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A BESPOKE 250+ MILE CROSSING FROM NORTH TO SOUTH ACROSS THE FULL GAMBIT OF ICELAND’S MAGICAL AND SURREAL INTERIOR.
This is a World of fire and ice that you will never forget: A tough, satisfying and utterly unique adventure fit for the most hardy of souls. Our entirely bespoke route has been designed by our event planners to showcase this magnificent country in all it's glory, including all the best bits of the world famous Laugavegur Trail. You won't find an adventure like this anywhere else.
$257.48
SIGN UP NOW FROM ONLY*
*price per month, depending on departure date, click here for more info on pricing
10 - 17 AUGUST / 2024
9 - 16 AUGUST / 2025
8 - 15 AUGUST / 2026
EVENT DATES:
DISTANCE:
30 MILES (48 KM) ON FOOT + 201 MILES (324KM) ON BIKE + 12 MILES (20 KM) PACKRAFT
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL, CABINS,
1 NIGHT CAMPING
LOCATION:
ICELAND
DURATION:
8 DAYS /
7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
A good level of fitness is recommended with competency in off-road riding.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
6 nights accommodation / hotel, cabins and camping
ALL MEALS
All meals included as standard, at hotels and in camp, cooked up by our expert catering crew
TRANSFERS
Transfers from Reykjavik city
TRANSFER POLICY
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before departure date
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional 4x4 support vehicles, mountain guides, safety staff, medical, mechanical and welfare.
EQUIPMENT
Includes pack raft and associated equipment rental.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff, bike mechanic, medics, drivers, route safety staff and Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
RAISE £5000 AND GET UP TO £2500 REFUNDED
SET UP YOUR JUST GIVING PAGE HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE
MORE INFORMATION:
This trip isn't an off the shelf adventure, nobody else on the island has journey on their books. It is an extremely audacious multi-sport crossing of the entirety of Iceland, starting in the far north and traversing right through the centre of the country, until reaching the south coast. Our sensational, bespoke route passes between and beside numerous massive icecaps and dramatic mountains, all the while following the famous gravel roads, tracks and trails that thread through this land’s vast ash and lava fields.
Rivers are abundant here and numerous crossings will take place during the week, on bike, on foot or by boat. Significantly, the route must also encompass Iceland’s longest and largest river, the Pjorsa. Cycling can be challenging, due to constantly changing weather, harsh gradients and mixed trail surfaces, though the occasional sections of mountainous single-track are absolutely and utterly world-class. The trekking is breath-taking, with our section taking in some of the famous Laugavegur Trail. On the River Pjorsa, rafting will also provide for some extremely exciting mileage.
It is the totally unique Icelandic surroundings that make the most lasting impression of this journey. Once you leave the coast, the interior is almost devoid of any habitation whatsoever – making this trip beyond remote. The scenery is always dramatic: Glaciated and volcanic backdrops, icecaps, rivers, massive waterfalls, lakes, lava fields, rhyolite multi-coloured mountains, geothermal vents and pools and in places, even snow.
The final trek is the high-altitude crowning moment of our adventure: The Laugavegur trail is a long-distance mountain path that is consistently rated amongst the top 10 hikes on Earth.
We will take to its finest trail segment, ascending between high hanging glacial snouts and beneath the now-infamous volcano that erupted in 2010: Eyjafjallajokull. Once over the stunning mountain pass, the descent looks towards the see and passes by numerous waterfalls until reaching the most famous of them all: Skogafoss.
Our route then takes us onwards towards the coast, finishing at a distinctive plane wreck on the ash sands, right next to the crashing waves of the Atlantic. For those who want to reward yourselves with a little pampering after a job well done, The Blue Lagoon is then calling for a visit, to ease those weary muscles that have just crossed this most magnificent, rugged and insanely unique country, from coast to coast.
Our trip features an extremely high level of support, allowing you to enjoy a fully inclusive package including meals, accommodation, Pit Stop support en route, plus mechanical assistance on the bike legs and all-encompassing rafting kit on the river, too. We have made getting there easy, featuring a full package of logistics from Reykjavik, Iceland’s diminutive capital city.
DAY ONE: TRAVEL DAY
We will meet early in downtown Reykjavik for our onward travel to Blondous on the north coast. You will no doubt want to fly in the day before, or perhaps spend a couple of days exploring some of the highlights of Reykjavik and Iceland’s superlative tourist sights. There is an abundance of flights to get to Iceland from all of the World, so finding a flight and a hotel the night before our RV should not be a worry.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: Blondous hotel. Dinner provided. There will be the opportunity to stop en route to shop for snacks or to purchase a meal at a roadside eatery.
