in the weather and terrain. They will be supported by the HQ who can provide support and aid contingency plans if needed.
We will also have 24/7 access tele-medical support throughout the duration of the expedition.
In general terms you will be supported by a team of experienced guides, however, you will be self-sufficient throughout the journey, paddling and then carrying all kit and equipment necessary to complete the route.
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. There is no credit check required to use this facility. 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.
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.
To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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.
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.
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
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 12 weeks 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 get in touch with you if any of your payments have been missed.
Rat Race have been audited and accredited to the prestigious BS8848 expedition safety standard. 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.
Race entry includes a glorious finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tee. We will request your tshirt size and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.
No problem. Where we use hotels, rooms are offered on a twin / shared basis. If you wish to share with a fellow participant, you will be asked to add this information to your event participation from which we will issue you with approximately 12 weeks ahead of the event.
Unfortunately for this style of event, we cannot accommodate any supporters.
This kit list is from our 2024 Test Pilot and may be subject to changes.
THE KIT LIST
East Greenland is a demanding place to go explore. The weather can be severe and, whilst we have a workshop and a very limited supply of spare kit, the nearest kit shop is 1000km away. It's worth following this list carefully and before setting off, checking that all your equipment is in good condition. We've partnered with Patagonia and NRS for some years now and after a lot of wild weather and expeditions, have a lot of trust in it. Where appropriate, suitable models are listed below.
Carrying everything in our kayaks, then on our backs, space is going to be at a premium; lightweight equipment makes a big difference in fitting everything in. Drop us a line with any questions...
KIT CHECKS AND NEW EQUIPMENT
Whatever equipment you choose to bring on the trip, please do make sure that new kit is broken in beforehand - it's a bad place to have blisters! Access to spare kit in Greenland is extremely limited so only tried-and-tested systems should make it into your kit bag. In such a serious environment, unsuitable or missing equipment may mean you won't be able to take part in some or all of the trip.
PACKING YOUR BAGS
The airline uses small prop planes to serve the route between Reykjavik and the gravel airstrip in Kulusuk. It's worth travelling as light as possible as on rare occasions the airline has left excess baggage behind.
Baggage reclaim in Kulusuk consists of a tractor with a trailer. Your kit will then be transported back to the lodge by ATV. We'd recommend that any breakable items are carried and that the contents of your hold luggage are well protected and waterproofed.
FOR THE LODGE
· Casual clothes. To help us keep the lodge clean please make sure you bring a set of clothes to wear here – no sweaty outdoor clothing/thermals in the lodge please.
· Hut slippers. Comfortable indoor shoes to be worn around the lodge, Crocs or similar.
· Towel
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
We must prepare for a range of temperatures and conditions. We aim for a light clothing system that blocks the wind and rain but also keeps us cool in the sun. The key is having clothing that can wick moisture away in the heat and dry quickly if wet, having a warm insulated jacket to hand for breaks and to use lightweight but effective waterproofs. Whilst there are many bits of clothing that work brilliantly alone, they tend to be single-use (i.e. a heavy softshell). Thinner layers that can be worn alone or layered together tend to be most suitable.
· Underwear. Merino wool or synthetic.
· Base layer tops. 2 long sleeve tops, and a short sleeve version if you prefer for warmer days. We’d recommend merino wool, which wicks moisture away and smells less than synthetic. Smartwool or Icebreaker.
· Base layer pants. 1 pair. Evenings in camp can be very cool and these will make a big difference, particularly if you decide not to bring insulated pants (see below). Patagonia Capilene bottoms.
· Mid layer top. Merino wool or Powerstretch works well. Patagonia’s R1 Hoody range.
· Super-light softshell/wind shell. We use these most days, often hiking in only this and a thin base layer. They breathe well on warmer days and keep the wind off on those breezier days. Patagonia’s Houdini or Houdini Air are ideal.
· Hiking pants. 1 lightweight and fast-drying pants or leggings. Patagonia Causey Pike pants.
· Lightweight insulated jacket. Perfect for layering over a wind shell or waterproof jacket during breaks. An invaluable piece of kit for any day out in the mountains. Synthetic handles moisture better than down but down packs smaller. Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody.
· Insulated jacket. An essential piece of clothing. Lightweight down jackets don’t provide enough warmth on the cooler days, and particularly evenings, that we can experience in Greenland. This is particularly true when camping high up on the glaciers, where we can often experience a cold evening breeze. They’re also a vital piece of kit in an emergency, when we may be forced to wait for a prolonged period. Down packs much smaller than synthetic. Please contact us if you're unsure about the suitability of your jacket or if you’d like to hire one. Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Parka.
· Waterproof/breathable jacket & pants. These must provide full storm cover but should ideally be as light as possible. Underarm vents are useful but not essential. We'll be carrying these for much of the trip, however, they must be up to the job of keeping the elements out when required to do so. A hood is essential. Patagonia Calcite Jacket & Pants.
