Document Version 1.5: 06/04/2016

Buxton, Sunday August 7th 2016

Participant Guide

Race featured on:

http://ultramarathoncalendar.co.uk/ Table of Contents Table of Contents ...... 2 Introduction and Participation ...... 3 Sponsors ...... 4 Local Accommodation ...... 5 Location, Travel, and parking ...... 5 HQ and Registration ...... 5 Event Schedule ...... 5 Recommended Kit list...... 6 Left bags ...... 6 Navigation ...... 6 Downloadable Map Pack - GPS and PDF ...... 6 Garmin users ...... 6 Race Drone – Optional GPS Tracking ...... 7 Dedicated Mini GPS Trackers ...... 7 Or, Smartphone as a Tracker ...... 7 Supporters and your own crew ...... 8 Voluntary or Mandatory Retirement ...... 8 Pacing ...... 8 Risks ...... 9 Terrain ...... 9 Getting Lost or injured...... 9 Cattle ...... 9 Route ...... 10 Elevation Profile ...... 10 Route Overview ...... 10 Checkpoints ...... 11 Unmanned Self-Clip locations ...... 11 Manned Checkpoints ...... 11 Short-cutting ...... 12 Awards ...... 12 Medical Support ...... 13 Credits and links ...... 14

Introduction and Participation

Welcome to the 2016 Peak Skyrace. This handbook will provide you will all of the information you need to participate in the event. Our primary aim is for you to have a fun, enjoyable and safe event in the beautiful Peak District Hills, and participate in the UK Skyrunning series!

The Peak Skyrace is a 47km (29.4 miles) mile footrace through the Peak District Hills. The course has around 2000m of ascent with a time limit of 8 hours (3.6mph). There are no qualifying events required to participate in The Peak Skyrace. The course is fully marked and self-navigation should not be required, of course it is recommended that all participants carry a map just in case. The event HQ is at Community School, in Buxton. Following a short briefing, all participants will start at 8am. There are three manned checkpoints on the course, all of these are staffed. There are also six unmanned checkpoints, and there are marshals out on the course too. The checkpoint locations are shown in the map below. A detailed map is available for download from the event website.

Sponsors

We would like to thank our sponsors:

Trail running apparel and accessories http://www.raidlight.com/en/ https://www.facebook.com/raidlightUK

You Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/BUFFWEAR Twitter is @BuffLife Facebook is Team Buff UK https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Buff-UK

http://www.torqfitness.co.uk/home

Twitter is: @TORQfitness

Local Accommodation Buxton and the surrounding areas have a great deal of accommodation options available. Basic campsites, B&Bs and hotels are all nearby. and Leek are both 20 minutes away and offer further accommodation options.

Location, Travel, and parking Buxton Community School. College Rd, Buxton, SK17 9EA. Please arrive at 7am to register. There is plenty of on-site parking. Piccadilly train station is approximately a 1-hour journey from Buxton by rail. Buxton Train Station is less than 1 mile away from the school.

HQ and Registration Race officials and volunteers will be available to register you from 7am onwards. Registration will end at 7:45 At registration you will be given:

1 RaceTimer Pro timing chip. 1 Race Number (please bring safety pins) 1 Checkpoint Control Card (to clip at self clip locations)

Event Schedule Sunday August 7th 07:00 - 07:45 Event Registration 07:45 - 07:55 5-minute walk to start line and event briefing 08:00 Start of The Peak Skyrace 16:00 End of the Peak Skyrace

There will be an awards presentation once the male and female 1st, 2nd and 3rd place competitors have all finished the course.

Post-race changing and shower

The venue features a large sports hall with male and female shower and change facilities. You will be able to use these facilities after the race. Recommended Kit list We will not kit-check you on the day. This is not a mandatory kit list, but we recommend you carry these items.

. Trail shoes (road shoes may not provide sufficient grip on some parts of the course) . Dressed in clothing suitable for the weather conditions on the day . Waterproof Jacket . Emergency foil blanket . Whistle. Whistle's attached to a backpacks is fine . Drinks bottle, camelback, or hydration vest . White Peak OL24 map, and compass . A mobile phone . Some additional food for the course to supplement what we offer at CPs . First aid kit and any personal medication

Left bags You can leave a bag at the start/finish if you wish. It will stay there at HQ for you to collect when you finish. It's left at your own risk; we can't be held responsible for loss.