DAY TWO: ADMIN DAY
After breakfast we will spend the morning on registration admin and will hand out the navigation tech and explain its use. Following this there will be plenty of time for everybody to prep their bikes. We will have a trial run route and cycle route so you can practice with the tech and give your bike a shakedown ride to make sure everything is spot on ready to start the event tomorrow. Once all this is done, the time is yours to relax, chill, kit-faff and explore as you please.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: Blondous hotel. Breakfast and dinner provided.
DAY THREE: ICELAND COAST TO COAST BEGINS
After a hearty breakfast and an early start at a lava beach at Blonduos, we will cycle inland beside the glacial river Blanda on good roads and good gravel tracks. Once we leave the coastal area, we leave the tarmac behind for good! We will climb gradually until the scenery gives way to classic Icelandic ash terrain. This is a big day out on the mileage on this terrain, but it will form a very good intro to Icelandic riding and to the very unique weather conditions.
Distance: 120km (75 miles)
Ascent: 1100m (3,608ft). Highest elevation is our destination at 650m
Duration for average rider: Approx 12 hours in the saddle
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: Camping. Breakfast, Dinner provided. Pit Stop support will consist of vehicle-based snack-and-go options throughout the bike leg. See below for the spec on Pit Stop support.
DAY FOUR: ANOTHER BIG DAY ON THE BIKES
We have another day on the bikes today, passing between the two icecaps of Hofsjokull and Langjokull and heading towards the Kerlingarfjoll Highland mountains, using gravel roads and tracks. We finally reach our overnight location before reaching the River Pjorsa and RV with our rafting guides, where we will prepare to take on the river the next day.
Distance: 80km (50 miles)
Ascent: 600m (1,968ft). Highest elevation is a lava plateau at 900m.
Duration for average rider: Approx 11 hours including diversion to geothermal campground
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: We will stay in a basic but cosy hut. There is also an adjacent visitor attraction due to geothermal activity. Breakfast, Dinner provided. Pit Stop support will consist of vehicle-based snack-and-go options throughout the bike leg. See below for the spec on Pit Stop support.
DAY FIVE: RAFTING THE PJORSA
Our Plan A will be to raft the River Pjorsa, so we will cycle onwards to meet our with our rafting guides, and prepare to take on the river. We will descend the river for approx. 40km (25 miles) max, including portages around waterfalls. Shortly before the river crashes over the dramatic Dynkur Foss waterfall, we will exit the rafts and then transition back to the bikes. We’ll cycle gravel tracks for approx. 24km (15 miles) over hill plateau scenery, passing through aly created realm of new reservoirs and dams to reach the Highland Centre at Hrauneyjar. This is a smart ‘Hotel-style’ accommodation complex.
Distance: 20km (12miles) raft, 24km (15 miles) bikes.
Ascent: 300m (984ft). Highest elevation is the desert plateau at 650m.
Duration: 10 hours
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: Highland Centre hotel-style a/c. Breakfast, Dinner provided. Pit Stop support will consist of vehicle-based snack-and-go options throughout the bike leg and will consist of similar provision at designated shore-based stops on the rafting leg. See below for the spec on Pit Stop support.
DAY SIX: OFF THE ASH AND INTO THE MOUNTAINS
After a full sit-down brekky from our comfortable lodgings at the Highland Centre, we are on the bikes for some flat (followed by rough and steep!) gravel tracks (including summiting a 1000m hill). There is also some great singletracks to contend with and you will probably find today is the highlight of the biking thus far. After some 80km (50 miles) of riding, we come to the Alftavatn Camp/Hut. We’re now on the World-famous Laugavegur Trail, where we cycle its singletrack to the Botnar Camp/Hut. This is a further 20km distance (12 miles). Stage end sees us say bye bye to the bikes (almost) at this point, as tomorrow is all about the foot stage.
Distance: 100km (62 miles)
Ascent: 1500m (4,921ft). Highest elevation is a summit at 1000m.
Duration for average rider: 13 hours
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: Huts. Breakfast, Dinner provided. Pit Stop support will consist of vehicle-based snack-and-go options throughout the stage. See below for the spec on Pit Stop support.
DAY SEVEN: THE MOST INCREDIBLE TREKKING DAY YOU MAY EVER EXPERIENCE
This is a big foot day but one you will never ever forget. Prepare to have your mind blown by the terrain and by the scenery unfolding all around you. With lightweight packs the first bit of the trail can generally be run (it is mostly descending and undulating). But it’s up to you – chose to run or trek. We pass near a Camp/Hut in the upper Porsmork area after 20km (12 miles) and enjoy some of the finest scenery in all of Iceland. Porsmork really is like being in the Lord of the Rings. We now trek up and out of Porsmork and ascend steeply between incredible glacier snouts to summit a mountain pass, before descending steeply to the stunning Skogafoss waterfall (25km, 16 miles) and journey’s end at the nearby hotel.
