Ratalogue Autumn Winter 2010 to 2011

www.ratrace.com

YOUR GUIDE TO ADVENTURE EVENTS AND KIT FOR 2011

number one For adventure sport INSIDE: Our 2011 event season profiled in full Multi-sport events: run, cycle, kayak and more From trail to mountain: all the event kit you’ll ever need

Plus: winter training tips from an Olympian

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york showroom now open

22 20 London Rat Race - 24/25 September The daddy of them all. Don’t run through the city: run up it, climb down it, jump off it, and more...

Events 4 Notorious Night Run Series: Horseplay - 12 March Equine-themed japes over 5k and 10k 66 NNR: Deerstalker - 19 March Feel the need for tweed? We recommend a course of Scottish mud and mayhem 88 NNR: Legends of Sherwood Forest - 2 April Into the woods for bows, arrows and a host of merry men and women

22 Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest 24 - 2, 8, 16 October A beefed-up 10k for people who think it’s not a run if there are no walls. Or nets. Or mud.

features 20 24 Astounding Adventures Get on your bike and ride...

10 Soldier Challenge - 26 March Support our troops while tackling an obstacle course in central London

26 Urban Gym Get the most out of your city: it’s outdoor circuit training with a Rat Race twist

12 Trailblazer - 7, 14, 22 May The UK’s premier trail running event, for seasoned pros and off road virgins alike

28 Adventure Base Serious excursions and mountain gear for serious mountains

14 Green Belter - 28 May, 4 June, 2/16/30 July Five locations, two race distances, numerous challenges...who said maths isn’t fun?

30 Gear guide: the Great British Winter Everything you need to wrap up warm and meet the weather head-on

16 River Rat Race - 28 August Messing about on the river, Rat Race style

Editor – Jim Mee Managing Editor – Russ Thorne Designer – Ed Clews Rat Race Store – David Powell Contributors: Dean Macey, Gary Vallance Like more info? Email info@ratrace.com, we’d love to hear from you.

18 Scotland Coast to Coast - 17/18 September Start one side. Run, cycle and paddle to the other. Easy! (Caution: contains lochs and mountains)

Event Key Climbing

Running

Cycling

Kayaking

Urban

Mountains

Forest

Ratalogue is published by Rat Race (Events), ltd. While the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the content of the magazine is accurate at the time of going to press, it cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of Rat Race (Events), ltd.

Copyright 2010 Rat Race (Events), ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or stored in any form on a retrieval system without the prior permission of the publisher.

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Welcome to our Autumn/ Winter 2010/2011 Ratalogue In 2010 we took the decision to significantly increase the range of products on offer through the Rat Race Adventure brand. From our roots as a quirky urban adventure race, we’ve stepped up to provide a portfolio of the UK’s best multi-sport events, both urban and outdoor. Plus, we’ve added a mind-boggling array of kit to the mix for you to buy, all underpinned with our fantastic members ‘Rat Rewards’ scheme offering 15% off across all our range of kit and events.

The Ratalogue gives you a taste of our range: fantastic events nationwide (plus one or two abroad!) for you to get your claws into and a stunning array of kit and apparel to support your endeavours. Whether you’re tackling one of our races or heading out there on your own, have a look through this issue of the Ratalogue and cook up your next adventure.

Rat Race Adventure. Not Your Normal Nine To Five.

Jim Mee - Rat-in-Chief

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Mar

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orseplay, our first event of the year, is built on the success of the Mighty Deerstalker (see page six), which takes place in the Scottish Borders.

Last year, we figured that we might as well throw the same quirky format open to the Southerners and our Home Counties country cousins did not disappoint: we gave them an equine theme and with a throng of whips, jodhpurs and riding hats, the odd Pantomime horse and a smattering of ‘jockey and rider’ combos, the Horseplay course romped through the ‘human horse jumps’ of the Hambleden Estate on the banks of the Thames. Of course, it all occurred at night and was followed by lashings of local Ale and a raucous party to boot.

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Ratistics Where: Hambleden, Henley on Thames When: 12th March 2011 Price: 10K - £35/5K - £25 Early Bird Deals available

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members save 15%

on kit, events and training New Balance 840 Designed for the fell runner who requires maximum grip.

