CHOOSE TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND EARN UP TO A £5000 REFUND ON YOUR ENTRY FEE. FIND OUT MORE.
TRAVEL COAST TO COAST ACROSS AFRICA ON AN UTTERLY BREATH-TAKING ROUTE THAT ENCOMPASSES 4 COUNTRIES, GRAVEL, ROAD, MOUNTAINS, DESERT, SAVANNAH, GAME PARKS. PEPPERED WITH A WONDERFULLY WARM AFRICAN WELCOME.
DISTANCE:
3000 KM ON BIKE
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL, LODGE CAMPING AND B&B
LOCATION:
NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, SOUTH AFRICA, ESWATINI
DURATION:
26 DAYS /
25 NIGHTS
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
COMMENCE OUR JOURNEY AT NAMIBIA’S WORLD-FAMOUS SKELETON COAST AND TRAVERSE THE NAMIB DESERT – AS A WARM-UP
SPOT THE ‘BIG 5’ AS YOU TRAVERSE SEVERAL GAME PARKS ACROSS BOTSWANA AND SOUTH AFRICA, INCLUDING IN THE WORLD-FAMOUS OKAVANGO DELTA AND THE KHARMA RHINO SANCTUARY
DIP YOUR WHEELS IN BOTH THE SOUTH ATLANTIC AND THE INDIAN OCEAN ON THIS TRULY MAGICAL COAST-TO-COAST JOURNEY
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
25 nights accommodation
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional road support vehicles, safety staff, medical, mechanical and welfare
ALL MEALS
All meals included as standard, at hotels and in camp, cooked up by our expert catering crew
TRANSFER POLICY
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure date.
TRANSFERS
Airport transfers, including bike transfers.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
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.
"“RatRace Trans Africa was more than just a journey – it was a life-changing experience that created memories for a lifetime. Thanks to @Abby and the entire Rat Race crew for making it possible. If you have ever considered an adventure that combines community, challenge, and beauty, this is the trip for you.“ FULL REVIEW
- Michael June 2024
RAISE £10,000 AND GET UP TO £5000 REFUNDED
SET UP YOUR JUST GIVING PAGE HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE
MORE INFORMATION:
Trans Africa: The very name of this event conjures the thoughts of a life-defining journey. Rat Race is well known for its audacious and innovative concepts and this time we have gone big…very, very big. Travel with us into the beating heart of Africa as we take you from the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, across Botswana’s Okavango Delta and into the vast interior of South Africa with its colourful cultures and awe-inspiring game parks, plus the mystical and exotic kingdom of tiny Eswatini. This is a trip that will perhaps define all other adventures you have ever taken on your bike: 21 days in the saddle across 3000km of the finest terrain we can muster in sub-Saharan Africa; all wrapped up into a classically well-supported, all-inclusive Rat Race Bucket List event for the ages.
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL
Our adventure kicks off in the stunning Namibian town of Walvis Bay which sits on the fringes of the Namib Desert. We'll pick you up from the airport if you've flown in today and take you to our local hotel to get you settled ahead of Registration tomorrow. If you want to explore this beautiful port town we recommend flying in a day early.
DAY TWO: REGISTRATION, BRIEFINGS AND DOWNTIME
After breakfast we will transport you to Henies Bay where this epic adventure begins. After the admin of registration, kit checks and bike checks plus a few briefings, we’ll have an evening meal together before an early night ready to kick off this once in a lifetime journey bright and early.
STAGE 1 NAMBIA TO BOTSWANA
Start Point: Henies Bay
End Point: Builepos (border)
Distance: 770km
Ascent: 4072m
Descent: 2858m
Gravel/Tarmac %: 80/20
In this stage we get a full serving of brilliant gravel riding through classic bush terrain as we make our way across out first country over 6 days of cycling.
All GPX routes are preliminary at this stage and may be subject to small changes after the Test Pilot in June 2024. Final GPX routes will be sent to participants ahead of the event start date. The links are designed to give you an indication of terrain and elevation and also allow you to see the scope of this enormous journey.
STAGE 2 BOTSWANA TO SOUTH AFRICA
Start Point: Builepos (border)
End Point: South Africa (border)
Distance: 1200km
Ascent: 2116m
Descent: 2570m
Gravel/Tarmac %: 10/90
Some smooth riding awaits us in this stage as we hoover up the distance on tarmac interspersed with some stunning accommodation, from authentic lodges to truly special camping experiences including one night at a rhino sanctuary.