· Warm hat/beanie.
· Gloves. Two pairs recommended – one thin lightweight pair and one thicker windproof/waterproof pair. Must be dexterous to use with an ice axe or rope.
· Buff. Useful for all sorts, sun protection, extra warmth on windy days, a headband etc.
· Socks. Three pairs. These should form part of a tried and tested sock/boot combination. Make sure they’re in good condition. Remember your liner socks if you use them.
· Sun hat. Peaked cap or wide-brimmed hat.
· Gaiters. A lightweight pair of ordinary alpine gaiters or a pair of ankle-length ones are great and much lighter. Really useful over moraine banks, in boggy ground and during wet days.
· Boots. 3/4 season. They must be at least B1 rated to take a strap-on crampon. Make sure your boots are in good condition; they should have good soles with plenty of tread remaining, provide plenty of ankle support, and be waterproof. Make sure
they’re comfy – any new boots should be well worn in before you arrive in Greenland. La Sportiva Trango Tower GTX or similar.
· Lightweight wetsuit boots or lightweight sandals with wetsuit/waterproof socks. It’s very likely that we’ll take off walking boots for a few river crossings, so you must bring one of these options with you. It’s essential that they provide some toe protection as riverbeds are usually very rocky. If you can find them, the Teva Barracuda sandal, paired with a waterproof/wetsuit sock works well. Otherwise, wetsuit boots with a good sole is a great option. The water here is extremely cold so if you’re bringing sandals, it’s vital that you have a wetsuit/waterproof sock to pair with them. Please also make sure that you can securely tighten any footwear to avoid losing sandals.
· Sunglasses. Suitable for high light conditions. Minimum Category 3. Full eye cover. Julbo are a great brand. It’s worth bringing a spare pair too.
· Gilet/vest. Thin synthetic or Powerstretch/softshell vest to wear over outer layers on the coolest mornings or windy days. A gilet can provide that extra bit of warmth to the core without making you overheat. Patagonia Nano-Air Vest.
· Synthetic insulated pants. Optional but highly recommended for evenings in camp, particularly this time of year. Evenings can get very cool and these will make your time around the camp much more comfortable. Bear in mind pack size. Patagonia Nano Puff Pants.
PERSONAL AND OVERNIGHT EQUIPMENT
· Rucksack. 90-100 litres. It’s essential to leave home with plenty of space left for extra group kit (tents, stoves, safety kit, food and fuel). If you’re buying a new pack, make absolutely certain that it’s comfortable before arriving in Greenland. We strongly advise you to pack everything inside your sack as it’s very easy to damage any items which are strapped onto the outside when putting your pack down. Look for plenty of adjustment in both the waist belt and back system.
· Dry bags. It's essential that you're able to keep kit dry in your kayak and your rucksack - these are a must, particularly for your sleeping bag and spare clothes. Also, a great way to organise the kit inside your pack. Exped or Sea to Summit.
· Sleeping bag. A good quality 3 season bag. Temperatures may drop very to around 0 Celsius overnight, particularly when we're up on the glaciers, so bring a sleeping bag that is comfortable a few degrees below this. Although less effective when damp (be careful to avoid spills!) down bags are generally warmer, lighter, and pack down smaller than synthetic - some of the best will pack down not much bigger than a 1 litre Nalgene bottle! Mountain Hardwear and Rab make some good sleeping bags. Must be packed in a dry bag.
· Sleeping mat. It’s possible to shave significant weight from your rucksack with a lightweight mat. We’d recommend going for a super-light inflatable mat which is comfortable and ideal for long, lightweight backpacking expeditions. These are much more effective (and pack smaller) than foam mats. Make sure you bring a small repair kit (Seam Grip generally works well, and most mats come with a small
kit). Both Thermarest and Exped make a range of mats weighing just a few hundred grams.
· Emergency survival bag. A tiny, lightweight and reusable survival bag. The best we've found is the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Emergency Bivvy Bag (ignore the thicker/insulated versions, and full weight bivvy bags/group shelters - these are much too bulky/heavy).
· Trekking poles (a pair). Essential for this trip. We’ll spend all of our time on very rough terrain, carrying a heavy pack, so these will go a long way to protect knees and ankles. They’re also a must for river crossings when they provide a huge amount of extra support. There are a range of poles available that pack up into small foldable sections, e.g. Black Diamond Z-poles. Be wary of carbon versions as they can break easily on the numerous boulder fields we'll encounter. If you've never used poles before, practice before you arrive!
· Water bottle(s). Enough to carry 2 litres. Platypus foldable bottles work really well, packing down super small when they're empty - Nalgene bottles tend to take up much more space but are more robust. Water carriers without drinking tubes are much easier to remove from a rucksack to fill from streams during the day. We don’t tend to filter/treat water.
· Watch. With alarm.
· Headtorch. Lightweight LED type recommended, plus spare batteries. e.g. Petzl or Black Diamond
· Mug. Big enough to enjoy a good cup of tea/coffee! Sea to Summit’s X-cup is great, folding flat when not in use.