Lightweight low-profile style with full ground contact for a responsive ride.

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N-Durance® Rubber compound for maximum durability in high-wear areas Compression-molded EVA for superior midsole cushioning and flexibility.

RRP: £50.00 Members pay: £42.50

Mud busting shoes from ratrace.com

Inov-8 X-Talon 212

La Sportiva Crosslite

Super lightweight off road running shoe with low profile midsole. High levels of comfort, stability and performance with an aggressive sticky rubber outsole make this shoe ideal for cross country, short trail and X-Mountain racers.

The gaiter over laces protects from stones and mud. Sole specifically made for off road use, guaranteeing maximum grip on more difficult terrain thanks to an AT FriXion® rubber compound.

RRP: £79.99 Members pay: £67.99

RRP: £80.00 Members pay: £68.00 5

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hen we sat down and sketched out the concept for the Mighty Deerstalker trail run back in ’07, it’s still not entirely clear what we were thinking: take a load of Tweed costumes, throw in a couple of rampant Scottish rivers to cross, add one or two rugged mountains, plus one hellish scree-slope, pepper it with obstacles (both natural and man-made) and ensure it all takes place in the wilds of the Scottish winter. At night.

Well, it seemed that many warmed to this dubious serving and the Mighty Deerstalker is now an epic cult classic involving 2500 runners in the Scottish Borders, in March, running, dressing in Tweed and then lording it up at the Beerstalker after-party.

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Ratistics Where: Traquair House, scottish borders When: 19th March 2011 Price: 10K - £35/5K - £25 Early Bird Deals available

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Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Head Torch Official Head Torch of the Notorious Night Run Series

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RRP: £37.50 Members pay: £31.88

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Three white lighting modes (maximum, economic and flashing mode) Two red lighting modes: continuous and strobe One high-output white LED: 50 lumens (maximum level) Shines up to 35 meters (maximum level) 140 h light duration at economic level

notorious event kit picks from ratrace.com

Montane North Star Down Jacket

Mountain Equipment Starlight 3

Features an adjustable hood with wired peak, and combines minimal weight and maximum warmth in a package that can be stored in the supplied waterproof compression bag.

Expedition proven technology and innovation coupled with durable fabrics and fill make this Mountain Equipment’s most popular 3 season and beyond sleeping bag.

RRP: £180.00 Members pay: £153.00

RRP: £100.00 Members pay: £85.00 7

legends Sherwood

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o, fast forward to 2011 and with a trumpet-call of glee from our brethren in the Midlands, we decided to add a fresh date to this hilarity: Legends of Sherwood Forest joins this wanton threesome and delivers the same great format of 10k (ish) and 5k (and the rest) courses, plus the opportunity to dress up like Robin Hood.

The Deerstalker, Horseplay and Legends of Sherwood Forest events all have unique characters, but they’re united under the banner of the Rat Race ‘Notorious Night Run Series’. All events feature free parking and camping, a belter of a party, plus shiny gong and Special Edition ‘Notorious’ Ron Hill Tech Tee for all finishers.

Check it all out at: RatRaceAdventure.com/Notorious

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Ratistics Where: Sherwood Pines, nottinghamshire When: 2nd april 2011 Price: 10K - £35/5K - £25 Early Bird Deals available

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Helly Hansen long sleeve stripe crew The L/S Crew features Lifa® Stay Dry Technology™ to move moisture away from the skin while flat lock stitching and low bulk cuffs enhance comfort during any sport, all year long.

RRP: £27.00 Members pay: £22.95

notorious event kit picks from ratrace.com

2XU Men’s and Women’s Tights Protection against the elements with benefits of compression: encouraging maximum blood flow toward the heart to keep you performing at your peak for longer due to decreased muscle fatigue and damage.

RRP: £55.00 Members pay: £46.75

Mountain Equipment Tundra 2 TGO Rating: 4.5 stars (Best Buy) “Stability is good and the tent doesn’t flap like some other tunnel tents.”

RRP: £375.00 Members pay: £318.75 9

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e’re taking military training out of the field and bringing it into Central London for a day on 26 March 2011.

