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GET READY FOR A NEW ULTRA IN LONDON!
AN ALL TERRAIN ROUTE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY
ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 5, 2019
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GET READY FOR A NEW ULTRA IN LONDON!
AN ALL TERRAIN ROUTE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY
ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 5, 2019
​
GET READY FOR A NEW ULTRA IN LONDON!
AN ALL TERRAIN ROUTE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY
ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 5, 2019
​
Frequently Asked Questions
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WHY DO I GET REDIRECTED TO LET'S DO THIS WHEN ENTERING?We have partnered with Let’s Do This to take event entry bookings. When you enter an Ultra Series event, your entry information and payment is processed by Let’s Do This and passed securely to us. Your bank statement will show Let’s Do This against your event entry and you will receive a booking confirmation email from Let’s Do This, in addition to your usual entry confirmation email from us. All pre event advice and information will arrive in your inbox from Ultra North.
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HOW CAN I LOG IN AND CHANGE MY DETAILS?If you need to make changes to any of your contact details please contact us here and we can sort that for you
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CAN I WALK THE ENTIRE ROUTE?Yes you can, subject to the event cut-off times. When you register, please state a realistic completion time, including time for eating, drinking and toilet stops. You can alter your estimated completion time at any stage up to 15 May by emailing us at info@ultranorth.co.uk. Please note that this event will operate strict cut off times to ensure that all participants have completed the route by 19.10hrs. ULTRA 55:Cut off point 1: At Checkpoint 4 at Lintzford Road, located approx. 44km from the start. Any participant who has not passed this point by 16:48 hrs will not be permitted to continue. Finish cut off: The final cut-off time is 19:10 at the finish line. Participants must cross the finish line before this time to receive a finishers medal and have a recorded time. TRAIL 25: Cut off point 1: At the 25km checkpoint at Spen Lane which is approx. 13km from the start. Any participant who has not passed this point by 12:58 hrs will not be permitted to continue. Finish cut off: The final cut-off time is 19:00 at the finish line. Participants must cross the finish line before this time to receive a finishers medal and have a recorded time.
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DOES THE EVENT HAVE CUT-OFF TIMES?Yes. This event has generous cut off times to ensure that all participants have completed the route by 19.00hrs. ULTRA NORTH 55: Cut off point 1: At Checkpoint 4 at Lintzford Road, located approx. 44km from the start. Any participant who has not passed this point by 16:48 hrs will not be permitted to continue. Finish cut-off: The final cut-off time is 19:00 hrs at the finish line. Participants must cross the finish line before this time to receive a finishers medal and have a recorded time. ULTRA 25: Cut off point 1: At the 25km checkpoint at Spen Lane which is approx. 13km from the start. Any participant who has not passed this point by 12:58 hrs will not be permitted to continue. Finish cut-off: The final cut-off time is 19:00 hrs at the finish line. Participants must cross the finish line before this time to receive a finishers medal and have a recorded time.
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WHAT DO I GET FOR MY ENTRY FEE?Entry into the event Exclusive finishers medal Exclusive finishers tee shirt Chip timing A fully signed route Checkpoints/aid stations along the route with food and drinks Medical support
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IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES INTO EACH DISTANCE/ CAN I ENTER ON RACE DAY?We may limit the number of entries available so enter early to avoid disappointment. Unfortunately, no entries can be accepted on race day.
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IS THERE A MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARD TO ACHIEVE BEFORE I CAN ENTER?There is no minimum qualification standard required to take part in ULTRA NORTH, however we strongly advise that participants have some experience of long distance events, and ensure that they have trained and prepared adequately as you will be expected to be self-supported for much of the event. This is not an event that you should enter and participate in if you have not trained adequately or achieved significant distances in the past.
