The Mighty Deerstalker

@RatRaceHQ #MightyDeerstalker rocked. Amazing event, great organisation, fantastic marshals. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/p87Vye2OwU View photo

Chazza ‏@ChazzaB_2317 Mar
Muscles are aching but all worth it for the #mightydeerstalker & #mightybeerstalker thanks to all at @RatRaceHQ great event #Buzzing

John Boyle ‏@jboylie17 Mar
#MightyDeerstalker the most challenging physical thing I’ve ever done. #snow #ice #mud #water. @RatRaceHQ

John Laurie ‏@john__laurie17 MarWell done @ratracehq the #MightyDeerstalker was an epic success! You guys are legends!!!

Paul McNair ‏@PabloMcNair16 Mar
@RatRaceHQ heading home from our first #MightyDeerstalker absolutely buzzing! Man, I was born to do that, loved it!!!

Matt Brydon ‏@matromett17 Mar
@RatRaceHQ first time #deerstalker and what an experience! #mud..

Katie Ludwig ‏@k_e_ludwig17 Mar
@RatRaceHQ parts of my body hurt that I didn’t know existed. #MightyDeerstalker10km

Kelly Wilson ‏@K3lWilson17 Mar
What a great day and atmosphere at the Deerstalker yest! Well done to all the runners. Great set up by @RatRaceHQ! pic.twitter.com/m6IU0xU6SV

The Deerstalker 5k (and the rest) 

Starting in one mass start at 1400, our 5k run is still a genuine test, but it’s roughly half the distance and runs in daylight, so caters to those newer to off-road running, or wanting to “test the water”. Using sections of the 10k course from start to finish, it’s got all the fun, but less of the physicality, with the added bonus of being able to see where you’re going!

The 5k route features a well-signposted drink station approx halfway.

Run duration between 50mins and 2 hours. 

The Mighty Deerstalker 10k (and then some) 

Waves every 15minutes starting at 1745*, the MIGHTY Deerstalker is the one to go for if you want the full nocturnal badge of honour. We give you all the features of the 5k, but send you further afield into the disorienting darkness!

Further, higher, steeper, wetter and wilder and don’t forget the headtorch – you’ll need it to overcome all the natural and man made obstacles the course will throw at you. As the lead runner reaches the final peak, a huge firework will be set off, to signal their homecoming to the awaiting crowd at the finish!

The 10k route features a well-signposted drink station which you pass twice en route.

Run duration between 90 minutes and 4 hours. Be prepared, we will have a cut-off in place to keep you on schedule!

Getting There

Deerstalker is held at Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire. If you have satnav, use postcode EH44 6PW. Entry to the event (and Parking) will be from the B7062, and well-marked in hi-viz signage. Approach the event from Innerleithen, not Cardrona otherwise you’ll cause a traffic jam!

Click here to see our location on Google Maps. If travelling by car, please mind pedestrians and cyclists on the narrow surrounding roads. Parking is in a field with limited space which, if the weather is foul, will become very boggy, so please car share where possible.

Parking

Once off the main road, you’ll need to follow parking instructions from our marshals to ensure we get everybody safely in and out. None of our on-site parking is on hard standing ground  and therefore unsuitable for large vehicles. Hard standing ground is available in a Forestry Commission Project Downhill car park nearby.

• drive carefully on-site, particularly in the dark. Be aware of soft and slippery ground, people, children, tents, signage and vehicles. Make clear your intentions as you man-oeuvre  and take it slow.
• park respectfully. We will provide designated areas, which our marshals will direct you to. Arrive in plenty of time, be patient, and park only as instructed within our event venue.
• work with us in the plans we have for parking you all at the event.

The type of goings-on…

Party facts

• Beerstalker party and camping tickets are limited and available to purchase after you’ve entered the race.

• These parties are licensed premises with local ales, lagers, wines and spirits on sale

• No personal alcohol is permitted with the party tent

• We’ll be wrapping the action up at midnight

• Under 18’s are welcome in the party tent for prize-giving only

• Rights of admission to the party tent remain reserved

*Please note that there is a charge for Party & Camping at The Mighty Deerstalker

What time do the races start?

The 10k will start in waves every 15minutes between 1745 and 1815, but we may tweak them slightly on the day if it’s still too bright. For the Deerstalker 5k (and the rest) there will be one mass start at 1400.

How wet will I get?

You should be prepared to get wet up to your waist, and probably your arms beyond your elbows. We don’t plan for you to go underwater.

Do I need a map to complete the race?

No. The course is premarked.

How hard are these events, truthfully?

