CHALLENGE INFORMATION PACK

Edinburgh Marathon SUMMARY

Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital is full of contrasts and the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Join us on this once in a lifetime opportunity to run the Edinburgh International Marathon and take in the sights and sounds of this amazing country first hand. Edinburgh is known as the World’s Festival City and loves to celebrate art, film, dance and comedy. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts an incredible atmosphere all year round, not least over the marathon weekend!

Top this fantastic challenge off with a 5-day independent travel period where you can explore, amongst other things, the Scottish Highlands, London and the rest of the United Kingdom.

DISTANCE MINIMUM AGE 26.2 miles (full marathon) 18 13.1 miles (half marathon) DATES EXTENSION TRIP 21st - 30th May 2020 The London Experience $195 (reg. fee) + $500 (balance) GRADING Tough! Marathons are physically demanding challenges designed to push your body to the limit. You should be prepared to put in a lot of training ahead of your race.

2 | EDINBURGH MARATHON. | CHALLENGE INFO PACK. TRIP COSTS

We understand that, when taking on a fundraising challenge, one size does not fit all. With this in mind, we have created an adjustable fundraising plan. This means that whether you are a first-time fundraiser or a seasoned pro, you will be able to tailor your fundraising target to suit you.

When taking on a challenge with us, you HOW DOES IT WORK? can rest assured that all of the money To get started on your challenge, you’ll need to pay your you fundraise throughout the year will go registration fee and pick your fundraising plan. You can choose to directly through to the charity that you are pay an additional installment toward your trip costs in exchange supporting. Once you hit that all important for a reduction in your fundraising target - we call this a ‘flexi fundraising target and your place on the payment’. challenge is confirmed, your charity will use this money to cover the remaining costs of REG. FEE ($390): paid upon sign-up, or opt to split this into two your challenge as well as helping to further instalments of $195, the first due upon sign-up and the second the vital services that they provide. All of due in December 2019. Splitting your reg. fee will incur a small our challenges operate on a minimum admin fee of $25. 50:50 cost ratio and 100% of any Gift Aid or money that you raise above your fundraising FLEXI PAYMENT: you pick how much - paid 10 weeks before target will stay with your charity. departure. Your flexi payment will automatically customise your fundraising target. We’ve detailed your options below.

FLEXI PAYMENT OPTIONS

FUNDRAISE: FUNDRAISE: $2500 FUNDRAISE: £3000 $2000

INSTALMENT 1 INSTALMENT 1 $195 INSTALMENT 1 $195 $195 INSTALMENT 2 INSTALMENT 2 $195 INSTALMENT 2 $195 $195 FLEXI PAYMENT FLEXI PAYMENT $250 FLEXI PAYMENT $0 $500

Once you’ve paid your first instalment and chosen your plan, you are **Please note any extension trips are optional ready to begin your fundraising journey. If you decide to change your extras with costs associated. Please refer to fundraising plan later in the year (up to 10 weeks before departure), simply the Extension Trip section in this pack for the get in touch and we will be happy to help. Please note both instalments of your registration fee are non-refundable in all circumstances except for full itinerary and costs.** a 72-hour cooling off period immediately after your sign-up.

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THURSDAY (21st May 2020) SATURDAY (23rd May 2020) Depart New York for your long-haul flight to Edinburgh. Today is free for you to explore Edinburgh city and In-flight meals build up calories. Why not summit the famous Arthur’s Seat to get a full 360 view of the city? Or simply embark on a wandering tour of the cobbled streets of FRIDAY (22nd May 2020) Old Town and Grassmarket. The whole team will meet in the evening for our pre-race carb-loading meal in You will be met by a Choose a Challenge preparation for the Sunday race. Following dinner there representative at the airport who will give you a briefing will be a marathon briefing where you will receive your and chaperone you to your accommodation right race numbers etc. before an early night ahead of in the city center. The rest of Friday is free for you to race day! explore the city and recover from the long international flight. There are plenty of shops to provide energy bars Multi-share accommodation & gels and other running accessories. Simply ask your Dinner included Choose a Challenge representative to point you in the right direction.

Multi-share accommodation

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MONDAY (25th May 2020) (24th May 2020) SUNDAY - RACE DAY! Today is your last free day in Edinburgh - so make the Today is the day you have all been waiting for – it’s most of a hop-on/hop-off bus tour around the city! Or, race day! you can opt for Highlands bus tour (at additional cost) where you’ll embark on an arranged day-trip into the Everyone will be up early to indulge in a hearty beautiful Scottish highlands, accompanied by a member breakfast and protein shake to kick-start the day’s of our team. preparations. After breakfast we will head off to the Breakfast included start line. Participants in the half-marathon will start earlier than those running in the full marathon.

