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A STUNNING ADVENTURE JOURNEY ACROSS THE JUNGLES OF CENTRAL AMERICA FROM OCEAN TO OCEAN
Our coast to coast journey follows a brilliant bio-diverse route from one side of the continent to the other. This unique traverse will take you deep into the heart of the Panamanian jungle on the adventure of a lifetime.
£3950
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*price per month, depending on departure date, click here for more info on pricing
14 - 25 MARCH / 2026
EVENT DATES:
DISTANCE:
100 MILES (160 KM) ON FOOT + 25 MILES (40 KM) ON PACKRAFT
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
This is the hardest adventure in our portfolio, you should have previous experience of multi-day endurance events in challenging environments. You must be able to trek for 12 hours a day carrying a 20-25kg pack and be confidently self-sufficient.
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL, GUESTHOUSE, JUNGLE CAMP AND CABANAS
LOCATION:
PANAMA, CENTRAL AMERICA
DURATION:
11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
10 nights accommodation (hotel, guest house, jungle camp, cabanas)
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional 4x4 support vehicles, safety staff, jungle guides, medical and welfare
ALL MEALS
Most meals included.
TRANSFERS
Airport transfers and internal
flights included.
EQUIPMENT
Pack raft and all associated equipment rental included.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
TRANSFER POLICY
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff, 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
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MORE INFORMATION:
If you’re looking for a lifechanging Bucket List adventure than this is the one. This journey through the Panamanian jungle will push you to your limits and demand everything you have mentally and physically to complete it. Our coast to coast journey follows a stunningly bio-diverse route from one side of the continent to the other.
Our route starts from the beaches of the Pacific coast and rises via land dotted with coffee and fruit plantations into mist-clad mountains at the continental divide of the Americas. We then descend towards the Caribbean via an enormous UNESCO-protected primary jungle wilderness. Travelling this section fully self-supported, hammock and supplies on your back is a true physical test that you should not underestimate. We will emerge from this pristine jungle environment to the banks of a river where you will inflate your pack rafts and travel the remaining distance to the coast, having completed a true coast to coast adventure. It’s then time to kick off those jungle boots, board our fast boat transport and get onto ‘Panama time’ on the famous Caribbean party island of Bocas Del Toro.
DAY ONE: SATURDAY
Depart Panama City, Albrook airport for David on internal flight. Flight will be arranged for late afternoon departure from Albrook, to allow for inbound travel for those arriving in the morning. Upon arrival in David, you will transfer by road to our Pacific coast hotel accommodation, right on the beach. Dinner provided.
DAY TWO: SUNDAY
After a hearty breakfast, we will carry out registration activities, safety briefings and some familiarisation with jungle campcraft and those pack-rafts that you will be using later on in the trip. All meals provided, including a hearty sun-down supper before the off.
DAY THREE: MONDAY
Panama Coast to Coast begins! Cover approximately 41km and get acclimatized to the heat and humidity as you climb from the Pacific steadily on quiet roads and tracks through coffee and fruit farming scenery towards the continental divide of the Americas. Accommodation in a simply stunning mountain lodge high in the mountains. All meals provided.
DAY FOUR: TUESDAY
Day 2 sees another 45km on foot, still ascending gradually towards Panama’s highest mountains. You will have been supported by our 4x4s and mobile pit stop crews up to here and whilst the going will be tough in the heat, these 2 days have been an easier introduction to what lies ahead – the jungle. A/C is again in our unbelievable mountain lodge. You may want a shower too, as where you are going next, there won’t be one of those for a while. All meals provided.
DAY FIVE: WEDNESDAY
The jungle awaits. Depart the comfort of the lodge and enter rugged, upland primary jungle terrain. Our route follows a mixture of cattle drovers’ trails, indigenous peoples’ pathways and areas where we go where no-one else does. You will forge out with 4 days supplies on your back, including your hammocks and jungle camping gear. The going is decidedly tough in here so you’ll be travelling slow and steady, getting used to the amazing explosion of colour and life teaming all around you. A/C jungle camp. Approximate distance across the 4 days: 70km. First day: Approx 20km.
DAY SIX: THURSDAY
Another long day on foot over around 20km worth of virgin jungle. You will ascend jungle-covered mountains, follow ridge lines and cross many rivers. This is what it’s all about – deep in the jungle of central America on a journey to join the dots between two Oceans. Exhilarating stuff. A/C jungle camp. Approx 20km.
