2024 RUN INFORMATION

Sidlaw Ultra 2024: Final Information

Thank you for entering the Sidlaw Ultra, we appreciate your support in choosing our event, this is the 2nd year we’re holding it.

This is really exciting for us and we appreciate your support as we develop this new race.

We are really grateful to our sponsors Starfish Cakes and Bakes who have helped make this event possible.

Our first Check point is at the Commercial Hotel in Newtyle so you will be spoilt with indoor facilities.

Ben & Nic

ben@weerunevents.co.uk

 

You should find all the pre-ultra information you need here but do feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions although don’t leave them till the last minute as we will get busy with set up.

Changes or Withdrawals

From 9th November 2024 we will no longer be able to process changes or withdrawals as per our terms and conditions which can be viewed here: http://weerunevents.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/

Registration

Please register at the start before the race at Glamis Castle, Angus, DD8 1RJ

At registration you will pick up your bib number, your timing chip, your GPS tracker and Route Book.

There may also be some last minute information so please check your notes carefully.

The cafe will be open so registration will be nice and warm with open fire! And you and your spectators can purchase hot drinks and/or breakfast items.

Volunteers

All of our marshals and helpers are volunteers so please give them a smile and a wave when you see them.

Please also smile and wave at our Medic Team who will be on the course.

 

ESSENTIAL KIT LIST

Kit List

WE WILL BE CHECKING!

Compulsory

  • Head torch (can be left at CP2 in your drop bag) remember it gets dark early at this time of year!
  • Whistle
  • Mobile phone (fully charged and ON!! please add Ben to your contacts 07584095455 so you can contact him if you need assistance)
  • Emergency blanket
  • Emergency Food and Drink
  • All runners will be issued with a GPS tracker which MUST be carried
  • Route Notes (supplied to you at registration)
  • Your Emergency Contact information (write this on your route notes)

 

Recommended

  • Waterproofs may be compulsory if the weather is inclement as some of the course is over high tops and can be exposed.
  • A map of the route is recommended which can be viewed here (it is a public route on Outdooractive.com)
  • First aid kit
  • Spare clothes especially socks as there are wet sections (can be left in your drop bags)

Course information

The course in general follows the core path network, however these paths vary considerably from narrow hill paths to farm and forest tracks. Some sections follow minor country roads and near the finish these may be busier.

The terrain is very varied, there are forest paths, farm tracks, grassy paths (some rather overgrown), tarmac roads (sorry) and a few more!

There are toilets at the start, at CP1 and CP2 and we will have a welfare vehicle at CP3.

Each toilet will have free period products for anyone that needs them.

There is one section (from aprox 48km) where the core path has been very neglected. This features the infamous Gorse Gully which Ben has kindly pruned for the race. It is also very uneven ground so please be really careful we don't want any twisted ankles.

 

The course has very varied terrain and this dictates what type of marking we can use

  • Where possible we will use A5 size blue arrows on a white background. (on later sections these may have small glow sticks with them)
  • Over the exposed hills we will use white lolipop markers in the ground and temporary paint on the ground
  • Some red and white tape on trees in wooded areas
  • Larger A4 or A3 black arrows on a luminous yellow background at key turnings
  • We have hope there won’t be any tampering as most of the route is fairly remote but it can happen - so we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the route and keep checking the map as you go.
  • If in doubt call for help!!!!

 

PLEASE NOTE: we try to use few signs and route markers to make things easier to clean up afterwards (and to not irritate the locals too much!) if you are on a long straight section there may be a big gap between signs.

If you do think you are lost then we recommend returning to the last marker you saw. Or phone the number on the route book so we can check your GPS position and help.

We will be keeping an eye on all of you too so if we see you go wrong we may call!! (That's why you MUST keep your phones on)

 

IMPORTANT!

Cut Off

This is our second year and we have a higher number of runners than last year. It is important to us that you have a good ultra experience and get to finish. However we do have to consider your safety and that of our tail runners. Generally if you can travel 5km per hour you will be OK as this will get you to the finish by 10pm. You need to get through CP3 by 8pm or we may time you out.

 

The check points are aprox 20km, 40km and 60km

The check point details are:

Check Point 1 - Commercial Hotel

56.5583159,-3.1560357

What Three Words: ///envoy.plotter.tiny

Parking available on the nearby streets

 

Check Point 2 – Dunsinane Hill

6.4681459,-3.279568

What Three Words: ///surround.downfield.uniforms

This is a working farm so there is no space for extra cars. Spectators who want to see you here are advised to park elsewhere and walk or support you from Collace.

 

Check Point 3 – Kinnoull Hill

56.3943058,-3.4046956,

What Three Words: ///yard.sang retain

There will be toilets here for runners only (not spectators) in the welfare van but you are not too far from the finish at this point.