Distance: 48km on foot. 30 miles total
Ascent: 1500m (4,921ft). Highest elevation is the mountain pass out of Porsmork at 1000m.
Duration: 12 hours
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD: Hotel. Breakfast, Celebration Dinner provided. Pit Stop support will consist of some snack options carried in by our mountain team on the stage; but today is a largely self-sufficient day on the trek.
DAY EIGHT: BREAKFAST AND DEPART
After a final breakfast with possibly some sore heads, we will tackle the final leg of the journey. It’s a very flat 8 miles by bike firstly on a main road and then on a sandy trail to reach the famous plane wreck on the black volcanic beach, which marks our Journey’s End back at the sea. After some high fives, we will ride the 3km back to the support vehicles for our onward transport to Reykjavik. We will convene back at the city first, for folk to collect their bike boxes and other gear you may have stored prior to the start of the trip. We then have an option for those who wish, to return to Keflavik airport. Or simply remain in Reykjavik and see some more of this outstanding country – perhaps including a rejuvenating dip into the World-famous Blue Lagoon.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 425KM (264 MILES) / TOTAL ASCENT: 5000M (16,402FT)
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation features a small hotel set-up in Blondous and then at the end of the journey near Skogafoss. We utilise a network of some basic and some more comfortable huts while on the route. In all locations, your accommodation is inclusive within your entry fee.
Where we use hotels, 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. When utilising huts, this will be communal dorm-based accommodation where you will be allocated a bed in a mixed dorm or communal room. When we camp you will be allocated a space in a same-sex tent.
All of our accommodation is of a good standard – sometimes basic but always practical for the journey-at-hand. It has all been tried and tested by us.
MEALS
BREAKFAST
Brekky will vary with our location day-to-day. When we are stating early (which comes part and parcel of such an epic journey!) then we may provide ‘grab n’ go’ materials – pastries, fruit, porridge pots, yoghurts and other simple items that you can either eat before the off, or take with you on the initial portion of the route that day. But we will also have some hearty sit-down affairs. Sometimes there will be cooked breakfast options, plus continental offerings in line with the accommodation’s standard menu; and the preparation of simple breakfasts made by our guides in the huts.
DINNER
We will typically eat at the accommodation we are staying in when in hotels. On the hut nights, our crew will prepare a hearty meal. Tea, coffee and water will typically be available throughout these meals. At all times in restaurants or hotel, Rat Race will provide a minimum of a hearty main course or a set menu; if you wish to augment with other selections in the restaurants, you may do so. You will settle the bar bill for your own soft drinks and alcohol. Some of the huts will have pay-bars available operated by the hut staff. Sometimes we will use our own honesty bar system, where you can help yourselves to drinks and mark down what you have had for settling at the end via credit card – so no cash is required for such purchases.
PIT STOPS
During the challenge you will have access to our famously well-stocked Pit Stops multiple times throughout the journey. On the bike stages, these will typically be set-up around our vehicles at set spots. On the trek, you will carry your own supplies and we will augment with our mountain staff carrying in treats and fluids to specific locations. On the rafting stage, the pit stop service will be shore-based at designated spots along the route.
Pit stops will typically have a minimum of the following available:
Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
Sports Food Bars – oat-type bars for maximum energy.
Salty snacks – such as chips and peanuts.
Savoury treats – We will feature some fresh local foods and other goodies at selected pit stops, around lunchtime.
A fruit option – such as oranges, bananas, melon and watermelon.
Sweets – including local speciality sweet treats.
Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have. If you have any special dietary requirements then please plan for this and pack your kit accordingly. Rat Race aim to offer Pit Stop snacks that are tasty and functional for as broad a mix of needs as possible. We have options available that are suitable for vegetarian and vegans and availability of this will depend on demand. If peanuts are served these will be in individual portioned bags to reduce the chance of contamination but Rat Race cannot guarantee that the food does not contain contamination from allergens such as nuts or gluten in its preparation or serving.
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.
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!
Click ‘Buy Event Voucher’ 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.
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.
Of course. If you run for Children with Cancer UK and raise the target amount for this event per person, we will refund your entry fee up to the amount of £2500. You are of course more than welcome to fundraise for any cause close to your heart.
Yes, you can. We welcome support on almost all of our events and if you do decide you want to come and work with us, we will make sure we look after you. Click here to find out more about volunteering for Rat Race.
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.
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!