Navigation The course is fully marked with flags and/or barrier tape. We will do our best to ensure the markers are not moved or removed, but always be aware this is a possibility. The course does cross some private land, for which special permission has been obtained for the day of the event only.

The course also crosses nature reserves and moorland for which we have received permission, but the course has been carefully agreed to meet certain restrictions placed on us. Please follow the route markers at all times, and do not short-cut or use any other route, as this may jeopardise event permissions. We recommend that you carry an OL24 (White Peak) Ordnance Survey map, and mark up the course on it, and use the map for backup nabigation.

We would like to thank, The Peak District National Park, Natural , Wildlife Trust, The Knowsley Estate, and all other landowners for their kind permission. Like last year, the event has committed to making a donation, per competitor, to several of the above organisations to help with the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the area.

Downloadable Map Pack - GPS and PDF You are allowed to use GPS if you wish. GPS reception is good on the entire course. GPS files as well as a PDF map can be found in the downloadable map pack. The A3-sized PDF map in the downloadable map pack is provided only to enable you to mark up your own map, if you want to bring one. The PDF is low resolution and printed on 1:50k scale, and will not be suitable for use as a navigation aid.

You can download the map pack here The map contains the following files: The Peak Skyrace PDF A3 size 1:50K scale maps of the whole course (low detail) The Peak Skyrace GPX Generic GPX file, can be imported onto various map application and GPS devices, and smartphones (with appropriate app) The Peak Skyrace Memory Map MMO Memory Map file The Peak Skyrace Google Earth KML file for Google Earth

Garmin users Use Garmin Basecamp (free download) to import the GPX file into “My Collection” within the application. Plug in your device and then “Send to Device” to copy the GPX file to your Garmin. Test that you are able to see the whole route before you arrive at the race. In some cases, you can also use Garmin Training Centre if that is your preferred software. Please email us if you require any advice in this area ([email protected]).

We have also put the Peak Skyrace GPS file on RidewithGPS, which you can download to your device. Race Drone – Optional GPS Tracking

Race Drone is widely used all over the World. The British team at Spartathlon carry RD trackers. They have been used in Greece, Turkey, France, Spain, Kenya, USA, Australia and many more. Race Drone can track participants at virtually every ultra in the UK year, many road marathons, John O' Groats to Land's Ends Word Records, Kilimanjaro expeditions cycle races and more. You can be tracked in any event or personal challenge, 24x7 for safety while training, if you wish it. For Peak Skyrace, tracking is optional. To be tracked, you can either:

 Hire a dedicated GPS mini-tracker  Use your smartphone by installing the Race Drone App, and using its inbuilt GPS

People who want to track/view your progress, just click

Peak Skyrace Tracking Link

They do not need to install any software, or login to use the website.

Dedicated Mini GPS Trackers

The most reliable tracking is provided by our mini GPS trackers (pictured above, centre). They are matchbox size and weight 70g. They are the best trackers because they have special multi-network emergency SIM cards inside, so they transmit your location on every mobile network, and not just one like your phone. This means they experience very few blank spots in network coverage. They last for 5 days, or up to a week between charges. To operate, all you do is switch it on, put it in your bag and forget about it. To hire a tracker for an event lasting up to a full weekend costs £15. This is half the cost of our competitors. You can hire a tracker and collect at event registration from us. If we have any still left to hire, you can reserve yours here http://www.eventstracking.com/ . £15 is all inclusive, you don’t pay anything else, or have to register on the Race Drone website, and just pick up the tracker at the event. No posting back and forward.

Or, Smartphone as a Tracker

Instead of hiring a dedicated tracker, you can use our Race Drone smartphone app and your phones inbuilt GPS capability. Our app is battery-optimised to give you 24 - 48 hours’ continuous use, depending on phone model. First you pay for the app (a one-off fee £2 for Android and £3 for iPhone). The app can be used at future events of course. You then have two options.