DAY SEVEN: FRIDAY
Our penultimate day of hard jungle trekking will include an exciting zipwire crossing of a raging river and a serious uphill ascent too. We will overnight one more time under the green canopy prior to exiting tomorrow to attempt the pack-raft stage. A/C jungle camp. Approx 15km. These distances may not look heavy, but do not underestimate the relentless nature of this route; average speed will be slow and the going is tough, tough, tough.
DAY EIGHT: SATURDAY/SUNDAY
Our final jungle day leads us along a well-defined ridgeline and then starts to descend from the mountains to the banks of the Changuinola River. We will camp next to the river prior to our pack-raft stage. A/C River bank camp. Approx 15km.
DAY NINE: MONDAY
Today is the start of a new chapter for the journey and a really unique one at that. We have done the hard yards now on foot and you can rest those weary blistered feet as you turn your attention to our nifty packrafts and paddles. Don your buoyancy aid, jump aboard your raft and float/ paddle your way down the jungle river 30km. the first 10km will whizz by in a blink of an eye as the river is fast-flowing, with some exciting rapids (grades 1 and 2) but nothing that resembles a raging torrent. It then gets slower and you will be working those paddles to cover the kilometres. A/C River bank camp.
DAY TEN: TUESDAY
This should be a really beautiful and very surreal conclusion to a fantastic journey. Our final 10km brings us to the Caribbean coast and when you do arrive there, a quick wiggle back to a nearby port will bring you to our fast boats, which will transport you to Bocas Del Toro island. Let the party begin…Kick off those shoes and feel the sand between your manky feet! A leisurely afternoon in Bocas will feel a world away from the toils of the jungle. Enjoy beers, kayaking, fishing or simply swinging in a hammock. We will overnight here and enjoy a slap-up meal and drinks to celebrate a job well done. A/C beach cabanas or similar.
DAY ELEVEN: WEDNESDAY
Journey’s end. For those who wish to hang around and chill, you’re in the right place. You can choose to stay put and extend your stay at Bocas (at your own expense). Or come with us back to Panama City Depart with return air travel back to Panama City Albrook airport from Bocas Del Toro airport. Out itinerary ends here, but you are of course welcome to stay in Panama and find your own adventures or take one of our exciting bolt-on options, carefully curated by our local partners. We will have options for you in Bocas, Panama City and elsewhere in the country, (including the incredible San Blas Islands) should you wish.
*NOTE THAT TIMINGS AND ITINERARIES ARE APPROX AND MAY CHANGE
ACCOMMODATION
HOTELS
For nights 1 and 2 at the Pacific coast, we will accommodate you in a beach-front hotel. This is a good comfortable option with all the trappings of resort-grade comfort and hearty food options included.
MOUNTAIN LODGE
On nights 3 and 4 of the trip (nights 1 and 2 of your coast to coast journey) we will utilise a simply sensational mountain lodge, with incredible views across the jungle, surrounded with birdlife. This is a simply stunning spot, with a perfect host and good hearty food. The accommodation will feature showers, electric sockets and other mod-cons. You will be accommodated in a mixture of rooms at the lodge in shared configuration.
JUNGLE CAMPS
This is the essence of the event experience. String your hammock between 2 trees, fetch (and treat) water from a nearby stream and kick back with the sounds of the jungle all around you.
BEACH CABANAS OR SIMILAR
Upon arrival in Bocas Del Toro at journey’s end, it’s all about the beach. Simple yet comfy water-side accommodation is on the menu here, whilst you sip cocktails and enjoy that hard-earned Caribbean coastal vibe.
MEALS
MEALS AT OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION
Including hot and cold options for breakfast, hot dinner and packed lunches when out on the course. Alcoholic drinks are not provided. A vegetarian option will always be provided.
Participants will need to bring: Food to be taken into the jungle on the self-sufficient stage. We will have recommendations on these options. You must plan to take, cook and prepare your own meals in the jungle.
What will I be eating and drinking? Where we provide catering via the hotels and guest house, it will be good, hearty Panamanian fare. Rice and beans feature heavily, together with chicken and other meat dishes. We will always endeavour to ensure there are some hearty veggie options however.
PIT STOPS
Where offered (days 1 and 2), we will offer savoury and sweet snacks and water will be provided at the designated pit stops.
