News
Deerstalker Final Mailout
16 March 2009
|
Hello Deerstalkers!
Well, we said it would be busy - It’s sold out! Deerstalker is now officially the biggest baddest bash on the Tweediest side of the Border.
Soon, you will be stood amongst intrepid Stalkers, brandishing various garb, finely fettled footwear, and if you are destined for the “Mighty,” you will be one of 1,000 twinkling headtorches who will light the sky and entertain the residents of Innerleithen and Traquair (peering from their windows and streets in wonder) as you ascend the scree ladder and descend the slippery ridge of Rocky, back towards the finish line, after an evening of derring-do.
This will be the last mailout prior to the event, so here are a few last reminders and pieces of news.
1. The Challenge
2. The Admin
3. Entry List
4. The Finish
5. Parking and Camping
6. Win-a-Shower Competition
7. Beer/Deerstalker Party and bands
1. The Challenge
You might be smiling, excited and trying on your Tweed outfit, but do remember that this event is also a serious run in the hills and valley. Whether you are taking part in the Deerstalker or the Mighty Deerstalker, the race is over rough, sometimes steep, muddy, sometimes slippery, sometimes rocky surfaces and obstacles, both natural and built, and with many trees and other participants alongside you. Beware of tree branches and therefore of protecting your eyes. For the Mighty Deerstalker, the race runs on into the night and a headtorch becomes essential and mandatory equipment for you to complete the course safely. If you have yet to purchase the optimal torch, then go to Urban Adventure Gear for the Petzl Myo at a special £49.
Bring full body cover options with you, should the weather deteriorate in the final hours before your run, and seriously consider the other recommended items mentioned in the website, such as food, drink, first aid kit and whistle – all contained in a small bumbag or rucksack. During your run look out for the signs of others on the course seriously struggling or injured and report this to the next course marshal, or bail-out with them, to a point of help – potentially a residence. If you see someone in trouble: HELP, you are the nearest person to be able to assist. In reality, incidents like this are extremely rare, and you will be amongst hundreds of people having a jolly (if not strenuous) time.
2. The Admin
Please download and complete the medical form before the event. This will speed the registration process considerably. Registration for both runs will be open from 1030 – 1345 and from 1415 until 1715. At registration you will be collecting your race number, signing a disclaimer and collecting your FinishLine Timing Chip. You will attach the Chip securely to your shoe laces – if it is attached in any other locations your time across the finish mat will not be recordable. Do not underestimate the length of time required for Registration – there are 1500 of you and it WILL be busy.
3. Entry list
We have published the Entry List on the website here should you wish to see your name amongst your fellow Deerstalkers. If you sign in, we must assume that you have started. If you do not start or retire, please report to the Finish Line and hand in your Timing Chip. If you do not report in then we will have to instigate a costly search involving the local Mountain Rescue Team and other emergency services, so please help us to keep on top of this and look out for that Chip on your shoe.
Reminder on Start Times;
1330: Scottish Borders Spouse Racing Championships
1400: Deerstalker 5k (ish)
1730: The Mighty Deerstalker 10k (and the rest). This run might be delayed slightly if the evening weather conditions are bright.
4. The Finish
After finishing, please remove your FinishLine Timing Chip and hand to the finish marshal. They will present you with your memento for your incredible efforts and strenuousnesses. The Timing Chip is an incredibly important item for us to know that you are safely off the course and if the Chip is lost or kept, we will be asking for £15 reimbursement.
5. Parking and Camping
As a reminder: Please consider sharing cars, even if this means parking in Innerleithen and then bringing one car into the event centre area at Traquair. There are two car parks that you will be directed to as you approach Traquair House: One is a field that could get dicey in wet weather. The other is a very large hard standing area where we will ask all large vehicles to park, including big vans, campers, caravans and the like. This car park is shown on the course map as the ‘P’ symbol between Traquair House and Innerleithen. Please follow the instructions of the stewards - be patient and polite. Camping is free and we welcome you and your throng to the Deerstalker camp site. In order for us to allocate pitches, we request that everyone who would like to camp downloads the CAMPING PERMIT from our website here. One is required per VEHICLE, not per tent. If you are travelling as a group in multiple vehicles, please ensure each vehicle is displaying a permit on the dashboard. You will then be directed to the camping parking area and you may pitch your tent with the instructions of the camping marshals. It is essential that if you want to camp, you download a permit. This also helps us plan for numbers of people camping and helps with the organisation of the car parking operation, so please work with us on this. It’s for everyone’s benefit.
6. Win-a-Shower CompetitionCongratulations to all the winners of the Sea To Summit Wash Kit Prize Draw! The lucky ten below will all receive a 10 litre Pocket Shower, Drylite Towel and Pocket Soap kit. These will be posted directly from our Sponsors. One winner was 1 minute 22 seconds from the deadline!
Many thanks to all customers who bought products for the Deerstalker, and we hope you all have a great time this weekend!
The UAG Team www.urbanadventuregear.com
The 10 winners are - Karen Strong, Neil Anderson, Stuart Low, Emily Paulley, David Barrass, Kathryn Smith, Jennifer Laing, Alexander Siegmeth, Rosemary Byde, Les Turnbull
7. Beer/Deerstalker Party and bands
This post-event prize-giving party is notoriously euphoric. You will have earned it! The prize giving will take place under canvas and we will aim for 8.30pm for this, although this will depend on timings on the day. It’s worth sticking around for, even if you’re not in with a shot at the silverware however as we have a medley of spot prizes up for grabs.
In amongst the tomfoolery of the party we will be presenting you with aural pleasure courtesy of our 3 live acts. Our line up stars the Bumclocks – taking a contemporary twist on the poems of Rabbie Burns; Blue Dubh – offering up their selection of upbeat jazz and blues with a celtic infusion; and then to wrap up the night, we will unleash the Duck Pond Brewery Band, Traquair’s very own rock stars and the men who have brewed the Deerstalker Ale you see (double) before you.
Please remember that your own alcohol is not permitted in the beer tent in order to comply with licensing regulations.
Any more questions? On the website, take a look at the FAQ’s, read the words on kit to be worn and carried, and study the map of the route - you won’t need to navigate, but you might like to know where you are going!
We look forward to seeing you this weekend, raring to do it in Tweed.
The Deerstalker Team
