Dunoon Ultra Marathon and Relay

2018 Dunoon Ultra Race Information Pack

 Dunoon Presents (who are the business community) fronts and financially backs the Ultra (www.dunoonpresents.co.uk) and the Race Organiser, Colin Moulson is the main contact.

The Ultra is supported by volunteers from a local hill running club, Dunoon Hill Runners. Race Director (Volunteer) on the day is Ian Marshall.

The Dunoon Ultra is run as a non-profit event, this is the third year it has been held and we will aim to make it a fantastic experience for you all. Please be kind to the volunteer marshals and other members of the Ultra Team as they are giving up their time and day to help support you on your run.

Race Date: Saturday 6th October 2018

Start Time: 0800hrs at Benmore Gardens (bus transfer from Dunoon Pier)

Registration: Friday 5th October 1600hrs – 1930hrs Dunoon Pier, Dunoon

Saturday 6th October 0600hrs – 0700hrs Dunoon Pier, Dunoon

Start Location: Benmore Gardens (bus transfer from Dunoon Pier)

Finish Location: Dunoon Pier, Dunoon

Important Info to note

1. Photographic ID to be shown at registration. NO ID = NO RACE, NO EXCEPTIONS.

2. No last minute entries on race day.

3. Support crew is not permitted due to constraints with parking and enhance safety.

4. Water will be provided at all checkpoints.

5. Drop bags will be available at:

·         Ardentinny Rd crossing point (8 miles) between Whistlefield Inn and Ardentinny

·         Glenbranter Forestry Car park (14 miles)

·         Benmore Gardens Car Park (23 miles)

6. Cut-off time at Benmore Gardens Car park checkpoint (23 miles) is 6hrs 30mins post-race start time, which is 1430hrs.

7. Food, drinks and prize-giving ceremony at the race finish. Don’t miss it!!!

Race Day Schedule

0600hrs - 0700hrs: Drop bags can be taken to the checkpoint vehicles at the Pier/Ferry Car park adjacent to the Ticket Office. Drop bags should be clearly labelled with your race number and drop bag point destination.

0600hrs - 0700hrs: Post race kit bags can be put into a secure holding area at Dunoon pier. Please ensure your race number and name is clearly visible on your bag.

0640hrs Coach leaves from Dunoon Pier and will shuttle back from Benmore Gardens once. If you are planning to make your own way to Benmore Gardens please inform the registration desk.

Last bus leaves prompt at 7.20am (Journey takes 15 minutes)

0745hrs: Race Director's race briefing for runners at the Race start.

0800hrs: Race start.

1230hrs - 1800hrs: hot food, tea, coffee and beer will be provided for all runners at the finish, Dunoon Pier.

1530hrs: Prize-giving at the race finish (maybe brought forward)

1600hrs onwards: Post-race celebrations at Dunoon Pier, Dunoon

Race route information

The race begins at Benmore Gardens and travels south for a mile along puddle lane running parallel with the River Eachaig (on your left). Turning left over a short metal bridge and past Uig Hall (on your right) you will cross over the A815 then turning right after 100 meters towards Pucks Glen.

You will follow the narrow path up the Glen staying alongside the river before finally reaching the forestry track turning left (the route may involve a slight diversion on this section that will not add to the overall distance, it will be clearly marked).

This track will lead you to Inverchapel over a bridge and as you follow the single track path it winds and climbs up towards the main forestry track on the east side of Loch Eck (please close all gates after you). The track will be well signposted but as a rule follow the white banded forestry commission marker poles.

Eventually you will find yourself crossing the Ardentinny High Road (7.5 miles) where the first drop bag point is (no parking is permitted here for supporters due to very narrow single track road).

From here you will continue to climb to 1000ft above sea level (don’t forget to look back as you reach the radio/telephone mast as the views are spectacular). After a couple of more short climbs, passing by the new hydro dam you will begin the long fast decent towards Invernoaden (first checkpoint and first change over for the relay teams – 13.5 miles). Relay runners can be picked up and dropped off at a layby just after the drop off area. Please be careful of traffic!

Relay runners are responsible for their own way to and from the first change over point.

A short half mile or so run along the unpaved A815 will see you turn left into Glenbranter (traffic control arranged to ensure safe passage will be in place). This will be the second drop bag point (14.5 miles), toilets and plenty of car parking for supporters is available.

The run heads south down the flatter side of Loch Eck, 9 miles from Benmore Gardens. Benmore Gardens will be the second checkpoint (23.5 miles) and last change over for the relay teams. Toilets and parking available, cracking cafe here too! (for non runners obviously lol!!). You will return back down puddle lane, however continuing to follow the river (do not cross over the bridge again). There will be some road running involved at this point…….it is normally very quiet. The trail will bring you across the B836 bringing you into Glenkin forestry car park. The terrain begins to climb again, reaching the last major climb until you begin to descend into the Bishops Glen. Keep your eyes on the markers, the reservoir will be on your left until you drop down onto Kilbride Road turning right along to the road junction crossing over and veering left along the West Bay Esplanade where Dunoon Pier will begin to come into sight (ensure the River Clyde is on your right).

The route is approximately 95% off-road with just a few short sections on tarmac. The off-road sections are mostly wide forestry paths and some single track, and although quite technical at the start the majority if not all of it is very run-able. The race route includes approximately 4000 feet of ascent.

