Welcome to the Type II Fun Run. This is an ultra race like no other. Taking place in the Scottish Highlands in May 2019.
Runners will race from the start to the finish, but the distances covered and the route taken will vary between each competitor.
A combination of mandatory and optional checkpoints will dot the region between (and we use the term "between" loosely) the start and finish, each worth an amount of points relevant to its difficulty.
Racers will not win by getting across the finish line first; in fact, the time is nearly irrelevant. All racers have to finish the course before 30 hours is over, but arriving early will offer no advantage in the standings.
The race is won by points collected. Solid navigation and strategy are key. Note that we haven't mentioned the distance. That part is your problem.
The Type II Fun Run is entirely self-supported. Runners will need to carry sufficient equipment to survive in the wild and complete the run safely.
There will be mandatory as well as suggested kit that runners must carry at all times. No outside assistance is permitted. There are no feed stations, we won't set up your tent for you, we won't point you in the right direction, and we certainly won't pop your blisters for you.
Only the experienced are encouraged to apply, and only the intrepid will make it.
First of all, there is no 'course' in a traditional sense. There is a start and a finish, and in between there will be GPS coordinates for checkpoints that runners validate at (collecting a badge, taking a selfie, etc. - details to be clarified by each checkpoint but it won't be complicated).
Each checkpoint will be worth a certain value of points relating to its difficulty, and there will probably be around 60 of them. Checkpoints are not mandatory at all, and it is unlikely that many runners will be able to visit all of them. Some of them will be scenic highlights of the region. Some of them will seem very cruel. Some of them will be pubs. This is very much a 'choose your own adventure' style of racing.
Runners who cross the finish line within 30 hours will be awarded 100 points, then the total sum of points they collected will be added for their 'score'. This race is not won by time on the clock, but rather your total points. The winner may not necessarily be the fastest runner (although it would be a big help), but the runner with the best strategy. The map of checkpoints will be released much closer to the date, so close, in fact, that you won't get a chance to recce your route.
All runners will be equipped with SPOT trackers, which will allow us to know where you are, which controls you went through (just in case something goes wrong with validating), and allow friends and family at home to watch a race that lacks a route via our website.
The start is in Blair Atholl, which is accessible by train and offers a range of accommodation nearby in Pitlochry. The finish line is in Aviemore, which also offers accommodation and frequent trains. The finish line will open two hours before the cutoff, and remain open throughout the finisher's party for any latecomers.
This is designed to be an unsupported challenge - none of the usual luxury experience some ultra runners may be used to. There will be no drop zones, route marshals, course markings, or pacers. Even the spectators will mostly be virtual dot-watchers.
We will, however, (and completely out of the good of our hearts, mind) transport one small piece of luggage from the start to the finish line for all runners. You are more than welcome (and expected) to come to the finisher’s party in your muddy, sweaty, disgusting running gear, but just in case you wanted something nice to wear on the train home.
A map of checkpoints and their point values.
Start line race briefing with clarification of the race rules and kit checks.
SPOT trackers and dot-watching platform for spectators.
A kickass finishers party, complete with beer and prizes.
Our sincerest condolences that you signed up for this.