ESSENTIAL EVENT INFORMATION 2024
SANTORINI CIRCUIT
Due to the scale and nature of Rat Race Events, changes to the event course, structure and timings sometimes need to be made right up until the date of the event.  To ensure you have the latest information and are fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, please check back on the EEI before travelling to the event.
The EEI was last updated on: 05/07/2024
WELCOME TO GREECE.
WELCOME TO SANTORINI CIRCUIT 2024!
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Dear Intrepid #Ratracer,
The countdown is on and we cannot wait to welcome you to the Grecian Island of Santorini for what will be an action packed weekend of adventure to remember!
The Santorini Circuit takes you on an incredible journey around the Caldera in one single day. Kayaking and running or hiking your way around the 60km route. We will support you the whole way. This adventure will not disappoint.
This is our Essential Event Information Document, which contains a comprehensive round up of everything you need to know before you embark on this exciting journey through the Adriatic. Make sure you’ve read this thoroughly well ahead of your departure date to ensure there are no last-minute panics or surprises, if you have any questions after reading this, please reach out to us on events@ratrace.com.
Bring on the Sunshine, ouzo and moussaka!
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The Santorini Circuit Team
FILES AND DOWNLOADS:
KEY REMINDERS:
Make sure you’ve read this thoroughly well ahead of your departure date to ensure there are no last minute panics or surprises, if you have any questions after reading this please reach out to us on events@ratrace.com
SKIP TO SECTION
TIME ZONE
GMT (+2)
PHONE CODE
+30
LANGUAGE
Greek
CURRENCY
Euros (€)
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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Event Participation Form MUST be submitted NO later 4th August 2024.
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Medical declaration MUST be submitted NO later than 4th August 2024.
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Webinar: The Q & A webinar will take place on at 1730 UK time on 21st August 2024. The webinar will be recorded and sent out to all participants the following day so you can watch it back at your leisure if you are unable to make the date and time.
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Trackers: Please remember that GPS tracker accuracy is not always a-given; you should particularly note this if sharing live links with supporters. Trackers are not part of our event safety system.
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Kit: You will need to bring ALL kit that is on the kit list for you to take part. If your kit is not sufficient, we reserve the right to prevent you starting the event. Don’t worry – there are several more touchpoints before departure to ensure this does not occur. Firstly, the comprehensive kit list is provided with this document and a Q&A webinar just before we depart. If in any doubt on kit specifically, please get in touch with us at events@ratrace.com and we can help.
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Snacks: You will need to some scooby snacks. See section below for what we provide at pit stops. Your own snacks are to augment what we provide and make sure you always have something that you fancy.
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Pair Entries: If you entered as a pair, please ensure you have logged into the Rat Race account of the person who made the booking and added the details for both members of your pair. You can do this by clicking 'add new member' under your account.
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Insurance: You need insurance. If you are bringing your own bike, please ensure it is insured against loss, theft and/ or damage. You will need a medical repatriation and evacuation policy that has a minimum of $500 000 trip cover on it. You will have to submit this to us pre-event and we will ensure we have the correct number to call your insurer if we need to evacuate you or provide serious medical attention. We also highly recommend a policy that covers you for curtailment and non-attendance.
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Live events decision making: When we are in Santorini, in all cases whilst on the trip, the Event Directors decision is final. They are always acting in the combined interest of the safety of the individual and the group, as their paramount concern.  
KEY INFO
PERSONAL DOCUMENTATION
Please use the following as a checklist on what you will require for this trip.
PASSPORT
(at least 6 months remaining and enough pages for all the required stamps - minimum 2).
RETURN AIR TICKET
You should ensure you have purchased a return air ticket.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
See insurance section or event FAQ.
PERSONAL MONEY
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TRIP MEETING POINT AND END POINT
The dates of the trip are fixed. There are two event dates in 2024. All commencing on Friday and finishing on Monday morning.
Week 1: 4th - 7th Oct
Week 2: 11th - 14th Oct
Pick Up: You will be picked up at 2pm from Santorini Airport. There are multiple flight arrivals, we have chosen 2pm as an average pick up time. You may have to wait for other participants to arrive before departure. We will have a list of who we are expecting to pick up and will be checking on flight landing times. A Rat Race crew member will be there from approximately 1-3pm.
Drop Off: You will be dropped off at the airport for 10am on Monday morning to Santorini Airport.​
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If you do not require transfer that is fine. Please let us know via the Event Participation Form. There are shuttles buses and taxis available from the airport, this would be at your own cost.
If you are arriving earlier, you can check into our hotel from 3pm on Friday, see further in this document for more details on accommodation. A member of Rat Race staff with be at the hotel to meet you and assist with check-in.