Footwear really does come down to personal preference. Some local runners wear road shoes and some trail to run the whole route. Most of the paths are very good and unless it's been raining for the whole week before the race, it's not likely to be too wet underfoot (although the west side can have a lot of puddles….). Basically whatever you normally run off-road in will be fine.

Compulsory Kit

All runners with no exceptions MUST carry the following items at all times during the race, this is for your own safety.

1. An emergency foil blanket.

2. A fully charged and switched on mobile phone with Race Control number stored 07834 564415.

3. A waterproof jacket with taped seems (this may at the race directors discretion be relaxed on the morning of the race if conditions are deemed appropriate).

You absolutely MUST NOT drop any litter on the trail! Please use the official litter bins which will be located within the vicinity of each checkpoint. If you come across any race litter on the trail, e.g. energy gel wrappers, please pick it up and take it to the next checkpoint. Thank you.

If you pass through an open gate, leave it open. If the gate is closed, please close it behind you. If another runner is coming up behind you……show good manners….

Support runners are allowed for slower runners for the last section of the route only (Benmore Gardens).

Crew is permitted but only at Glenbranter and Benmore Gardens Drop bag points. Please be mindful of parking and other runners when supporting your runner.

Poles are permitted.

iPod/MP3 players can be used however, there are several busy road crossings and several sections of the race where the route runs along public roads, there are a couple of common sense rules about the use of earphones when running:

1. You must remove your earphones completely at checkpoints, at road crossings, when approaching marshals, and at all times when running on public roads.

2. Don't listen too loud. You should be able to hear what is going on around you at all times.

3. Please do not use iPod/MP3 players on the narrow sections of the trail as this impair your awareness of other runners trying to get by you.

If a marshal signals you to remove your earphones, you MUST do so immediately. Any runner not respecting this request may be disqualified from the race.

Checkpoints/Drop Bags Stations

·         There will be water at every checkpoint

·         There will be cola at checkpoints 2 and 3

·         Oranges, jelly sweets and crisps at checkpoints 2 and 3

There is a 6hr 30min (1430hrs) cut off at Benmore Gardens checkpoint (23 miles). This cut off time is in place for runner safety. It is a very generous cut off time and anyone not able to make this time will not be allowed to continue within the race. We have a strict policy on this and it will be strictly enforced by checkpoint marshals. If you reach Benmore Gardens checkpoint after 1430hrs, you will be timed out, and will not be allowed to continue under the race conditions.

In addition to this, if at any point during the race checkpoint marshals/race medics think you are unwell or unfit to continue, they may withdraw you from the race. In reality this rarely happens in races, so don't worry about it. However, if it does happen to you, please comply gracefully, they are only concerned for your safety and have given up their day to look after you, please be nice to them.

You absolutely MUST stop and try to help an injured runner as long as it does not put your own safety at risk. It is very important that we all look after each other out there. If a runner is seriously injured then please call 999 first, then Race Control (this number will already be in your phone). If you have no mobile phone signal please wait until another runner arrives to assist, run on until you get a signal. If the runner can’t move and is getting cold please use your and other runners’ emergency foil blankets to keep the injured runner warm.

If you withdraw from the race at one of the checkpoints, please let a marshal know you are stopping and make sure you give them your name and your race number. If you decide to withdraw from the race between checkpoints and have your support crew pick you up somewhere, please phone Race Control on 07834 564415 and let us know that you're okay.

Please DO NOT simply exit the race and go home without telling marshals. We don't want to have to call out mountain rescue to go looking for you, especially if you're already sitting at home with your feet up.

If you withdraw from the race, and you don't have a support crew, sweeper vehicles at each checkpoint will be able to drive you on to the finish at Dunoon Pier. However, this may be some time after the checkpoint finally closes.

There will be first aid personnel at every checkpoint to look after runners, so make yourself known to them and they'll take care of you until the checkpoint closes.

The Race Finish

The race finish will be amazing, finishing on the refurbished and famous Dunoon Pier.

At the finish there will be a heated area for runners to relax in. Your finish line bags will be there for you to collect. As well as your usual race goodies the following treats are provided at the finish line for all runners completely FREE of charge:

Hot homemade food - vegetarian choice available

Unlimited tea and coffee for all runners

Post-race massages available

Hot showers for all runners, in the leisure centre

First aid/medical assistance will be available at the finish for any runner who requires it

The prize-giving will take place at the race finish from approximately 1530hrs onwards.

How to get to Dunoon

http://www.dunoon.org.uk/how_to_get_to_dunoon/

If coming by Western Ferries (20min crossing), cheaper tickets can be purchased in advance online or at : Co-Op shop at 21 Eldon St, Greenock, Inverclyde PA16 7UG OR Paul’s Food and Wine, Shore St Gourock, next to William Hill Bookmakers – please note that first WF crossing is 0730hrs.

The first passenger ferry from Gourock is 0620hrs and will have a maximum capacity of 140

Where can I park in Dunoon?

There are numerous areas of free and paid parking which are easily accessible around the town

Lost property

We will do our best to reunite any lost property with its rightful owner, however we can’t guarantee this. At the race finish, any found items will be put under a ‘LOST PROPERTY” sign beside all the kit bags. Anything not claimed by the end of race day will be taken back to Dunoon Presents, please email if you have lost something important.

Please note that low value clothing items such as t-shirts will be washed and taken to a charity shop, therefore please do not deliberately leave clothing at checkpoints as chances are you won’t get it back.

We look forward to seeing you all on race day, any questions you can post them on the Dunoon Ultra FB page.