We are planning full steam ahead for this event! But, as this is an uncertain time, we want to reassure you that if we cannot go ahead with the event due to COVID-19, we will offer you a number of options. We’ll either postpone your event to a later date, you can join another similar event, transfer your place to another person, or receive a full refund of the registration fee you’ve paid.

You will have your own dedicated contact at Action Medical Research who will be on hand with telephone and email support to provide you with tips and guidance on how to fundraise for this challenge event, even during a pandemic!

Take a look at our fundraising guide here for loads of socially distant ideas to get you inspired. You can always get in touch if you need any extra fundraising help - events@action.org.uk

Race the Sun Coniston is achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness who are prepared to put in plenty of training beforehand. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy the challenge. It’s a great incentive to get fit and work a load of different muscles, whilst knowing you’re raising funds for an excellent cause at the same time.

Due to the logistics of this challenge, you will return to the event HQ in Coniston where you will transition to the next activity. You will therefore be able to make any kit changes at the event HQ. We would advise that you keep any spare kit or bags in your cars at the event HQ.

The route is a mixture of terrain with approx three quarters off road on single and double track trails, and the other quarter on road. It has been designed with gravel bikes in mind but would equally be ridable on a cross country/hard tail/short travel mountain bike, although it would be slower on a mountain bike.

There will be a bike mechanic on hand at the event briefing and on the day to deal with any urgent repairs.

Canoe experience is not necessary for this challenge. Your team of four will use two-seater open canoes. The canoes, paddles and buoyancy aids are provided and we also have qualified canoeing instructors to brief and help you out if needed.

This is a tough event and you really need to come prepared with the correct equipment for the challenge and know how to use it. We will provide you with a full kit list but this can give you an idea:

For cycling, you must wear a helmet and bring your own bike, fitted with front and rear lights, in case of fog or if you start or finish in the dark. For the trekking section, walking boots or fell-running trainers are advised. It’s a good idea to also carry a first aid kit just in case. All specialist equipment for the kayak section is provided.

Don’t worry if you haven’t confirmed your team of four yet; you can register now to secure your place anyway! When you manage to secure your other team mates you can then get them registered via the online booking system.

Your parking is covered by us, so you can pull right up to the event base without having to worry about where to go. Coniston is a small village so accommodation is quite limited, but there are plenty of places to stay within the Lake District National Park. Visit the region's tourist board website to search for accommodation.

There will be pastries and fruit provided in the morning. Lunch, snacks and water will be available at a changeover station during your challenge and when you've crossed that finish line there will be a BBQ and drink of bubbly or IPA waiting for you! There will also be water and snack stops along the route. This is all included in the event.

We ask that you raise 50% of your fundraising target 2 months before the event (£900). Fundraising is something that is always done on a goodwill basis. The 50% deadline is there is to make sure everyone puts effort in to fundraise for their place on the event. It also reassures us that we can pay the practical event costs relating to the team’s place on the event, knowing that the charity will not be out of pocket.

We rely on the conversations that we’ll have with Team Captains in the lead up to the deadline date to understand your team’s fundraising plans as you cook up different wonderful fundraising ideas! However please be aware that if you do not raise 50% of the fundraising target two months before the event then your team’s place may be at risk.  Although it’s a shame to lose any of our participants, unfortunately, we may not be able to confirm you on the event if we don’t feel confident that you will meet your team’s target which also covers the costs to us as a charity. Please do bear in mind you have until six weeks after the event to raise the remaining 50% and we feel the overall target is achievable in the timeframe. We will always do our best to support you with fundraising ideas so we’ll stay in touch to see if we can lend any help if needed.

This is not compulsory but just a fun award for participants to get creative, no matter on your ability! You can dress up or simply co-ordinate themed accessories with your team. Please note that your outfit choices must be safety conscious and not hinder your ability on the challenge – no full body suits or inflatable costumes please!