What time do I need to be at the start point?

Your team needs to be on site, in the car park of Steyning Leisure Centre, Steyning, West Sussex, for registration, which opens at 10pm through ‘till 11pm. A full briefing, which all must attend, will be held at 11.45pm. Walking starts at midnight. All walkers will be checked in at this point.

Will I be safe?

Yes, as long as you have prepared, follow our advice and stick together as a team through the night. You will receive a full briefing before the walk, including advice on what to do in an emergency. Checkpoints every five miles enable us to monitor team movements and keep tabs on all walkers.

Do I need to be an expert map reader?

No, but it will help if you have team members who understand how to read a map. The South Downs Way is marked clearly but in the dark it is not so easy to follow the right path, especially if you are new to the Plod. You will be provided with written route instructions. Each team should have one copy of OS Map No’s 122 & 123.

What do I do if one of my team drops out before the event?

Let us know immediately. If you have a replacement walker make sure we have their full details. Please note: If you start with less than a full team of six scoring walkers, or if team member/members drop out then you will be at a points disadvantage.

How fit do I need to be?

The terrain is reasonably mild with a few hill climbs (especially the Seven Sisters!) so depending on fitness levels, some teams will be on the trail for up to 17 hours, some only 10! If you want to enjoy this event (and finish) then we recommend that you increase your fitness levels and endurance training.

What kit do I need to carry?

Check out the recommended list of kit items that you and your team should be carrying. Keep your kit to the essentials and avoid doubling up, within your team, on basic items. Your main items will always be water, basic first aid kit, spare warm and wet weather clothing, a torch (at night time), route maps and mobile phones.

Will I need special clothing/footwear?

We recommend that you have a good pair of walking boots, with ankle support. Make sure you have broken them in! Specialist wicking tops are advisable and make sure you have a selection of clothing items to keep you warm or cool, depending on the conditions. Be sure to have checked the recommended kit list for precise details.

What is the role of the support driver?

Your support driver(s) is an important team member. They will keep you supplied with food, hot drinks, water, and changes of clothes etc. If a team member drops out it will be the driver’s responsibility to report this and to transport them to the finish.

Will our support driver need a special vehicle?

No, any roadworthy vehicle will do the trick. You will just need to make sure it is big enough to fit in your supplies and any spare kit, and your walkers. Some teams have two vehicles and some prefer to hire a minibus as this is more spacious and can carry all walkers and their kit. You will need to be able to transport all walkers to the hotel so more than one standard car is advisable.

How are the points worked out?

Team performance will be assessed as follows:-
Finishing Position – First walker home gets the most points and last walker home get the least points. An
ever-decreasing scale from first to last in between.

However, it is not all about being the fastest; you will need to work out your tactics for success. Challenge points will be on offer for:
Team Photo at Breakfast -  100 points to be gained from all team walkers in team picture at breakfast.
Team Quiz – this is for walkers and drivers. As well as earning you valuable extra points, some of the brainteasers will help to take your mind off the long, long walk!
Checkpoints – for every scoring walker there are points to be gained from checking in and out at checkpoints.

You will be issued with the more precise mathematical breakdown of items that earn you points. It will be up to you to decide if the en route challenges will improve your place on the scorecard.

Please note the above is based on the 2008 challenge – if changes are made you will be advised.

What is the gala dinner?

Well, mainly to feed you and to let you relax. We will of course want to present a few prizes for effort, as well as announcing the name of the 2009 Focus on Imaging Champions, and the Losing Team will also receive the coveted Golden Boot.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Certainly, for the gala dinner, we will be collecting this information from you before the event. However while you are on the walk you will need to make sure that your support driver has the correct items for you.

Will I have to pay for anything once I get to the hotel?

Your team entry fee and your commitment to raise a team target of at least £1000 means that you will have a room at the hotel (based on two sharing), gala dinner evening meal and breakfast all inclusive. As hotel residents, you will be able to make use of many of their excellent facilities. There will be some wine included as part of the meal, and there is a cash bar in the hotel if you wish to have further drinks.