Sandstone trail challenge – entry information

Conditions of entry

1. The event is open to anyone aged 18 or over who is fit and has sufficient experience and confidence in their ability to complete the approximately 34 mile distance. Please note, if diversions are put in place, the route may be longer. 
2. Dogs may be allowed onto the coaches transporting participants to the start (email us for consent), but they will not be allowed into the Community Centre. As far as we are aware there should be no problem taking dogs on the route, but responsibility for this lies with the owner. Dog owners must follow the Country Code and any local signing relating to dogs. We reserve the right to decline entry to dogs on the coaches on challenge day if permission has not been granted, or for any other reasonable necessity.
3. The entry fee is £45. For any cancellations made online up to 1 month before the date of the event the entry fee will be returned subject to any deductions as stated on the Fabian website. No entry fees can be returned after this date, but if you still cancel on the Fabian system that may give someone else the opportunity to take part.
4. Entries can be transferred to someone else at no charge, by amending your online entry. This can only be done before the closing date for entries.
5. The event must be completed within 10 hours, and all participants must have finished by 6:30pm (start time will be 8:30am or thereabouts).
6. Participants must be in good health and have no medical condition that may cause undue concern or inconvenience to others.
7. Participants must have sufficient knowledge, experience, equipment and navigational skills to take part in a long distance event in all conditions.
8. A list of checkpoint closing times will be provided at registration, and each participant must register with the marshals at each checkpoint. Any participant arriving at a checkpoint after its closing time, or deemed by the marshals not likely to make the closing time of the next checkpoint must retire immediately.
9. Additional route information and instructions may be provided at registration, related to missing signs, temporary diversions etc, and these must be followed by all participants.
10. All participants must carry:
    1. A fully charged mobile phone. Your phone number must be included in your entry details.
    2. Race number
    3. Timing chip
11. Additionally, all participants are advised to carry:
    1. A fully waterproof jacket
    2. A battery bank
    3. Sunscreen if sunny weather is expected
    4. Emergency food
    5. Suitable clothing for the weather conditions expected (and a bit extra in case the forecast is wrong).
    6. Any personal medication
    7. Foil blanket
    8. Basic first aid kit (including blister treatment) and whistle
    9. Means of navigation. It is up to the participant to navigate the route, and they may use a map and compass, GPS devices or any other methods.
12. A participant handbook document will be made available to participants in advance of the event. This will include details of the route and any other information you may need. 
13. The way-marked Sandstone Trail route must be followed at all times with the exception of the diversion up Yeld Lane to avoid the busy A54 road crossing at Gresty’s Waste and where the Trail reaches the B5152 (Red Lane) in Frodsham just before the finish. Shortcuts are forbidden, including cutting field corners. This latter point is particularly important in the fields between Wood Lane (GR535649) and checkpoint 4 by Rock Farm, Willington (GR537662). A GPX file will also be provided for download from the race website.
14. All participants must respect farm property and honour the Country Code.
15. Cross all roads with care, respecting other road users. Take particular care when crossing the A534 at Gallantry Bank (GR5145380), the A51 at Rode Street (GR542633) and the B5152 in Frodsham (GR521776).
16. Participants who have to retire must only do so at official checkpoints. Transport to the finish will be provided. All entrants who retire MUST report to event officials at the finish desk.
17. At the organisers’ discretion trophies may be awarded. You won’t be eligible for a trophy in an age-related category if you didn’t provide your correct date of birth on the entry form. Nobody will be awarded more than one trophy.
18. The above entry conditions apply to all participants who are asked to respect the non-competitive approach of the event. In particular:
    1. Please be nice to the marshals at the checkpoints. Give them a smile if you can manage one and deposit all used cups and other litter in the bin-bags provided.
    2. Wait for gaps in traffic before crossing roads.
    3. Cheer everyone who finishes after you as they come in.
19. Anyone found to be in breach of the entry conditions may be asked to retire from the event immediately, and may not be permitted to enter again in future years.
20. Participants’ details will be stored on the Helsby Sandstone Trail google drive for the purpose of the event. We store email addresses, names, dates of birth and phone numbers for the following purposes. Email addresses and names may be used to communicate information about the event. Participants’ names, home towns and finishing times may be published on the event website. Your information will be held on the drive for 12 months, before it is deleted. By entering the event you are agreeing to this.
21. Fabian4, our tracking and entry partner, will also need to process your information in order to register you for the event. Please see their privacy policy for more information. 
22. The organisers reserve the right to incorporate additional rules as they think necessary, and in all cases their decisions will be final.
23. The organisers can accept no responsibility for injury, damage or loss, however sustained.

Now you’ve read all that, you can go ahead and enter.