Please note that the provision whilst on the route does not consist of ‘full meals’ and will be more snack-based grab n’ go options, to reflect the journey being undertaken. You are welcome to bring your own foodstuffs and we will transport it with us on the route. We would also advise that if you have sports nutrition products that you know work for you, please bring them with you. See below for information on gluten-free and vegan provision.
Gluten-free, Vegan or other dietary requirements: Some Gluten-free and Vegan provision will be made at the pit stops on days 1 and 2; although if you have food intolerances please do ensure you check with us on our provision as you may need to augment with your own supplies in the desert camps. Please contact us in advance with any specific dietary requirement questions well in advance.
CAMPLIFE
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Quite simply, you can expect a campsite experience that will blow your mind. Our jungle camps are nestled in the beating heart of a vast UNESCO World-heritage protected primary tract of Jungle. Animals and plants abound; water is everywhere. Life is all around you and you will experience a literal feast of the senses. Calling these campsite moments life-affirming or life-changing experiences, alongside the clear epic nature of the challenge itself, is no cliché.
These camps are basic. You will supply your own hammock and mossie net, your own food and collect your own water. There’s no WiFi and no phone signal. That’s it. You, the jungle and your gear. And a whole cohort of like-minded adventurers all around you. For many, your first night in this environment may be intimidating; frightening even. That’ll ease for nights 2 and 3. There’s nothing to be scared of, although some common-sense precautions to prevent creepy-crawlies using your shoes and socks as their own jungle camps is to be expected.
WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES?
As mentioned above, there’s no facilities laid on. Our guides and jungle staff will be on hand to assist in the erection of your hammocks and nets and to give good clear advice on water treatment, cooking, jungle admin and precautions on wildlife. They will also be able to point out interesting flora, fauna and jungle critters.
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!
There are cut-offs on days 1 and 2, although they are very generous and are not there to make you fail. We want everyone to finish and the cut-offs are generous. If you do end up lagging behind and you really cannot make it in time, we will pick you up in an event 4×4 sweeper vehicle and transport you to the overnight locations. You can re-start the next day if you wish. There is none of this ‘if you miss a cut-off you’re out’ stuff on this event. Each of those initial stages will have a published time limit and a designated starting window in the morning, so if you want to use every available hour on the course, just start as early as you can!
For the jungle, there are cut offs. You need to make it to camp and it’ll take as long as it takes. We want everyone to get there in the hours of daylight however and our way-marking, jungle guides and safety staff.
On day 1, the route will be obvious and waymarked. There will be extra signage at junctions to prevent any danger of taking a wrong turn. For the jungle section, this is also waymarked and our team will have cut and marked a ‘track’ for you to follow. However this is the jungle and you must take care that you are always on this ‘trail.’
It’s very unlikely but if you do get lost, we have a suite of options in place to get you back on track. Our guides can then attend to your position. There will be a protocol for such encounters and we will work hard to ensure that 1.) it doesn’t happen and 2.) if it does, we have your back. You should not worry about getting lost. At all times our support team will not be far away.
There are a lot of animals, bugs, and critters in the jungle. That’s a fact. You will see a great deal of wildlife and this is one of the joys of this environment. Some of these are poisonous and could be life-threatening if you do not use general precautions, such as checking your shoes in the mornings and checking carefully where you tread in some areas. Use boots and long socks in the jungle, cover your legs and arms with fabric and you won’t go far wrong. We will have jungle medics trained in the treatment of stings, bites and so on. It’s all out there, but of course for the most part, these critters are more afraid of you than you are of them. Enjoy the wildlife, don’t fear it.
It’s varied. It’s very green! The first 2 days will use quiet roads, mud, and gravel trails. It will gradually ascend, although it is very gradual. The jungle is a particular type of environment and can be unforgiving. It’s got a lot of up and down, thick jungle to penetrate and it’s hot and humid all the time. Expect to be drenched from head to toe all the time. And expect to be really blowing hard to get the job done. It is not to be under-estimated but equally, not to be feared.
Yes and no. Or rather, sometimes yes and sometimes no. This is a supported format, which means that we transport gear for you on the stages where we can do so, which is days 1 and 2. You will need to carry a daypack for these stages, which will have food, water, emergency gear and spare clothing in it, so you will have to carry something. But not all of your kit. We will do the hard yards on your overnight supplies by carrying a bag for you from location to location. This is a large logistical operation and is part of the value offered in this very special trip. When you hit the jungle stage on days 3 onwards, there are no roads for us to support you from. We will take your ‘finish-line’ bag to the finish for you but everything you will need for the jungle trekking stages will be carried by you, on your back.
