Hello all!
Just came on to the forum to talk about the race, but seems word is already out there about it so I'll just answer the above questions. Please feel free to look around on my site too or visit my Facebook page by searching UTSRACE.co.uk
Price: I'll admit not the cheapest race in the UK, but justified now I've added up all my costs. I'll probably still only break even in the first year as I have to buy a LOT of equipment to make this happen (course markers for example: £1500+).
Entries: I've taken 90 in nearly 5 weeks which is great and gives me some confidence that this will sell out as I'll be capping entries at 100/200 between the distances.
Course marking: Fully appreciate people preferring to race on an unmarked course, it'd certainly make my life a lot easier! But this isn't a nav race.
I want it to be fair for everyone and do my best to eliminate local knowledge advantages etc. Think that's best left for Fellrunning IMO and there are other ultra races in the UK that are unmarked if that's your thing (Paddy Buckley Round too?). I hope to attract an international field in future and they're used to racing on marked courses. Also helps me in terms of competitor safety and event liability.
Markers: Quite right, I cannot guarantee markers won't get tampered with, so all competitors must carry map and compass as a backup, as well as possess the ability to use them, should they need to, due to the nature of some of the terrain the course covers. The markers are there to act as reassurance you're on the right track, more details on the matter are on the website!
It's basically the event I always wished for in the UK and with that amount of climbing is not to be taken lightly. I'm always open to feedback so if you've got any questions please feel free to email me directly:
[email protected]
Hope some of you can make it!
Mike