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Q&A WEBINAR
We will do general Q & A webinar on 21st August at 1730 UK time. This is very useful to attend if you can as an introduction to the event, it will also provide you a live opportunity to ask any questions you may have. It will be recorded and put on the website for those who cannot attend or for anyone to refer back to at a later date.
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TRAINING AND PREPARATION
The Santorini Circuit is a substantial undertaking. It is 60km of sea kayaking and time on your feet. It will be an extremely long day for most. It is a beautiful island, but it will pack and punch. The foot sections can be run or hiked, aim for a minimum pace of 3mph/5kph and you will have plenty of time to finish. Training should now be focusing on long days of hiking/running; aim for 6-8 hours of hiking. Do not avoid hills, hill strength will be the key to success, Santorini is not flat. If you don’t have access to multiple hills, do some hills repetitions to strengthen the legs. We understand it is by no means easy for everyone to fit in the training, everyone is different, everyone also has different day-to-day pressures and commitments, life throws many curve balls but being physically fit for this challenge will make it even more enjoyable.
Train with the kit you are planning on wear. You will then be able to check if it is comfortable and fits correctly. Chuck the bag on you are going to be running or hiking with, fill it with some tasty snacks and water, this will help your body to get use to the extra weight on your back. The fitter and more prepared you are for a challenge like this the more you can enjoy each and every moment.
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​STYLE OF TRAVEL
There will be 35 - 40 participants in the event. In general, we will provide lead and sweep staff (and other support vehicles and/ or hikers throughout the course) and we will establish pit stops along the route, very roughly equidistant between one another and usually a minimum of 3 of these stops on event day, with 2 transitions points for the kayak stages.
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KAYAKING​
You will kayak in pods. Each pod will be a group of approximately 10people. The kayaks are double sea kayaks. You can go with a friend, or you may be paired up with another participant. Each pod will have a qualified sea kayak instructor. The pods will stay together throughout the kayak sections. This is for the safety and management of the full team. Two support boats will be present throughout the kayaking stages to support the event.
HIKING / RUNNING​
You go at your own pace, hike with others, hike on your own, whatever you fancy. We will not stop you trekking unless you look unlikely to finish in daylight. As such, there is no formal cut-off times at the pit stops – it is very much down to the judgement of the event team. We can help and assist every step of the way. We are there to support you and if this means moving you forward, we will do to enable you to finish on a high. Unless we think you’re going to run out of daylight to finish the event, we will not cut you off. That is our pledge to you. For your part, just keep moving forward.​
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REGISTRATION​
Registration for the event is split into a ‘pre-event’ Registration phase, where we will ask for particular information to be submitted online (See the top and bottom of this document for what and when). This will be followed up by a physical registration process in Santorini on the Saturday morning at Oia Sunset Hotel.
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We will provide you with a safety procedure to follow in case of emergency while on each phase of the event. This may differ per stage and the safety and emergency protocols will be made clear to you prior to the commencement of each phase.
TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
Due to the traditional nature of Oia, with its small buildings, slim alleys and winding back streets the accommodation for the event is split into two hotels. All participants have been allocated a room with another participant. The two hotels are situated very close together.
The nature and style of accommodation in Santorini is apartments and studios. This means that there are two rooms with some shared communal space: bathroom, small kitchen and lounge. You can expect to have 3/4 people per studio/apartment.
If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex in a twin room. If you wish to share a room with a fellow racer, you will have the opportunity to request this on your Event Participation Form.
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FOOD AND BEV
The itinerary is on a Bed & Breakfast basis. All 3 breakfasts will be provided.
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On event day you will be supported by Rat Race Pit Stops (2 x kayak transitions and 3 Pit stops throughout the run/hike on Thira (we will try to space them evenly as evenly as possible), featuring water, small grab and go snacks and other treats. At pit stop 2 there will typically be some more savoury items and ‘lunch’ items such as wraps and bread where you are able to make a scooby snack.
You should look to augment these Pit Stops with your own snack supplies and you should very definitely provide your own hydration, electrolyte and sports nutrition supplies. This will be important throughout your adventure. You will pass some tavernas and shops along the middle section of the route, you are more than welcome to pop in and get yourself a drink or a well-deserved ice-cream.
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At the end of the event in Oia we will provide a celebration dinner with some drinks at a great restaurant called Kyprida.
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If you have a supporter that would like to join you for dinner, we have a limited amounts of spaces available. It will be at an additional cost of 35euros per person. If you would like to book your supporter a space, please contact events@ratrace.com and Hannah can allocate you a space.
