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CHOOSE TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND EARN UP TO A £2500 REFUND ON YOUR ENTRY FEE. FIND OUT MORE.
A STUNNING ADVENTURE BY FOOT, BIKE AND KAYAK.
Patagonia is one of those dream destinations that is worthy of every adventurer’s Bucket List. Towering mountains form the backdrop to huge glaciers calving off into stunning lakes, interspersed with forest, alpine meadows, steppe and other uniquely Patagonian flora and fauna.
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SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL, GUESTHOUSE
AND CAMPING
DISTANCE:
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43.5 MILES (70 KM) ON FOOT + 160 MILES (257KM) ON BIKE + 28 MILES (45 KM) ON KAYAK
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
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Absolutely. This adventure is for anyone with a good base level of fitness and a love of red wine!
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LOCATION:
PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
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DURATION:
9 DAYS /
8 NIGHTS
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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ACCOMMODATION
8 nights accommodation (hotel, guesthouses, camping)
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GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional support vehicles, safety staff, medical and welfare.
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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.
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ALL MEALS
All meals included as standard, at hotels and in camp, cooked up by our expert catering crew
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EQUIPMENT
Kayak and associated equipment rental included.
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TRANSFERS
Airport transfers included.
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EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
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TRANSFER POLICY
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before the event
MORE INFORMATION:
This is a huge canvas on which we have painted an extraordinary adventure, taking in some of the most famous sights of the area – at the same time as taking you off the beaten track to experience the very essence of this wild and alluring place.
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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. We have made getting there easy too, featuring a full package of logistics commencing at El Calafate Airport, the gateway to Argentine Patagonia and accessible with several flights per day from Buenos Aires and direct from other international destinations.
DAY ONE: MEET AT EL CALAFATE AIRPORT AND DRIVE TO EL CHALTEN
Our transport will be provided from El Calafate airport to allow for morning arrivals; or if you have been enjoying some of this magical area beforehand, we will also be offering a collection downtown in El Calafate for those already staying in the local area.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared apartments
MEALS: Dinner provided.
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DAY TWO: ADMIN DAY AND EXPLORE EL CHALTEN
After a warm welcome from the event team, we will do some admin activities, plus bike fitting for those who have taken our bike rental option. The afternoon is your own to experience the funky little mountain town of El Chalten.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared apartments
MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
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DAY THREE / STAGE ONE: GLACIER TO GLACIER BEGINS!
DISTANCE: 23 miles on foot
The area surrounding El Chalten has some of the most incredible trails to be found anywhere on Earth. We will be taking you on some of these stunning routes and you get up close and personal with the mountains and glaciers of this incredible landscape.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared apartments
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner provided. Some on-course snack provision will be supplied also via our Pit Stops. You should plan to take some snacks and fluids that work for you whilst on the foot stages also.
DAY FOUR / STAGE TWO: MORE AMAZING TRAILS
DISTANCE: 20.5 miles on foot
Another mighty day on the trails, experiencing the Patagonian wilderness in all its glory.
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ACCOMMODATION: Shared apartments
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner provided. Some on-course snack provision will be supplied also via our Pit Stops. You should plan to take some snacks and fluids that work for you whilst on the foot stages also.
DAY FIVE / STAGE THREE: ONTO THE BIKES
DISTANCE: 67.4 miles on bike
We now move away from El Chalten and take to the bikes for a road ride to La Leona, where we will stay tonight. This is where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid holed up whilst on the run and you will be able to see why, as you savour the remote and windswept nature of the Patagonian steppe. Patagonia is famous for its winds and it is likely that you may well experience these today – whether that is a headwind or a tailwind (or, due to the direction of the course, both!) is yet to be seen. If you are lucky, you may also see some of the area’s reclusive wildlife which adorns this evocative and vast endless landscape.
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ACCOMMODATION: Camping.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner provided. We will operate mobile ‘pit-stops’ on the bike leg, with plenty of snacks and drinks available.
