The Moonlight Challenge was a great success and for the first time we actually had a moonlit night so you could see without a torch – well almost!  The course was, as usual, fully marked with glowsticks and was marshalled by a trusty band of stalwarts who cheered on the challengers through the night – the team at Jelly Baby corner doing their annual wonderful job. Ray Pearce finished first for the second year and Joanne Fearon, who travelled over from Ireland, finished as both first lady and second overall. Once again, well done to everyone for making it such a great evening.

Route – 32.75 Miles
A safe 6.55 mile (full distance 32.75 miles) lap which allows competitors the option of dropping out whenever they wish. The route will be fully signed and marshalled with first aid and water stations provided. The route will also be marked with fluorescent glow sticks which can be easily seen. We recommend that you bring a head/hand torch. A route diagram is enclosed with your Challenge information packs. We have very kindly been given permission to run on local farm tracks owned by Nick Tapp, Jim Pace and David Botting to whom we offer grateful thanks. Please respect their property.

Litter
Please do not drop litter of any kind on the route. Marshals and drink stations will have litter bags for your use.

Terrain
The route is over tarmac roads, good concrete farm roads, reasonable farm tracks and approx. 300m of rutted, unmade track. The ground can be uneven and difficult in places.

Weather & Clothing
Barring a hurricane, blizzard, two feet of snow or dense fog, the Challenge will take place. However, the weather is quite likely to be cold and wet so you should bear this in mind when deciding what to wear. The layer principle is a good one to use. Make sure you bring something dry and warm to change into when you finish.

Numbers 
Please keep your number in a safe place and remember to bring it with you on the day.

Registration & Medical
Registration will open from 15.00 on the day of the Challenge. All Challengers must register before starting. At that time, you will be asked to sign a simple disclaimer regarding your fitness to take part, any allergies you may have to specific medications and your willingness to be treated by the first aid team should that prove necessary.

Changing 
There will be basic changing facilities, but no showers. You will be provided with a bag in which to put clothing and belongings. May we remind you that the organisers accept no responsibility for your possessions. Do not bring valuables to the event.

Car Parking 
Car parking will be available. Please ensure that you park in the official Challenge car park which is close to the start. Please try to keep vehicles to a minimum. If you or your friends arrive late, or leave whilst the Challenge is in progress, remember that challengers may be on the road, so take extra care.

Time Limit 
There will be a cut-off point at 8 hours when the event will be closed. Challengers who have failed to reach their last lap by 01.00hrs may not be allowed to start the last lap at the event officials’ discretion.

Resting
You may rest whenever you wish for as long as you feel necessary, but remember you must be inside the last lap before 01.00h.

Water Stops & Food 
There will be a water/drink station at least every three miles. Use these water stops even if you do not feel thirsty at the time. Once you begin to feel thirsty, it is already too late – do not allow yourself to dehydrate. Safety vehicles also carry water. We will also be providing hot drinks and basic snack foods during the Challenge and bread and soup when you finish.

Laps
All individuals must ensure their Challenge number is recorded each time they start a new lap. There will be a lap recorder, but it will be your responsibility to ensure your number is recorded as you pass through/passed the lap gate. Once you have passed through the gate and your number recorded you will be deemed to have started your next lap. You should therefore ensure that you have everything you need for the next lap (drinks, clothing, medications etc.) before that point.

Pulling Out
If you wish to retire from the Challenge, you can do so at any point on the route. Between water stops, flag down any of the safety vehicles monitoring the route and ask to be taken to the main control point. On arrival your distance completed and time taken will be registered, and your Challenge number recalled.

Leaving the Route
Once the Challenge has started you may not leave the designated route other than at the start/finish area. You should ensure that you use the toilet facilities at this point. Any challengers found off-route will be deemed unfit to continue.

Awards 
All individuals will receive a certificate detailing the distance completed and the time taken regardless of how far they get. Everyone who take part will receive small medals regardless of distance covered but special medals are awarded for 20 and 32.75miles. Remember, the Challenge is an individual test of character and not a race – everyone who takes part is a winner.