FAQ
Is this the toughest Triathlon in the World?
We think it is, although these things are of course subjective. Certainly in terms of distance and elevation gain, there is nothing in Triathlon that packs a bike stage with 10000 feet of climbing (nearly 3000m) and a marathon foot stage with nearly 9000 feet of ascent (2600m). The distances are Iron and the terrain is hard as nails.
What’s the difference between the Tri and Duathlon options?
The Challenger category is offered as both Tri and Iron- Duathlon options. Simply, the Tri includes the swim and the Duathlon does not. The Expert (1 day) option is only offered as a Tri.
I have never done a Triathlon before. Is this for me?
Maybe. Our events are designed to be attainable; not impossible.
This is certainly a massive effort for anyone and if you have no Triathlon or multi-sport experience, you will need to step up with some serious training to get you to the Start line. However, it’s doable with mental preparation and a good physical training regime.
In order to have a crack at the Expert event you will need to be in peak physical condition and you should have some experience of Triathlon for sure; you do not need to have done an Iron-Distance event, but any practice or experience of long-distance multi-sport you have gained or can gain prior to this outing will clearly stand you in good stead.
The Challenger Tri option is much more accessible for a large cross-section of adventurers and will suit those looking to step up from shorter Tri distances and/ or progress from events such as our own Scotland Coast to Coast. This challenge is of similar duration and although the mileage is greater, the bike stage is all on road. The marathon stage remains a significant undertaking for all those who attempt it, as it is mountainous, contains a vast ascent and is mostly off-road.
Our Challenger Iron-Duathlon option has been devised for those who don’t fancy the swim and offers the perfect option for those who want a chunky ride on the Saturday followed by a chunky trek or run on the Sunday.
Why do you offer 3 different categories?
This is a hallmark of Rat Race Events: We provide the opportunity for people from all ends of the athletic spectrum to get involved and attempt the event. In the case of City To Summit, we know that there are those who want to attempt an Iron-Distance event in one go: This is Expert. We also know there are those who want a solid weekend of adventure with some social bells and whistles and who very much want to “make a weekend of it.” This is Challenger. The Challenger Iron-Duathlon has been added for those who don’t want to do the swim but who still want to cover the distance.
What if I cannot swim?
You can do the Challenger Iron-Duathlon. It contains all the action of the Challenger Tri, minus the swim stage. You will cover the same distance on the bike and marathon stage as everyone else.
How do you train for this event?
Good question. We have prepared some introductory words and materials HERE. More info will be released in due course.
Is camping included in my Entry Fee and if so, where is it?
For Challengers, camping is included in the Entry Fee for Glencoe (your overnight camp location). Camping is not included in the entry fee for Experts as they will be going non-stop and camping is not included for any participants at the start or the finish of the event.
What food and drink do you offer at the Pit-Stops?
Pit-Stops are provided on the bike stage (x2), at the Glencoe bike transition and on the foot stage (x1). At these locations you will be able to fill water bottles and hydrations bladders; and we will offer cakes, sweets, fruit and small snacks. We will not offer sports nutrition as this is down to very personal choice and you should therefore plan to bring your own sports nutrition gels, powders, bars and other supplies with you. Rat Race Store will be present at the Start-line and at the Glencoe transition area with sports nutrition products for sale.
What sort of bike do I need for this event?
A road bike, Tri or Time Trial bike. The bike course is 100% on public paved roads.
What sort of footwear do I need for this event?
For the marathon foot stage, you will need some good off-road footwear. The majority of the stage is off-road. We recommend reading our kit advice HERE.
Do I need to wear a wetsuit for the swim?
Yes. It’s a 2.4mile/3.8km sea swim in tidal water and you must wear wetsuits. We will issue colour-coded swim caps to all swimmers.
Do I need any other specialist gear for this event?
Not specialist as such, although you will be required to carry some gear that we will insist on. We will publish a mandatory kit list that must be carried by all participants at all times. This is particularly relevant for the foot stage, where we will insist you carry waterproofs and some other mountain safety gear, such as a first aid kit, a head-torch, whistle, compass and a map, plus a safety bag/ bivvy bag. The map and compass is only as a back-up in an Emergency as the course will be way-marked, but you are in a mountainous environment so these materials can be useful in an Emergency.