A mountain bike. We can offer bike hire subject to availability*, Please note, we cannot guarantee hire as in country bike here is very limited. We recommend securing your bike hire nice and early at the time of booking. An alternate would be to arrange hire in your home country and fly it out with you, we will be happy to transport it in Iceland. For further information on bikes, please see our bike section under the 'extras' tab.
You will build your bike at registration in Blondous. Please do not build you bike in Reykjavik ahead of meeting. We will then transport your bike in your bike box/ bag via coach from Reykjavik.
No. You do not need any rafting experience. You will also be provided with all equipment necessary for this stage.
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. The absolute key is that you enjoy this amazing journey through some of the most incredible and varied terrain on Planet Earth, at your own pace and within your own limits.
We want you to concentrate on the views and the hard work of putting one foot (or wheel of paddle!) in front of the other. So we don’t want you to be staring at maps or navigational aids any more than you have to. There is no formal waymarking (i.e. signs) used on this event. Instead, we will provide a GPX file each day and then be asking you to download the route file onto your own GPS navigation device AND phone. You will follow this ‘line’ when on foot and can use this as a back-up at all times. We encourage you to use your own device as you are familiar with it but you can also rent a GPS watch from us.
We will then augment this with some marshalled junctions or key turning points on the trekking stages. For the rafting stage, this is fully guided and as long as you point that raft downriver, you’re going the right way!
On the bike, there really are not many junctions or route choices. Trust us, it will be hard to get lost! We will marshal key junctions with our vehicles and staff, also. Typically there will be a track on the ground, or a trail. But again a GPS device will be required to back yourself up on route-finding as and where required, We encourage you to bring your own but you can also hire a Garmin Edge device from us too.
We will use a mixture of safety staff; pit stops and support vehicles to support you at intervals by our mobile ‘pit stop’ team – on the bikes this will predominantly be vehicle-based with our specially adapted Icelandic super jeeps. On the trek, we will deploy some foot-based safety staff also. On the rafting stage, we will have on-water guiding and safety staff embarked with you. And you will interact with our pit stop crews at key points where the river can be accessed by our vehicles. We will have multiple vehicles at our disposal throughout the journey traveling along the route, plus multiple staff members, snacks and drinks to distribute. So, if it does get too much, if you overheat, get too cold, need sustenance, motivational support or otherwise, we should be able to assist. You are in good hands.
This kit list is from our 2022 event - you will be notified of any changes to this list ahead of the event you have signed up for.
What’s the weather like?
This is the ‘warmest’ time of year in Iceland but it never really gets very warm. Highs of 10 – 20 C are the daytime norms. But conditions change dramatically and they change often. Sometimes several times per day. You should expect wind, rain, possibly even snow. But also sunshine.
Sun protection
Whilst the heat of the day will not be fierce, a wide-brimmed sunhat, sun-cream and lightweight and breathable fabrics (ideally with SPF protection) should be packed, as you will be outdoors all day every day. As will sunglasses with at least Cat 3 protection.
Bringing your own bike
If you are bringing your own bike, please bring everything you would need to support yourself on that bike – pedals, footwear, tools, pump (we will have track pumps with our bike mechanic but you can never have enough pumps!), puncture repair gear, helmet and bike clothing for summer AND wet weather conditions. Decent cycling-specific windproofs are essential given those dastardly Icelandic breezes! Please bring it all in a bike box or bag (a bike box preferable to bag as just easier not to damage items in transit – planes, vans, etc). Our advice on pedals would be to being double sided flat pedals with integral cleats. This will give you flexibility across all terrains.
Renting a bike
If you don’t fancy lugging your own machine to Iceland, that is fine and we can provide you a very good rental bike service for $800. If you wear cleated shoes, bring your own pedals and shoes and an appropriate pedal spanner so our team can assist you in fitting these to the rental bike. As standard, rental bikes are provided with flat pedals and no cleats.
If you need to rent a bike, please do so as soon as you can. In all cases bike rentals are subject to availability and current availability is very slim.
Hut and Camp life
For the accommodation, a significant portion of the trip will be spent in ‘cabins’. The cabins are basic but comfy, but there are no real creature comforts here; so you may wish to augment those comfort levels with your own bits n’ bobs – shower gel, overnight casual clothes, power pack for phone, a book, that sort of thing. We would also advise bringing a towel just so you are self-contained and have it with you in the support vehicle. A pair of sandals or flip flops are also pretty invaluable for kicking back in the evenings, just to air those tired feet. These items are reflected below as recommended items.