Day 10 REST DAY
STAGE 3 SOUTH AFRICA TO ESWATINI
Start Point: South Africa (border)
End Point: Chrissiemeer
Distance: 640km
Ascent: 5919m
Descent: 5021m
Gravel/Tarmac %: 60/40
Get those bucket lists at the ready. In this stage we cycle through game reserves and our safari on wheels kicks into gear. We also have an incredible rest day lined up featuring some hot springs for those aching legs.
Day 17 REST DAY
STAGE 4 ESWATINI TO SOUTH AFRICA
Start Point: Chrissiemeer
End Point: Sodwana Bay
Distance: 420km
Ascent: 5031m
Descent: 6719m
Gravel/Tarmac %: 45/55
The final push! After dipping our wheels into Eswatini we're back in South Africa with the Indian Ocean in our sights and our stunning beach lodges are waiting for us to celebrate in style.
DEPARTURE
After a brilliant night of well earned celebrations on the beach we will transfer you to Durban from Sodwana Bay. With a group airport transfer to King Shaka International Airport available for those travelling home from here.
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation is split between a selection of HOTELS, savannah LODGES, stunning CAMPSITES and some simple B&B style places in regional towns and villages as we make our way coast to coast.
All accommodation is always offered on a twin room basis; or sometimes up to 4 people sharing a small dorm-style room. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant/s of the same sex. If you have preferences for who you share with, you are able to specify that prior to departure with the team.
All of our accommodation is of a good standard – sometimes well-appointed hotels and sometimes of a more basic specification – depending on where we are along the route and reflecting the rustic nature of some of the stages. It will always be practical for the journey-at-hand and will provide a really good place to rest-up at day’s end. The accommodation has all been tried and tested by us on our recce trips.
MEALS
BREAKFAST
We have a travelling catering crew with us on this adventure who will serve up a great breakfast each morning, catering for all dietary requirements. Sometimes there will be cooked breakfast options and there will never be a shortage of good, hot coffee!
DINNER
Our catering crew will serve up a freshly cooked, authentic meal each evening ready to fuel you for the next day. We may intersperse this with local restaurants where available.
PIT STOPS
During the challenge you will have access to our Pit Stops multiple times throughout the journey: A minimum of 3 times per day when you are on the route. On all stages, these will typically be set-up from our mobile support team at set spots on the route.
Pit stops will typically have a minimum of the following available:
Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
Salty snacks – such as chips and peanuts.
Savoury treats – We will feature some fresh local foods and other goodies at selected pit stops, around lunchtime.
A fruit option – such as oranges, bananas, melon and watermelon.
Sweets – including local speciality sweet treats.
Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have – if you 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.
Please make sure you sanitise your hands prior to eating any food. Please, please, please take care with your trash and help us in our aim of leaving these incredible islands tidier than we find them. This is even more critical in this environment, with any lost trash instantly becoming a choking hazard for the marine life we are here to admire.
The nature of an adventure is that sometimes, the uncertain becomes certain! That is all part of the adventure. Whilst we will always strive to pull off ‘Plan A,’ it may well be that for any one of a number of reasons, we cannot do so and we ned to wheel put Plan B, C or D. We do line up contingencies for many eventualities of course. But it is worth knowing that the course may change if we deem it prudent for your safety or for other operational or weather-based reasons and we must always reserve the right to do so. Ultimately our skill and judgement in organising such events is part of why you are entering, so we must be able to exercise this on your behalf where we deem it necessary. If we do have to make a route change, we will strive to inform you in good time (if that is possible). Usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end!
We are mindful that people will inevitably have varying distances to travel to get to Namibia. Our plan is to meet at Walvis Bay in the afternoon. This will allow folk time to fly in earlier that day, or you may choose to arrive the day before and stay locally, allowing you plenty of time in the morning to make the RV later on that day back at the airport.
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, particularly on the longer days (and the hily ones!). But, if you need us and if you need to abandon the route for whatever reason, we are there for you and can pick you up with our support vehicles. The absolute key is that you enjoy this amazing journey across Africa; at your own pace and within your own limits.
We want you to concentrate on the views and the hard work of putting one wheel 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 but there are not really many junctions either! Instead of waymarking, we will be providing 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 the bikes and can use this as a back-up at all times. You may use your own device or rent one from us.
We will then augment this with some marshalled junctions or key turning points on some of the stages, to ensure there is no doubt on route choice in any locations that we think it could be tricky.