We will provide packraft, buoyancy aid and paddle for al participants. You can use your own if you have one, however. We will ask to see it inflated before we set off, to ensure it’s not going to end up letting you down (no pun intended) at the worst possible time. You will be issued with the rafts prior to the jungle stage on day 3 (so will not carry them on days 1 or 2) and then carry the rafts in your gear through the jungle, before inflating and using them on day 6 to exit the jungle on the final day to the Caribbean coast.
Pack rafting is pretty easy. They float, they travel with the current (and we are going downstream) and if you stick the paddle in the water, it will go where you send it. It is true they do not ‘track’ very well (as they sit on top of the water and don’t really cut through it, like a kayak) so they aren’t a fast way to travel. They are very stable however and laxing in your raft whilst floating downstream with your gear is a truly evocative way to finish this wonderful jungle adventure.
About the area
Panama is a small but extremely diverse country right at the very crossroads of the Americas. We are going to the area north west of Panama City, close to the Costa Rican border in Chirriqui and Bocas Del Toro provinces. These areas encompass varied terrains and vistas, including coffee and fruit plantations, coastal scenery, rugged upland cloudforest and protected, primary jungle. It is teaming with life and colour and extremely verdant. As a whole, Panama is a very interesting country. Panama City has all the modern trappings such as highrise condo’s, office blocks and hotels of the impressive “Pana-Miami” skyline, nestled side-by-side with the crumbling antiquity of Casco Viejo (the colonial Old Town) and of course, the World-famous Panama Canal. As soon as you leave Panama City, the pace of life slows significantly and the jungle and greenery takes over. The abundance of flora, fauna and animals in the country makes it one of the most diverse places on Earth and attracts travellers, ecologists, adventurers and dreamers in equal measure. It has all this, but from an adventure point of view, it’s fair to say that Panama is somewhat overshadowed by its neighbour, Costa Rica, which has developed a far more in-depth tourism framework. As such, Panama (and particularly the locations we are going) feel a little more ‘undiscovered.’ It is the next big destination in adventure tourism? It should be. But for now, we’re glad it’s still a little under the radar. As it gives us a firm tapestry on which to weave one of the World’s classic adventures: Panama Coast to Coast.
Weather
It can be very hot and humid all day and night long. The jungle can feel a bit oppressive and overbearing in this way. Hydration is extremely important, as is taking on consistent calories. It will be hot, for sure. But at the higher elevations, it does get a bit cooler than the coastal regions.
Wildlife
There’s a lot. An awful lot. If you’re lucky, you may see many different species of colourful birds, insects, spiders, howler monkeys, snakes, creepy-crawlies of all shapes and sizes, dazzingly coloured frogs and even the elusive jungle cat, the Jaguar. It’s unlikely you’ll see all of this all of the time though. There are not hoards of nasties waiting to jump out and get you. Embrace the biodiversity and learn a little about the critters you encounter. There’s so much life out there, it is hard to miss it!
THE KIT LIST
Some of the kit listed is to help you have a safe experience and have the best chance of finishing. Some of this kit is to ensure that if you are unable to continue without our assistance then we can be confident of you having the level of equipment required to keep you as comfortable as possible whilst you wait for that assistance. Some of it is simply to keep you perishing. It is serious. We know everyone knows this, but we ask that you please do work with us on this.
Note: All items are mandatory, unless it says recommended, where they are, well, recommended!
Road Run phase: to wear
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Cap/hat with neck protection
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Sunglasses – Cat 3 or better
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Buff, neck gaiter, Rat Rag or similar – you will receive a Panama C2C one at reg!.
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Suncream suitable for use in sport.
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Lip balm with SPF
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T-shirt – ideally long-sleeved and with some element of UV/SPF protection built in
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Shorts
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Lightweight waterproof jacket
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Socks and at least 1 spare set
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Running shoes
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Running tights – (Recommended, not mandatory)
General equipment
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Poles (Recommended for the running, Mandatory for the jungle phase)
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Daypack
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Waterproof liner or drybag for protecting items in backpack
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Water carrying system 2 litre minimum
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Head torch
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Spare batteries
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Portable charger for phone with a suitable cable
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GPS device watch – you will also be issued with a Garmin 66i handheld device (Provided) and must carry with you as it doubles as a tracker.