DAY SIX / STAGE FOUR: INTO THE WATER
DISTANCE: 21.7 miles on kayak
Today we take to the glacial Rio Leona and make our way downstream with the current, speeding our way from Lago VIedma towards Lago Argentina. Weather conditions (notably wind) will dictate how far we travel in the boats, and some distance is likely to be made up on the bikes again also. We camp in a stunning riverside location.
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ACCOMMODATION: Camping.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner provided. We will operate shore-based ‘pit-stops’ on the kayak leg, with plenty of snacks and drinks available for you come ashore at intervals and enjoy.
DAY SEVEN / STAGE FIVE: BACK ON THE BIKES
DISTANCE: 76.8 miles on bike
Our route today takes us through El Calafate and out into more stunning scenery as the mountains and the glaciers of the Patagonian icecap loom large ahead of us once more. We will be both on and off-road today and the views on this ride are absolutely legendary.
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ACCOMMODATION: Camping/dorm
MEALS: We will operate mobile ‘pit-stops’ on the bike leg, with plenty of snacks and drinks available.
DAY EIGHT / STAGE SIX: TO THE GLACIER!
DISTANCE: 24.2 miles on bike
The Perito Moreno Glacier is our destination as we bring the journey to a climactic end on 2 wheels. After the finish line we will all board our own special charter boat to get up close and personal with this vast body of moving ice at water level, as it carves off into the lake. Afterwards, we will make our way back to El Calafate for a well-earned celebratory meal.
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ACCOMMODATION: Hotel.
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner provided, plus celebration drinks on us.
DAY NINE: JOURNEY'S END
After our final breakfast together, it’s time to head to the airport at El Calafate for return onwards travel.
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Note to itinerary: With adventures in some of the world’s most amazing adventure destinations, the unexpected can and does happen: This could be weather-related or it could be due to one of a number of other factors. Please note that we will always reserve the right to change the plan if we must: That may mean not delivering some activities, switching the order of activities from day-to-day and/ or varying or changing routes and stage content if we deem it necessary. In all cases, we are of course acting in your best interests and have both your safety and enjoyment in mind.
ACCOMMODATION
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Our accommodation comprises of shared apartments in El Chalten, then some riverside camping for 2 nights whilst you are you near the water. Following that, enjoy our beautiful rustic estancia and finish up with a lakeside hotel in El Calafate. In all locations, your accommodation is inclusive within your entry fee.
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All accommodation is offered on a twin room basis, in our shared apartments you may be sharing with up to 4 people. Tents will be 2 person tents. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room. If you have preferences for who you share with, you are able to specify that prior to departure.
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All of our accommodation is of a high standard – tried and tested by us on our recce trips.
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MEALS
BREAKFAST
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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 mainly it will be a sit-down affair. Sometimes there will be cooked breakfast options, plus continental offerings in line with the accommodation’s standard menu.
DINNER
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We will typically eat at the accommodation we are staying in, or a close-by local restaurant. On the second camping night, 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. On the final night in El Chalten, the first round is most definitely on us! We will also provide some celebration drinks when we get to the Perito Moreno glacier, too.
PIT STOPS
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During the challenge you will have access to our famously well-stocked Pit Stops multiple times throughout the journey. On the cycle 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 kayak, the pit stop service will be shore-based at designated road-accessible spots along the route.
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Pit stops will typically have a minimum of the following available:
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Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
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.
A variety of sandwiches, pastries and cakes at selected Pit Stops.
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Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have – if you use gels and other such products – you should plan to bring these with you. If you have any special dietary requirements, then please also plan for this and pack your kit accordingly. Rat Race aim to offer Pit Stop snacks that are tasty and functional, catering to as broad a mix of needs and diets as possible. We have options available that are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets and availability of this will depend on demand. 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.
