About / FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions…

Q: Ranger Ultras are ‘low-key’ races. What does this mean?
A: At our events you’re ensured of a warm welcome and well organised race. There will be medals, flags and refreshments. But you’ll not find overhead gantries or other razzmatazz. We’d rather keep our overhead costs low, invest in our team and items which give you a quality experience.  And pass on great value to participants.

Q: Are Ranger Ultras courses marked?
A: All our routes are on public rights of way. These are often indicated with permanent signage and finger posts. Aside from a a handful of exceptional areas, we don’t add additional course marking.

Q: Why don’t you mark your courses?
A: Several reasons. Signage, tape marking, ribbon etc is unsightly for other trail users and can pose a hazard to wildlife and farm animals. By keeping our signage to a minimum (normally just in and around Race HQ) we are not buying and introducing plastic into the natural environment.

Q: I’m not a confident navigator and only usually run on marked courses. Are Ranger Ultras’ races for me?
A: Absolutely yes. Most of our routes are on well defined trails. Also, we provide course notes and a GPX file well in advance of the race.

Q: Can I get the course notes before entering.
A: Yes, click Race Brief link on each race web page, for a full set of course and detailed briefing notes.

Q: Can I get the GPX file before entering.
A: No, GPX files are sent to entered participants only.

Q: The GPX file doesn’t work when I click on it.
A: This is because it is just a data file. To see its contents you need import it into GPX reader software, or a to load the file into a GPS unit. Our GPX files are created using the Ordnance Survey (subscription) mapping software. We also check that the files work and are readable, by importing back into free online mapping software, JustGoRide. A Google search will show that there are various other choices of subscription and free GPX reader software commonly available. Due to the multitude of makes and models of GPS unit, we cannot help with individual enquiries about specific GPS units or commercial software. However, you are welcome to ask questions on the Ranger Ultras Community Facebook Page, where you are more likely to find assistance from a fellow participant with the same GPS unit, or who has experienced the similar issues.

Q: Do you provide maps?
A: Runners need to provide their own maps. This is because people have varying preferences for mapping (eg Harvey’s vs Ordnance Survey). In the race briefing notes, we let you know which of the commonly used maps covers the course.

Q: Can I share a map with my friend for a race?
A: No. Even if intending to run together, there are foreseeable circumstances where you may become separated. Every participant on our races should carry their own map.

Q: Are there any intermediate cut offs?
A: All cut-off times are in the race brief. If no intermediate cut-off times are stated, then there is just one overall finish cut-off time. This leaves you free to manage your own pacing through the race. However, you should maintain a pace which gives an fair chance of an achievable finish within the overall cut-off time, so that team volunteers can head home at a planned time and we can hand back hired facilities without additional penalty charges.

Q: I’m a fast runner and will be back before dark. Do I still have to carry a headtorch on the compulsory kit list?
A: Yes. Any number of foreseeable circumstances could delay a runner of any ability. Don’t forget spare batteries. Or, if using a rechargeable headtorch, make sure it’s fully charged and has sufficient endurance. On a similar subject, don’t forget to make sure your mobile phone is fully charged too.

Q: Do I have to carry every item on the compulsory kit list?
A: Yes. The compulsory kit list is there for your safety. In circumstances where you are injured or become immobile, you have the kit to keep warm and sheltered until help arrives.

Q: Can my friends and family meet me on the course?
A: There’s nothing to stop spectators from cheering you on. But please remember that, for a fair race for all participants, our races are strictly unsupported. Any exchange of items between as participant and spectator will be seen as support given, resulting in disqualification. It is the participant’s responsibility to refuse items offered in support that are not from a official race checkpoint. Also, there is often very little parking where the trails cross roads, so the best place for your friends and family will be to cheer you into the finish and celebrate with you there.

Q: Can my friend or family run with me?
A: Yes if they enter the race. Otherwise no and not for any portion of the course. This will be seen as external accompanied running / pacing. It is the participant’s responsibility to refuse company from external runners (who have not entered the race).

Q: What can I expect at on course checkpoints?
A: Checkpoint locations and what’s offered at each, will be detailed in the race brief. Typically, there is a selection from water, juice, soft drinks, tea, coffee, soup, chocolate snacks, savoury snacks, fresh fruit. We recommend all runners carry some personal snacks for between checkpoints. We do our best to provide something for everyone, but if you have a special diet you should bring some items which you know you can definitely eat. Participants with known allergies should pack their own food. During the Covid-19 pandemic, all our on-course checkpoint food is pre-packaged individual portions.

Q: For some Ranger Ultras races, the briefing notes say the Race HQ is open the evening before the event. Can I still register and collect my race number on the morning of the event?
A: Yes, for an event where Race HQ is open the evening before, you can choose to register on the evening before, or the morning of the event. (Except the multi-day PB270 & PB137 where registration is only the evening before the race) See race itinerary in the briefing notes for timings.

Q: Can I enter on the day?
A: No. We need to know in advance how many participants there are in order to correctly supply checkpoints and allocate team members to locations and roles.

Q: If I can’t or don’t attend the race, can I have a deferral?
A: No. While we sympathise with participants individual circumstances. The bottom line is that entry fees for a given race are already heavily invested in that specific race very early in the planning process. If participants don’t race we still have to pay for venue hire, event infrastructure, team expenses, event insurance etc. Deferrals to another event would effectively cost us twice the amount in event costs – once for the event deferred from and once again for the event deferred to – hence are unsustainable.

Q: What is your refund policy?
A: We urge participants to read our race Terms & Conditions on Si-Entries. In order for you to benefit from the best possible value and financially accessible trail running, our cancellation terms are already as generous as we can make them. Up to a cut-off date, we do offer partial refunds for runners who cannot attend an event.