Pay £5 to be tracked at each event

Pay £19 for a yearly subscription. That gives you free tracking at every event, and also you get your own personal tracking URL/link to use anytime, so you let your family track you 24x7 to ensure you stay safe when training

If you want to take this option, you can sign up for mobile phone based tracking on the Race Drone on the website by creating a free website account. Then you request to be added to any event, You will be provided weblinks to check your own mobile phone coverage in the area of your race. If your mobile provider does not have good coverage, hire a dedicated tracker instead. Race Drone works almost anywhere in the world, so if you have an upcoming event; run, cycle race, challenge or expedition you know where to go! Supporters and your own crew Crew and Supporters are welcome in almost all areas of the course, but please be aware of the following restrictions

 CP1 only has limited parking for half a dozen vehicles. It may be possible to park further away, but please do not block any of the narrow lanes in this areas  CP2 has nearby parking at a free car park (just before what used to be Gradbach Youth Hostel). This is about 5 minutes walk from CP2  CP3 is opposite the Cat and Fiddle pub. The pub is now closed down. There are usually a few car parking spots nearby.  Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and the Peak District national park have requested that no support teams park along . This area can be very busy at weekend with climbers and walkers, and cannot handle any additional traffic.

You are welcome to have your own crew, friends and family meet you on any other part of the course, and resupply you if you wish, using the guidelines above. Just be aware that the roads in this part of the country are sometimes minor and narrow. Please drive carefully.

We would love more volunteers, so if you know someone who wants to crew a checkpoint let us know?

Voluntary or Mandatory Retirement In the event that you decide to retire of your own accord, then you must do so at a checkpoint. If you leave the course and do not notify us, then this will result in the Police and Mountain Rescue services being notified unnecessarily. If you retire at a checkpoint, then we will put your somewhere warm and dry; such as a car or a building. It won’t be a priority to transport you back to the finish. We will arrange for transport back when we are able but that may mean you have to wait until the checkpoint closes. Don't have a sense of humor failure if you have to wait, it's not our fault that you have to retire. We have to ensure we look after those who are still on the course equally as well as any people who retire.

You may of course arrange your own transport back from a checkpoint as long as you have notified us. You'll be given an equally warm welcome when you arrive back at the start/finish. If one of the CP staff, vehicle marshals or medical staff decides if it is not safe for you to continue, due to a concern for your wellbeing, then you will be asked to retire.

Pacing Participants are expected to take between 4 and 8 hours to complete the course. 3.6 - 3.7mph is the minimum average speed that would be required to achieve an 8-hour finish. We believe this is a very generous time limit.

Risks

The main risks of the race are terrain, weather, and becoming lost, or a combination thereof. A note on cows. We speak to farmers to advise them of the route, and sometimes they may decide to move cattle to alternative fields if they think they may be a danger to walkers/runners. However, they are under no obligation to do so. If you have a fear of cows or do not want to go into a field with cows in it, then you are allowed to find a reasonable alternative to avoid them.

Terrain There are short sections of the event which are somewhat technical underfoot. We realise one person’s definition of 'technical' is another person's pavement. For the benefit of those who have not taken part in a Peak District event before, and those of who are not from the UK, most of the trail in the Peak District is pleasant, and not particularly steep, and this area is not mountainous.

Many trails on the course are typically narrow walking paths, which can at times be somewhat technical. We define 'Technical' terrain on this route as particularly uneven, rough ground, and moorland, or any terrain carrying an increased risk of turning your ankle, perhaps ground that is somewhat steep for ascent and descent. There are exposed cliffs on the course around the Ramshaw Rocks, Hen Cloud, and Roaches areas. The course runs along the edge of these cliffs, but these are popular walking routes and not considered dangerous routes. Please stay away from the cliff edges, and be courteous to other people using the paths for walking or climbing.

There is hardly any road-use on the course, except around Buxton which can be busy, so take care crossing the roads. Be cautious crossing the A54 (twice). There should be marshals to help you cross this busy road. The biggest risk from terrain you'll be on, assuming you stay on the paths, is that you'll turn your ankle on rough ground, so watch where you put your feet! Trail shoes are recommended.

Getting Lost or injured If you are lost, then use your own map to try and assess where you are, or backtrack to find a route marker. Try to identify local landmarks, or roads. If you are unable to assist yourself, try and find someone to ask. Though you may feel you are in a remote location at times on the route, it has been designed so that you are never more than a mile from a road and/or houses in case you need to seek help. If you are injured, then do not hesitate to call emergency services on 112 or 999.

Cattle Cows can sometimes pose a danger, especially when they have young calves and dogs accompany runners. Runners must use their own judgment on if they feel safe in a field with cows, and are permitted to use a sensible divert if they feel in any way threatened.