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Please make sure you sanitise your hands prior to eating any food. Please, please, please take care with your trash and help us in our aim of leaving these incredible islands tidier than we find them. This is even more critical in this environment, with any lost trash instantly becoming a choking hazard for the marine life we are here to admire.
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The nature of an adventure is that sometimes, the uncertain becomes certain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we ned to wheel put Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!
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.
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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.
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Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
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To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
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Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel and which covers participation in outdoor sports. You will also need what is called an Evacuation Insurance Policy, which is for if we need to send you back to the closest city for urgent medical attention via a helicopter or similar. We also recommend you have this in place as soon as you enter this event and that if you book flights, we highly recommend booking a flexible option for any last-minute changes you might need to make or to ensure you have maximum flexibility if you cannot attend for any reason.
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Travel insurance is compulsory for our events, so please make sure your insurance policy covers the activities you will be participating in. There are a number of specialist providers available including Mann Broadbent.
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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.
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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.
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Race entry includes a glorious finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tee. We will request your t-shirt 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! You are welcome to arrange your own accommodation if you wish but this will not result in a reduction in the event fee from us, you will also then be responsible for ensuring you are at our meeting points at the arranged time and we will not be able to transport you to and from your own accommodation, you will need to be able to do this independently.
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No problem. Where we use hotels, rooms are offered on a twin / shared basis. If you wish to share with a fellow participant, you will be asked to add this information to your event participation from which we will issue you with approximately 12 weeks ahead of the event.
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We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace. See below for our notes on route-finding and guidance. There will also be some cut-offs, but in the true Rat Race tradition these will be generous and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out. Of course, we will give you some early starts to allow the very best possible window for route completion. But, if you need us and if you need to abandon the route for whatever reason, we are there for you. The absolute key is that you enjoy this amazing journey through some of the most incredible vistas on Planet Earth, at your own pace and within your own limits.
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The optimum machine to enjoy every inch of this biking route is a cyclocross bike. A road bike will do for a lot of it and the tarmac really is a joy on Ruta 40. However there are some off-road track sections later on in the route, so a road bike is not recommended. Mountain bikes or hybrid are also totally fine. We strongly advise using your own bike however, we can offer bike hire subject to availability. Please note, in country bike hire is very limited therefore we recommend securing your bike hire nice and early at the time of booking. If you cannot rent through us and are UK based, we can recommend using British Bike Hire and transporting their bike overseas.
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We want you to concentrate on the views and the hard work of putting one foot (or wheel or 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 and then be asking you to download a route file that you will be able to download onto your smartphone or GPS device. You will follow this ‘line’ when on foot and can use this as a back-up at all times. You may use your own device or rent one from us.
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We will then augment this with some marshalled junctions or key turning points on the trekking stages. For the kayak stages, well, these are guided stages and as long as you point 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. Don’t worry – you won’t get lost. But if you do – support is never far away.
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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 and on the trek, we will deploy our foot-based safety staff. On the kayak, we will have on-water guiding and safety staff embarked with you. And you will interact with our pit stops crews at key points where the river can be accessed by vehicles. We will have multiple vehicles at our disposal throughout the journey, 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.
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We are mindful that people will inevitably have varying distances to travel to get to Patagonia. Our plan allows us all to meet at the airport at El Calafate, which is the gateway for most visitors to Argentine Patagonia. El Calafate airport is therefore the start and finish point of our set itinerary.
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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.
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What’s the weather like?
This is the ‘hottest’ time of year in Patagonia (it is the height of the austral summer) but it never gets ‘hot, hot.’ Highs of 1 5 – 22 C are the norm. What is also inevitable at this time of year are the notoriously strong Patagonian winds. Whilst it is arguably a bit more sheltered in amongst the mountains, the Steppe is very exposed. Which means it could be dusty, windy, rainy, cloudy, sunny. Basically it’s a bit like Scotland. On steroids.
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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 will sunglasses with at least Cat 3 protection. You are outside for a good long time after all.
