How many team members should we have?

How fit do I have to be?

You do not have to be super fit for the Highland Endurance Race although you are strongly advised to follow the training programme. Try, where possible, to include hill walking, cycling and kayaking in your team's preparation. Contact us if you have any questions relating to fitness and training.

 Where can I stay the night before the event start on Friday night?

The start location will be close to Inverness. There are several hotels in Inverness. A recommended hotel will arranged in due course.

What type kit is provided?

The event management team will provide the following kit;

• Mountain bikes with helmets

• Kayaks with paddles and safety equipment

• Maps as required

What kit do I need to bring?

See the main kit list for full details.

Will we be briefed before the event?

There will be a full event briefing on the Friday evening before the event begins. This will include safety, logistical and challenge information, plus advice and guidance on such matters as kit and navigation.

How hard is the Challenge?

The two days provide a high level of challenge and with a mixture of disciplines. For example the mountain biking element is around 38 miles over rugged terrain ascending over 600m. The conditions underfoot will be uneven in places and probably wet and muddy in places. Be prepared by following the training guide and getting used to difficult terrain.The kayaking on day one is on the Lochs. The water can be very cold and a strong head wind is possible. If it’s windy the water will get choppy and will be harder work.

The run/hike on day two is on footpaths and includes the ascent of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Conditions on the Ben can be very cold and windy which extends the possibility of exposure and event hypothermia. Ensure you have all the kit on the kit list and we will also provide you with important advice on the event to ensure you are safe on the mountain. All in all the event is highly demanding, but with good training and the right kit most people can complete it.

How will I find out everything I need to know about each day’s activities?

On arrival each team will be given an Event Handbook. This will include a Challenge Sheet for each part of the Challenge. The Challenge Sheets will provide lots of information about each individual section of the Challenge such as: distance, terrain, challenge level, point scoring, rules, kit to wear and take, conservation, top tips and lots more. There will also be briefings about each day’s activities.

Do we have to stay together as a team?

Yes, you must stick together as a team at all times during the different activities of the Challenge. You may not be more than 100 metres away from the rest of your team mates at any one time while hiking, cycling, kayaking or running. Remember that you can only go as fast as the slowest team member, so work together as a team to support each other and get each other to the finish line each day.

Can my support crew take part?

Yes. The idea is that you are one team. At any time you must have a support driver with your vehicle and at least four people together on the challenge element.

What is the cycle terrain like, do I need to be a competent mountain biker?

Much of the cycle will be on undulating forest drives, but some will be on varied off-road terrain and a small part of this will be steep up and down hill. If you can get used to some off-road cycling before the challenge it will help you and your team.

What footwear do you recommend for the hiking?

If the preceding weeks are wet the high ground will have lots of stored surface water. This means big puddles and boggy mud, so we would recommend sturdy walking boots and well fitting gaiters. However, if you don’t mind getting your feet wet, you can try wearing cross country running shoes. Whatever you choose to wear, train in them before hand.

Do I need to be able to swim to do the kayaking?

Yes. Our safety rules require all kayakers to be able to swim. If you cannot swim you need to let us know. Non swimmers can take the part of vehicle support crew during the kayak.

What type of bikes are supplied?

The bikes are standard mountain bikes. They have front suspension only. They are in good working order. Peddles have basic toe clips.

Can I bring my own peddles and saddle for the bikes?

Yes. However be prepared to change these when you collect the bike and replace them at the end of the cycle.

What type of kayaks are provided?

The kayaks are sit on top style and a mixture of singles and doubles. Sit on top kayaks are very stable and unsinkable. However their design does mean that you will sometimes be sitting in a couple of inches of water, so be ready to get wet.

What food and drink is provided?

Evening meal on the Friday and Sunday nights is provided. Water is provided throughout and event. The rest of the food and drink will need to be provided by your team and the means by which to heat/cook it. See the kit list for advice.

What happens if I don’t have the stamina to keep going or get injured?

There will be strategic marshal posts and check points during each day. If for any reason you can’t continue the Challenge, the marshals will arrange a vehicle pick up for you to take you to your support vehicle. However please note that in some areas vehicle access is only allowed for emergency situations, so you may have to walk or cycle further to get picked up by a vehicle in a non emergency.

What facilities will be at camp at the end of day 1?

The wild camp will be in a wild and scenic location. To go with the wild camp theme there will be minimal facilities on site. Basic loo and water will be available. There will also be a camp fire. An information desk and medical tent will also be on site.

Will I need to be good at navigating using a map?

Not really, however you will need to know which rights of way you can go on, this will also be in your Event Handbook.

Are there any conservation issues on our route?

Yes. The area iscategorised is either an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a Site ofSpecial Scientific Interest. This means we need special permission to hike andcycle through these areas and will need to comply with some practicalconservation guidance. Details of this will be provided before each day'sactivities and in the Event Handbook.

What happens after the event?

Will I need insurance cover on the event?