Nutrition
We will insist that you have some salt tablets and other electrolyte replacement items with you – these are invaluable to re-instating equilibrium when you are exerting yourself. Experience shows that good electrolyte management can make or break these types of Endurance attempts. Whilst it is not massively hot, you will be getting moisture beaten out of you with the wind. Some electrolyte tablets for water and other sports nutrition is recommended just to have in your grab bags, so you are self-sufficient with items that work for you, at all times. We will have food and bev for the pit stops, but we always ask that you provide your own sports nutrition as it’s a fairly personal thing and it is by far the best approach to be self-contained in such matters.
THE KIT LIST
Here’s a rundown. We may revise this nearer the time but this should give you a good idea at this stage.
Note: All items are mandatory, unless it says recommended, where they are, well, recommended!
Foot section
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Trail running footwear
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Trail running apparel – shorts, technical wicking tee/ base layer, long-sleeved wicking layer, mid-layer (e.g. microfleece)
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Recommended: Running tights
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Windproof and/ or waterproof upper body and leg cover
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Buff or similar neck gaiter
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Spare base and mid layers
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Socks
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Blister care kit
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1 person bivvy bag (not survival blanket, must be a bag)
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Personal First Aid kit – more detail to follow on exact spec nearer to event date.
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Running day pack to carry spare clothing, bivvy bag, first aid kit, spare food. Recommended capacity 15 – 30l
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Hydration system for pack – either bladder or bottle to be secured to pack. Minimum of 2l carrying capacity at all times
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Cap or wide-brimmed sun hat
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Recommended: Trekking pole
Bike Stages
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Bike (or rental bike). Mountain bike
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Bike box or bag (hard box recommended), if transporting your own bike
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Water bottles: Recommended 2 x 750ml bottles
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Tools – to comprise a minimum of: Cycling multitool, peddle spanner and chain link removal tool
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Puncture repair kit (or slime if you are using that)
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Your own peddles (if you wish to use them. You will be issued flats on the hire bikes)
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Cycling footwear
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Cycling gloves.
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Full length upper body and leg cover suitable for cycling
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Cycle helmet
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Wind/ waterproof upper garment
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Full length bottoms (e.g. tights or cycle bibs)
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Spare cycling clothing in case you get drenched
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Socks 1 pair each day minimum
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Recommended: Spare pair of full-finger length gloves in case of wet/ windy weather
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Recommended: Waterproof socks
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Recommended: Pair of overshoes/ booties are useful for insulation and waterproofing
Bike spares:
Our minimum spec for mandatory spare bike kit is outlined below. Items with an * need to be carried whilst riding:
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4 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre * (carry 2 with you at all times when riding)
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Tyre levers*
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1 x puncture repair kit*
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If running a tubeless set up, have a slime spare and repair kit*
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Peddle spanner
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Bike multitool*
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Chain link remover*
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Chain links x 2*
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Small pump*
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1 x gear cable
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1 x brake cable
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Cable ties*
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Rear Hanger suitable for your own bike
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Small bottle of oil
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An old rag and toothbrush for bike cleaning
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For rental bikes, you will be issued with a spares kit.
Water / Packraft Stages
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Buoyancy aid, drysuit, helmet, paddle and packraft will be provided
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You should dress in technical wicking undergarments and mid-layers. These can be the same ones you have used on the run stage, but for the river stage please remember you will be sitting stationary and you WILL get cold. Avoid cotton and use technical wicking fabrics. You will also pack some trekking gear including waterproofs too, as you will need to switch into these for a short (but rough) trekking section that will occur immediately after the packraft stage
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If you do have kayaking or rafting gear, (such as a cag), then please do bring these if you prefer to wear your own items
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Sturdy footwear that you can wear in the raft and also can wear for the short (but rough) trekking section after the rafting stage
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Dry bag medium size (approx. 10l +). Whilst communal dry bags will be provided, there is no substitute for your own dry gear (and food) in your own dry bag.
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Dry bag small size: For phones and other personal items
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We will issue you with a very large drybag that you must pack into your raft and will be used to put all of your rier gear into on completion of the raft stage, for you to ‘portage’ on a short (but rough) trekking stage at the end of the rafting phase.
General
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Sleeping bag: Comfort rating to 0 degrees
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Roll mat or self-inflating mattress
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Headtorch rated to 150 lumens minimum.