A full risk assessment has been completed for the event and can be downloaded here. Route

Elevation Profile

The course has approximately 2000m of elevation (measured in OS Memory Map), which is 42m elevation per km. For comparison Grand Race Les Templiers (one of Frances most prestigious Trail races) has 46m per km, and the UK’s Lakeland 50 has 39m of elevation per km (over 50 miles). So, expect a tough day out in the Peak District.

Route Overview The route begins with an immediate ascent to Solomon’s Temple (Grinlow Tower), a descent back into the outskirts of Buxton and then over to , to pass about 100m from that 1st trig point. Then follows a welcome descent through Orchard Common down to Three Shires Head and shortly after to self-clip CP1 at Cut-thorn. The course then swings South East as you cross to Flash Bottom and then to Gib Torr before running into the manned food/water station at near Newstone Farm, checkpoint 2.

After a brief stop for water, next it’s a run along the Ramshaw Rocks ridge. Self-clip CP3 is just before the sharp ascent and immediate descent of the distinctive cliff Hen Cloud. This is followed by a truly enjoyable ridge run along The Roaches ridge to reach the 2nd trig point and self-clip CP4, before an easy descent to cross the minor road at Roach End. Next, it’s a ridge run on the South side of Back Forest above Lud’s Church (a natural chasm) to reach self-clip CP5, before turning North into Gradbach Woods. Descend further to the and reach the next manned checkpoint and refreshment station (CP6) at Gradbach scout camp.

Now, climb out of the river valley to Burntcliff Top, and enjoy relatively easy 4×4 trail for 1.5km. Don’t get too comfortable as you will see The Peak District Matterhorn; ahead of you. The ascent of Shutlingsloe gets more severe as you reach the top, with a little scrambling required to gain the summit and claim trig point number three, where you will also find self-clip checkpoint 7.

You descend Shutlingsloe on the same path initially, before heading North to Cumberland Cottage and a narrow ascent alongside the brook, up the re-entrant Danethorn Holllow to join the Main Danebower Hollow Path to the next manned refreshment point (CP8), opposite the well known Peak District landmark and 2nd highest pub in England; The Cat and Fiddle. It’s a 1.5-mile ascent of to the trig point four and self-clip CP9. The route from the Cat and Fiddle pub to Shining Tor, is also the route for the notorious 160 mile The Hill Ultramarathon.

After Shining Tor, enjoy the rough but fast Stake-side descent through Stake Clough and Deep Clough to reach the Goyt Valley floor. The final ascent is Goyt’s Moss, on a narrow path moorland to reach . It’s not steep, but it will really hurt at this stage of the race. You'll pass about 200m from the 5th trig point (there is no self-clip at this point). Then all that’s left is a descent into Burbage and Buxton back to the school to reach the finish line. Checkpoints Number Location UK OS map grid Distance Description Checkpoint 1 Cut-Thorn SK 00230 68122 11.1km (6.9 miles) Unmanned Self-Clip only Checkpoint 2 Newstone Farm SK 01824 63568 17.3km (10.7 miles) Water, Juice, food Checkpoint 3 Hen Cloud SK 01055 61322 20.1km (12.5 miles) Unmanned Self-Clip only Checkpoint 4 The Roaches SK 00125 63869 23.2km (14.4 miles) Unmanned Self-Clip only Checkpoint 5 Back Forest Path SJ 97773 65565 26.3km (16.4 miles) Unmanned Self-Clip only Checkpoint 6 Gradbach Scout Camp SJ 99127 65874 27.7km (17.2 miles) Water, Juice, food Checkpoint 7 Shutlingsloe SJ 97640 69575 32.6km (20.3 miles) Unmanned Self-Clip only Checkpoint 8 Opp. Cat and Fiddle SK 00105 71844 37.6km (23.3 miles) Water, Juice, food Checkpoint 9 Shining Tor SJ 99468 73745 39.8km (24.8 miles) Unmanned Self-Clip only

Unmanned Self-Clip locations There are several unmanned self-clip locations on the course. These can be identified by an orange and white kite. They will have a manual punch device. At each one of these locations you must take out your checkpoint control card (issued at registration) and punch your card the appropriately numbered box (punch in box 1 for checkpoint 1). The kites and punches are illustrated below.