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Compass
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Small Mirror
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Whistle
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Pen knife or multitool
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Gaffer tape or electrical tape
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Extra food for run days 400kcal rations (4 gels or similar energy bars)
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Salt tablets or Sticks and/or electrolytes
Jungle phase: to wear
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Jungle boots
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Insect repellent/DEET 50% +
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Fleece or synthetic jacket
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Hat
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Loose long sleeve Shirt x 2 (Must be treated with Permethrin – see note below)
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Long Trousers (Must be treated with Permethrin – see note below)
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Socks per day
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Thick or snake-proof gaiters
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Underwear
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Ultralight rain shell or poncho
Camp and night-time kit
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Jungle Hammock (must be treated with Permethrin – see note below)
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Hammock Hex Tarp
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Sleeping pad or underquilt
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Sleeping bag or topquilt
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Camp shorts or light trousers
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Camp towel/ sarong
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Sandals, crocs or suitable camp footwear
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Paracord4 to 6 segments, each 1.5 m long
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Sleep clothes
Jungle equipment
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Backpack 50 – 70L
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Personal stove – must be able to burn alcohol
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Bottle for stove fuel
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Eating utensils/spork
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Backpack waterproof liner and or cover.
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Waterproof phone case
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Carabiner
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Dry bags
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Plastic zip-top sandwich bags
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Ear plugs
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Pen knife / Swiss Army knife or multitool
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Money in small bills
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Plastic or metal bowl and cup
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Lighter
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Toilet paper
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Spork or eating utensil
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Trekking poles
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Water bladder 2-3L(Minimum capacity 2 litres across carrying vessels)
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Water filtration system
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Water mouthpiece cap (if using a hydration bladder)
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Water bottle (500 ml/ 750ml/ 1000ml – optional).
You may choose how you carry your water and are permitted to use any system – bottles, bladder or a mixture, provided you can carry a minimum of 2 litres at all times. Our recommendation is a 2 litre bladder and a 500/ 750/ 1000ml bottle is the optimal combination.
Snacks and meals
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Snacks as advised
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Exped Meals as advised
Other mandatory kit
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Passport
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Toothpaste & brush
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Personal toiletries inc wet wipes
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Holdall or duffel (separate from your jungle rucksack) – This will become your transition bag, accessible after the jungle stage and before the river stage
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Casual clothing for transit/overnights/celebratory meal
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Mobile phone – International roaming to be enabled if in an emergency
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Small drybag/s for electronics
Medical kit: mandatory
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Pad and bandage style dressing (large)
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Adhesive dressing – 1x medium and 1 x large
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1 x conforming bandage
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Dioralyte sachets x 5
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Basic pain relief (Paracetomol)
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Any personal medications
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Over the counter antihistamine tablets
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Savlon tube
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Hand sanitiser
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Insect repellent
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After-bite cream
Blister Kit – Mandatory:
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Zinc Oxide tape (Recommended brands: Rock tape or Tiger Tan tape)
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4 x sterile needles
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4 x scalpel blades
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Small pair of scissors
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Gauze swabs (2 x packs of 5 swabs – used for drying/cleaning before applying tape)
Medical kit: recommended
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Triangular bandage
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Plasters
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Sudocrem/Vaseline for chaffing
Blister Kit - Recommended
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Compeed
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Haplaband tape (if you are prone to getting blisters in-between toes this is recommended)
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Disinfectant solution
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Foot lube (water based)
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Rubbing alcohol (used for drying feet and help prevent fungal infections)
All medical kit should be stored in a dry bag.
Other recommended kit and optional items – not mandatory:
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Camera
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Any additional clothing
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Robust outdoor footwear – not used for running or trekking
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Reading material
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International plug adaptor
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Rubber bands
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Sewing / Repair kit
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Tupperware container
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Water purifying tablets
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Waterproof wallet
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Zip ties– great for many makeshift fixes
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Lip balm
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Hand cream
NOTE ON CLOTHING AND HAMMOCK – PERMETHRIN
Your clothing and hammock should be treated with permethrin, which is different to insect repellant. You can purchase it and apply it to clothing, or you can buy pre-impregnated garments. It is important that you do this before travel to Panama.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
£
/ MONTH
SIGN UP TODAY
INTEREST FREE!
PAY IN FULL
£4000
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
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All prices are in GBP. An admin fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments. Price shown is 2026 monthly 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 October the year before 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.
Conor Rourke
March 2022
"Far tougher than the Marathon Des Sables."