Soldier Challenge is a brand new four-hour Urban Adventure on the streets of Old Smoke brought to you by the Rat Race Adventure team, in partnership with ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

The event is for soldiers and civvies alike, with unprecedented access to London’s most famous tourist and military venues. We kicked things off in style on 5 November 2010 with a fantastic press launch hosted by HRH Prince Harry. The March event also promises to be a star-studded affair with celebs and some very well known adventurers taking part. Whether you find yourself attempting an assault course next to the Thames, abseiling in the City or leopard

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crawling through Leicester Square, Soldier Challenge will provide you with an opportunity to see the capital in a totally new light, Rat Race-style, while showing support for our soldiers!

Ratistics Where: central london When: 26th March 2011 Price: £35 Early Bird Deals available

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Best for Long Treks

Best for Biking

Deuter ACT Lite 50+10

Camelbak Mule 3L

Volume 50L+10L+5L. The Vari-Quick System allows easy and rapid fit adjustment to suit every body size.

Two aluminium rods transfer the load directly to the ergonomic waist belt.

The original and very possibly the world’s leading mountain bike hydration system. Offers 3L of hydration and 11.5L of cargo with a front organiser.

RRP: £64.99 Members pay: £55.24

RRP: £115.00 Members pay: £97.75

Adventure Sport Packs from ratrace.com Best for compact hydration

Best for fast trekking

Salomon XT Wings

inov-8 Race Pro 4 Waist Bag The Race Pro 4 is a functional belt pack which is compatible with the unique patent pending H2Orizontal hydration system which is sold separately. Size = 4 Litres

RRP: £30.00 Members pay: £25.50

Designed for trail racers moving fast, this piece is light and fits snugly. The 4D pole holder is instinctive to use.

Quick and easy access to your hiking poles while running.

RRP: £60.00 Members pay: £51.00 11

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rand new for 2011, the Rat Race crew has partnered with Runner’s World magazine to deliver three fresh-faced trail runs. We’ve put together a brilliant and beautiful series of 10k off-road runs for you to enjoy in some of the country’s finest forest locations in May 2011.

Our venues have been hand-picked to offer wide, firm and fast flowing trails, allowing beginners and seasoned runners alike the opportunity to get into the great outdoors and enjoy a run in some enchanting locations. With a standard 10k circuit offered in each location, plus route profiles, route maps, excellent runner and spectator facilities and entertainments, loads of parking and a fantastic big event atmosphere, Runner’s World Trailblazers are designed to be the definitive off-road running events of the UK racing calendar.

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Ratistics Where: sherwood, bedgebury and forest of dean When: 7th, 14th, 22nd may 2011 Price: £29 Early Bird Deals available

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on kit, events and training New Balance MR749

Developed for the multiterrain runner seeking mild stability control, the 749 features a single density Medial Post and ABZORB® cushioning in the heel and forefoot. In addition it incorporates a lugged outsole for running both on and off road.

RRP: £65.00 Members pay: £55.25

trail running shoes from ratrace.com

Inov-8 Roclite 318 GTX Unisex

Adidas Kanadia TR3

Waterproof and breathable trail running and multi activity shoe ideal for muddy, wet and deep snow conditions.

Fast and sleek, it has a mud-shedding off-road outsole, a gusseted tongue and breathable mesh upper to help keep it clean and light.

RRP: £100.00 Members pay: £85.00

RRP: £50.00 Members pay: £42.50 13

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he Green Belter Series kicked off in style in 2010 with three great Home Counties venues offering an ‘Adventure on your doorstep’. The format features a waymarked course, with a multi-sport mix of biking, running, a wee splash in our kayaks and our trademark mighty ‘Green Machine’ obstacle course thrown in for good measure. Although the courses vary in look and feel, with each venue boasting its own unique character, the average completion time is around four hours.

In 2011 we’re returning to Pippingford, Hambleden and Bedgebury for our Home Counties jaunts, all located within an hour and a bit of central London and featuring pristine countryside, fresh air and a Belter of an adventure laid on by the everinnovative Rat Race events crew. These venues are joined by a Northern event

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in Yorkshire and an outing north of the Border too, in the delightful Caron Valley of central Scotland near Stirling. Join us for summer 2011 as we go off-beat in the Green Belt!