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IS THERE MANDATORY GEAR TO CARRY ON RACE DAY?Yes. All participants must carry some basic provisions and minimum kit with them at all times, including: Fully charged mobile phone with Ultra North event control number saved on the phone (and power pack if needed) Debit/credit card to enable travel on public transport if required Running pack to carry mandatory kit Cash/card for any required food/drink purchases on route Foil survival blanket Cup(s) for water (ideally collapsible) or a water bottle Minimum water supply: 1L Food reserve (recommendation: 500kcal minimum for ex: 2 gels + 2 power bars) Closed-toe running shoes There is also recommended kit, depending on the weather. Please see the event guide for details.
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HOW MANY CHECK POINTS / AID STATIONS ARE THERE?ULTRA 55: there are four checkpoints along the route, plus the finish. ​ Checkpoint 1: will be at Hadrian's Wall Path, Newcastle Upon Tyne, approx 13km from the start. What3Words location: design.drives.puff. Checkpoint 2: will be at The Keelman Pub, Newburn, approx 21km from the start. What3Words location: castle.fully.scout. Checkpoint 3: will be at Hookergate Lane, Gateshead, approx 34km from the start. What3Words location: each.cape.chap. Checkpoint 4: will be at Limtzford Road, Rowlands Gill, approx 44km from the start. What3Words location: panicking.landowner.driver. ​ A final checkpoint will be at the finish (55km) at Swalwell Cricket Club. TRAIL 25: there is one checkpoint along the route, plus the finish. Checkpoint 1: will be at Spen Lane, High Spen, approx 13km from the start. What3words location grinning.mutual.scavenger A final checkpoint will be at the finish (25km) at Swalwell Cricket Club.
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WHAT TIME DOES THE RACE START?ULTRA 55 will start from Derwenthaugh Park at 08:00 hrs at Swalwell Cricket Club. TRAIL 25 will start from Derwenthaugh Park at 10.00hrs at Swalwell Cricket Club.
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WILL THERE BE TOILETS AT THE START/ FINISH OR ON THE RACE ROUTE?Yes, there will be toilet facilities at both the start/finish, and at (or very close to) the check points. Public toilets and some portaloos will be available at various locations.
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WHAT FOOD AND DRINK WILL THERE BE ON ROUTE?All checkpoints will have a range of drinks and cold food.
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I NEED TO WITHDRAW, WHAT IS THE REFUND/ TRANSFER POLICY?"We have a flexible policy for transfers, however we are unable to offer any refunds or deferrals. Please read our withdrawal and refund policy for more details.
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WHAT IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED?If the event is cancelled we will endeavour to stage the event at a later date. If you are unable to take part in the re-staged event, you will receive a refund (minus a £5 admin charge). If the event cannot be re-staged at a later date, we will automatically process a refund of participant’s entry fee, minus a £5 admin charge. We will also refund any iTab orders purchased at the point of entry. All refunds are subject to a £5 administrative fee which covers some of, but not all, of the costs we have already been committed, such as fees charged to us to process the original booking, staff time and supplier costs, and third party payment providers. This is very much in line with other event and ticket providers across the industry. See event terms and conditions for our cancellation policy.
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HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH?If you have any specific questions that are not answered within this section you can contact us here.
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ARE THERE AGE LIMITS FOR PARTICIPANTS?To enter ULTRA 55 you must be aged 20 or over. To enter TRAIL 25 you must be aged 18 or over.
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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?As with all ultra-running events, it is important that you wear appropriate kit - and test your kit out on a long run/walk prior to the event. You should be prepared for all likely weather conditions and carry with you the minimum kit required. And remember to train with the gear you plan to race in! Consider the following: Shoes - comfort/cushioning, lightweight, adequate grip for multi-terrain, some of which may be muddy. Socks and underwear - comfort, able to wick away moisture Gloves Legs & upper body - consider the potential of changing temperatures and the potential for wind and rain. Race pack & hydration vest - comfort is key but also consider how much you want to carry with you, and ease of access whilst on the run. For the minimum kit required, see the kit list FAQ.