I thought I’d sleep like a baby after Panama Coast to Coast, but it’s been anything but and my mind has been restless. This might sound weird but I’ve had some really crazy dreams…Amongst them have been images of my camp set up, unravelling my tarp and trying desperately to fit it in my pack, tying endless knots with paracord, seeing rainfall in my room and trees hanging over my hotel bed. On several occasions I’ve even shot out of bed during the night, convinced everyone else was there packing up camp, or gone to put my wet boots back on and I’ve had to turn on a light to snap myself out of it. Sounds ridiculous I know! I guess after running on such a tight schedule in the jungle while dehydrated, sleep deprived, and just generally exhausted, in an environment that turns a 5 minute task into a 50 minute one - I’ve just become unfamiliar with my old bedtime routine and gotten used to the chaos that was the jungle alternative. It probably hasn’t helped that I extended my travels, as well as the few further nights I spent in the jungle at the tree lodge. Anyway, it’s not been scary and I know it’ll only take time to adjust, but I’ve found it both interesting and amusing as I get myself back off to bed - so thought I’d share that with you all. I actually miss falling asleep to the sound of the jungle, I went without earplugs at times as I found it so peaceful. For now though, I think I’m going to keep my machete in another room…just incase!
"This is where we grow, when you're scraping the barrel, running on fumes yet somehow find the strength to keep moving onwards, not that we had a choice and forwards was the only way out."
Darren Grigas
March 2022
It's safe to say this epic crossing dragged everyone to their limits, requiring all to dig deep for strength when running on fumes, giving everything to just maintain a 1mph average pace, the final 'easy' 4km along the river took 3 painful hours. The jungle took scalps and came at us with sloppy mud, vines, ravines, ants, bugs, snakes, spiders, humidity, merciless climbs and descents, slips bumps and bashes, river crossings and ridge walks, all whilst carrying around 20kg packs moving for hours at a time between water sources yet soaked through with sweat as fluid left our bodies. Each night setting up our hammocks, preparing food, patching our wet feet, hoping to avoid creatures of the jungle as we slept in their domain, each morning putting our wet clothes and boots back on, and loading up our heavy packs to do it all again for another 12+ hours. We finally exited the jungle mountains after an 18 hour last push branded as 'the death march' by many along the treacherous river's edge. It was a pleasure to run, walk, climb, crawl and camp alongside an incredible group of adventurers, Panama world-first crossing, done. A brutal but incredible slog.
"So post Panama Coast to Coast 2024, and it is safe to say I have one of the best experiences of my life."
I would say that in choosing this type of event, you have to commit a large amount of time to training and kit selection and testing.The support from Rat Race prior to and during was excellent. Abby, Dave, James and the support crews knew thier stuff, and supported the whole team to achieve our own personnel goals.Thankfully our team of adventurers were awesome and attacked the event with true commitment while keeping high spirits and fun.I would recommend Rat race and have done to anyone and everyone. I have completed over 10 events with them and would only say to you.Choose wisely, train correctly and be prepared to have a great time.
Darren Twelvetree
March 2024
"It was an unforgettable experience and doable if you are prepared to put in the hours for pre trip admin and training."
Vicky Bruce
March 2023
I've done several Rat Race test pilots and events and all have been fantastic. My latest adventure was the Panama Coast to Coast, which is the toughest one they run. It was brutal but made achievable by the incredible support and guidance the team provided - in helping us prepare beforehand as well as on the ground during the event. I think we got value for our money (organisation, non jungle accommodation and food were excellent) and we met some truly inspirational people. It was an unforgettable experience and doable if you are prepared to put in the hours for pre trip admin and training.
Mike Tymm
March 2023
"I would say this has been one of the highlights of my life"
Just an incredible journey and would highly recommend doing if you ever have the chance. Jim and his team were incredible in a well organised trip of a lifetime. If there was one challenge I would recommend, it would be this. Thank you so much, all of the RatRace team for putting this adventure together.
"Panama Coast to Coast: An event and adventure of a lifetime not to be taken lightly. There are no words that can truly describe the nine days of tarmac, jungle and water you get to experience on Panama Coast to Coast. However hard you think it might be, it's harder. However much you trained you should have done more, and however much pre-admin you did your kit could have been better. Be under no illusion this adventure race will live with you forever and provide you with a sense of achievement that will last a lifetime. The support and event staff were excellent and the location is unmatched. I urge anybody looking to test themselves beyond their limits to book this event straight away."
Gary
March 2024
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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