Hebridean Challenge 2010

Here it is, the advanced info for Heb 2010, hot of the press following much consultation and debate. This is it; the website will be update asap.

Hebridean Challenge 2010 - News Update

The route will remain as the classic week long Multi-sport stage race, journeying along the length of the Outer Hebrides from the Island of Barra to the Butt of Lewis. Just look at it on a road atlas – it’s simply awesome and a lot longer and wilder than many realize. The 2010 Race will be from Sunday 4th July to Friday 9th July, starting with a half day Prologue on Barra, and then racing from Eriskay to Lewis, Monday to Friday.

There will be three distinct categories – Teams, Pairs and Trios – this latter category being a new development for 2010.

Hebridean Challenge – ‘Team of Five’ – This is the original Heb Challenge format and the UK’s toughest Mountain Multi-sport Adventure Race. A relay format with the mixed sex team covering all disciplines; running, MTB, cycling, swim, kayak. Not all team members need to do every discipline/stage.

Hebridean Challenge – ‘Pairs’ - Team of Two – covering all disciplines, (as above) in a self supporting relay. One of the pair needs to be sea kayak specialist, and ideally the other a swimmer; both will need to run, cycle, MTB … it’s a busy race experience.

Hebridean Trio Challenge ‘HTC’ – The new Non-Kayaking class, but with swimming stage(s). This new class has the strap-line of ‘three mates in a car’ and is the simplest and cheapest way to access The Heb, as it can be done using the average sized car with just two bikes. The logistics and slightly easier route choices and ‘accessibility’ is designed for Heb newcomers and those wanting a relatively easy/stress free adventure. It will also be an excellent way to ‘suss’ The Heb for future years.

Are you up to The Heb Challenge? – UK racers are often bemoaning the lack of good UK races; well this is the mother of all UK Mountain-Multisport events. It’s not easy … and you won’t get served it to you on a plate, but it’s the original and best. Put it firmly on your agenda now.

Unfortunately the cost of staging such a race is never cheap and the race entry has had to rise in recent years due to some grant funding having expired. Consequently, the race needs to pay for itself, but when you consider the bigger picture, that this is a fabulous week’s adventure, it is worth every penny. The cost will be £350 per person, regardless of whether you are a team, pair or solo.

Start making plans now. There is something for everyone in this mix.
A few simple FAQ's and tips to start;
1) Kayakers will need a three/four star 'ticket' as before
2) Only the teams need to be mixed sex - pairs and trios can be of any combination of gender. We won't be making a fuss about different pairings but discretionary spot prizes may occur depending upon entries.
3) Ferry prices have dropped dramtically. You still need to book a vehicle ticket, and the ferries did book up fast in the 2009 staycation summer. The 5metre vehicle rule is still strongly advised as a guideline, especially for pairs and trios, but we understand that some teams just can not get a vehicle with seats for five people that is less than 5metres, and we can't really police it. (See Pt.4, below) You will have to pay extra for this .. it's your call.
4) Top Tip - travel light - cut the clutter.
5) Bring your mates - have fun - race hard smile lots.
6) All classes are 'self-supporting', ie you don't need a support crew or driver. One of your team will act as driver during each stage.

If you have any questions please fire them to me. I'm trying to get the basics out as early as I can so that you can commit to doing Heb 2010.

The Heb is a 'must do race' - do it in 2010.

More soon.

Joe
Heb 2010 Race Director