CHOOSE TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND EARN UP TO A £960 REFUND ON YOUR ENTRY FEE. FIND OUT MORE.
​SAMPLE SOME OF THE UK’S FINEST CROSS-COUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKING AS YOU RIDE THROUGH JAW-DROPPING SCENERY.
Get ready to tackle one of the UK’s top cycling challenges as you ride 200 gnarly miles over 3 days taking on the cross-country mountain bike tracks and trails that span through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors.
£205.81
SIGN UP NOW FOR ONLY*
*price per month, depending on departure date, click here for more info on pricing
21 - 24 AUGUST / 2025
EVENT DATES:
DISTANCE:
200 MILES (322 KM) ON BIKE
SLEEP STYLE:
HOSTELS
AND B&B
LOCATION:
ENGLAND,
UNITED KINGDOM
DURATION:
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
This cross-country mountain bike challenge is for anyone with a decent level of biking fitness.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights accommodation / Hostels and B&B
ALL MEALS
All meals included as standard, at hotels and in camp, cooked up by our expert catering crew
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional mountain safety, mechanical, medical and welfare staff and support.
POLICY
Flexible transfer policy.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff, bike mechanic, medics, drivers, route safety staff and Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
RAISE £2000 AND GET UP TO £960 REFUNDED
MORE INFORMATION:
For the fat-tyre brigade, this has become a bit of a UK cross-country mountain biking rite-of-passage. Get ready to tackle 200 gnarly miles over 3 days as you take on the cross-country mountain bike tracks and trails that span the 3 national parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors.
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The cycling challenge route is pure Rat Race with loads of trails, connected by fast-flowing gravel and rural road sections, allowing you to sample some of the UK’s finest cross-country mountain biking as you ride England from coast to coast. Accommodation and all food is provided, including an ice cream at the seaside on us upon arrival in journey’s end in Scarborough!
DAY ONE: MEET UP IN SCARBOROUGH (12:00)
It is here that you will park your cars for the weekend and meet up with your fellow riders. Once bikes and baggage are loaded, you'll hit the road on our 4 hour transfer to Whitehaven. The convoy will stop for a break on the way. After checking into the hotel, there will be a short registration process to get all of the admin in check and then you'll be free to get yourselves ready for the next day before gathering for dinner (included).
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Dinner will include a briefing about the 1st days riding. Drinking the night away is on you and probably not advised!
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DAY TWO: FRIDAY
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Early start. Be up and ready to leave the hotel at 7.15 on your bike, for the short downhill ride (2.6 miles) to the water's edge and the famous start sign of the C2C. After photographs and some general faffing, a dip of your front wheel in the sea you’ll tackle 70 miles and 6500ft of ascent today. So, there’s plenty of riding to do with the biggest climb in the second half of day 1’s cycling challenge.
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There is 1 main pit stop per day and on day 1, it is found on the edge of Keswick near the swimming pool at 32 miles. If the weather is good, the crew will meet you at other points of the cycling challenge throughout the day to ensure you’re fully stocked with water and snacks. You’ll ride straight to the hotel for showers, dinner, maybe a beer or 2 and a well-earned sleep. That’s 1 national park done
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DISTANCE: 70 miles
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DAY THREE: SATURDAY
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Up and at ’em again. 7 am Breakfast for an 8 am ride start. At 64 miles and 4500ft ascent day 2 of the cycling challenge is easier than day 1. The on-road content is also higher so progress should feel notably quicker. The Yorkshire Dales are stunning and the route winds the Swaledale, the jewel in the crown. The main pit stop is at 39 miles at The Dales Bike Centre. Once past Richmond, the flatlands of the Vale of York allow the legs to coast you into Northallerton for night 2. Yorkshire Dales done.
DISTANCE: 65 miles
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DAY FOUR: SUNDAY​
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Final day to the coast. Up an hour earlier today aiming to start by 7 am. The North York Moors offer exceptional cross-country mountain biking, we’ve saved the best till last. 61 miles and 5300ft of ascent are all that lies between you and victory in this coast-to-coast cycling challenge. The pit stop is in the quaint village of Hutton le Hole at 32 miles. You’ll finish right on the shore in Scarborough, so you can dip a wheel in the sea to mirror the start in Whitehaven. North York Moors done. Fish and chips and an ice cream are your reward for completing the 3 epic days of cross-country mountain biking. Your vehicle will, of course, be in Scarborough, which means you can choose to overnight in Scarborough or head home the same night, the choice is yours!
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DISTANCE: 65 miles
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ACCOMMODATION
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​We will use B&B accommodation on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Accommodation is always offered in double or twin rooms. If you are taking part in this cycling challenge on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room.
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MEALS
BREAKFAST
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Brekky will be enjoyed in our B&B accommodation. Lunch will be on the go at our Pit Stops.
DINNER
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We will typically eat at the accommodation we are staying in each night of the cycling challenge or a nearby local restaurant. When in the hostel and the bunkhouse, our crew will prepare a hearty meal. Tea, coffee and cold drinks will be available throughout. At all times in restaurants or hotels, Rat Race will provide a hearty main course; if you wish to augment with other selections in the restaurants, you may do so. You will settle the bar bill for your own drinks. On the final night fish n chips is on us!
PIT STOPS
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During the cycling challenge, you will have access to our Pit Stops multiple times throughout the journey. These will 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 Ration Pit Stop Bars – Yummy flapjacks.
Salty snacks – such as crisps and peanuts.