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ARE DOGS ALLOWED?We love dogs and hope that in future years we will allow them to participate in aspects of the event (accompanied obviously). However, we are limiting the event to just those on two legs only.
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HOW DO I GET TO THE START?ULTRA 55: The start is at Derwenthaugh Park, Swalwell Cricket Club, NE21 6JA (what3words location – window.comet.backup). TRAIL 25: The start is also at Derwenthaugh park, Swalwell Cricket Club, NE21 6JA. By Public Transport Public transport is the easiest way tot get to the start. The start line is accessible by bus from Newcastle City Centre using the X45, X46 or X47 route ran by Go North East from Stand C at Eldon Square. These services run on Saturdays regularly and it is appropriate to exit the bus at the stop on Spa Well Road, turn left and walk a short distance before turning right at the Cricket Club entrance. You can find out more about the route and download gpx route files here. By Car Join the A1, heading towards Metrocentre. On the A1 (Both Directions), take Junction 73 and head towards Consett, Newcastle and Blaydon. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit to Derwenthaugh Road/ A694. Follow the A694 for half a mile, and the Cricket Club entrance will appear on your left-hand side. There is no parking at Swalwell Cricket Club and limited parking throughout the Derwenthaugh Valley. You can choose to walk or cycle to the venue, however, the easiest option would be to use the drop-off facility at the cricket club. Cars will be permitted through the one-way system at the cricket club to drop participants off or get picked up.
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WHERE IS THE FINISH?The finish will also be at Derwenthaugh Park, Swalwell Cricket Club.
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HOW TOUGH IS THE COURSE?The ULTRA NORTH course features a mixture of surfaces. You can expect the terrain to be a mixture of footpaths, parks, woodland trails, riverside paths and disused railway lines. There are also steps in places. Dependent on weather conditions parts of the route may be muddy. Whilst it is not mountainous, there are hills in places that will provide a challenge for participants.
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ARE THERE ANY ROAD CROSSINGS OR GATES/ STILES TO NEGOTIATE?Yes. There are a number of road crossings on the route, some quiet and some will be on busier roads. It is the responsibility of all participants to ensure they travel along footpaths and not on roads, and that they cross roads at suitable and designated road crossing points. Participants must leave gates as they find them (i.e. opened or closed). The event is on public footpaths and other footpath users will be present. All participants must be aware of other footpath users, be courteous and polite at all times. Please avoid running/walking abreast on narrow footpaths.
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IS THE ROUTE FULLY MARKED?Yes, there will be event-specific directional signs and confidence markers throughout the course. At registration and in the briefing before the race participants will be shown the course markers. Due to the nature of the route, certain parts are somewhat complex to navigate and runners are advised to moderate their speed at these points to ensure the correct path is taken. A sports GPS navigation device is recommended if you have one - GPX files will be released closer to the event date. More detailed course notes will be published closer to the event date.
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HOW DO I IMPORT A GPX FILE ON MY PHONE?There are GPX files for both ULTRA NORTH routes, designed to help you navigate your way along the route using your phone, or Garmin device. If you are having trouble importing the GPX route file into an app on your phone, please refer to the help/FAQ section in your chosen app for help. Generally, GPX file import uses the 'Copy to Explore' (iOS), or 'Open with Explore' (Android) method to open in your chosen app on a mobile device once the file is downloaded. iPhone users please note - the "share" function and "Copy to Explore" may not be available to users after the release of iOS 13. If you do not see "Copy to Explore" contact Apple Support or use another method to import your GPX file. If you are having issues on a Garmin device please refer to the instructions on importing a GPX file on a Phone here. What is a GPX file? A GPX file is essentially a digital map of your route that will show you exactly where you are and where you need to go. What do you do with the file? After downloading the GPX files from the Ultra North website you'll need to load them up onto your smartphone or smartwatch. For your phone there are a number of free apps that you can use for this. You could also download the file as a training run on your Garmin Connect. How to use it With most apps you can download the GPX file to your phone, and then open it with your choice of app (Strava, Gaia GPS, ViewRanger, BikeGPX, GPX Viewer). However, if you use the OS Maps app it’s even easier, because you don't even need to download the GPX files at all - they're already on the app! Step 1 - Download the OS Maps app (for free) Step 2 - Open the ‘Explore the OS Map’ link from our routes page Step 3 - Click 'start route' to see your location and follow your way around the route.
