Moonlight Challenge

DATE: Saturday 23rd February 2008

VENUE: Gate Inn Marshside CT3 4EB

START: 18:00hrs Saturday - FINISH: 02.00h Sunday

Cut Off - 8 hours / Last lap 00.30

The 2007 Race Report:

Thanks to everyone who turned up in the mud, rain and cold to take on the Moonlight Challenge and well done to Daniel Green who completed the 30 miles in 3hrs 57mins.

The Moonlight Challenge was, overall, a success but there were one or two teething problems which will be resolved before the next one in 2008. I’ve given it some considerable thought and have decided to keep it at the same time of the year as the consensus of opinion was that the weather added to the challenge (understatement!). We will however start earlier in the evening (about 6’ish) and endeavour to pick a night when the moon is full. We will also mark the route more fully with more glowsticks and maybe even some lights at the difficult junctions. Daniel Green did the 30 miles in the dark, mud, rain and wind in 3hrs 57mins – well done Daniel! Having to abort the Challenge at the 4hr 15min point because of the weather was a bitter blow to some but in the interests of safety I had to make that decision. Hopefully it won’t be necessary next year.

ROUTE - 30 Miles:

A safe 6 mile (full distance 30 miles) course which allows competitors the option of dropping out whenever they wish. The route will be fully signed and marshalled with first aid and water stations provided. The route will also be marked with fluorescent glow sticks which can be easily seen. We recommend that you bring a head/hand torch. A route diagram is enclosed with these details. We have very kindly been given permission to run on local farm tracks owned by Nick Tapp, Jim Pace and David Botting to whom we offer grateful thanks. Please respect their property.

LITTER:

Please do not drop litter of any kind on the route. Marshals and drink stations will have litter bags for your use.

TERRAIN:

The route is over tarmac roads, good concrete farm roads, reasonable farm tracks and approx. 300m of rutted, unmade track. The ground can be uneven and difficult in places.

             Picture - The Terrain for the 2007 Event

WEATHER AND CLOTHING:

Barring a hurricane, blizzard, two feet of snow or dense fog, the Challenge will take place. However, the weather is quite likely to be cold and wet so you should bear this in mind when deciding what to wear. The layer principle is a good one to use. Make sure you bring something dry and warm to change into when you finish.

NUMBERS

All the Challenge numbers are bar-coded. Please keep your number in a safe place and remember to bring it with you on the day. Team members will have individual numbers with their name on them.

RGISTRATION AND MEDICAL

Registration will open from 05.00hrs on the day of the Challenge. All Challengers (including all team members) must register before starting. At that time, you will be asked to sign a simple disclaimer regarding your fitness to take part, any allergies you may have to specific medications and your willingness to be treated by the first aid team should that prove necessary.

CHANGING:

There will be basic changing facilities, but no showers. You will be provided with a bag in which to put clothing and belongings. May we remind you that the organisers accept no responsibility for your possessions. Do not bring valuables to the event.

CAR PARKING:

Car parking will be available. Please ensure that you park in the official Challenge car park which is close to the start. Please try to keep vehicles to a minimum. If you or your friends arrive late, or leave whilst the Challenge is in progress, remember that challengers may be on the road, so take extra care.

TIME LIMIT:

There will be a cut-off point at 10 hours when the event will be closed. Challengers who have failed to reach their last lap by 07.00hrs may not be allowed to start the last lap at the event officials’ discretion.

RESTING:

You may rest whenever you wish for as long as you feel necessary, but remember you must be inside the last lap before 07.00h.

WATER STOPS AND FOOD:

There will be a water/drink station at least every three miles. Use these water stops even if you do not feel thirsty at the time. Once you begin to feel thirsty, it is already too late - do not allow yourself to dehydrate. Safety vehicles also carry water. We will also be providing hot drinks and basic snack foods during the Challenge and bread and soup when you finish.

LAPS:

All individuals must ensure their Challenge number is recorded each time they start a new lap. There will be a lap recorder, but it will be your responsibility to ensure your number is recorded as you pass through/passed the lap gate. Once you have passed through the gate and your number recorded you will be deemed to have started your next lap. You should therefore ensure that you have everything you need for the next lap (drinks, clothing, medications etc.) before that point.

PULLING OUT:

If you wish to retire from the Challenge, you can do so at any point on the route. Between water stops, flag down any of the safety vehicles monitoring the route and ask to be taken to the main control point. On arrival your distance completed and time taken will be registered, and your Challenge number recalled.

LEAVING THE ROUTE:

Once the Challenge has started you may not leave the designated route other than at the start/finish area. You should ensure that you use the toilet facilities at this point. Any challengers found off-route will be deemed unfit to continue.

AWARDS:

All individuals will receive a certificate detailing the distance completed and the time taken regardless of how far they get. Everyone who take part will receive small medals regardless of distance covered but special medals are awarded for 20 and 30miles. Remember, the Challenge is an individual test of character and not a race – everyone who takes part is a winner!

CHARITY:

There is no official charity for the Challenge. However, you are free to use the event to raise monies for any good cause you choose. Please note that no charity monies should be sent to the Challenge organisers, but to the charity of your choice. So far, the Challenges have raised an estimated £25,000 for charities and good causes!

If you want to download a copy of the above details please click here

HELPLINE:

If you have any queries regarding the Challenge, or would like tips on how best to train for it, you can contact Mike by phoning 01227 265536 or emailing the address below.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ENTER BOTH CHALLENGES CLICK HERE

The following terms and conditions apply to all competitors and acceptance must be selected on the entry form. Please enter me/us for the Moonlight challenge on Saturday 20th January 2007. I/we have read the information on this site/sheet and agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined therein. I/we enter at our/my own risk and agree not to hold the organiser responsible for any injury or loss to ourselves/myslef or to our/my possessions as a result of taking part. I/we have selected the agreement in the above box and this will be taken as my/our signature/acceptance.

Cheques/Payment:

Please enlcose a cheque for £40 (team entry)/£25 (individual entry) and a LARGE STAMPED, SELF ADDRESSED envelope for the return of numbers and other information.

Cheques should be made payable to: "50 Mile Challenge"

Post your cheques and SAE to: 50 Mile Challenge, 2 Douglas Avenue. Whitstable Kent CT5 1RT