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND EXTRAS
Where we provide meals as part of the general event service, we will not include alcoholic or soft drinks as standard, and these must be provided by yourselves. See more on local payments, below.
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At the hotels there will be a bar where you can but alcoholic and soft drinks. If you put anything onto your ‘tab/room’ please pay for it before you leave the hotel.
We will provide you with some beers at certain locations, to celebrate a job well-done. That is a Rat Race tradition! These will be at the discretion of the organisers, however. In general, you should expect to pay for alcoholic and soft drinks.
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ABLUTIONS AND HYGIENE
We are staying at quality accommodation throughout which will provide good shower facilities. However, whilst on the event course there will not be toilets available at each pit stop. Therefore, you should keep to a high level of personal hygiene by using wet wipes, washing with minimal water and always keeping hands clean. Check wounds, rashes, and blisters regularly for infection. 
The firm advice is always to ensure you are ‘self-contained’ with toilet roll and with anti-bacterial handwash gel for the trail. Do NOT leave toilet paper out on the route, please bring nappy bags to contain used toilet roll and dispose of where at a pit stop or at the hotel.
THE ROUTE
THE ROUTE
This is a very big and a very adventurous day out. Our route will take you from the very North of Thira, you will jump into Kayaks at the Mavrópetra Harbour where you have a 5km paddle over to Thirassia.
Getting out at Riva Beach you will put on your trainers and your running packs before setting off on foot around Thirassia. This 13km route travels in a anticlockwise direction, running along road and tracks to reach the Moni Kimisi Theokou church on the Southern tip of the island. Here you will be able to see the Akrotiri lighthouse. The landmark of your next kayaking stage. Finishing off your run past the beautiful fishing village of Korfou you will jump back into your kayaks to compete this phase of the journey.
You will then have another 8km of paddling before hitting land and making your way to your first objective; Mount Profilis (567m), you will be met with stunning views of the full Caldera, from here you will be able to see your starting point and your final objective of Oia. As you descend the Mount you will re-join the coastal path, high up on the cliffs as you pass through the stunning whitewashed village of Fira. The final 10km is a highlight of the entire route and is a trail runners dream. We will be waiting for you in the centre of Oia to welcome you in and celebrate your achievement!
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ROUTE FINDING & GPS
We will NOT waymark the route. Except, for a small sections when we think it might be absolutely necessary.
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In general, this event is operated with GPS as the main method of route guidance. YOU need to bring a GPS watch and a navigation device or application on your phone. It is imperative that you are well versed in the usage of your own device and that you are confident in their battery life and reliability.
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If you wish to rent a Coros GPS watch from us, that is also possible. At a cost of £50. This will have the GPS already downloaded and you will get tuition of how to use the watch on registration day. You can let us know on the online form if you wish to rent a Coros Pro.
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POOR WEATHER AND CONTINGENCIES
The route is an audacious one. For the Santorini circuit to be completed multiple components need to align for plan A to be nailed down, but in true Rat Race style we have a plan A, B, C, D…..Z to ensure you have an epic event.
Due to the popularity of Santorini ailing with the high temperatures in the summer months means October is the ideal month for the event as it is both quieter and cooler. However, as it is later in the season the weather conditions may be more temperamental. If the wind conditions and sea states are too high, the kayak over to Thirassia will be adapted.
What does this mean?​
If the wind and sea state are too high the kayaking will be moved to the South of Thira where the sea is protected from the prevailing wind. This does mean that the run on Thirassia will not happen, but it does mean you will still get to kayak before the epic run around Thira to the finish at Oia.
If the wind is coming from any alternative direction at speeds that impede the kayak there is a sheltered area of the caldera that will be appropriate for an initial kayak stage.
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How long would the kayak be in Plan B?
The kayak would be approx.. 10km to Akrotiri lighthouse before the foot section begins.
What if the sea state is too big for any kayaking?​
It will be rare that the kayak will be completely cancelled, however it is not impossible dependant of wind direction, wind speed and sea state.
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If we deem the sea state to be too large for any kayaking to be done safely, we will complete the run/hike section only. This will however be extended slightly and will start from Akrotiri lighthouse to finish in Oia.
YOUR OWN GPS AND ROUTE GPX FILES
As stated above, you will get to know your devices intimately on this event. We will also make available route GPX files for you to upload onto your own devices as you see fit. These files will be provided much closer to the commencement of the event once we are satisfied, we have the final version to share. Experience has shown that we will never share the file until it is the final, final, final version. Or else we end up with version control issues that are hard to resolve.
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TRACKING DEVICE
At registration in Oia you will be issued with your tracker, (in a ziplock bag (with your name on) inside a small dry bag ). It is your responsibility to look after the device.
