CHOOSE TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND EARN UP TO A £2500 REFUND ON YOUR ENTRY FEE. FIND OUT MORE.
DISCOVER THE UNTOUCHED BEAUTY OF ONE OF THE MOST ISOLATED PLACES ON EARTH IN OUR STUNNING ULTRAMARATHON
Researched and crafted over several years and with special permissions granted for us to bring you this incredible adventure in this spellbinding place, our route presents you with a beautiful running tour of the island of San Cristobal.
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Famed for its abundance of unique wildlife, these islands are full of exotic creatures, white-washed beaches, raw volcanic landscapes and breathtaking views. Not only will you take on an ultra-distance marathon journey in your time with us, this trip will also allow you to experience the very famous wildlife sights of the Galapagos, the Rat Race way.
SIGN UP NOW FOR*
$154.49
*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:
14 - 18 NOV / 2025
13 - 17 NOV / 2026
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL
LOCATION:
SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
DURATION:
5 DAYS /
4 NIGHTS
70KM (44 MILES)
ON FOOT
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
4 nights hotel accommodation on a twin 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.
EQUIPMENT
All tour activity equipment provided (snorkels, bikes)
ALL MEALS
All meals included in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
RAISE £5000 AND GET UP TO £2500 REFUNDED
SET UP YOUR JUST GIVING PAGE HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE
Put something truly unique on your bucket list and join us on the first ever Galapagos Uncharted ultramarathon.
After you land in San Cristobal and have enjoyed a nights rest with us on this beautiful island our action-packed itinerary kicks off! Registration day includes a warm Rat Race welcome and briefing from our Trip Leader Abbi, before jumping on our bikes and heading to Loberia to snorkel with turtles and visit the sea lions.
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The next day we'll kick off our epic ultra running journey early-doors. You will wind your way around the island on a 70km ultra route designed to showcase the wildlife highlights of the area. You will also reach the highest point on the island, where you can watch tropical birds swoop into the only freshwater lake on San Cristobal.
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From here we will run down to Puerto Chino beach, the home of the world-famous blue footed boobies. There’s a chance for a quick dip to cool off in the sea here if the mood takes you, before the course then winds along the full length of the Finca Santa Martha hike. We will be on the look out for finches and giant tortoises, before crossing the finish-line in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno late in the evening after a day of bucket list running.
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Day 3 is dedicated to recovery and celebration! We will jump aboard our very own private charter boat and sail to Kicker Rock for the opportunity for an exhilarating swim with nurse sharks, hammer head sharks, turtles and sea lions. After a spot of lunch at sea there's the chance to do the Tijeretas hike to some beautiful local hot spots for those who want to shake those legs out, before heading back to shore for a shoreside celebration party and meal.
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Additional nights at our accommodation can be arranged for you before or after our itinerary; or you can choose to spend some time elsewhere on the islands and then meet up with us when our trip commences. To maximise your options in the Galapagos, you can book a 3 night extension with our in-country partner on Isabela if you fancied island hopping!
All of your snorkelling and biking equipment is provided within our itinerary.
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DAY ONE: ARRIVE SAN CRISTOBAL AIRPORT (SCY)
We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our accommodation where you'll spend the next 4 nights in island paradise.
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ACCOMMODATION: Twin Bedrooms,
MEALS: N/A
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DAY TWO: REGISTRATION, BIKING TOUR AND SNORKELLING WITH TURTLES
We'll start the day with a hearty local breakfast before getting stuck into our Registration activities. After lunch we'll hop on the bikes and take a relaxing cycle to Loberia to get those legs warmed up! Here we'll visit the famous sea lions and explore the waters as you get the opportunity to snorkel with turtles and discover the world beneath the waves. We'll then cycle back for dinner and a good nights sleep ahead of the big day!
