iceland ultra briefing - The Iceland Challenge

ICELAND ULTRA BRIEFING
• Friday 22nd – Monday 25th July 2016
• Friday 26th – Monday 29th August 2016
INTRODUCTION
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Who are we
Itinerary
Route
What to expect
Kit
Safety
Timings
What’s next
Questions
WHO ARE WE
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Action Challenge organise treks, cycles & runs across the world
Organising challenge events for over 16 years
Work with over 400+ different charities
Bespoke events for corporate companies
Taken over 3,000 people to the top of Kilimanjaro
Over 20,000 people on our Ultra Challenge events
Over £10 million will be raised in 2016 from our events
‘Ultra Challenge’ series sub-brand of 5 different events
Many previous treks to Iceland – 5 in 2016
Head office based in North London
OUR TEAM
UK
• 1 x Event Manager - Adam
• 1 x Hospitality Manager - Nicola
• 4 x Rest stop Managers – David, Kate, Chris, Jim
• 2 x UK Doctors - Rob
Iceland
• 1 x In-country Manager - Edwin
• 6 x Drivers
• 10 x Mountain guides
• 3 x Cooks
ICELANDIC FACTS!
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The most sparsely populated country in Europe
Reykjavík is most northerly capital in the world
Beer remained illegal until 1989
The majority of Icelanders believe in elves
Between European & North American tectonic plates
200 volcanoes & a third of all lava flows found on Earth
85% of electricity & heating from geothermal & hydroelectric
There is a volcanic eruption on average every 4 years
The last major one was in 2010….
MAP OF ICELAND
Reykjavik
Kevalvik
Airport
Event
area
ROUTE OVERVIEW – LAUGAVEGUR TRAIL
Eyjafjallajökull
Finish
Overnight
camp
Start
ITINERARY
Friday
• Fly to Iceland
• Overnight camp
Saturday
• Day 1 of trek
• Overnight camp
Sunday
• Day 2 of trek
• Celebration meal and hotel
Monday
• Fly back to UK or optional extension package
Tuesday
• Fly back to UK
EVENT FORMAT
• Timings crucial – self management key!
• Long days - early starts & late finishes
• Maintain 4kmph trekking speed
• Help taking down (and putting up) tents
• Trekking with day bags
• Main bags will not be accessible until the evening
• Breakfast will be served in two sittings
• Group management
– Good weather: Groups of three
– Poor weather: Mountain guides with larger groups
– Bad weather: Potential route alterations
DAY 1 – FRIDAY – ARRIVAL DAY
• 1000 - Meet group and Action Challenge staff at airport
• 1500 – Group flight arrives Iceland
 Land Only - Reykjavik at 1400
 Keflavik airport at 1500
• 1600 - Coach transfer
 Allocation of tent numbers & breakfast times
• 1800 - Dinner en-route
• 2130 - Arrival at camp-site
• 2200 - Hot drink, briefing and kit check
Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik
DAY 2 – SATURDAY – TREKKING DAY 1
• 0400 - Wake-up
• 0415 - Breakfast/Break down tents (2 sittings)
• 0545 - Briefing & Warm-up
• 0600 - Start
• 1000 – 1130 Lunch
• 1600 – 1930 Arrive at overnight camp
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• 1800 – 2100 Dinner
• 2100 Briefing
DAY 2 SAT – THE ROUTE
Start
AM Rest stop
Lunch stop
PM Rest stop
Finish
High plateau
DAY 2 SAT - DISTANCES & ELEVATION
Start
AM Rest stop
Lunch stop
PM Rest stop
High Plateau
Total distance: 25.4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,405m
Elevation loss: 1,350m
Ben Nevis
Elevation: 1,300m
Finish
DAY 2 SAT - LUNCH STOP
DAY 2 SAT – CLIMB FROM LUNCH STOP
DAY 2 SAT– CLIMB FROM LUNCHSTOP
DAY 2 SAT - CLIMB FROM LUNCHSTOP
DAY 2 SAT – CROSSING PLATEAU TO PM REST STOP
DAY 2 SAT – PM REST STOP
DAY 2 SAT – CROSSING HIGH PLATEAU
DAY 1 – DESCENT TO OVERNIGHT CAMP
DAY 2 SAT – OVERNIGHT CAMP
DAY 3 – SUNDAY
• 0300 - Wake-up (option for slower walkers to set-off earlier)
• 0315 - Breakfast/Break down tents
• 0445 - Briefing
• 0500 - Start