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Spare batteries for headtorch
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Sunglasses with Cat 3 protection
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Phone and means of keeping it dry (e.g. small drybag or waterproof phone cover/ pouch)
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Casual clothing for use in evenings and transit stages – no formal wear required
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Personal toiletries including any personal medication required
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Mobile phone
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Power bank for mobile phone
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International plug adaptor
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Overnight bag: Such as a suffel or rucksack
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Transition bag: A smaller duffel, or a small rucksack or drybag. This can double up as your day pack from the foot stages, as you only need this bag on the bike and kayak stages
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Recommended: GPS enabled watch (you will be issued with Garmin Edge device for bike and garmin 66a device for trek)
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Recommended: General trekking trousers and robust outdoor footwear, given the type of destination
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Recommended: Towel – travel micro towel or full-size
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Recommended: Multitool or penknife
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Recommended: Reading material
Personal Medical Kit
Our minimum spec for mandatory medical kit (to be carried at all times) is as follows:
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1 x triangular bandage
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1 x crepe roll bandage
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Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
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Small set of scissors
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Pain Killers ( paracetomol or/and ibuprofen)
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Steri-Strips
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Antiseptic (spray or cream)
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Assorted plasters
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Rubber gloves
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Prescribed medication
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Zinc oxide tape
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Compeed – various sizes
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Lube stick
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Sudacrem
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Recommended: blister kit containing Zinc Oxide tape, Small pair of scissors, Compeed, Sterile needles, Disinfectant solution and rubbing alcohol (used for drying feet and help prevent fungal infections)
IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES FOR THE EVENT THIS WILL BE COMMUNICATED IN THE PRE-EVENT DOCUMENTATION
Carrying this kit is a requirement of the Event and forms part of our planning in ensuring reasonable measures are put in place to keep you safe should anything go wrong during this adventurous endeavour. We ask you not to take short cuts or ‘second guess’ our advice. For instance, the carrying of waterproofs is required even if rain is not forecast as a means to prevent cooling down too fast if you get injured in a location that is very exposed to wind – remember you may be very tired and sweaty, and who says the forecast is always right? In Iceland, you can experience all 4 seasons in one day and the weather is well-known to change extremely quickly. It is therefore important that you carry the mandatory kit at all times.
The emergency kit is important for several reasons:
1. It helps you to help yourself should you have a problem.
2. We are in this together and you may need to assist others if they have a problem.
3. In the case of an incident our Event Control and safety teams will make decisions based on the knowledge that you all have this equipment.
4. Carrying the kit is a requirement for everyone and hence provides an equal and fair challenge.
5. It is part of our risk assessment process that is shared with insurers. Your insurance may be invalid if you do not follow our advice.
6. If your lack of kit preparation contributes to making an incident more serious, then you may be avoidably drawing resources from our medical team and the emergency services at the expense of others.
7. Without the kit you will be unable to complete registration. If during the race you are not carrying the mandatory kit then you will be disqualified and deemed to have not completed the challenge.
GPS
We intend for you to follow ‘the line’ on a GPS-enabled device. We will provide Garmin Edge and Garmin 66i devices for the biking and for the trekking stages respectively.
You must also have a smartphone with you.
You may also wish to use your own GPS-enabled device/s and this is fine. Certainly for the trek/ run stage, a GPS watch is useful. We will release GPX files nearer to the event date for you to use on your own devices.
We do have some GPS watches available for rent for £50 (Coros Apex Pro devices). Please contact us for further details.
Bags
There are 3 bags to be considered for this journey.
1.) General ‘overnight’ bag (Must be a soft bag and not a suitcase) for spare and general kit. We ask that is no more than 23kg. This bag will go forward on each stage and will be available when you get to the overnight location, each night. So you will not see this bag during the day, until you arrive at those locations. We will store it for you while you are on the route.
2.) Bike Daypack and/ or running pack/vest. This is the bag that you will carry with you when you are on the bike and run/ trek stagse. It should contain the mandatory kit, spare clothes, food and water. It can be the same bag (i.e. you use the same on the bike and run phase) or it can be a daybag for the bike and a separate running vest for the trek stage. That is up to you.
3.) Bike stages Pit Stop bag. On some bike day stages, we may permit you to leave a small bag with us that you can access half way through the day, usually at Pit Stop 2 (around lunchtime). This is a small bag (approx 10 – 20l) in which you may keep a change of clothes, scooby snacks and hydration supplies in this bag. It is important that you do not seek to put your mandatory kit in here, or bike tools or spares that you may need on the trail. This is intended to give you spare clothing and snacks for later in the day, if you feel you will need them. If you have brought a separate running vest, this is an ideal bag for this purpose, or a small dry bag, for example.
TRAINING
For an undertaking of this nature, where we are clearly talking multi-sport, the training should reflect the task at hand. Remember, it is not a race. Set yourself up with a good base fitness and plan for success in doing the distance and being on your feet.
Bike
Get out on the bike for some long rides, but consistency is best. Get out whenever you can and don’t worry too much on the distance. Time in the saddle is key. You should try and seek out the opportunity to do some back-to-back rides, where you go out one day and then out the next – to feel what it is like to really be tired when you go multi-day. That is something that, unless you have done it, you won’t necessarily be prepared for. It is good to know what that feels like. Make sure you seek out some hills, too and make sure you are training on and off road. On-road is fine for general biking conditioning. But there is no substitute for off-road riding to train for off-road riding.