Harder than you think & more fun than you can possibly imagine! Study all the event materials carefully so you come well prepared.

What equipment will I need?

There are some pieces of equipment that we strongly recommend and depending on weather conditions these may become mandatory. See the email communication nearer the time.The 10k will start in waves every 15minutes between 1745 and 1815, but we may tweak them slightly on the day if it’s still too bright. For the Deerstalker 5k (and the rest) there will be one mass start at 1400.

Can we choose to wear any kind of fancy dress?

We only ask that your outfits do not obscure your vision, your movements or the progress of other runners. Remember also that there may be mandatory equipment requirements for this event, depending on the forecast or prevailing weather. This is likely to make your Mankini inappropriate.

Is the water we cross through clean enough?

We have never had mention of illness, despite participants overcoming wet/muddy locations with varying water quality. We strongly recommend that you follow these simple precautions: cover open cuts and wounds before the event; wash your hands and face after the event – the latest anti-bacterial hand washes are good for this; do not handle food unless your hands are clean or it is held in a wrapper; and do not drink the water from rivers, ditches or ponds – as if you would!

Where can I buy the event Hoodie?

You can purchase t-shirt and hoodies from the Rat Race Store online or on the day.

Can I put up any tent size?

Due to space restrictions, we ask that your tents are not larger than 12×12 feet each (approx 3.5×3.5m). Space is limited so please keep this in mind when deciding what size tent to bring. Camping pitch sizes are not guaranteed so if in doubt, please check with the organisers. NO COMMUNAL GAZEBOS PERMITTED.

Can we bring our own BBQ or make a fire?

No BBQs of any type, no open fires, and no large “Calor gas” style bottle cooking/heating appliances. Small personal gas stoves are permitted if used responsibly, but we encourage you instead, for the safety of everyone camping, to use the onsite catering facilities we have provided for you.

Can I enter as a team?

Yes, you can enter as a team of 10 or team of 5 in the 10k runs. You can only enter as a solo or team of 5 into 5km runs.

Do you send my race number through the post?

No. We do not send anything in the post. All correspondence is done through e-mail. You will receive your race wristband and timing chip on the day at the registration, together with your Deerstalker race shirt.

Can I choose my T-Shirt size pre-event?

No, you will be picking up your tech T-Shirt on the day at the registration. Sizes will be given out on first come-first served basis.

What age do you need to be to run?

You need to be at least 16 years old on the day of the race. Everyone aged 16 or 17 must provide parental consent for their participation, which must be brought to the registration.

Will there be a water station at the course?

Yes, there will be one water station on both courses.

When do you close the entries?

We will close entries when each event is full. Last year’s events sold out, so don’t leave it too late!

Do I need to be able to swim?

No. Where there is any risk due to water levels full safety cover is in place where required * Full immersion in water is always subject to weather and environmental factors in these events.

What sort of clothing should I wear?

The events are in March, which means it could be wet and it could be chilly. You should prepare for the weather conditions and run in what you feel most comfortable in for a tough run, in March at night, which features mud and water in healthy doses! Robust off road trainers should be used. You will be getting wet therefore wear shorts, socks and footwear that will dry/drain quickly afterwards, if possible. In all events, you will also be getting muddy. Check out the apparel in the Rat Race Store for some inspiration and kit picks for the event which makes a great base layer under a fancy dress costume.

Can I skip an obstacle because it’s too much for me?

The course is designed so that all obstacles are achievable, even if you have to rely on other runners to get help you through it. This is part of the challenge. Skipping an obstacle will only diminish your sense of achievement and it will mean that you have not completed the course properly. If you have an injury, then you must consult your GP on whether it is appropriate to take part in the event. The GP is unlikely to be able to comment on specific obstacles, and it should be seen as a running event-with-obstacles for a full body work-out. If you have a fear, then this might be the event for you to confront that fear.

Can I get a refund?

No. Entries may be transferred between events or participants provided any additional costs that are relevant are paid in full if such a request is emailed 14 clear days before the event date to events@ratrace.com. An administration fee of £7.50 will need to be paid before the transfer is confirmed. You can find full T&Cs here.

Are dogs allowed in the event village?

Yes, they are allowed at the event village only as long as they are on a lead, under the control of their owners & are cleaned up after. Dogs are NOT allowed to take part in the runs.

What happens if I’m really slow? Will I be left behind?

If you think you’re going to be on the course for a long time, get a place in an early wave to give yourself the best chance of completing. We’ll never leave a participant out on the course without the full cover of our safety staff, but due to the dark and remote nature of these events, we reserve the right to impose a course short-cut if deemed necessary.