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ACCOMMODATION: Twin Bedrooms,
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
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DAY THREE: ULTRA RUNNING IN PARADISE
Get ready for the most stunning ultramarathon packed full of wildlife, beautiful flora and fauna and the most breath-taking and varied landscape as you explore all the hot spots on the island by foot. With over 1500m of elevation this amazing route packs a punch so be ready for a big day out.
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ACCOMMODATION: Twin Bedrooms,
MEALS: Breakfast, pit stop lunch, dinner
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DAY FOUR: RELAXATION AND CELEBRATION
After your HUGE achievement yesterday we're going to take the whole day to recharge and celebrate in style! After breakfast we will jump aboard our chartered boat and head to Kicker Rock for some swimming, snorkelling and hiking to stretch out those legs and kick start your recovery. After a day of exploring it's time to celebrate each and every one of you at our local evening dinner.
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ACCOMMODATION: Twin Bedrooms,
MEALS: Breakfast, boat lunch, dinner
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DAY FIVE: HOME TIME OR CONTINUE YOUR TRIP!
After a final breakfast we will arrange transfers to San Cristobal airport for those who need them. If you're extending your trip by flying somewhere else or on a tour extension with our on-island partners we hope you have an amazing trip!
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ACCOMMODATION: NA
MEALS: Breakfast provided
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ACCOMMODATION
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All accommodation is always offered on a double or twin room basis. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room. If you have preferences for who you share with, you are able to specify that prior to departure.
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Our accommodation is in the same place for the duration of the trip. Single supplements may be available subject to availability.
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MEALS
BREAKFAST
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Breakfast at the accommodation is a fresh and varied local buffet.
DINNER
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Each evening we will provide a meal which consists of good quality cooked, local food with dietary requirements catered for.
PIT STOPS
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During the challenge 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!
We are mindful that people will inevitably have varying distances to travel to get to San Cristobal. Our pickup location is at the airport or you can meet us direct at the hotel. in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where the event starts and finishes.
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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 device, ideally a watch with a smartphone as a backup. We have devices available to rent if you need one.
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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 intereact with medics and the Rat Race crew at Pit Stops..
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You will be picked up from San Cristobal 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 Buy Event Voucher 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 twin / 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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The completion speed for Galapagos Uncharted is 3mph.
Our itinerary is set out above but our excellent local partners have a fantastic add-on trip available to book with them. Their exciting extension tour includes a flight to nearby Isabela island, kayaking, hiking and more snorkelling! Check out the extras tab for more information.​
This is of course a big challenge and we will start as early as possible to give you 15 hours to complete this beautiful ultra and really enjoy the incredible wildlife and views. This isn't one you're going to want to rush through!
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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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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.
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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. We provide bikes and all snorkelling equipment/
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 (plus a bit of sand!), hilly and beautiful.
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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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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.
ISABELA EXTENSION TOUR 18 - 21 NOV 2025 $2000 USD PP
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Day 1: Fly to Isabela island* kayak the bay area in the morning before enjoying a local lunch. Then cycle to The Wall of Tears before dinner.
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Day 2: In the morning hike one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos and enjoy trying to spot the rare Vermillion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl. Take the afternoon to yourself to relax.
Day 3: Snorkel with sleeping sharks, seahorses and turtles at Los Tuneles, one of the most diverse snorkel spots in the entire archipelago.
Day 4: Return to Santa Cruz by boat before flying back to the mainland*.
Includes:
3 nights accommodation
All tours outlined above and bikes/snorkels
Boat transfers
On-land transfers
Breakfast/lunch/dinner on days 1 - 3
For more information or to add this extension to your booking please email us on events@ratrace.com for the full deposit and terms and conditions. This extension is not booked via Rat Race and is not subject to our own terms and conditions and transfer policy.
Please note that the flights outlined in this itinerary are not inclusive in the per person price and can be booked with our in-country partner direct.
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PAY IN INSTALMENTS
$154.49
/ PER MONTH. DEPENDING ON DEPARTURE
INTEREST FREE!
PAY IN FULL
$3750
USD
All prices are in USD. 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.
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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