Manned Checkpoints You do not need to self-clip at manned checkpoints. Instead, you must present your chip-timing bracelet to the checkpoint volunteers for them to scan. This will record your split-time. Please ensure that the wristband is easy to access and is not covered by a watch or clothing as this will slow down your progress through the checkpoint. All manned checkpoints will have water and juice, and Pepsi. Checkpoints 2, 6 and 8 will also carry a selection of high energy snacks such as:

 biscuits  flapjack  nuts  cake  jelly sweets  crisps  Pepsi  water  juice

If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, and those needs are not met with the selections above, please ensure you satisfy those needs by carrying additional food.

Short-cutting Please don't. The event features a fixed route for the following reasons.

1. The fixed route has been sent to more landowners than you can possibly imagine! These include, The National Trust, Natural England, The Peak District National Park Authority, Staffordshire Wildlife trust, Knowsley Estate and whole lot more. They have all agreed (following lengthy negotiation in some cases) a fixed route across their land. In many cases the route has been chosen for ecological reasons

2. Although roads are used from time to time, we do our best to avoid busy and dangerous roads. So, a parallel route may look viable, but have fast traffic, no footpath, and blind bends. The twisty A-roads in this area are in the top 5 of accident blackspots in the UK.

3. After testing many alternatives out, we have picked the fastest route in almost all cases. However, sometimes you might see what may look like a shortcut on the map, but probably isn’t one! Many footpaths shown on a map may have difficult terrain, or be so badly overgrown that you progress will be far slower than on the official route!

4. The route has been designed to avoid some houses, farms where there are concerns over disturbance/noise levels, or specific objections to some routes were raised. We don't want any complaints from landowners. Do not use private land or drives, unless the course markers direct you to use it.

5. You are coming to run a 47km Skyrace, where is the fun in running less? Run it all and earn that medal!

Awards

Female and male winners - Winners trophy and medal, plus £125.00 Female and male 2nd place - 2nd place trophy and medal, plus £75.00 Female and male 3rd place - 3rd place trophy and medal, plus £50.00 Additional spot prizes - Provided by Raidlight and Buff

All finishers will receive a Peak Skyrace 2016 medal. We will also provide some additional snack food at the finish.

Medical Support Once again, we are proud to announce that Ultramedix will be providing all of our medical support:

UltraMedix Ltd is a unique medical company founded by registered pre-hospital care practitioners with the aim of providing high standards of medical care for all types of endurance event. We are proud to offer professional, unique medical cover that has been designed to meet all the demands of endurance events. The company was created by 3 registered Paramedics from the West Midlands area, all of whom have a sporting background and decided to combine their professions with their sporting history to create a medical company that can offer services that other companies don’t.

UltraMedix are very proud to be the only endurance event medical provider to offer a unique SweeperMedix service (at some events). We have combined professional skills along with sporting ability to allow us to provide events with a highly experienced Paramedic who will run the race behind competitors. This exclusive service is included in our packages and means that high quality medical intervention can be provided at any point during the event.

High quality medical care is currently a hot topic in the Ultrasporting domain, and at Medix we have matched our level of patient care with the equipment that we use. Medical cover is one of the most important factors for race directors, and we believe our service will give you the confidence that all race competitors will receive the level of care that they require.

If you have any questions on the equipment that we propose to use then please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss any requirement that you may have.

Contact Ultramedix through their website: www.ultramedix.co.uk, through our Facebook page: www.facebook.co.uk/UltraMedixltd, or alternatively through our twitter @ultramedix

Credits and links Thank you to the following organisations, who have made this event possible.

Peak District National Park

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

Natural England

The Knowsley Estate

Thank you to everyone involved in this event, especially all the volunteer marshals

Race Directors Anthony Bethell Tel: 07968 788009 Billy Craig Tel: 07985 612918 Richard Weremiuk Tel: 07880 966727

The Peak Skyrace logo and Skyrunning logos, regardless of size or colour variation, are copyright of Peak Skyrace, or the International Skyrunning Federation respectively. These logos may not be used without express written permission from these organisations

Permission must be obtained if the intended use is for a print publication, on-line as part of a website, or as an imprint on any item to be offered for sale. Requests for permission to reproduce or display the logos should be directed to [email protected] http://www.peakskyrace.co.uk