Registration:
Registration takes place on Saturday 24 June 2017 between 10.00 am and 11.30 am at By The Way Hostel, Lower Station Road, Tyndrum. Directions are shown on the map at this link:
http://www.tyndrumbytheway.com/by-the-way-location/where-are-we/
At registration you will collect one number for each member of your team (i.e. three numbers in total). These must be worn throughout each leg on the back (note BACK – not front) of each runner’s top. The reason for having a number on the back is to ensure full WHW Race runners are able to distinguish those taking part in the full WHW race from those taking part in the relay. It would be helpful if you could let the full WHW runners know that you are in the relay when passing, and wish them luck – by that stage they will have covered more than 50 miles of the 95 mile race and may be feeling a bit tired.
You will be asked to confirm the names of each team member covering each leg. If there have been any changes to this information since entering the race, please try to update the details on SI Entries beforehand – it will make things easier for the registration team and reduce the level of race administration on the day. You will also be given your race garment for each member of the team, and the electronic timing card as outlined below.
Toilets will be available on the campsite.
If you happen to be leaving a car at By The Way Campsite, please let the officials know when you are registering. The campsite owners have asked that any cars being left are parked at the bottom end of the campsite, to ensure they do not interfere with the other campsite users.
Electronic timing:
You will be issued with a SPORTident Timing Card (SI-Card) at registration.
At each of the checkpoints (and also at Bridge of Orchy for the 1st leg runner), you need to dip the SI-Card in the hole in the top of the SPORTident Timing station and the station will beep or flash. This indicates that a timestamp has been recorded on your card. This procedure is an essential requirement of the race. Follow the same procedure at the Finish and hand your SI-Card to the SPORTident Timing Team. You will be given a small printout showing the split times through each checkpoint on the route.
Each time you register your SI-Card at a checkpoint, data is uploaded onto the SPORTident webserver in real time. This allows Friends and Family to follow your progress throughout the race, either at home on a computer or on any web enabled phone as they support you along the route. Details of the website link will be confirmed in nearer the race.
Should your team need to retire during the event, wherever possible please hand in your SI-Card at a checkpoint on your route
Until each SI-Card has reached the Finish or been handed in at a checkpoint, the event organisers will assume that you are still on the course. There is a charge of £30 for each SI-Card that is not handed in.
Race start:
The relay will start at exactly 12 noon from the car park beside Brodies store in Tyndrum, just off the A82 (at the west side of the Green Welly Store). This is about a 10 minute walk from registration, so make sure you allow plenty time to get there.
Relay changeover points:
There are 3 legs, as shown below. The changeover points are at locations with no parking problems, and which are already set up for the full WHW Race. To minimise congestion relay competitors and supporters are asked to avoid other areas. In particular no access is permitted to the full race checkpoint at Bridge of Orchy, nor on to the minor road to Forest Lodge.
- Leg 1 is from Tyndrum to Glencoe, a distance of approx.17.5 miles;
- Leg 2 is from Glencoe to Kinlochleven, approx.10.5 miles; and
- Leg 3 is from Kinlochleven to Fort William, approx.14.5 miles.
Details of the changeover point locations can be found on the WHW Race website,
Teams are responsible for their own transport between checkpoints and have primary responsibility for the safety of their own team. Whether they want to have a designated driver, or have runners car share and drive different legs is up to each team. No transport is provided by the organisers. The full safety support infrastructure of the WHW Race will be in place, so medical support will be available if necessary from the checkpoint teams. No water or refreshments will be provided at the checkpoints, so please bring your own.
The finish:
The race finish is at the door to Lochaber Leisure Centre in Fort William. The Leisure Centre is about 0.2 miles beyond the roundabout as you come in to Fort William, on the left hand side of the road. Showers are available for runners. Details are shown at the checkpoint link mentioned above.
Prizes:
There is a prize for the first male or mixed team, and a prize for the first all female team. Prizes will be given in Lochaber Leisure Centre immediately after the winning teams have finished.
Walking poles:
No competitor is allowed to use walking poles at any stage of the race.
Dogs:
Dogs are not allowed to run with any competitor at any stage of the race. This is a condition of our event insurance.
iPods/MP3 players:
iPods/MP3 players are permitted, but competitors must be able to hear what is going on around you at all times. Earphones must be removed at checkpoints, at road crossings, when approaching marshals, and at all times when running on public roads. If a marshal signals you to remove your earphones, you must do so immediately.
The route:
If you are not familiar with the route, please be aware that although the majority of it is on runnable trails, there are some mildly technical rocky stretches and a few steep climbs and descents. It is run in stunning scenery but in remote areas with the only event support at the changeover checkpoints. Last year we had a couple of injuries from runners tripping, so take care. All runners will be expected to carry their own drink and snack supplies, and carry or wear appropriate clothing. Most of the route is well marked but if you are in doubt you should carry a Harveys map of the West Highland Way.
Litter and general behaviour:
The West Highland Way is a route of outstanding beauty, and we try to ensure our race is well regarded by the West Highland Way rangers, by those living near the route, and by other users. To this end please make sure you do not drop any litter anywhere on the route, but that you carry it with you to the next checkpoint. Please also show consideration for walkers and other users – they have the same right to be on the route as we do.
Food and refreshments:
A number of businesses on the route have kindly agreed to open their premises and provide facilities for support crews. The cafe at Glencoe Ski Centre (71 miles) will stay open late on the Saturday night to serve food. The Tail Race Inn at Kinlochleven will serve food late, both for sitting in and taking away. We are very grateful for the help of these businesses; please support them if you can.
Twitter site:
The Ronhill West Highland Way Race and Midsummer Highland Relay can be followed at @WHWRace. If you or your support crew are tweeting before, during or after the race, please use the hashtag #whwrace.
I hope you enjoy the event, and look forward to seeing you at the race.
Ian Beattie
Race Director