Raft stage
There is no training required for this per se, although anything where you are exercising your upper body and practising general paddling technique will help (like kayaking). If you can access kayaks, get in one and go for a paddle. Just feel what the boat and the paddling action feels like; then do what you can in the boat. A weekend paddling skills course is invaluable in growing your confidence on the water, albeit this is not dedicated to rafting. We have some packraft (small single person craft0 and kayak courses that we stage in the UK to assist people in training for our adventures. Details are here. If you can’t do any paddling, do not worry. Just do some upper body and core work. Fitness and endurance will carry you through; and a good propensity to dealing with weather, whatever that may throw at us.
Trek / Run
You may wish to trek or run the foot stages. Either is fine and we have time for you choose either, or a bit of both. In all cases, time on your feet will be the key. Practise your nutrition, practise in differing conditions and with differing clothing. Like with the bike, if you have the opportunity to do some back-to-back work, where you go out one day and then out the next – to feel what it is like to really be tired when you get on your feet again – that is a great start. And makes sure you seek out some hills. If you don’t live in a hilly area, seek out some mini weekend trips that take you up some mountains perhaps. Use these training missions as a way to explore new places. More than anything else, the journey to getting to the start line is part of the fun of an event like this. Embrace these training opportunities and you will find that it doesn’t feel like training at all: More like an extension of the adventure.
BIKING, TYPE OF BIKE AND HIRE BIKES
We believe that the optimum machine for this route is a hardtail or full-sus mountain bike. It is not to be attempted on a gravel bike as whilst some of the route is appropriate for such machines, much is not. This is proper adventure mountain biking and the steed or choice is, accordingly a mountain bike.
The ideal bike is a hard tail, with 29” wheels, however any mountain bike will do as long as it is in good working order. There is a slither of tarmac at the beginning of day 1 and a few km of tarmac at the very end also. Other than that, it is gravel tracks, ash, singletrack and other off-road terrains.
If you are renting from us, our local provider will supply their excellent hardtail mountain bikes. They have a good range of sizes in these and they are by far the best selection for all terrains. The bike rental is priced at $800 and can be selected when you enter, or later in the process (Please note that it is subject to availability and is very popular each year, so book your rental bike early to avoid disappointment).
BIKE HIRE AND TRANSPORT
If you wish to use your own machine, your bike (or your hire bike) will be transported by our vehicles when not in use on the trip. So you do not need to worry about how the bike gets from A to B when you are on foot or in the kayak. It is likely that we will use rear-mounted bike carriers for all road movements of the bikes, plus purposed bike trailers and/ or vans, meaning we will not require you to dismantle it each time we transport it.
For those bringing your own bikes, we will ask that your bike boxes (Cardboard or hard cases) are left in Reykjavik prior to your transport to the start at Blondous. We will store them for you at a designated location. Upon return to Reykjavik, you will be reunited with your box for onward transit.
RAFTING – HOW DOES IT WORK AND WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
The rafting is an exhilarating part of this event format. It is also nothing to fear. There are some superb rapids and there are also some flat sections. Iceland can get windy and when it whips up and blows upriver, it can get a wee bit parky and you must paddle hard to keep the raft going forward. So this is a tough part of the trip, as well as an extremely exciting one. You are also pioneering here, as this is not a commercially rafted section of river. Again with this event, you are going where no-one goes…!
You do not require any specific rafting skill and you will be given full safety briefings when we arrive at the river section by our guides. You will also be grouped into your own specified rafts. As such, this portion of the trip is guided and is done as one group, together. The rafts are very stable and we will run the river leg with full guide and safety support throughout, All equipment, plus outer wind-waterproof clothing and wetsuits will also be provided.
The river route also has parallel trekking contingencies to allow for sections of paddling that might need to be skipped (for example due to extreme river state). We therefore remain fully flexible in respect of the conditions and are able to make our continuous unbroken journey, whatever the weather or the river throws at us on the day.
BIKE HIRE
Hardtail mountain bikes, provided by our local supplier.
CLICK HERE TO BUY FOR 2024
CLICK HERE TO BUY FOR 2025
TRAINING PLAN
We've come up with a handy training plan which you can check out here.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
$257.48
/ MONTH. DEPENDING ON DEPARTURE
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INTEREST FREE!
PAY IN FULL
$5250
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
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All prices are in US Dollars. An admin fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments. Monthly price shown is for 2026 solo entry when you sign up in June 2023.