• 0900 - 1000 Brunch
• 1500 - 1600 Finish – photos, medals and fizz
• 1500 - 1600 Transfer to hotel
• 1800 - 1900 Arrive at hotel
• 2000 - Celebratory dinner
DAY 3 - ROUTE – SUNDAY
Start
AM Rest stop
Brunch stop
PM Rest stop & Finish
Mýrdalsjökull
Ice Cap
DAY 3 - DISTANCES & ELEVATION
Start
AM Rest stop
Total distance: 22.6 miles
Elevation gain: 700m
Elevation loss: 1,065m
Lunch stop
PM Rest
stop
Finish
DAY 1 – TREK TO AM REST STOP
DAY 3 SUN – TREK TO LUNCHSTOP
DAY 3 – EN-ROUTE TO LUNCHSTOP
DAY 3 – RIVER CROSSINGS
DAY 3 - HOTEL, HOT SHOWERs & CELEBRATION MEAL
DAY 4 – MONDAY DEPARTURE
Non extension package:
• 0345 – Depart for airport (07:45 flight)
• 0900 – Depart for airport via Reykjavik (16:10 flight + extra day non–AC extenders)
 Free morning in Reykjavik
 Must depart for airport @ 13:00
• Land–only participants
 Transfer to airport included
 You will be asked your preferred departure time
Extension package:
• 0800 – Depart to Reykjavik
 Whale watching & city tour (extension package)
 Check into hotel and dinner at local restaurant
DAY 5 – TUESDAY – EXTENSION PACKAGE
• 0445 Coach departs for airport (0745 flight)
• 1000 Coach departs for airport via Blue Lagoon (AC extension package only, 1610 flight)
WHAT TO EXPECT – FACILITIES
Overnight camp
 2 person tents + sleeping mats
 Room share request – if friends / couples
 Dining marquee, water & toilets – no showers!
 UK Doctor – check ups!
AM/PM Rest stops
 Snacks & water
 Toilets
 First aid qualified staff
Lunch stop
 Cook tents
 Drinking water
 Toilets
 UK Doctor
WHAT TO EXPECT – CATERING & FOOD
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Dietary requirements – you must tell us!
Breakfast – Porridge, yogurt, muesli, fruit, hot drinks
Lunch stop – Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, water
Dinner – Soup, Icelandic stew, dessert
Snacks – Cereal bars, crisps, chocolate, sweets, fruit
Bring your favourite snacks & energy bars
Water available at all stops
Electrolyte tablets – taste & energy!
Dinner to be served in two sittings
WHAT TO EXPECT – TERRAIN & ENVIROMENT
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The route is well marked
Easy to follow – stick to trail to preserve the nature
Vigilant at all times
Steep ascents & descents – rough & rocky
Day 1
– Tough - large elevation gain
– Ice caves - thermal activity under the ice
– DO NOT ENTER – unstable & dangerous
– Never put your hands or feet in hot streams or vents
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Day 2 – 4 x cold glacial river crossings
No rubbish or toilet paper left on trail
Bring zip lock bag & carrier bag
Try to use toilets only at rest stops
Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints!
WHAT TO EXPECT - RIVER CROSSINGS
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Don’t cross rivers where narrowest - they are deeper & faster flowing
Use trekking sandals to cross – Never bare feet!!
Cross in threes or wait for the Mountain Guide
Unfasten ruck sack straps (ensure all kit is kept dry)
Small travel towel – stay dry!
WHAT TO EXPECT - WEATHER
• Good weather =
 Beautiful views
 High temperatures
 Good times!
• Bad weather =
 No views
 Horizontal rain
 Freezing temperatures
 Waterproofs!
• Average temperature is about 7- 8°c + wind chill
• Weather is extremely changeable
• Snow and fog – any time of year
WHAT TO EXPECT – KIT
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If cold, wet & windy conditions, hypothermia can occur
Correct clothing & kit is essential
Beg, borrow or steal – doesn’t have to cost £££s
Hire expensive items
Head torches on August date
Wear your boots on the plane!
Kit check before the event
Check out Participant Area for kit list!!
Discounts at Cotswold Outdoor & Ellis Brigham
Partners with Outdoor Kit Hire
Don’t forget your fleece!