TUESDAY (26th May 2020) There are plenty of refreshment stations en route, where you will be provided with isotonic drinks, DEPENDS ON YOUR TRAVEL OPTION sponges and fruit. Keep your eyes peeled for eclectic If you’ve chosen to come home early you will depart for performances as you run around the route – there is New York on a long-haul flight back from Edinburgh. a real festival feeling, which adds to the enjoyment! As you enter the finishing straight, soak up the carnival If you’ll be joining us on our London Experience extension atmosphere and the roar of the crowds cheering you trip, you will depart on your extended itinerary today: on with your incredible achievement! Once you have taking a scenic 4-hour train from Edinburgh to London - finished celebrating remember to stretch off your the world’s favourite capital city! muscles to avoid further discomfort on the Monday. After arrival in London, you’ll check-in to your new Multi-share accommodation accommodation and take part in a walking tour of the Breakfast included city.

5 SUMMARY

After completing the race of a lifetime at Edinburgh Marathon, why not top it all off with a 5-day vacation in London! Whilst visiting the UK capital, you’ll be able to see the sights on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, as well as visiting the Warner Bros Studio Tour: the Making of Harry Potter!

With this incredible extended itinerary, make the most of your time in the United Kingdom by visiting some of the world’s most famous landmarks in one of the world’s busiest cities. Take the tube to Westminster, or St Paul’s Cathedral - or catch a red London bus to London Dungeon! Don’t forget to stop by Buckingham Palace to wave at the Queen!

ACCOMODATION REGISTER Multi-share accommodation $195 (due 2nd December 2019)

TRIP DURATION BALANCE PAYMENT 5 days in addition to Edinburgh Marathon itinerary $500 (due 10 weeks before departure)

6 | EDINBURGH MARATHON. | CHALLENGE INFO PACK. TUESDAY (26th May 2020) SCENIC TRAIN EDINBURGH TO LONDON EXTENSION ITINERARY On the first day of your extended itinerary, you will take a scenic countryside train from Edinburgh to London, lasting approx. 4 hours. After arrival in London, you’ll check-in to your new FRIDAY (29th May 2020) accommodation and take part in a walking tour of the Today, your time is entirely your own! Fill your last day city, before having some free time in the evening. in London checking out some of the city’s incredible Multi-share accommodation sights, including the Sherlock Holmes museum, Madam Tussauds, or some of London’s royal parks!

WEDNESDAY (27th May 2020) Multi-share accommodation Today, you’ll step into the magical world of Harry Potter with the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour: the SATURDAY (30th May 2020) Making of Harry Potter! Returning after the tour to your accommodation, you’ll overnight in shared rooms. After your whirlwind marathon challenge in Edinburgh, and your post-challenge adventures in London, you’ll Multi-share accommodation transfer to the airport for your return to New York. In-flight meals THURSDAY (28th May 2020) Today, you’ll have a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of London and some free time to explore - maybe go **Please note that the return flight may be overnight, shopping on Oxford Street, or visit the London Eye! meaning you will arrive back into NY the following day** Multi-share accommodation

7 WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Return flights from New York to Edinburgh/London Transfer to and from the airport Marathon entry fees Hostel accommodation over the weekend Training tips and support Pre-race carb-loading meal 24/7 support and emergency line available In country marathon briefing throughout the itinerary Race number, official marathon finisher’s t-shirt/ medal and timing chip WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED…

Tips and gratuities Travel Insurance (please note travel insurance is compulsory and must be appropriate for the activities involved in your challenge) Items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs and telephone calls Alcoholic drinks Country visa (if applicable) Meals not included on the itinerary

8 | EDINBURGH MARATHON. | CHALLENGE INFO PACK. 72 HOURS IN EDINBURGH!

Okay, so you’re in Edinburgh to run a gruelling 26.2 mile race but hey, Edinburgh is one of the world’s great cities. Whilst you’re here why not check out… great opportunity to get to know and understand your Scottish Whisky’s and is conveniently located just by EDINBURGH CASTLE Edinburgh Castle. Parts of its current structure date back to the early 16th Century although there has been a fortification on the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND site since the Iron Age. Edinburgh Castle today is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the One O’Clock Gun Entrance to the museum is complimentary, although (fired at One O’Clock daily since 1861) and numerous we do recommend you make a small donation fascinating museum pieces depicting the life and towards the upkeep of the museum. A great choice if death of Scottish monarchs and military history over the weather is not so great, the museum is a fantastic the centuries. exploration of the history of Scotland, the wonders of nature and the world cultures - all under one roof. It is centrally located and well worth a stop! ARTHUR’S SEAT Rising high above the Edinburgh skyline is Arthur’s ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA Seat, a 250m mountain situated right in the middle of Edinburgh city. There is no better spot to gain a 360 Discover Her Majesty’s residence at sea - the Royal view of Edinburgh and the 30-45minute hike to the Yacht. Moored up in Leith just north of Edinburgh City summit makes for a fantastic stretch of the legs either Centre Britannia is a great opportunity to see how the at sunrise or sunset. Royal Family lived when they were at sea. You can explore the whole yacht and there is a small tea/ coffee shop on-board. Entrance fees apply. THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE Love Scottish Whisky? Don’t know your Single Malts from your Blends? The difference between an Islay and a Speyside? The Scottish Whisky Experience is a

