FAQ
Q: Where is the event located?
A: The grounds of historic Traquair House in Innerliethen will be the location for the Deerstalker event village.
Q: What is the venue postcode?
A: The post code is EH44 6PW.
Q: Is it possible to get to the event village from Edinburgh by public transport?
A: Yes. Please visit the First Group website for information on the bus time table:
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland/sescot/timetables/timetable.php?day=2&source_id=2&service=62/62A/62B&routeid=56583&operator=25&source=sp
Q: Are there showers available onsite?
A: Unfortunately there are no showers on site. For the bravest there is a river near by.
Q: What time do the races start?
A: The 5K race will start at 1400* and the 10K race will start at 1730*.
* the start time will be confirmed a week before the event. In the event of extremely bright evening weather and the full moon beating down, we could start later. Either way, aim to be ready at least 30 minutes before 1400 and 1730 respectively.
How wet will I get?
A: You should prepare yourself to get wet up to your waist. If you go deeper it means that you have probably tripped.
Q: Do I need a map to complete the race?
A: No. The course is premarked and the map is available on the website: http://www.themightydeerstalker.com/page127.asp. If you wish to print this and bring along or stick in your bumbag, that’s fine.
Q: What are the car parking arrangements?
A: Many of you will park in the field. Others will be asked to park in the gravel car park nearby. Any big and/or towed vehicles will be asked to park in the gravel car park. Final details on the parking arrangements will be announced closer to the event.
Q: Is the course really 5 and 10 k long?
A: The courses are 5km (ish) and 10 km (and a bit). Their true distances continue to be a subject of discussion. What is most important is that you study previous results and look at the finishing times.
Q: How hard is this event, truthfully?
A: Harder than you think (especially 10K). More fun than you could possibly imagine. Study all of the event materials carefully so you are well prepared.
Q: Do I have to complete all of the obstacles?
A: The obstacles are all constructed to be achievable and there is nothing to fear. Smiles will get you through them.
Q: How strict are you about the equipment we need to take on the run?
A: There are some pieces of equipment that we strongly recommend and depending on weather conditions these may become mandatory. More details here: http://www.themightydeerstalker.com/page113.asp
Q: Can we choose to wear any kind of fancy dress?
A: We only ask that your outfits do not obscure your vision, your movements or the progress of other runners. Remember also that there may be mandatory equipment requirements for this event, depending on the forecast or prevailing weather. This is likely to make your Mankini inappropriate.
Q: Is the water we cross through clean enough? Will I need to take precautions for my health?
A: We have never had mention of illness after Deerstalker, despite participants clambering through rivers, ditches and ponds. There are several wet locations of varying water quality. We strongly recommend that you follow these simple precautions; Wash your hands and face after the event – the latest anti-bacterial hand washes are good for this. Do not handle food unless your hands are clean or it is held in a wrapper. Cover open cuts and wounds before the event. Do not drink the water from rivers, ponds, ditches or ponds – as if you would!
Q: Where can I buy the Deerstalker Tshirt?
A: You can purchase the Deerstalker t-shirt from the Rat Race Store or on the day.
Q: Can I put up any tent size?
A: Due to space restrictions, we ask that your tents are not larger than 12x12 feet each (approx 4x4m). Space is limited so please keep this in mind when deciding what size tent to bring. Camping pitch sizes are not guaranteed so if in doubt, please check with the organisers. NO COMMUNAL GAZEBOS PERMITTED.
Q: Can we bring our own BBQ or make a fire?
A: NO CAMP FIRES WILL BE ALLOWED. Also no gas bbq’s please and no glass bottles are allowed anywhere on site. We will have good catering on site with plenty of choice.