Ratistics Where: Hambleden, pippingford, bedgebury, carron valley and newburgh priory When: 28th May, 4th june, 2nd, 16th and 30th july 2011 Price: £45 Early Bird Deals available

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Montane Slipstream Jacket Ultra-lightweight and ultra simple thanks to minimal seams and PERTEX® Quantum fabrics.

Weather protection and breathability in a package of less than 100 grams including stuff sac.

RRP: £60.00 Members pay: £51.00

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight .5 Same material used in parachutes - so you know it’s tough. Sheer, see-thru fabric makes it easy to find what you need, when you need it.

RRP: £19.99 Members pay: £16.99

green belter kit picks from ratrace.com 2XU Comp Tri Shorts with pockets

Camelbak Octane XCT

A must have for any multisportiste.

Designed to dry fast after a dunking, provide protection during the bike phase, yet be unobtrusive during the run. This model has handy gel pockets.

Designed to carry: extra layers, rain gear, trail maps, energy bars.

Capacity: 2L. Cargo: 3.28L. 2L omega™ hydrotanium™ reservoir

RRP: £55.00 Members pay: £46.75

RRP: £49.99 Members pay: £42.99 15

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sing our unique knowledge of unusual adventures in the Urban landscape, in 2010 we created the River Rat Race, taking place on the waters of the mighty River Tees. This wet ‘n’ wild take on the traditional 10k saw 800 competitors donning buoyancy aids and literally taking to the Tees.

Highlights included walking the plank from the deck of HM Bark Endeavour; a climb over the ironwork of the imposing Newport Bridge; kayaking; and all manner of waterborne slipping, splashing, dunking and sliding.

The adventure continues on August Bank Holiday 2011 as the event doubles its capacity and uses the same waved start sequence to despatch 1500 River Rat Racers into the drink!

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Ratistics Where: stockton-on-tees When: 28th august 2011 Price: £35 Early Bird Deals available

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on kit, events and training Best for hi-vis

Ronhill Vizion Microlight Jacket Lightweight, water repellent and breathable with a high standard of wind resistance. Micro fleece lined collar. Reflective graphics and tape providing 360° reflectivity and Vizion LED compatible.

RRP: £60.00 Members pay: £51.00

running jackets from ratrace.com Best for trail running

Haglofs Shield Jacket

OMM Kamleika Race Smock

Best for mountain marathons

Highly wind and water resistant with extremely good breathability.

Back & underarm panel in FlexAble™ for maximum breathability and ease of movement. One zippered chest pocket with stuff bag capability.

The new Gelanots® fabric is breathable, waterproof and uniquely has four-way stretch providing freedom of movement while remaining rustle free & quiet. Taped seams. OMM Race approved.

RRP: £75.00 Members pay: £63.75

RRP: £110.00 Members pay: £93.50 17

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n 2010 we delivered a tour-de-force of adventure in the Highlands with the epic Scotland Coast to Coast Multi-Sport Challenge.

Still glowing from the sell-out success of our inaugural outing, Scotland Coast to Coast returns for 2011. Imagine a route that tackles one of the most famous mountain landscapes in the world by bike, foot and boat; a journey that covers just over 100 miles, including a marathon-worth on foot; a journey that takes in some of the most iconic locations and amazing views in the Scottish Highlands: Loch Ness, the Great Glen, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. This is Scotland Coast to Coast. It’s a oneway traverse of Scotland from East to West following the line of the Great Glen, amidst stunning scenery and with a format that allows completion in one or two days.

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Ratistics Where: nairn to isles of glencoe, scotland When: 17th/18th september 2011 Price: from ÂŁ150 Early Bird Deals available

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Suunto t3c • • •

Calculate your real-time heart rate and calorie consumption Get real-time Training Effect Measure your speed, distance, and cadence with optional Suunto PODs Use interference-free digital ANT transmission and coding to securely pair

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your Suunto devices Available also in Suunto Performance Packs - ready to go solutions with PODs for cycling, running, and multisport.