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WHERE DO I GET MY RACE NUMBER?All participants must register on the day to receive their bib. Registration will be open from 07:00hrs for 55km participants and 09:00hrs for 25km participants.
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WHERE SHOULD I PARK?There is no parking at Swalwell Cricket Club and limited parking throughout the Derwenthaugh Valley. You can choose to walk or cycle to the venue, however the easiest option would be to use the drop-off facility at the cricket club. Cars will be permitted through the one way system at the cricket club to drop participants off or get picked up. There are car parks in the surrounding area at the following what3words locations: ///freed.lion.visits ///lamp.rubble.blank ///among.term.gravy
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WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE AT THE START/ FINISH?The start and finish location at Swalwell Cricket Club will have registration and toilets facilities available. Baggage storage will be located at the start area. Baggage will be available for collection at the same drop off point runners gave their bags into at the start. There will be food and drink available to purchase at the event village at the finish (from 11am). See the event guide for details.
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ARE PACERS ALLOWED?No pacers are allowed in this event. You are allowed to run with friends (who have also entered the event).
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ARE SUPPORT CREWS ALLOWED?Yes, participants may receive support from friends and family along the course. Naturally this support cannot extend to assisting the participant to travel along the course.
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CAN I STORE MY BAG AT THE START/FINISH?Baggage storage will be located at the start area. Baggage will be available for collection at the same drop off point runners gave their bags into at the start.
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WILL I NEED A MAP?A map and/or GPX navigation are recommended. Whilst there will be event-specific directional signs and confidence markers throughout the course, due to the nature of the route, certain parts are somewhat complex to navigate and runners are advised to moderate their speed at these points to ensure the correct path is taken. A sports GPS navigation device is recommended if you have one - GPX files are available to download here.
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WHAT ARE THE PRIZES / AWARDS?All finishers will receive an exclusive medal and tee-shirt. The first man and woman in ULTRA 55 and TRAIL 25 will receive a commemorative trophy.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO DROP OUT DURING THE RACE?If you need to drop out during the race it is ultimately your responsibility to notify event control (via phoning the event control number or notifying event staff at the checkpoints) of your decision to retire from the event. If you have a bag to collect, you will need to make your way back to the finish line. We will try to help where we can although please note that public transport might be the most suitable option. Except in an emergency or where you cannot continue due to injury or ill health, please make your way to the next checkpoint and inform the event staff at the checkpoint that you intend to drop out. This is important so that we can account for all participants in the event. If you cannot make it to the checkpoint, you must call the event control (number on the back of your race number) to notify them of your location and of your intentions for onward travel (i.e. if you are planning to make your way to the finish). In the unlikely event of an emergency situation call the emergency services first and then call event control. Participants who retire will not receive a medal.
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WHAT LEVEL OF MEDICAL SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT?Medical support is provided along the course and at the finish. However please note that due to the nature of the event participants should recognise the physical challenge and should train and prepare adequately. If you have not been able to prepare properly please do not take part. For much of the route participants are expected to be self-supported. ​If you have a problem that requires medical attention but you can make your way to the next checkpoint please do so. If you (or another participant you are attending to) require medical assistance and are unable to reach the next checkpoint please call the event control - you will be given the event control number at registration on the day of the event and it will be printed on the back of your race number. In the unlikely event that emergency medical attention is required please call the emergency services on 999 in the first instance and then call event control.
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HOW DO I CONTACT THE EVENT DIRECTOR ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT?The event control number will be printed on your race number. Participants will be advised to save this number into their phone at registration.
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