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Wet weather gear
So too should wet weather gear be packed. Some waterproofs for the bike and for the trek stages should be taken. The chances of rain are high and you should definitely invest in decent water and windproof garments.
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Bike kit
As well as supplying 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 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).
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Camp life
For the accommodation, it is all in guesthouses or hotel with the exception of the two nights under canvas in our tented camps. We will provide most camping gear for you, no hefty gear is required. You will need a sleeping bag and a rollmat. Also remember, these are still nights under canvas, so if there are creature comforts that you wish to bring to augment your comfort levels, please do so. We would also advise bringing a towel just so you are self-contained on that and have it with you in the support vehicle. A pair of sandals or flip flops are also pretty invaluable for camp and for kicking back in the evenings, just to air those tired feet. These items are reflected below as recommended items.
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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 and won’t really notice the ambient temperature, potentially. 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.
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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!
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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 – BUY HERE
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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) – BUY ONE HERE
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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. Recommend 15 – 30l – BUY HERE
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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 – BUY HERE
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Cap or wide-brimmed sun hat
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Recommended: Trekking poles
Bike Stages
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Bike: Mountain bike, hybrid or cyclocross
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Bike box or bag (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 peddals
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Cycling footwear
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Cycling gloves. Recommended: Spare pair of full-finger length gloves in case of wet/ windy weather
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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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Spare cycling clothing in case you get drenched
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Socks
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Recommended: Pair of overshoes/ booties are useful for insulation and waterproofing
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Water Stages - kayak
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Buoyancy aid, neoprene suit and boots, semi-dry jacket (cag), mittens, paddle and kayaks 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 kayak please remember you will be sitting stationary and you WILL get wet. Avoid cotton and use technical wicking fabrics. Pack some waterproofs too as you can switch into these if you get soaked in the semi-dry cag
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If you do have kayaking gear, (such as a cag), then please do bring these if you prefer to wear your own items
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Flip flops or sandals
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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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General
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Casual clothing for use in evenings and transit stages – no formal wear required
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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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Personal toiletries including any personal medication required
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Recommended: Multitool or penknife
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Recommended: fitnessReading material
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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 duffel 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
IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES FOR THE EVENT THIS WILL BE COMMUNICATED IN THE PRE-EVENT DOCUMENTATION
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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 or snow 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 or extreme cold – remember you may be very tired and sweaty, and who says the forecast is always right? In the Arctic, being prepared is key. It is therefore important that you carry the mandatory kit at all times.
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The emergency kit is important for several reasons:
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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.
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GPS
We intend for you to follow ‘the line’ on a GPS-enabled device – this can be your own or you can rent one from us. Our suggestion here is a mobile smartphone with the Komoot App installed, GPX files uploaded to the app and the routes downloaded for offline use. Many other similar apps are available. You can mount this on your bike in a cradle; and you can use it on foot.
An alternative is to have 2 devices, a Garmin Edge bike computer (or Wahoo, etc) for the bike stage AND a GPS-nav-enabled watch, such as one from the Garmin Fenix series or a similar spec for the trek/run stage. It’s always advisable to have the routes downloaded to an app on your phone as a back up, whichever option you go with.
If you have no such devices, Rat Race owns a set of Garmin Edge 830 bike computers and a set of Garmin 66i hand held navigation devices. If you would like to rent either of these, you must let us know by request in the form that will be sent to you closer to the event.
The reality is, the route-finding on this one is not very hard at all with the suite of resources we will be deploying. So don’t worry about it too much. But having the GPS with you and following ‘the line’ is always handy and will give you a real sense of progress along our route.
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Bags
There are 3 bags to be considered for this journey.
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1.) General ‘overnight’ bag (recommended: Holdall or duffel) for spare and general kit. Please go for a MAXIMUM size of around 60 litres and no more than approx 15kg pls. 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.
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2.) Daypack or running vest. This is the bag you will carry with you when you are on the run/ trek stages so you will need it on days 1 and 2. It should contain the mandatory kit, spare clothes, food and water.