Savoury treats – We will feature sandwiches, savoury pastries and other goodies at selected pit stops, around lunchtime.
A fruit option – Either oranges or bananas.
Sweets – such as Haribo and Skittles.
A variety of sandwiches, pastries and cakes.
We may even ensure a selection of local baked good is available at select Pit stop locations!
Please note that the pit stop provision whilst on the cross-country mountain biking route does not consist of ‘full meals’ and will be more snack-based grab n’ go options, to reflect the cycling challenge being undertaken. You are welcome to bring your own foodstuffs and we will transport it with us on the route in your transition bags (these are accessed at transitions only and not pit stops). We would also advise that if you have sports nutrition products that you know work for you, please bring them with you.
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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.
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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.
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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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By entering this event you agreed that you have entered in your own name (not nickname) and will bring photographic ID to event registration to prove your identity. If you cannot prove your identity at that time then you won’t be able to complete registration and therefore won’t be able to take part.
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A mountain bike is certainly best. All other bike types will struggle. It does not have to be flash or fancy, but it does need off-road tyres and it must be reliable. Electric bikes are permitted.
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It varies each year as the cross-country mountain biking route is tweaked as required from our landowner negotiations, you should expect more off-road than on and where we are on roads (or tarmac surfaces), these are predominantly quiet country lanes and cycle-ways which link together superb and varied off-road sections. Feedback from those who complete this cycle challenge say the road sections are a welcome change and allow the body to recover from some of the tougher off-road action.
Yes. At the overnight locations (and at the Start) we will have a Rat Race Bike Workshop offering light bike maintenance. They will also have bike spares for sale. The labour for this service is free to you but any parts that are required will need to be paid for. To be clear, this is repair support for issues you may be having or have arisen during the day and not a free daily bike service.
No, but we will send you the full gpx files ahead of the event for you to follow each day.
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.
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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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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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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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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.
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MANDATORY KIT
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Cycle helmet
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Suitable bicycle
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Comprehensive first aid kit, including large wound dressings.
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Food and water. Click here to buy our Pit Stop Bars.
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Mobile phone
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Participant Number(s).
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Tools and Spares: Puncture repair kit, bike pump, tyre levers, multi-tool, chain repair tool and the knowledge to use.
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Full waterproof body cover – i.e Long sleeve jacket or top and full length trousers. Both must be waterproof. These items are for if you need to stop and wait for assistance – they will help keep you comfortable. These must have TAPED SEAMS as a minimum standard. See image below for what we will be checking.
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Warm headgear
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Gloves
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Rucksack or large bum bag
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Hydration system
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Survival bag
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Whistle
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Simple front and rear bike lights for road safety.
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GPS tracker (supplied at registration)
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Event Day Info Card (sent to you before the event)
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Face covering or Rat Rag
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Reusable cup for hot and cold drinks
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Hand sanitiser
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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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Key Rules
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No drafting or pack riding.
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Obey all of the rules of the public roads and stop at red lights.
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No racing or race-like behaviour.
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Do not drop litter and use the bins provided. Anyone seen littering will be disqualified from the event.
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Be patient and approach all Bike Pit Stops with caution.
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You must check in at the Pit stop (approx. half way on each stage) so that we can track your whereabouts for safety reasons.
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You will not be able to start each day without the mandatory kit.
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The safety team and Event Director’s word is final.
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Example of taped seams
BIKE HIRE
You need to provide your own bike for this event – you can either bring your own, hire one locally to you and bring it along, or arrange hire from our hire provider (more info coming soon). A mountain bike is certainly best. All other bike types will struggle. It does not have to be flash or fancy, but it does need off-road tyres and it must be reliable. The The cross-country mountain biking route course features on and off-road sections, but a large proportion of the course is off-road.
YOUR ENTRY FEE INCLUDES THE USE OF A GPS TRACKER FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENT.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
£205.81
/ MONTH
SIGN UP TODAY
INTEREST FREE!
All prices are in GBP. An admin fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments. Your first payment is your Registration Fee .
PAY IN FULL
£1250
/ TOTAL PER PERSON
SIGN UP TODAY
All prices include VAT and are subject to an administration fee of 2.99% at the 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 April, 3 months before the event.
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*When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
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Please see here for full terms and conditions and our cancellation policy.
PROTECT YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING WITH REFUND PROTECT
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
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To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
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To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
Chris W
September 2024
Rat Race The Crossing, another great event
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"The Crossing was my second multi-day event with them, and once again I wasn’t let down.
The ethos of Rat Race events is something to behold, the inclusivity is a cut above and the support from the crew is first class.
Special mention to the crew for their safety first attitude on the first day, ensuring everyone got safely, whether picked up or escorted to the accommodation, they didn’t rest until everyone was back....."
August 2024
Tough riding but joyous scenery
Just completed the Crossing, tough riding but joyous scenery and great company along the way.
The crew were great, pit stops were wonderful, they went out of their way even for us awkward gluten free riders. We were looked after from the minute we arrived until we crossed the finish line at Scarborough. Full mechanical support throughout from an experience mechanic, who looked after broken spokes and busted hubs. The bikes and bodies took a bashing on this one. Highly recommend Rat Race, if your looking for an adventure. I loved it that much I've signed up to do Patagonia and the Hebrides.
RAISE AT LEAST £2000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET UP TO £960 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 £1.6million for Children with Cancer UK and we would love for you to join the team to help us chase down that £2million 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 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 £2000, 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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