At all times, the GPS device can be used to back yourself up on route-finding as and where required, as it will have the full route loaded onto it. If you choose to rent a GPS device from us, we will provide high-tech Garmin Edge navaids, designed specifically for cycling and mounted to the handlebars with a special cradle, for optimum visibility when you are on the move.
Don’t worry – you won’t get lost. But if you do – support is never far away.
We will use a mixture of safety staff in vehicles and we will also concentrate support services at our pit stops. If it does get too much, if you get injured, get too cold, need sustenance, motivational support or otherwise, we will be able to assist and out team will never be far away out on the route. You are in good hands.
It is always good practice to be self-contained when out on long rides, so when you leave pit stops, we will expect you to leave with some snacks on board, a full water bottle and tools and spares on board just in case….just like any other regular ride.
You will be transferred from Walvis Bay airport to our accommodation, which is a stunning seaside town with bags of cultural heritage. All transfers throughout the challenge are fully inclusive within the format and we will transport you, your gear and your bike. At the end of the challenge, we will return you and your gear + bike to Durban and you should plan your onward journey from King Shaka International Airport.
Click ‘Enter Now’ and go through the sign-up process, you’ll then be issued with an event voucher which will automatically reserve you a place in the event you have chosen.
The short answer is no. The price for this event is for everything outlined on the website and it is impossible for us to split this out. Our accommodation is based on group rates and is on a shared basis plus in many locations it is the only option or we have obtained special permission to camp in some incredible locations (tents provided). 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!
June is a great time to visit this part of Africa, temperatures will vary along the route averaging around 22°C - 30°C. At night however this can drop quite dramatically in desert areas to around 10°C.
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.
Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel to Africa 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 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.
This is of course a big challenge set over multiple big days in the saddle. BUT the Rat Race ethos is to set extraordinary challenges for ordinary people. You do not need super-technical riding skills or to be a seasoned Tour de France rider. You do need a good base fitness and you should be prepared for a series of long back-to-back days on the road. But this route is definitely designed to be ‘doable;’ and in no way would this be what we would call a ‘sufferfest.’ You absolutely have it in you. We will ensure we support you the very best way we possibly can. This one is all tortoise and no hare. Unless you really are off the pace, we will not cut you off. Even if you are off pace and you feel you need a bit of a shunt along the route on some of the days, we can pick you up in a vehicle, ‘boost’ you further up the course a bit and you can re-join the trip further up the gang. It’s up to you how you tackle it and we want you to feel relaxed and comfortable, versus under major pressure just to ‘get the job done.’
This adventure has got it all, from the desert to the mountains, savannah, game parks, gravel and road. The terrain is a mix of gravel and road, we have laid out the split in each stage. Overall it is approximately 57% road and 43% gravel.
Yes. This is a fully inclusive itinerary from start to finish, with all accommodation and all meals.
No problem. Where we use hotels, rooms are offered on a twin / shared basis. If you wish to share with a fellow participant, you will be asked to add this information to your event participation form which we will issue you with approximately 3 months ahead of the event.
At Rat Race we are determined to get you on the start line even when life throws up its own obstacles! If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice, whether that be the same event a year later or a completely new adventure! Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed. For Trans Africa this is 1 calendar month before the date of the scheduled on the day Event Registration.Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit voucher are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE.
Race entry includes a brilliant finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tech tee. We will request your t-shirt size in the event details form 3 months ahead of the event and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.
See the 'Kit List' section for full details.
If you need to bail while on the bikes, we will collect you via the Sweeper vehicles and move you forwards on the course (subject to medical advice if it is a medical issue that has forced you to pull out). We are unable to transport you backwards (i.e. we cannot take you back to the start of that stage). You can choose to re-start further up the course if you still want to do some riding that day, or we can take you to the end of the stage.
Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will be kept in the loop closer to the event when we will send out our Essential Event Information approximately three months ahead of the event, detailing the full itinerary, what you need to bring and other important information relating to the specific event you have signed up for. We will also host webinars which you will be invited to (again, closer to the event), where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and go through your kit. There will be a final email one month ahead of the event, just to check you’ve completed all the important forms and are ready for the event ahead.
If you have chosen to pay in instalments, we will also get in touch with you if any of your payments have been missed. You can always get in touch with us though and we're happy to chat! Events@ratrace.com for any general enquiries or for more kit/gear specific questions.
We would recommend a gravel bike for this adventure. We're happy to chat about all things bikes if you have any technical questions please email the team on events@ratrace.com who will be happy to advise.
This kit list is preliminery - you will be notified of any changes to this list ahead of the event.