3.) Transition bag. This can be a duffel, it can be your daypack itself or any type of soft bag. You will keep this on the vehicles and it will tbe ypically accessible at a designated daily Bike and kayak Pit Stop. Usually this is the middle (approx. lunchtime) Pit Stop. You can keep changes of clothes, bike spares and tools, scooby snacks and hydration supplies in this bag.
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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.
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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 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. Whilst we don’t have many huge ascents on the rides here, hill training just makes you a better and stronger rider. And will equip you better to deal with that ferocious Patagonian wind.
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Kayak
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. It is of course appreciated that kayaking is probably the hardest discipline to train with if you do not have regular access to boats or water. A weekend paddling skills course is invaluable in growing your confidence. We have some that we stage in the UK. Details are here. The river has some flow in it (meaning we will go quicker than if it was totally slack) and the boats will be good and stable. You do not need mega skills. But 45km is still a long way in a boat. If you are not used to working your upper body, it’s probably a good idea to do some conditioning so that your core and your arms don’t fall apart half way through. The best way to practise this is, well, to go kayaking. If you can’t, 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.
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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.
Ultimately, our advice for something like this is to go at your own pace, front up to several hours for 6 back to back days of repetitive exercise and train to that. And you’ll be OK. Naturally, we are always happy to dive into folks’ individual questions on this. But the important thing is – don’t worry too much – we are there to support you. Get yourself to the start line in a decent condition and you’ll get it done. That is the Rat Race way.
BIKING AND TYPE OF BIKE
The optimum machine to enjoy every inch of this biking route is a cyclocross bike. A road bike will do for a lot of it and the tarmac really is a joy on Ruta 40. However there are some off-road track sections later on in the route, so a road bike is not recommended. Mountain bikes or hybrid are also totally fine.
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BIKE TRANSPORT
Your 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.
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We will ask that your bike boxes (Cardboard or hard cases) are stored in El Chalten and we will move these back to El Calafate during the trip, so when you arrive back there at the end of the trip you will be united with your bike box for onward packing of the bike. You will therefore unpack in El Chalten, prior to the start. And re-pack back in El Calafate, prior to departure and onward travel.
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KAYAKING – SKILL LEVEL AND GENERAL GUIDANCE
The kayaking is an exciting part of this event format. It is also nothing to fear. There are some small rapids but really nothing major at all (grade 1 and 2 max). There is also a great deal of ‘flow’ in the river, which means you are pushed downstream fairly rapidly in places. This is both great fun and very satisfying to see how far you are travelling. The average speed is therefore fairly high, for a river journey. BUT, that wind…Patagonia is famous for its wind and when it whips up and blows upriver, it can get a wee bit parky. It will also knock you off your stride speed-wise, too. We therefore have a choice based on weather conditions in our kayak leg as to whether we paddle a full 45km frm camp to camp, or whether we come off the river at approx. 25km and carry on the rest of the stage on the bikes.
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In order for us to better prepare and for your own maximum enjoyment on the kayak, we’d like you to tell us about your kayak experience (or lack of it!) when you enter the event. There is a section where you can just tell us about any trips you have taken, skills you have (or do no have) and an assessment of your general level of kayaking as ‘Never sea kayaked before, Novice, Intermediate, Expert.’ Any info you can share will assist us and our team in our planning in this respect.
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The boats are very stable and we will run the kayak leg with full guide and safety support throughout, All equipment, plus outer wind-waterproof clothing and wetsuits will also be provided.
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The standard we will require when you turn up is that you are happy in a closed-cockpit boat; that you are familiar with a capsize drill and that you are confident as a novice paddler, paddling as part of a group. You will never be without one of our staff on this river leg, so we class this as a ‘guided’ part of the adventure.
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You have the option to complete in a double or a single kayak, which you can specify at the time of booking and which is subject to availability. If you wish to pair up, but do not have a partner, you can also indicate that we will endeavour to pair you with someone for the event.