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 May, 3 months prior to the event start date.
*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.
Francis
Aug 2022
"The trip was absolutely incredible, more than I could have hoped for. I loved every aspect of it."
I've done quite a lot of UK based events with Rat Race over the years, and always found them to be challenging, fun adventures in beautiful parts of the UK. Iceland just took it to a completely different level, in every aspect. Logistics were outstanding - transport, kit, food, briefings were all spot on. Accommodation was quite a balance between nice hotels and some very simple places. Think big bothy. Maybe not that big. That's part of the experience though, and an insight into another slice of Icelandic life. The crew were phenomenal - they put in some very long days, had to adapt an awful lot as the weather was brutal. Throughout it they were spot on - friendly, good humoured, massively helpful and encouraging. There must have been times when they were stressed, exhausted and fed up, yet remained supportive of us all. Along with the crew the other participants made it. It felt like a real community - hugely supportive and respectful of the different challenges people were facing. And then Iceland - absolutely unbelievable. I'd been on holiday there before, but you only kind of see the edges on holidays. Travelling right through the middle was incredible, with each day getting better. There was one twenty minute segment of cycling where we went over a glacier, past sulphuric springs, over a lava field and had some sweet descent. There were other moments where it was like the elements were conspiring against us - going up 15% hills and the heavens just opening on us. And the last day, trekking and trail running along Laugevegur trail is beyond belief. Can't recommend it highly enough.
"I've done a lot of these events with Rat Race, and other companies, and would recommend Rat Race and all the crew to anyone"
Shane
Aug 2022
I booked up at relatively late notice but was given full kit and technical briefs and invited to informative webinars immediately. All members of staff on the trip acted well above and beyond what I would expect to be their level of service. We were given accomodation, food and drinks in near inaccessible parts of the country. (Even the Icelandic crew said they didn't venture to where we were) Before getting up the staff had already been up and assessing the route, safety gear, prepping food and all other event admin. After long, long days on the course, the opposite happened at the end of the day with the staff not retiring to bed until late. The on course support was superb with aid stations placed well in all weather conditions with encouraging crew. We all expected a slog and the event to be testing, and it was, but it could easily have been a misery without the support of the rat race team and support crew. They encouraged a team ethos between competitors which enabled us to support each other through testing moments. Drinks, meals and extra excursions outside of the planned trip were planned and offered out to us before and after the event also. I've done a lot of these events with Rat Race, and other companies, and would recommend Rat Race and all the crew to anyone, in any event format in any environment. Can't think of a single thing to improve on, thanks again.Iceland just took it to a completely different level, in every aspect. Logistics were outstanding - transport, kit, food, briefings were all spot on. Accommodation was quite a balance between nice hotels and some very simple places. Think big bothy. Maybe not that big. That's part of the experience though, and an insight into another slice of Icelandic life. The crew were phenomenal - they put in some very long days, had to adapt an awful lot as the weather was brutal. Throughout it they were spot on - friendly, good humoured, massively helpful and encouraging. There must have been times when they were stressed, exhausted and fed up, yet remained supportive of us all. Along with the crew the other participants made it. It felt like a real community - hugely supportive and respectful of the different challenges people were facing. And then Iceland - absolutely unbelievable. I'd been on holiday there before, but you only kind of see the edges on holidays. Travelling right through the middle was incredible, with each day getting better. There was one twenty minute segment of cycling where we went over a glacier, past sulphuric springs, over a lava field and had some sweet descent. There were other moments where it was like the elements were conspiring against us - going up 15% hills and the heavens just opening on us. And the last day, trekking and trail running along Laugevegur trail is beyond belief. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Emily
Aug 2022
"Coast to coast Iceland! WOW a tough adventure"
But when you’re distracted by the beautiful scenery around you it all makes it worth it! I have honestly never travelled a prettier route away from all the tourists it was wonderful to see Iceland for what it is going through the centre of the country, very refreshing. An epic adventure and one everyone should add to there bucket list. Expertly ran and delivered by the rat race team can’t recommend them enough and look forward to more adventures with them as I’m hooked now after my first trip
Bryan
Aug 2022
"All in all guys, excellent. Very well organised, well run, great staff and local support."
John
Aug 2022
"An absolutely fantastic trip, awesome support team/leaders and a great bunch to share the experience with. Highly recommended, even if it did hurt me at times..."
Darlene
Aug 2022
"This was a beautifully brutal adventure which leaves you aching for more! Well ...and just aching!."
Liz
Aug 2022
"The mtb leg over the mountain, and the trek / run along the Laugavegur trail, will stay with me forever. I would not trust any other company to deliver such an exceptional experience. Thanks Rat Race 😍"
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)
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