RRP: £120.00 Members pay: £102.00

fitness and nav watches from ratrace.com

Suunto Core •

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Altimeter with altitude log memory and altitude difference measurement Barometer with storm alarm and weather trend indicator Automatic Alti / Baro switch Compass with semi automatic calibration and

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a digital bearing Depth meter Multiple watch, date and • alarm functions with dual time and countdown timer • Sunrise/Sunset times for over 400 locations worldwide Digital thermometer Menu based user interface

in English, German, French and Spanish Available in a range of styles User-replaceable battery

RRP: From £210.00 Members pay:From £178.50 19

SingletrackSchool Find your flow

A Winter’s Trail get better on your bike with the experts at singletrack school

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f you’re after a warming winter challenge, why not take advantage of the quieter trails and improve your mountain biking skills?

Maybe you’ve reached a plateau in your mountain biking and can’t seem to ride faster on more technical terrain without fear of falling off; or perhaps you’ve never been taught the fundamentals and are just getting by using your road biking experience. If this sounds like you then a Singletrack School mountain bike skills course could be just the thing to get your riding back on track.

Core Skills - Fundamentals This course will give you core mountain bike skills that you can apply to any terrain, in any location, in any conditions.

Following training both total novices and intermediate riders should see an immediate improvement in their riding and a boost in their confidence on technical trails. You’ll tackle steeper terrain and tricky corners with greater control and negotiate trail obstacles with confidence and commitment.

Course content: • • • • • •

Core body position Dynamic weight shift Effective braking Negotiating trail obstacles Cornering skills Negotiating steep terrain

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Singletrack Skills You’re a competent mountain biker and can ride technical terrain with confidence. So why can’t you go as fast as your friends? The answer is that you probably haven’t found your flow yet.

This course looks at the key elements to finding your flow and builds upon your Core Skills to improve your technical singletrack skills and energy management. After the course you’ll see a massive improvement in speed and commitment on fast corners, steep descents and in your climbing; all achieved with far less physical effort!

Course content: • • • • • •

Manual front-wheel lifts Manual drops Effective pedalling Advanced cornering Breaking down the trail Energy management

course facts Price: both courses £60 Venues: Holmbury Hill, Surrey Hills Yearsley Forest, North Yorks Duration: both courses half day (four hours) with optional 3 hour guided ride (add £30.00) Coaching ratios: 1:6 - Fundamentals course 1:4 - Singletrack skills course Experience required: Fundamentals course - no offroad experience required, but you must be able to ride a bike with gears.

Singletrack skills course - you must be a competent off-road mountain biker able to ride with confidence and commitment.

Singletrack School Gift Voucher - £25.00, £50.00 or £100.00 If you’re looking for an unusual gift, Singletrack School vouchers make the perfect presents for your adventurous friend and relatives.

save 15% off courses - quote ‘rat race’ when ordering - 08000 988 001

members save 15%

on kit, events and training

Altura Women’s Sirius Plus Jacket Waterproof, durable and highly breathable, React Extreme fabric.

Breathable in excess of 30,000g/m2/24hr.

Smooth running zips with storm flaps and magnetic closure. Front/rear pockets. Side vents. Reflective trim.

RRP: £129.00 Members pay: £110.49

Endura Convert II Waterproof Jacket MBR Magazine Review Score: 9/10. Waterproof snap-down zip pullers on arms allow conversion to gilet (arms fit in rear pocket).

RRP: £69.99 Members pay: £59.49

bikewear from ratrace.com

Endura Superlite Waterproof Shorts Compact 2.5 layer fabric waterproof/ breathable with sealed seams. Bonded and laser cut pocket.

Seam-free inner leg panel. Flashes of reflective fabric.

Articulated cut to cover the knee.

RRP: £49.99 Members pay: £42.49

Altura Night Vision Padded Tights Night vision waist tights provide a great fit and hi-vis reflective trim. A great Winter combination.

RRP: £49.99 Members pay: £42.49 21

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or 2011 we’re planning our largest Urban Adventure yet, with 1500 people expected to descend on Old Smoke for a rollercoaster ride of running, biking, kayaking, abseiling and more.

Expect the usual format of Saturday’s Mean Streets foot-based adventure followed by Sunday’s Nine 2 Five biking event.

The London Urban Adventure event has established itself as a truly unique way to see the Capital as well as partake in some amazing activities at iconic venues.

