All The Race Info You Will Ever Need!!

QUESTIONS? THIS FAQ WILL HELP YOU OUT

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Read This Before You Enter

Strict Cut-off Time

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Please note that Round the Rock Ultra is a tough challenge, and you must be prepared for the possibility of not completing the race within the 12-hour cut-off. The cut-offs are strict, and you will not receive a medal if you finish past this time. Do not put us in the awkward position of having to justify this to you on race day should you fail to meet the cut-off.

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With regards to the half marathon and marathon, however, there are no cutoffs as such. The Marathon starts at 9am and the Finish line closes at 7pm, therefore runners have this time to finish the race. The same also applies to the half marathon race, with the time from 11am to 7pm being allowed to complete the race. We do reserve the right to withdraw runners who appear unable to complete the course within these given times. 

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Course Markings

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Be prepared for course markings only at decision points where there is a change in the route (This applies to all race distances). This might mean no markings for several miles due to a straight path or road with no turnings off. It is your responsibility to:

 

– Keep an eye out for the signage.

-Be familiar with the course.

-Have a GPS device with the course .gpx file on it to help you navigate.

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Aid Stations

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We provide food at aid stations as an addition to the food you will have in your drop bags. The food we provide is a top-up and should not be relied upon to get you around the whole course. We will provide sufficient water and coke for you while on the course and additional water stops if it is very hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need Trail Shoes?

Yes, you do – the north coast is very technical and rocky in places, and if it rains, the rocks may become very slippery. Trail Shoes are the only suitable footwear for a race of this type – please purchase them and break them in plenty of time for the race. The only exception to this is for the relay on leg one – leg one is on the road, so runners running this leg only can wear road shoes.

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Can I use Walking Poles?

Yes you can.

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Am I allowed a crew, pacers, or any outside assistance?

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In short no, you are not. This is a solo challenge. We provide a drop-bag facility at halfway points, as well as food and drink at regular intervals. If a runner is perceived to have received outside help, action may be taken in line with the event rules at the bottom of the page. Outside help is perceived as any assistance from someone outside of the race (e.g., bringing fresh trainers to a pre-arranged meeting point on the course, or providing additional drinks or food). This is in the interest of all runners having a level playing field to complete the race and achieve their goals.

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Is there a drop bag facility?

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Yes, we take your bag from the start to the Les Fontaines CP for you (Ultra Marathon only). We will also take the Half marathon and marathon bags from their respective starts to the finish for you. Please bring the bags to the race start on race day and be sure to attach your name and race number to the bag.

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Are all items on the mandatory kit list really needed?

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We prescribe these items because you will be out on the course for a long time, and the weather can change. If you fall over or get into difficulty while on the course, warm clothing might be required. Even for runners taking part in the relay, marathon, or half marathon events, all runners will require mandatory kit items. The shortest leg of the relay is 10 miles, which can still be a long way to run if it’s a hot day or you get into trouble. Our duty of care is to ensure that all runners are adequately equipped. Anyone who appears not to be carrying the mandatory kit will be unable to start the race until they can show that they have the necessary kit – no exceptions.

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Is the course marked?

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Yes, the course is marked to ensure that at decision points along the you will be told where to go. The general principle of these types of races is one of adventure, so each explicit twist and turn will not be marked. However, as long as you keep the sea on your right all the way round, follow footpaths unless indicated to do otherwise, and pay attention to the signage on the course, you will be fine. If you are in any doubt about your ability to navigate the course, please download the GPS file (available on the entry page) and use it to ensure your success on race day. If you are having issues with the GPX file, try Googling how to load a GPX file to your particular method of navigation. Alternatively, you can use a recommended app that supports GPX files.

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GPX Course Files

Round the Rock Ultra – Download here

Round the Rock Marathon – Download here

Round the Rock 1/2 Marathon – Download here

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The GPS file does not open?

To access a gps file you will first need to save the relevant file to your computer.  To do this right click on the download and choose ‘save as’ and save it to your computer.  In order to view / use the file it will have to be imported onto a device that allows you to view & use it. Please Note-If you open the file on your computer it will appear blank / full of gibberish!  It can only be viewed by importing it onto a gps device (eg Garmin Fenix, Suunto Ambit etc) or by viewing it using a computer program that will access the information. As you can imagine we can’t provide technical support on each and every device and gpx files, but Google is a very handy resource for this. 

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How far apart are the aid stations?

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Water stations are approximately 10 miles apart on this course. You are expected to carry water receptacles to carry enough water to sustain yourself between these stations. If it is a hot day, while we will ensure we have sufficient water at the checkpoints to ensure your safety, it is your responsibility to carry enough water to hydrate yourself. We will also be going cupless; therefore, if you wish to drink coke or squash at water checkpoints, you will be required to carry your own reusable cup.

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What foods and drinks are at Checkpoints?

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On the aid stations, there will be supplies such as coke, sweets, some savory food, and possibly soups on at least one of the stations. However, runners are expected to bring enough calories to support themselves, with the food at CPs being supplementary to this.

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Are there any pre-requisites for this race?