· Bowl. Again, Sea to Summit’s X-bowl is great.
· Spoon. A long-handled, metal version is best for freeze-dried food packets. Optimus or Sea to Summit.
Optional items
· Camera and lenses. A protective, waterproof case is essential. Bring spare batteries, fully charged.
· Battery pack. For charging electrical items.
· Book. Packed in a dry bag. Great for any bad weather days.
TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT
We have all of the items below available for rent if required.
· Ice axe. A lightweight alloy version with a steel pick. Petzl Gully or similar.
· Crampons. 12-point classic steel mountaineering crampons, preferably without vertical front points. Anti-balling plates essential (to stop snow build-up). Petzl Vasak or similar.
· Mountaineering helmet. Look for something lightweight and well-vented. Petzl Meteor.
· Harness. Lightweight & comfortable. Petzl Altitude or similar.
· Ice screw. 17cm Petzl Laser Speed Light recommended.
· Slings. 1 x 60cm
.
· Locking karabiners. 2 x lightweight HMS. Petzl Attache or similar.
PADDLING KIT
· Boat, deck, paddle. We provide these.
· Drysuit, PFD, wetsuit boots. We can provide these if required - please provide sizing info as soon as possible to make sure we have kit that fits.
· Paddle mitts. We provide these.
OTHER ITEMS
· Travel towel. A lightweight and quick-drying travel towel needs to pack up small.
· Basic toiletries. Please bring bio-degradable soaps etc. with you and bear in mind that wet wipes need to be carried out, not buried (they don't burn). Sea to Summit make small, bio-degradable, soap ‘leaves’ that dissolve easily in water and are easy to carry.
· Sun cream, lip block & lip balm. High factor (50+). We use a small bottle which we keep in a convenient pocket to re-apply regularly.
· Medication/first aid. Any prescribed medication, some pain relief and anti-inflammatory, plus blister kit and a small tube of antiseptic cream.
· Personal antibiotics. Wide spectrum as prescribed by your doctor.
· Electrolyte drink powder. Useful for replenishing salts and minerals after a long day in the mountains.
· Any spare parts or tools required for your equipment.
· Mosquito head net. Mosquitoes are not that common but can be around at this time of year. If it has been wet before or during your trip, there can be a re-hatch. A must-have for the occasional bad day.
· Insect repellent. One small bottle.
· Repair kit. A basic kit to make simple repairs; duck tape, needle and thread, repair glue, cord.
· Lighters. Two, stash them in a zip lock bag.
· Multi-tool. A Leatherman or similar. One of the lighter, smaller models - one among the team is fine.
GROUP KIT
As well as your own personal equipment listed below, you’ll also need to have space in your pack for food and expedition equipment. We’d recommend packing your bag with all of your personal equipment well in advance of the trek, to make sure you’ll have enough space remaining – it’s best not to strap anything to the outside of your pack as it’s very easy to damage things on the rough ground when putting packs down. Amongst the team, we’ll need to carry tents (usually split between 2 people), stoves, fuel, pans and some essential safety kit. We use lightweight mountaineering tents for 2 people, and will pare down expedition equipment as much as possible to carry only what’s necessary. All in, your food will weigh approx. 800 grams per day.
RENTAL EQUIPMENT
Please let us know as soon as possible to enquire about availability. Equipment to be collected in Greenland at the start of your trip.
· Down jacket. £80.
· Ice axe. £15.
· Harness and glacier travel equipment (slings, ice screws and karabiners). £25.
· Helmet. £15.
· Crampons. £20
KAYAKS
We will provide high-quality single ocean-going sea kayaks for all participants. Our fleet will be good quality well-known branded sea kayaks and will have undergone rigorous checks prior to departure. All kayaks are provided with pfd and paddle.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
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/ MONTH
£446
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£6500*
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
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*All entries will transact in US Dollars at $8500 per person GBP price is approximate and may fluctuate due to exchange rates. A booking fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments.
Due to the small group nature of our Expedition adventures Event Credit vouchers cannot be used to discount your entry as this will dramatically effect the viability of the Expedition. If you part pay for your Expedition entry with event credit we will email you to re-issue this voucher to you and request the outstanding balance to resecure your place.
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 February, 3 months prior to the event.
*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.
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.
To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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.
Mandy
Oct 2024
"An unbelievable experience and I’m still in awe of the place."
We were expertly guided and looked after as we made our way across some mind blowing terrain. Whales, Arctic foxes, polar bear prints, northern lights, icebergs were all ticked off the list. Sleeping on a glacier, the incredible scenery, and getting our fresh water supply from an iceberg were definitely highlights. The first polar bear watch duty less so…. look out for a bear… if you see one running towards you…. here’s a plastic whistle to blow on 😱
RAISE AT LEAST £5000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £2500 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!
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!
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.
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.
Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
