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Q: What is the Dominion Gas Ythan Challenge?
A: It’s a multi-terrain adventure race which starts
and finishes at the Meadows Sports Centre in Ellon,
north of Aberdeen. The course takes runners along a
largely flat off-road path beside the river Ythan
and onto the beautiful Esslemont Estate, which is
usually closed to the public. Once on the estate,
the going gets tougher underfoot and you can expect
a few surprises as the course includes a series of
obstacles — including the now famous (or possibly
infamous!) straw bales and killer hills and, of
course, the river itself. We considered providing a
course map this year but have decided not to for two
reasons — first because most of the race is run on a
private estate and our priority is to maintain the
landowner’s security and privacy, and secondly
because it’s part of the race day fun to speculate
on what might lie ahead….
Q: How far is the race?
A: It’s approximately 11k, but because of the nature
of the event the course is tricky to measure
accurately — and anyway it changes slightly from
year to year!
Q: In that case, how can I work out
how long it will take me?
A: Have a look at results from previous years. This
race attracts a wide range of abilities, from elite
club runners to first-timers. If you’re looking for
a good yardstick, 2008 runner-up Andrew Greig
crossed the line in 47:24 and finished the 2008 City
of Aberdeen Baker Hughes 10k in 36:15. Elaine Whyte
finished the Dominion Gas Ythan Challenge as first
woman home in 52:40 and was runner-up in Aberdeen in
38:56.
Q: How do we enter as a team?
A: You can enter as many runners as you like in a
team with the first three across the line to count.
Please note, though, that you do have to enter as a
specific team — we won’t count three individual
runners with the same club affiliation as a team.
Q: What are the prize categories?
A: There are prizes for the first, second and third
men and women overall. There are also prizes for the
first Male and Female Vet (40-49), first Male and
Female Supervet (50-59), and first Male and Female
Vintage (60+). There are also prizes for the first
open team, first uniform team and first corporate
team, as well as spot prizes.
Q: I’ve never done anything like
this before — will I be OK?
A: Yes — as long as you’re reasonably fit, you’ve
made a decent commitment to training and you’re
confident you can run, or run/walk, without
difficulty for at least 10k. The obstacles are there
for fun — everyone who takes part tackles them in
their own way. And remember you won’t be alone —
there are plenty of other first-timers taking part!
Q: Can I swim the river bit?
A: No you can’t. The river isn’t consistently deep
enough and there is a strong current. You must KEEP
YOUR TRAINERS ON, stay upright and follow marshals’
instructions!
Q: What clothes should I wear?
A: Wear whatever you normally run in. This event is
NOT suitable for fancy dress — sorry, but we won’t
let you run unless you’re sensibly clothed! Avoid
anything that flaps around your ankles and anything
else that could impede you as you tackle the
obstacles and the river. As with any race, you have
to be the judge of what’s right for the weather on
the day but because you will be getting wet, less is
generally a better bet than more!
Q: What shoes should I wear?
A: Proper running shoes that you’ve broken in. Road
shoes are fine as are trail shoes and fell shoes,
such as Walshes or Inov8s. Leave the racers at home,
though — you need a bit of support and grip. And
please don’t run in lightweight aerobics shoes,
tennis shoes, fashion trainers, boots or anything
closing with Velcro — this race is tough underfoot
and you need something that’s going to go the
distance and stay on your feet!
Q: What happens if I can’t finish?
A: We have marshals right around the course and
you’ll never be far from one. If you’re dropping
out, you MUST tell the nearest marshal so that race
control knows you’re no longer in the running. The
marshal will know where to send you to await a lift
back to the Meadows.
Q: But what about if I’m injured or
I’m feeling unwell?
A: We have first-aiders based on the Esslemont
estate and at the Meadows. They can be with you very
quickly wherever you are in the race and in the
unlikely event that you needed hospital treatment
would work with race control to ensure your swift
transfer. We would then make sure your SOS contact
knew what was happening — that’s why we ask for a
specific name and race day number!
Q: Can my family watch me on the
Esslemont estate?
A: Sorry, but no. Only runners and race personnel
are allowed on the estate. Friends and family are
welcome to stay at the Meadows where there will be
refreshments available.
Q: How many drinks stations are
there?
A: There will be water at the finish line and one
drinks station on the estate dispensing water only.
Q: And finally, are there any
toilets?
A: Yes, at the Meadows and on the estate at the
drinks station. There are also showers and lockers
(20p) at the Meadows, but please note that property
is left at the owner’s risk.
Got a question we haven’t answered?
Feel free to email us at
info@ythanchallenge.org.uk.
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