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It is a requirement of entry that all entrants for the Ultra event have completed a trail race, long-distance walk, or road race of at least marathon distance. The race organizer may seek confirmation of your race information.

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How far is the race?

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The Ultra race is a 48-mile race; however, the distance will definitely not be exactly 48 miles, so please mentally prepare yourself for this. If you run the beach rather than the road at St. Ouen’s and St. Brelaide’s (tides allowing), you can make quite significant distance savings, but it can get quite bumpy.

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How stringent are the cutoffs?

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The Ultra is a tough challenge – please do not enter if you are unprepared for the possibility of not completing the race within the 12-hour cutoff. Cutoffs are strict, and you will not receive a medal if you finish past this time. Please do not put us in the awkward position of having to justify this to you on the day should you fail to meet the cutoff. Any Ultra Marathon runners who do not make it to CP2 within 6 hours will be withdrawn at this point and unable to continue within the race event.

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Why all these rules and requirements?

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Every rule specified in our race info is there to either ensure the safety, the comfort of participants, or to preserve the intended spirit of the race. Each of the rules has usually been borne out of a situation that occurred previously and has been implemented to mitigate this. Essentially, we are all adults and know right from wrong and the common-sense way to do things. If we stick to these, we won’t go far wrong.

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What weather can I expect?

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Because the race is in August, it will generally be expected that it will be warm. Please train in anticipation of this and take all necessary precautions to ensure your comfort and safety on the day.

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What if I have any medical conditions?

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If you suffer from any medical conditions, please ensure that you place a Red Cross on your race number before race day and write your medical conditions on the back of the race number with an I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) contact also.

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What do I do in the event of an emergency?

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In case of an accident or a runner wishing to retire and no mobile signal is available, either walk to the nearest checkpoint if it is safe to do so or ask a passing runner/walker/marshal to pass on details of the incident and personal details to the nearest checkpoint. If you do retire from the race between checkpoints, please contact the race director as soon as possible to explain the situation. We do not want to be alerting emergency services when a runner is actually sitting in a pub. If you come across a runner who is injured or in distress, you must stop and see if you can assist, contact the race director, or inform marshals. There will be non-competing runners on the course who will act as sweepers; they will be there to help.

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What about hazards on the course?

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The route follows cliff paths and is hazardous in certain places. As organizers, we will highlight potential hazards, but you must be aware that there may be other hidden dangers. Do not attempt to overtake on narrow/dangerous sections; please wait until it is safe to do so and allow faster runners to overtake when safe. If you do not feel that you can continue, please inform a marshal at the next checkpoint, contact the race director, or inform other runners. Remember, it may be hot, windy, or wet, so please take care!

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Are there shuttle buses for the relay, marathon, and half marathon?

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There is no shuttle bus for the above races. We are a very small race and don’t have resources to facilitate this. For transportation options, consider local bus services or taxi companies.

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The Round the Rock Ultra is designed to be a challenging and rewarding experience for all participants. By adhering to the rules and requirements, preparing adequately, and respecting the course and fellow runners, you will be able to enjoy a memorable race day.

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More FAQ’s here

Race Rules & Conditions of Entry

 Event RuleReason For RulePenalty For Non-Compliance
1No unofficial runners are allowedTo ensure fair competition, maintain race integrity, and for insurance and liability purposes.Lifetime Ban of runner from all events at RD Discretion
2Bib number must be visible on frontTo easily identify runners for timing, safety, and organizational purposes.One Hour Time Penalty
3Follow the marked trail/courseTo maintain the fairness of the race, protect the environment, and ensure the safety of all participants.Assessed on a case by case basis based on intention and severity – Time Penalty / DQ / Ban
4Complete the course under own powerTo ensure a fair and equal competition among all participants, and to maintain the spirit of self-sufficiency in trail running.DQ from race, and ban from future events
5No storing supplies along the trailTo discourage littering, maintain a level playing field, and preserve the integrity and self-sufficiency aspect of the race.Assessed on a case by case basis based on intention and severity – Time Penalty / DQ / Ban
6Strict enforcement of cut-off timesTo ensure runner safety, timely allocation of resources, and maintain the integrity of the race.Assessed on a case by case basis based on intention and severity – Time Penalty / DQ / Ban
7Littering is prohibitedTo protect the environment, respect the natural beauty of the trails, and maintain good relationships with landowners and the community.DQ from race, and automatic ban from future events
8Inform organizers of withdrawalTo ensure the safety of runners and prevent unnecessary search and rescue operations, as well as for accurate race results.Potential ban from future events
9Minimum age on race day is 18To ensure participant safety and comply with insurance and liability requirements.DQ from race, and potential ban from future events
10No pacers permittedTo maintain the self-sufficiency aspect of the race, ensure a fair competition, and manage course congestion.DQ from race, and potential ban from future events
11Carry mandatory equipmentTo ensure runner safety, promote self-sufficiency, and maintain the integrity of the race.DQ from race, and potential ban from future events
12Random gear checksTo verify compliance with mandatory equipment rules and ensure participant safety.DQ from race, and potential ban from future events
13No dogs accompanying runnersTo protect the environment, ensure participant safety, and comply with landowner regulations.DQ from race, and potential ban from future events
14No crewing allowedTo maintain the self-sufficiency aspect of the race, ensure a fair competition, and manage course congestion.DQ from race, and potential ban from future events
15Comply with instructions from race managementTo ensure participant safety, maintain the integrity of the race, and efficiently manage the event.DQ from race, and potential ban from future events
16No abuse or aggression towards staff or runnersTo maintain a safe and positive environment for all participants, volunteers, and staff, and to protect the reputation and future of the race.DQ from race, and automatic ban from future events