MANDATORY KIT LIST
General
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Gaffa tape
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Ear plugs
-
Watch
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Snacks/treats – enough to augment the pit stops
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Sunglasses – Cat 3 or better
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Power pack
-
Water carrying capacity of 2 litres minimum
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Duffel for all luggage
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Sleeping bag liner
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Sleeping bag
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Personal First aid kit (See more details below)
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Vitamins
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Sun cream
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Lip Balm with SPF
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Small amount of Milton – for disinfecting water bottles
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Toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Washbag
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Travel towel
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Shower gel
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Alcohol gel x2
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Wet wipes
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Talcum powder
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Nail brush
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Casual clothes for the evenings and travelling
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Fleece
-
Down or synthetic Jacket
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Beanie
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Thick gloves
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Thermal top and leggings
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Waterproof Jacket
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Waterproof Trousers
-
Underwear
-
Socks
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Trainers or boots for the evenings
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Flipflops or sandals – to air your feet
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Sunhat
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Outfit for a meal out/celebration
Cycling phase
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Bike
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Bike box
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Cycling helmet
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GPS device with handle bar mount
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Cycling gloves x 2 (long and short)
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Cycling bibs/shorts (1 x long or have leg warmers, plus cycling shorts)
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Cycling jerseys
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Cycling Gilet
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Cycling Jacket
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Neck buff
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Spare batteries for lights
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High visibility vest or clothing item for tunnels etc
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Chamois cream
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Hydration bladder with backpack (optional)
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Bike shoes
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Socks
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Bar end Lights
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Head torch and spare batteries
Bike spares - MANDATORY (our minimum spec for mandatory spare bike kit )
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4 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre (carry 2 with you at all times when riding)
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Change of tyres – for the off-road section on day 2
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Tyre levers
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1 x puncture repair kit (if running a tubeless set up, have a slime spare and repair kit)
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Peddle spanner
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Bike multitool
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Chain link remover
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Chain links x 2 – ensure they are for your specific bike chain
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Small pump
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1 x gear cable
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1 x brake cable
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Cable ties
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Rear Hanger suitable for your own bike
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Small bottle of oil
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An old rag and toothbrush for bike cleaning
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Bike lock
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Spare torch
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Front light
-
Rear light
Personal Med kit - MANDATORY (Our minimum spec for mandatory medical kit (to be always carried)
-
1 x crepe roll bandage
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Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
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Small set of scissors
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Pain Killers (paracetamol)
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Steri-Strips
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Antiseptic (spray or cream)
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Assorted plasters
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Rubber gloves
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Prescribed medication
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Zinc oxide tape
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Compeed – various sizes
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Lube stick (silicone-based)
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Sudacrem
BIKE RENTAL
We do not have an in country bike hire option, we would recommend sourcing a hire from a company local to you and bringing it with you if you wish to hire a bike. Please ensure you have insurance to cover you for any losses or incidentals.
GPS AND DEVICE RENTAL
Garmin Edge GPS device, plus handlebar cradle – with pre-loaded route, allowing you to push a button and follow the route all the way though the event, without any uploading of GPX files required to your own device.
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
£
/ MONTH DEPENDING ON DEPARTURE
SIGN UP TODAY FROM
INTEREST FREE!
PAY IN FULL
£9000
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
All prices are in GBP. An booking fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments.
PAY MONTHLY INTEREST FREE!
ENTER NOW AND SPREAD THE COST INTEREST FREE WITH OUR INSTALMENT PLAN
We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free*. The payments will be split equally allowing you to budget and plan for this stunning journey. All payments to be made before September, the same year as 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.
RAISE AT LEAST £10,000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £5000 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
-
Regular Children with Cancer UK updates
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A dedicated point of contact at the charity
-
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)
Kat
June 2024
"An absolutely epic journey across a continent."
"Every type of riding, a deeply thought through route that is challenging but achievable (if you are ready to dig deep!). Each day brings something different and unique. The people, the wildlife, the sunrises and sunsets, the stunning African vistas and the team that make it possible all make this a trip of a lifetime..."
June 2024
"An Unforgettable Experience!"
"Participating in RatRace Trans Africa was nothing short of an adventurous journey that exceeded all expectations. From the moment we set the wheels in motion to the final day on the road, every single kilometer was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and incredible experiences.
@Abby deserves special thanks for making this trip possible. Her exceptional organizational skills, passion, and attention to detail ensured that we could focus on enjoying the journey without any worries. No matter what challenges we encountered along the way, @Abby always had a solution ready, making all the difference....."
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