Last year’s event included an abseil down The Oval, kayaking in Docklands and even a spot of budgie-smuggling at Crystal Palace pool! Previous events have seen competitors kayak on the Thames, abseil down famous landmarks like Twickenham Rugby Stadium, savour delectable London delicacies such as

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Jellied Eels and cycle past the front door of Buckingham Palace. 2011 will pack an almighty punch and promises to deliver you more fun than a Rat in Granary.

If you’re feeling REALLY adventurous, you might like to know that the Rat Race operates Urban Adventure events internationally too. For 2011, events will be taking place in Perth, AUSTRALIA and Santiago, CHILE.

Ratistics Where: central london When: 24/25thth september 2011 Price: from £35 Early Bird Deals available

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Smartwool Zip Tee

Haglofs Actives Boxer

A light long-sleeve option for year-round use. The zip neck, flatlock seams and 100% ultra soft Merino wool add even more to the overall comfort of this shirt.

Highly stretchable and durable soft fabric.

High wicking action. Offset seams for chafefree layering. External labelling for added comfort. Made entirely from recycled fabrics.

RRP: £49.95 Members pay: £38.21

RRP: £22.50 Members pay: £19.13

base layers from ratrace.com

Ronhill Women’s Vizion L/S Base Tee Vapourlite fabric.

Lightweight and breathable with a premium quality wicking treatment. Modern feminine neckline. Reflective graphics providing 360° reflectivity. Flat-locked seams.

100% Polyester

RRP: £25.00 Members pay: £21.25

Montane Bionic Base Layer Year-round, lightweight, mountain base layer.

Sportwool™ construction, 77% Polyester / 23% Merino wool. Active cut. Flatlocked contrast seams. Reflective detail. UPF 40+ protection.

RRP: £45.00 Members pay: £38.25 23

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rom the inaugural event in 2008, the MH Survival season has grown to encompass a ‘Tri-Nations Challenge’ Series. These urban assault courses offer an action-packed 10k route through the city centres of Edinburgh, Cardiff and Nottingham.

Expect to rub shoulders with 10,000 others in 2011 as the events return to the same host cities!

Land Rover make a welcome return as title sponsors and the obstacle zones will be similar to those experienced in 2010, with one or two newcomers added for good measure...

10k. 10 obstacle zones. 10,000 Survivors.

Are you fit enough?

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Ratistics Where: nottingham, cardiff and edinburgh When: 2nd, 8th and 16th October 2011 Price: ÂŁ36 Early Bird Deals available

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Accapi Nexus 3/4 Trouser

2XU Compression Recovery Socks

Features Nexus Energy Source fibres.

Produced with three precious elements – platinum, titanium and aluminium – this fibre produces natural and constant infrared emissions that improve blood circulation.

Graduated compression engineering to promote increased circulation, designed for long periods of wear during travel or recovery, this lightweight sock also provides improved venous function and increased DVT protection.

RRP: £120.00 Members pay: £84.00

RRP: £25.00 Members pay: £21.25

compression and recoverywear from ratrace.com Under Armour ColdGear Compression Mock

Skins Sport Black Half Tights

Lock in rapid moisture transport and maximum core temperature regulation.

Two layer brushed fabric combines enhanced thermal protection and moisture transport.

Skins™ sport half tights provide benefits of lower lactic acid production, improved circulation and greater oxygen availability, significantly reducing your fatigue and muscle soreness.

RRP: £35.00 Members pay: £29.75

RRP: £50.00 Members pay: £42.50 25

Make winter work for you Olympian Dean Macey has some top tips for avoiding a winter of discontent...

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t feels like the end of the world. Dark all morning, dark all evening, and the promise of weekend daylight is blighted by the threat of bleak weather. Like any other warm blooded mammal, your natural inclination is to eat your own weight in stodgy food, set your alarm for spring, and hibernate.

Despite the obvious excesses of the festive season, it’s actually during autumn that most people start gaining weight. Diet and activity habits change, metabolic rates slow down, and we feel increasingly less inclined

to exercise. Our bodies are programmed to turn us into Christmas puddings!

Fortunately, all is not lost. Those same conditions that encourage us to stay inside, feeling lethargic and miserable, are also the perfect training partner. Embracing the great outdoors is actually the simplest way to beat the winter blues!