By entering Round The Rock you are agreeing to the following conditions:

 

 

  • All entries will be accepted at the discretion of the Race Organisers.
  • Entrants must be at least 18 years old on race day.
  • It is a requirement of entry that all entrants for the Ultra event have completed a trail race, long distance walk or road race of at least marathon distance. The race organiser may seek confirmation of your race information.
  • Cut off time for finishing is 12 hours. 
  • If a runner is not at the halfway point (CP2) before 6.5 hours, they will be timed out at that checkpoint and unable to continue.
  • Any runner arriving after CP2 has closed will not be permitted to continue under any circumstances.
  • Any runner arriving at the finish line after the 12 hour cut off will not receive a finishing time or medal, but you will receive TLC!
  • Runners will be required to carry sufficient food / water, first aid and blister kits to ensure their personal safety between checkpoints. (Approx. 10miles).
  • The route takes you through protected environments and we insist that you keep to paths and trails.
  • There will be other cliff path users / live stock on the course so please be respectful and close gates.
  • There will be some section on public roads, please stay on pavements wherever possible and use road sense.
  • We will endeavour to mark the route clearly, it is the responsibility of each runner to ensure they are familiar with the route. The website has links to maps where you may view the course and a GPX file that can be downloaded.
  • We ask for all runners to carry mobile phones and take note of the contact detail for Race Director 07797827383. Please note that signals are not always available on the North Coast. Please ensure that your phone operates in Jersey.

Mandatory Kitlist – Applies to All Race Distances

If you appear to not be carrying or equipped with any of the following at the start we will carry out a kit check. Anyone found not to be carrying or equipped with he following will be unable to start the race. By entering the race you agree to abide by these requirements (Kit list applies to all races within the event)

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  • Trail Shoes – Mandatory as the trails are slippery.
  • Sun Hat (or adequate head protection including a buff) – It gets hot in August! 
  • Sunscreen – See above
  • A water receptacle (s) to carry at least 1 litre of water
  • A cup should you require coke at checkpoints or at race end. (we are a cup-less race at all points of the race)
  • Enough Calories to see you between each checkpoint
  • Charged Phone with my telephone number in – 07797827383 (my number only to be used in emergencies) and what3wordsapp downloaded
  • Spare layer in case of inclement weather
  • 1 Drop bag if you have further nutritional requirements for CP2 and are taking part in the Ultra.

Race Start

  • The race starts from the Steam Clock, St Helier (beside tunnel and Weighbridge area) at 7am.
  • Race organisers will be there from 6am for questions and pre-arranged late number collections.
  • The marathon start will be at CP2 at Les Fontaine’s at 9am, please arrive at 8:30am in time for the pre race chat and start. There is no time completion cutoff in place for the marathon, however the overall course closes at 7pm – runners not appearing to be on pace to complete in this time may be pulled from the course. 
  • The Half Marathon will start at The Watersplash (exact location will be communicated in due course) at 11am, please arrive at 10:30am in time for the pre race chat and start. There is no time completion cutoff in place for the 1/2 marathon, however the overall course closes at 7pm – runners not appearing to be on pace to complete in this time may be pulled from the course. 

Checkpoints

  • Checkpoints will be approximately 10 miles apart.
  • Water will be provided to refill your bottles / hydration packs. (Average usage is 500ml per hour, so be prepared to carry 1litre). WATER WILL NOT BE SUPPLIED IN BOTTLES OR CUPS.
  • Checkpoints will also supply cups of coke and some basic food (crisps, sweets, flapjacks etc). Runners must ensure that they carry sufficient supplies.
  • Checkpoint 1 at St Catherine will provide water only.
  • The 22 mile checkpoint at La Fontaine has a cutoff time of 6 hours – runners not making CP2 by this time will be timed out. It is also the half way bag drop. Bags will be returned to finish.
  • As race organisers we reserve the right to alter these times depending on race day conditions.
  • The checkpoints below are also the relay changeover points for the 5 man relay, it is the teams responsibility to co-ordinate these. Les Fontaines is the changeover point for the 2 man relay. 

Where to Stay & Travel

Current States of Jersey Coronavirus Travel Info here

Jersey is an amazing place to visit. We have excellent travel links with the UK and Europe with the main airlines servicing Jersey being BA, Easyjet and Flybe.  There are some good budget accommodation options namely the Premier Inn in St Helier and campsites in the North of the island and the West.  You can also go to www.jersey.com,  or click the link below to find “Visit Jersey” or have a look at the interactive map below which details availability and prices of hotels around the start area and beyond on that weekend.

 

Here is the bus company website for the timetables, and here is a list of taxi firms with phone numbers.