9 TRIP FAQs

HOW BIG IS THE GROUP? WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE TRIP? The group size may vary, but you’ll be part of a team of at least 20 runners taking part with Choose a Challenge. International flights, accommodation over the race weekend and your race entry amongst other items. Please refer to the trip itinerary for specific inclusions and exclusions above. WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE? All accommodation will be in good quality hostels. We have a WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP COST? good relationship with our suppliers who offer safe, secure and comfortable accommodation suitable for large groups. There are 5 days of independent travel included in your itinerary. Over these days you may plan your own travel at your own cost. Additionally meals are generally not included. Please see the DO I NEED A VISA TO TAKE PART? detailed inclusions/exclusions above. If you are a US Citizen holding a US passport, you do not need a visa to travel to the UK. If you are a non-US citizen please check WHAT’S THE CLIMATE LIKE? with the regional British Embassy as to any entry restrictions.

The weather in Scotland can vary hugely, however at this time of year expect daytime temperatures in the 65-75ºF. DO I NEED SPECIAL RUNNING EQUIPMENT? Yes - a good pair of running shoes. Before taking part in the HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO FUNDRAISE TO race, it is advised to seek advice from a specialist running shop. Each individual has a slightly different running technique, TAKE PART? from transition to toe-off. Many running shops offer a one-to- one service to analyse your running gait and find the most The fundraising target for this event is $3000. suitable shoes for you. Spandex and micro-polyester clothes are recommended for running as they absorb the sweat quickly, HOW MUCH OF THE AMOUNT I FUNDRAISE however this is dependent on your own running preferences. GOES TO THE CHARITY? A minimum of 50% of the fundraising remains with the chosen WHAT IF I GET INJURED? charity of further their aims and objectives. The remainder of the Medical experts are available throughout the course. Whether funds cover the cost of your trip. your hamstrings begin to cramp and you need a hand stretching, or you seriously injure yourself en route, paramedics will be nearby.

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HOW MUCH WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS SPENDING MONEY? WHAT IF I GET THIRSTY DURING THE RACE? All races will provide water and isotonic drinks every few You will not need a significant amount of spending money kilometers unless otherwise stated in the race itinerary. During since some of your meals and event activities are covered the race itself there will be signs providing you with notice that in the cost of the event. We suggest you bring a credit a refreshment station is ahead. There will be helpers distributing card capable of withdrawing money abroad (check with the water from the sidelines and it’s easy to grab the bottle or your bank about charges). You will only need money for additional food & drinks, gifts & souvenirs and any extra cup without interrupting your pace. activities you wish to partake in including the independent travel. WHERE DO I PUT MY PERSONAL BELONGS DURING THE RACE? WHAT IF I CAN’T COMPLETE THE RACE? We would recommend you keep all personal belongings If you injure yourself along the way or simply cannot finish the locked in your safety box in the accommodation. If your race, be sure to pull yourself off to the side as to not get in accommodation does not have a safe, be sure to keep another runners way. If you can, take public transport to the your passport and any other personal belongings in a locked agreed meeting point after the finish line. Alternatively make suitcase kept in your room. There may also be an official bag your way back to the hostel. The marathon authority has drop area organized by the event. medical personnel along the race route and health-care in Scotland is of the highest quality. WHAT SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE CHOOSE A CHALLENGE TEAM? WHEN SHOULD I START TRAINING? Choose a Challenge will meet you at the airport, transfer you Whether you are already relatively fit or starting from scratch, directly to your accommodation where we will offer you an running a marathon requires months of preparation. We introductory briefing to the city and the itinerary ahead. During recommend a 24 week training programme to ensure you the trip we can help organise city activities and tours, we complete the full 26.2 miles. There are a plethora of training will conduct an in depth race briefing, organise starting and schedules online depending on your current ability. finishing points and celebrate in style with the group on the evening of the race.

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