Registration
On the morning of the Challenge, registration will take place between 8:00am and 8:50am at the Links car park in Nairn. Please note that there is no registration at the Start of the foot section at Auchterteang.
The Links are adjacent to the central beach in Nairn, and well signposted. There is car parking at the Links where the Air Cadets will be acting as marshals.
The finish is also at the Links, and participants may leave clothing etc at the Links in a clearly numbered bag. There are Portaloos at the Links and there are also public toilets nearby a few minutes walk across the Links westwards. There are also Portaloos at the Start at Auchterteang.
Numbers
Team leaders are sent numbers to be attached to bikes and numbers to be worn by team members. Personal numbers are designed to be attached to the chest so as to be visible – they should not be used to number bikes. On the reverse of the personal number entrants should write any medical condition or medication which would be useful in case of an emergency.
The bike numbers should be attached to bikes using the plastic ties provided. Numbers should be clearly displayed at all times during the event, with cycle numbers securely and visibly attached to the front of bikes. If a number is not clearly visible a participant may not be checked off at the checkpoints with consequent safety implications.
When participants register at the Links, they should check that they are wearing the correct number. Team leaders should ensure that their team members know their numbers and are aware of arrangements.
The Start
Participants will be taken to the starting point of the Challenge at Auchterteang by bus. Participants will be checked on as they board the buses.
Participants should not leave their bus after they have been checked on. A short briefing which will be given on each bus before it departs.
Supporters should not go to the Start. Photographers will be present to record the Start. Participants should look out for passing traffic as they disembark from the buses and cross the road. There will be a number of Portaloos along the track.
The event will start as near to 10.00 am as possible. Participants who arrive on the first buses should expect to have a wait of about 30 minutes, and should ensure they can keep warm if the weather is cold.
The buses do not return to Nairn. If a participant wants any item of clothing etc taken back to the Links they should leave it at the start in a numbered bag.
Please leave room near the start line for those who will be running to set off first.
The Finish
Participants are recorded as they cross the finishing line, so it is important that their number is clear. Medals are awarded at the finish.
Refreshments are available free to participants in the Inner Wheel tent. Finishers may also walk over to the Swimming Pool and take a free dip or a shower. Uncle Bob’s Bar will also have a marquee.
Non-finishers
Although participants are entered in teams, each participant is treated as an individual and failing to finish does not prevent team members from receiving their medals.
Participants who become exhausted should not carry on. Please remember there’s always next year!
If a participant is unable to finish it is essential that they inform an official, ideally at one of the checkpoints, so that they are not considered missing and become the subject of an unnecessary search.
If any participant feels unwell or is in difficulty, they must not leave the route. All participants are encouraged to report anybody in difficulty when they reach the next watering station or see an official. As a final back-up there is a sweep team, which travels the whole route on foot and bike behind the last participant. A comprehensive communications network is in place, with First Aid provided by Outfit
Clothing and Equipment
Not every Nairnshire Challenge is blessed with sunny and warm weather, and participants must be prepared for the worst. It might be rainy, wet and cold, and the foot section in particular is long, and in places remote and exposed.
The organisers strongly recommend that participants take waterproof clothing and an extra sweater/fleece.
Participants should wear suitable footwear as the foot section is over rough and stony Landrover tracks.
Water, isotonic drink, bananas and Mars Bars will be available at watering stations, and participants are encouraged also to take their own supplies if possible.
Cycle helmets MUST be worn on the bike section. Participants are advised to carry their own spare inner tube and a pump. Bikebug in Falconers Lane just off the High Street in Nairn have kindly agreed to continue the tradition of supporting participants by selling helmets at a 20% discount and offering to check bikes on the understanding that they would provide any parts and servicing required.