Parking is available

Drop Bags

Please label your bags clearly with your name/number and CP1, CP2, CP3 and Finish.

We will have water at checkpoints.

We recommend using plastic “baggies” not anything that you would be distraught to lose!

These should be placed in the appropriate sack so it is transported to the correct checkpoint.

These big sacks will be available at the registration point.

Drop bags will be brought to the Finish after the CP has closed and then taken to our home in Perth after the event (we will not keep things for long as we don't have space) please collect them from the finish or make arrangements to come to Perth in the week after the race.

Any perishable food items will be thrown away after the event, any items left unclaimed from Perth 7 days after the event will be donated.

We will transport bags from the start to the finish so anything you bring with you on the bus we can take to meet you at Scone Palace.

TIMING CHIPS/GPS TRACKERS

Wear your timing chip on your wrist or attach it to your pack it must be scanned at each Check Point and the Finish

Your GPS tracker will be given to you turned on at the start and MUST remain ON for the duration of the race, this is part of our safety system and the medic team will also have access to the data. It is best if the GPS tracker is carried at the top of your rucksack as it ‘talks’ to things in the sky.

You must return your timing devices at the finish (even if you retire) if you take them away or lose them you will be charged the replacement costs (Lost chip cost: £10, lost GPS cost £100).

PLEASE let us take your chip/GPS tracker as soon as you cross the finish line (you can run around making your Strava perfect after!)

The link for the GPS tracking is here

Support/Spectators

We recommended you give your GPS details to your supporters so they can track your progress on the course via the tracking website and try and catch you at the check points (except CP2 where spectators are not allowed)

Hot food for finishers will be available to collect from the Oaklies Food Truck - this is part of your entry fee! And we will give you your Starfish Cakes and Bakes goodie and your Perth Fitness Studios medal at the finish line. Spectators can buy food as well.

We have access to the cafe and toilet facilities inside until 4pm at Scone Palace - so if you’re quick you can enjoy that. After 4pm we have access to the car park toilets (nearby) and we will have a runner tent for you to hang out in.

START

The Sidlaw Ultra Starts at Glamis Castle

Registration is at Glamis Castle at 7am

The post code is DD8 1RJ

The start is located at the front of the castle at the bottom of the drive and the start time is 8am

The registration marshals will make sure your GPS device is ALREADY switched ON when you receive it.

FINISH

Finish

The finish is at Scone Palace and the postcode is: PH2 6BD

When you finish hand in your timing chip and GPS device (please note if we do not get your timing chip and/or GPS tracker back we will charge you).

The finish will close at 10pm.

Finish Facilities

We have catering at Scone Palace for finishers (as part of their entry fee) and for spectators for an additional price.

We are delighted that we have professional photographer Phil Lidstone who will be taking finish photos. Phil has photographed many of our events in the past and is highly experienced. You can find more info on Phil here: https://phillidstone.com/

We are excited to have Alan from Images Above who will be taking video at the event - including drone footage! We have worked with Alan for many years and not only is he an expert on capturing the essence of an event with his camera he’s an amazing editor and we love his videos! More info on Alan here: https://www.imagesabove.co.uk/

So, best smiles over the finish line please!

BUS

Bus to start

The bus to the start is part of your entry for the Sidlaw Ultra.

The buses will pick you up from Scone Palace at 6.30am (please note departure time is 6.30am) and take you to Glamis Castle for registration at 7am

If you are planning on NOT using the bus please let us know: ben@weerunevents.co.uk ASAP as this will help us manage transport arrangements.

Please park in the designated car park at Scone Palace so that your car is nice and ready for you when you finish the ultra.

General Conduct

PLEASE TAKE CARE AND BE MINDFUL OF THE FOLLOWING:

  1. Do not Litter - take it home with you or put it in bins at the Check Points.
  2. Close all Gates behind you even if you find it open. (If it is marshalled you will not have to do so).
    • NB if we catch you littering or leaving gates open you will be DQ'd
  3. We share the trails and paths with others so if you are in a group make sure you leave room for other users.
  4. Some fields may have farm animals please be considerate. The landowners know we are coming and larger livestock should be out of the way therefore be very cautious that you are still on course before you enter a field with large livestock.
  5. If you retire from the race please go to the nearest road so we can make arrangements to pick you up if required. You must return timing chips and GPS Trackers to the finish and let us know that you have retired. Alternatively you can retire at a marshal point - and the marshal will let us know.
  6. If you are taken off the course by your supporters you MUST let us know (call Race HQ or tell a Marshal) this is so we don't freak out whilst watching your tracker go off course!
  7. Please do not wear headphones on the road sections so that you can hear vehicles approaching.
  8. Poles can be used but please be mindful of others on the route.