Q: What is your transfer policy?
Up to a given date, there is also an option to transfer your entry to another runner (again see the T’s & C’s) for a small fee to cover our time and admin costs. The emphasis here is that you need to find the incoming participant to take your place before requesting the transfer admin to be actioned. With our focus on event logistics and organisation, there is just not enough hours in the day to offer a match making transfer service for outgoing and incoming participants.
Note: The transfer policy is not applicable to complimentary volunteer rewards.

Q: Is there race insurance?
From 2022 there will be an opt-in event non-participation insurance facility (provided through Si-Entries) to all of our races on Si-Entries. See details on the Si-Entries race entry link. Your arrangement will be directly with the provider, XCover. Ranger Ultras are not insurance brokers and cannot legally engage in correspondence in this matter. Other third party insurance companies & policies may be available. We recommend participants seek personal insurance and that the chosen policy is satisfactory for your needs, if the ability to participate is of concern.

Q: I’ve left some of my kit behind in HQ after the event, what happens to lost property.
A: Truly minging items like whiffy socks will be disposed of. Otherwise, we have a lost property box which will be brought to the next event, for items to be collected in person. If you’re not running, please ask a running buddy or local friend to collect on your behalf. Insured postage charges these days are such that it costs more than we make on your race entry to return items.

Q: I’d like to improve my route finding skills, can you help me?
A: Definitely. We offer one-2-one and bespoke navigation courses with years of experience and top tips to share, building your skills and confidence. Not only for Ranger Ultras’ events but for your own independent adventures too.

Q: When and where will the results and race photos be available.
A: Please allow us a few days to pack up the event, all the kit and maybe catch up on a little sleep. Race photos are free of charge and will be posted on Ranger Ultras Facebook page in a dedicated online album. Before publishing, the race results require checking and collating into an online format, which cannot be rushed. When ready, the results table will be posted on our Facebook page and in the drop-down results menu under the relevant race Ranger Ultras webpage. It’s our aim to have race photos and results available for you online and links shared via email within 1 week of the finish.

Q: What prizes are offered?
A: There are medals and trophies for each race. See race briefing for details of specific trophies. Also we have a special prize for the overall Grand Slam and Points Series winners (fastest male and lady)

Q: How do I enter the Grand Slam & Points Competitions?
A: Very simple. All finishers on the first GS event automatically become eligible for the next in the series. And so on. To be eligible for the GS competition, a runner must finish each event in the series. You can enter all the events at the same time (see the GS web page for list of GS races). Or each event separately. The choice is yours. But for separate sign ups, please make keep a regular check on Si-Entries as our events do sell out. As we already make every effort to keep our entry fees low, sorry there is not a discount for entering all the GS at the same time. Similarly, for the Points Comp, all you need to do is enter each race and we keep track of your points tally throughout the trail running year. For more details see the GS & Points Comp webpage.

Q: What is Ranger Ultras’ Medals For Wildlife?
A: This is our idea for runners and winners who don’t wish to take home a medal or trophy. After the presentation photo at the finish. Participants can choose to return (it’s absolutely fine if you wish to keep your medal) their medal for that particular race into the Medal For Wildlife box. For every medal in the box, we’ll donate the equivalent cost of that medal to a wildlife charity. We’ll then re-use that medal for a future race, thus also helping us to reduce our environmental impact. The same goes for trophies.

Q: I’ve a group of friends (from my club) who would like to improve our navigation and hill skills. How can you help?
A: We’d be delighted to arrange a course for your enjoyment. Feel free to call or email to discuss.

Q: What does Ranger Ultras do for local trails and communities?
A: Our ongoing contribution to trails maintenance and grass-roots athletics funding, is made through National Governing Body, National Trails and Local Authority trail permit fees. Ranger Ultras have made several thousand pounds in contributions, a significant amount for a small family run company. We’re keen to ensure our events have minimal impact but maximum benefit to communities. We bring much needed income and trade to local businesses.

We look forward to welcoming you to great days of trail running.
Your Race Organisers
Stu & Peter

About Ranger Ultras

From our very first trail race in 2016, our vision for Ranger Ultras has been to offer welcoming events which celebrate the achievement of all participants. We began as the first race organiser to offer an ultra distance version of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. Since this time our trail running calendar has steadily grown with a selection of diligently planned, original concept races.

Ranger Ultras came from our love of the outdoors (guiding as Ranger Expeditions) and the thrill of competition (Stu runs trails and is also a former time-trial cyclist). As the races grew, we listened to what participants liked about what we offered. It is this which has guided our core race values. Hence, you’ll not find marching bands and overhead gantries at Ranger Ultras’ events.

But you will be assured of:

• Iconic routes and scenic courses
• Generous timings to suit walk-jog participants
• A warm welcome and friendly hospitality
• Big enjoyment challenges
• Low-key style
• Great value events
• Financially accessible trail running
• Distances from 18km to 270km
• Celebration of all participants’ endeavour
• Eco-friendly finishers coaster medals
• Distinctive trophies
• Volunteer rewards worth having
  

Ranger Ultras is a small family business. We take less out of the business to put more into the quality of our races and give the best possible value to all participants, including our newer multi-day trail adventures. Our events are an antidote to the proliferation of over-priced, commercialised, trail running.

Both Stu and Peter have backgrounds in highly regulated industries. We understand the importance of detail and communication in the preparation process and event roll out. We are joined and supported by a trusted and valued team of fellow mountain professionals, trail running enthusiasts and volunteers. Who also share our ongoing vision for a vibrant, inclusive and financially accessible future in trail running sport.