YOUR KIT & EQUIPMENT – WHAT YOU’LL BE WEARING
Clothing
• 1 x Synthetic base layer top and bottom - Light to mid-weight
• 1/2 x Pairs of walking socks
• 1 x Trekking trousers – Lightweight zip-offs work well
• 1 x Trekking t-shirts - wicking or synthetic. NOT COTTON
• 1 x Micro-fleece top
Waterproofs
• 1 x Waterproof jacket with hood - Gortex or breathable
• 1 x Waterproof over trousers - Gortex or breathable
Boots
• 1 x Hiking boots – Gortex or leather, water repellent and
broken-in with ankle support.
YOUR KIT & EQUIPMENT - DAY BAG
• 1 x 30/35 litre rucksack with rain cover – carried on plane
• 2 x Bin liners/dry bags to keep clothing dry
Clothing
• 1 x Thick fleece / Down jacket
• 1 x Fleecy hat + warm gloves + buff + spare socks
• 2 x 1 litre water bottles or camelback
• 1 x Sun glasses + sun hat
• 1 x Pair of trekking sandals (for river crossings) – NOT FLIPFLOPS
Equipment
• 1 x Mobile phone + zip lock bag
• 1 x Small First Aid Kit + Survival kit
• 1 x Toilet roll + zip lock bag
• 1 x Sun screen (Factor 30+) + Lip balm
• 1 x Camera + Valuables + zip lock bag
• Snacks - sweets/trail mix/cereal bars/energy bars/gels
YOUR KIT & EQUIPMENT - MAIN BAG
Main bag – transported between camps:
• 1 x 80 – 110 litre duffle bag or backpack (no wheels)
• 2/3 x Heavy duty bin liners or dry bags
• 1 x 3 season sleeping bag
 Comfort rating (not lower limit) of 0 °C or lower
• 1 x Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk)
• 1 x Sleeping mat or thermarest
• Total weight of all kit should not exceed 15kg
• Not a suitcase – or a wheelie bag!!
MEDICAL & INSURANCE
• Specific medications & jabs not required
• Your Health & Medical history
 You MUST disclose ANY previous or current medical issues
 If requested by us – sign off by G.P. required
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
 Gives access to state-provided healthcare
 Will cover you if treatment required
 Covers for pre-existing medical conditions
 Apply on-line at www.ehic.org.uk
• Travel Insurance
 You MUST have adequate travel insurance
 We recommend Campbell Irvine Direct Travel Insurance
 If using other insurer it MUST cover this trek
 Must include: all transport costs (incl. helicopter) to the nearest medical facility
 We require all details prior to the event – 8 weeks before
SAFETY
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Signage
Route cards
Medical
Communications
Mountain guides
Drop-outs – You MUST drop-out at a rest stop where we have vehicle access.
Safety vehicles
Cut-off times
SAFETY – MOBILE PHONES
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Mobile phone must be carried by everyone – RULE!
Bring a waterproof case + spare power pack
Power packs = £20 from Amazon
Ensure phone is unlocked & works in Iceland
Check if ‘deal’ on 4G signal
There is good coverage along the route, but intermittent
Conserve your battery – NO charging facilities
We will have emergency & lost numbers
SAFETY – EVACUATION PROCEDURE
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You MUST drop-out at a rest stop.
If you are lost / injured phone Event Control
If you cannot contact Event Control and it is a life threatening emergency, call 112
Further details will be sent to you
WHAT NEXT - TRAINING
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Extreme & tough challenge!!
Physical fitness & good equipment are crucial
Start training 3 months before trip
Including carrying a day pack up and down hills
Get outdoors & trek!
You will need good aerobic fitness, strength and stamina
Achieve 4kmph walking speed over 26 miles in all weathers.
Use your free 50 km Ultra Challenge place!
 Isle of Wight Challenge
30th April 2016
 London 2 Brighton Challenge
28th May 2016
 London 2 Cambridge Challenge
2nd July 2016
• Sign up to any of our training walks
• Specific ‘Iceland Ultra’ training walk – 9th April
WHAT NEXT
• 4th April - Link sent out to Update registration form (flights/medical/insurance/
passport details)
• 9th April - Iceland Challenge Training walk (South Downs)
• 13th May/17th June
– Deadline for updating registration form
– Self Funding Balance due
– Charity Fundraising – 80% of fundraising target due with your charity
• 22nd June/29th July – Final Event Information
• 11th July/12th August - Good Luck message & final updates
• 22nd July/ 26th August – THE ICELAND CHALLENGE
• 22nd August/30th September - Remaining 20% fundraising due
ANY QUESTIONS?