To stay healthy, feel good, and look fantastic through the colder seasons, consider these simple training tips

SIGN UP TO THE URBAN GYM AT WWW.RATRACE.COM 26

Dean’s Top Tips

Welcome the weather Invest in some good quality training gear, so you can add or remove lightweight layers to suit the conditions or your activity level while remaining comfortable.

Bright colours and reflective flashes will keep you safe and seen, and technical fibres will keep extremities toasty when it’s wet or windy. The worse the weather, the better you’ll feel for beating it.

Discover the dark High performance LED torches are lightweight and affordable. Whether you prefer hand-held or head-mounted, if you can illuminate the dark evenings the world is yours to enjoy. Make the most of your city, town, or local green spaces – it seems that Seasonal Affective Disorder is treated by moonlight as well as sun.

Cold is cool In lower temperatures your body burns fat reserves to maintain its core temperature, and regular

SIGN UP TO THE URBAN GYM AT

WWW.RATRACEURBANGYM.COM activity maintains a healthy metabolic rate. Go for long walks, or lose a few layers and raise the intensity for a cardiovascular workout in the fresh air. Drink plenty of fluids, and incorporate wholegrain carbohydrates into your daily diet to help convert those reserves into accessible energy.

Exploit your environment Everywhere outdoors is a training opportunity at this time of year. Urban areas experience less pedestrian traffic and harbour a surplus of welllit, sheltered locations for all sorts of exercises.

Join an Urban Gym “street circuits” session in a city near you, or take your gym workout outside. If your surroundings are more jungle than concrete, this is the best season to

consider heading offroad. Trail running on soft, uneven ground tones and strengthens the whole lower body and torso, so you’ll look great in your party clothes, and still have room for a couple of mince pies!

Win back your weekends Training during weekday evenings will reduce your stress levels, boost your immune system and improve circulation.

Looking and feeling healthy, relaxed and energised, you’ll be on top form to maximise your winter weekends - whether that’s effortless entertaining, battling the high street hordes, or nipping out for a sneaky circuit before breakfast!

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GO ALPINE THIS WINTER S

now, ice and rock. Soaring peaks. Cosy chalets and vin chaud in the hot tub.

An hour away on Easyjet. A winter’s worth of mountain adventure. It can only mean winter in the Alps and our favourite Alpine spot has to be Chamonix. Our mates at Adventure Base have been keeping the fires burning bright for adventure in the Alps and they offer a totally unique way of getting the most out of your trip to Chamonix - a refreshing twist to the regular ski holiday.

you choose, offering you the opportunity to enjoy the finest back-country ski or board days in the Alps. Or if you want to get really physical, grab an ice axe and crampons with a myriad of ice climbing and mountaineering options offered by Dream Guides. You choose the adventure, Adventure Base will do the rest. And when the day is at an end and lunchtime’s Tartiflette has settled for good in your stomach, head for the hot tub and gaze out over Mont Blanc in the moonlight.

With a selection of chalet accommodation on offer for every budget, you can go for a night, for a week or for as long as you like. Full board, half board, snowboard, whatever. Ski school for a day, or an offpiste clinic on the glaciers of Mont Blanc – Italian side or French – take your pick!

It’s totally bespoke to you, whatever your sport.

Ratfans get a great deal at Adventure Base too. Simply quote Rat Race when booking by phone and they will give you 10% off your booking. They also have great discounts off ski hire, lift passes and other services when in Chamonix itself. Maybe see you out there this winter. And if you ARE heading south to the snow...

And with their partnership with Dream Guides, run by 7-times Everest summiteer and all-round mountain guru Kenton Cool, you can book yourself on a course if

...Check out our Alpine winter gear selections on the following pages, selected by the guys at Adventure base as their fave picks for winter in the Alps.

Call 0845 5275812 and quote Rat Race to receive your 10% discount

find out more at:

www.adventurebase.com

chamonix winter and summer adventure holidays 28

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on kit, events and training

Mountain Hardwear Below Zero SL Jacket with Hood

Montane Prism 2.0 Jacket

Specifically engineered for mountaineering, alpine climbing and backcountry snowsports. Uses 650-fill goose down in a baffle construction protected

by SL Rip AXF fabric throughout.