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Bottom line – get yourself out in a boat and familiarise yourself with life in a kayak. You don’t need to worry about it and we will guarantee you will enjoy it.
BIKE HIRE PACKAGE
Bike hire package in various sizes with saddle bag, spare tube, pump and tyre levers. You must provide your own helmet. *Subject to availability.
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CLICK HERE TO BUY FOR 2024 EVENT
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
$195.69
/ MONTH
SIGN UP TODAY
INTEREST FREE!
All prices are in US Dollars. An admin fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments. Your first payment is your Registration Fee .
PAY IN FULL
$4750
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
SIGN UP TODAY
All prices include VAT and are subject to an administration fee of 2.99% at point of purchase.
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 September, the same year as the event.
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*When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
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Please see here for full terms and conditions and our cancellation policy.
PROTECT YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING WITH REFUND PROTECT
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
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To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
![RP_Main_Logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/cc8cd0_cfb331d9d0ec4d899244aba7b28bad8d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_217,h_166,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/RP_Main_Logo.png)
I have taken part in a number of Rat Race’s Bucket List events (Outer Hebrides, Patagonia, Mongolia, Namibia), and cannot rate them high enough. The locations, the crews, the logistics are all top class. Rat Race is obviously a business – but they’re not primarily driven by money and profits. It’s more about a love for adventure and camaraderie. For example, I was one of only 3 participants of Week 1 of Glacier to Glacier (Patagonia) in 2021. Rat Race could have easily deferred the event, but they did not. And it was an amazing experience, from start to finish. As were all the other events I took part in … and as I am looking forward to future ones to be. I am very impressed by the organization of these events. Clearly a lot of planning and preparation go into it, but the event directors and crews are also nimble and able to adjust to unexpected circumstances.
David Lombard
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I've had three big adventures with Rat Race (Namibia, Iceland and Argentina). I keep returning as the company offers a little or a lot of adventure depending on what your select. The tough ones can be very tough. I have never felt unsafe or at risk. Tired, too cold/hot sure..that is the point. As for a little spice, that is what life is about, reacting and dealing with changing weather and terrain conditions. Some of my best stories and biggest achievements are from these events, I have met some amazing people, and that includes the Rat Race crews. RR host so many events and keep pushing the boundaries of what "ordinary people" can achieve. I have high confidence that any trip will be another lasting memory. I was on week 2 of the Patagonia trip. We had weather, and changing plans, but plenty of fun. Much was out of RR's control. Tip 1 Take your own bike anywhere you would not expect a great hire bike Tip 2 If you expected an easy adventure, book a package tour Tip 3 Expect the unexpected. Tip 4 do all of the above adventures - extraordinary places to discover slowly away from the daily grind.
DP
RAISE AT LEAST £5000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £2500 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!
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Our longstanding partnership with Children with Cancer UK gives #ratracers the opportunity to raise much needed funds for this great cause in exchange for a refund of their entry fee. So far our #ratracers have raised over £2million for Children with Cancer UK and we would love for you to join the team to help us chase down that £3million target!
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The funds you raise will be invested into vital specialist research to improve survival rates in children and young people and help more of them ring the end of treatment bell.
All you need to do is set up a Just Giving page here and start your fundraising! You will have until 1 month after the event date to hit your target and then send us the link to your page which will allow us to process your refund. Refunds will be made 2 – 3 months after the event completion date.
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Refunds are not mandatory you are welcome to opt-out of receiving a refund. Should participants opt-out their refund will instead be used by Children with Cancer UK to help fund their research.
If you choose to support Children with Cancer UK and raise £5000, you will also receive:
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A Children with Cancer UK fundraising and training pack
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Regular Children with Cancer UK updates
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A dedicated point of contact at the charity
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A technical Children with Cancer UK t-shirt to wear with pride
For more information on Children with Cancer UK please visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Alternatively please contact the Sports Team on 020 7430 7788 or email sports@childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
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Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
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