The Prism 2.0 is the lightest insulation jacket in the MONTANE® range, now using the ultralight 40g/m² PRIMALOFT® Eco insulation, it is one of the lightest such jackets in the world.

RRP: £230.00 Members pay: £195.50

RRP: £100.00 Members pay: £85.00

winter jackets from ratrace.com

Haglöfs Cirque Jacket

Astral/Astron Hooded Jacket

Below-thehip length with waist adjustment.

3-way adjustable, helmet compatible hood. 2-way front zipper with dual storm flap, front closure.

Polartec® Powershield® Lite resists wind, rain and snow yet remains exceptionally breathable while helping aid movement and breathability.

Active cut offers exceptional freedom of movement.

RRP: £380.00 Members pay: £323.00

RRP: £150.00 Members pay: £127.50 29

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on kit, events and training

La Sportiva Nepal Extreme

Grivel G14 Cramp-o-matic Crampons

Ideal for technical use on high elevation terrain and ice. The insulating Gore-Tex®/ Duratherm® lining makes these boots completely waterproof and breathable.

Front points are simple to configure, allowing the user to build mono or dual point crampons and replace worn points easily.

Won’t clog up with snow as supplied with Anti-Balling plates.

RRP £169.99

RRP: £310.00 Members pay: £263.50

RRP: £169.99 Members pay: £144.49

mountaineering kit from ratrace.com

Salewa Krypton AR/Multisport Helmet One of the only helmets around that can see you through almost all the major outdoor disciplines.

CE approved for: Alpinism: EN 12492 Cycling: EN 1078 Canoeing: EN 1385 Horse Riding: EN 1384

RRP: £109.00 Members pay: £92.65 30

Extremities Mountain Glove Pittards Armor Tan goat leather is used along with Kevlar stitching for the highest levels of grip and durability. Stretch Cordura on the back of the hand allows freedom of movement.

RRP: £120.00 Members pay: £102.00

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on kit, events and training

Beal Top Gun 2 10.5mm 50 Meters Here is one of the most impressive ropes on the market. The figures speak for themselves : 11 falls, 68g/m, 7.4kN impact force.

RRP: £144.50 Members price: £122.83

Camp Alp 95 Harness World’s lightest climbing harness.

Suitable for ski mountaineering, alpinism, mountaineering, adventure racing. Fully tested and certified according to UIAA and CE norms.

RRP: £55.00 Members price: £46.75

mountaineering kit from ratrace.com

Petzl Grigri Belay Device The GRIGRI’s assisted braking system helps the belayer catch and hold a climber.

Works equally well for lead climbing and top roping. Also great for rappelling on single ropes.

RRP: £60.00 Members pay: £51.00

Fizan Everest Poles Made of three 7075 aluminium alloy sections.

Foam at the top of the pole allows for good grip when traversing steep slopes and you need to drop your hand down to maintain balance.

RRP: £70.00 Members pay: £59.50 31

members save 15%

on kit, events and training Join the Rat Race and save 15% JO I

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MEMBERS

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We want to give our repeat customers and their mates the best value possible. Once you make a purchase you’re a member for that season and you’ll save 15% across everything we sell (and with some of our training and travel partners)*. Joining our Rat Rewards members scheme is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

R AT THE R

1. Make a purchase from our Rat Race Kit, Events or Urban Gym websites 2. Receive your Member’s Rat Reward code in your payment confirmation email 3. Save 15% on future purchases that season by entering your code at the checkout. You can even pass on the code to a mate.

E R AT TH R

How to shop with us Visit our home page at RatRace.com and head to the area of your choice: Kit, Events or Urban Gym. Sign up to the Rat Fans e-newsletter to make sure you’re getting news of the best offers.

www.ratrace.com visit our york showroom If you’re in the York area you can visit our kit showroom. You’ll be able to browse our wide range of adventure sports kit, ask us any questions relating to the world of the Rat Race, and make your purchase online at one of our customer computer terminals.

Showroom opening hours: • Thursday and Friday: 1pm - 7pm • Saturday and Sunday: 11am - 4pm Showroom address: Rat Race Adventure, Stirling Park, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4WU *Kit purchases need to be £50 for a Members code to be issued. Code is not redeemable on special offers and clearance items. 2011 Season runs to Nov 30th 2011.