Tracking will go live on the morning of the first event day (i.e. the start of the event) at 0530 local time.
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The trackers rely on GSM & satellite signal to report, (which is generally very good across a lot of our route) but there is a delay on tracking. Sometimes, our team back at base will increase or decrease the reporting frequency, so those watching at home will sometimes not see your dot moving, or see you moving very slowly. Or they may see you adrift from others in the group (for example if you have not turned the tracker on!).
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It is REALLY important that you ensure anyone watching at home knows this, for their own peace of mind and for our own safety systems. Experience shows that if someone watching at home does not understand this, they can sometimes unwittingly commence full rescue missions by panicking, calling in the cavalry and sparking confusion for us as organisers. As such, it really is a very important point to note.
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If we have any issues or snagging with tracker units, our basecamp team can see this and we will pull them back in and reset them for you.
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As with the GPS units, you must return this device at the end of the event or whenever a member of staff asks for you to do so (for example to check a setting or to charge it). Do also hand to a member of staff should you drop out on any day. As with all electronic devices, there is a replacement cost. For the tracker, it is £150.
The tracking link for family and friends will be available closer to the event and will be published on the main event website HERE.
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PIT STOPS
Each pit stop will feature a vehicle, staff, first aid support, comms and of course, some food and drink. Expect the odd cameo local snack appearance, some baked goods from time to time, plenty of sweets and salty snacks and loads of fresh fruit.
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General note on food – trail snacks
Please pack your own hearty supply of snacks and electrolytes that you enjoy on the trail.
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EVENT INSTRUCTIONS
EVENT REGISTRATION AND PRE-EVENT ADMIN
Formal Registration for the event is completed in 3 phases.
1.) Online enrolment, acceptance of terms and conditions, payment: COMPLETE
2.) Submission of online event details form and medical form (by 4th August)
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3.) Physical registration in Oia on Saturday. You will complete a final physical kit check with our event team, do a short paperwork exercise including checking your insurance company contact details, present some ID and do a medical interview. You will also receive your numbers and bag tags, GPS devices, trackers and other items.
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EVENT REGISTRATION PACK
There will be one adventure pack issued per person. This will contain:
Run/Trek number: please wear this so that it is always visible.
Baggage labels: these will be for your overnight bag and your running/trekking pack.
Tracker
Rat Rag
T-shirt: If you fail to submit your online form ahead of the deadline, you will automatically be given a Large T-shirt.
ID
By entering this event you agreed that you have entered in your own name (not nickname) and will bring photographic ID to event registration in Oia to prove your identity. Clearly, having got on an aircraft in a seat booked in your own name, this should not be too difficult! It is however a requirement for us to know categorically know who at the event, hence the final physical ID check.
MANDATORY KIT LIST
MANDATORY KIT LIST
The full mandatory kit list can be found HERE.
Some of the kit listed is to help you have a safe experience and have the best chance of finishing. Some of this kit is to ensure that if you are unable to continue without our assistance then we can be confident of you having the level of equipment required to keep you as comfortable as possible whilst you wait for that assistance. Some of it is simply to keep you from perishing. It is a serious list, and we know everyone knows this, but we ask that you please do work with us on this. Please do not skimp on kit.
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AVOIDING KIT CATASTROPHE IN TRANSIT
It is not impossible that your gear may not arrive with you into Santorini. In general, the longer you are in Santorini, the easier this is to solve. To avoid the chances of total catastrophe, we would recommend that you do travel with some event clothing in your hand luggage: A set of running kit and some trainers would be minimum recommended. Indeed, you can travel wearing this gear.
Experience tells us that if you arrive wearing or physically carrying some of what you need, the likelihood of getting you on the start-line increases dramatically, vs those who entire event kit is in their hold baggage, making its way around a carousel in the wrong airport far, far away.
OIA KIT CHECK
We will have undertaken a webinar Q&A in advance of travelling to Oia. However, we will reserve the right to inspect some or all of your kit upon arrival.
As a minimum we will be checking:
• Bag for foot stages including water carrying
• A first aid kit containing the minimum mandatory items (see relevant section)
• Suitable footwear for the foot stages and water stages
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Salt tablets and dissolvable electrolytes for water
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Navigation/GPS device
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There is not instant access to sports shops in Oia and the ability to ‘fill in any gaps’ is therefore heavily reduced; however we can assist in the event of major kit failure.
If in any doubt, please check well in advance on kit. We have devised the mandatory kit list for your protection and safety, and we will not be able to make any exceptions on required items.
BAGS & TRANSITIONS
TRANSITIONS
In order to allow you to access the right kit at the right times we permit multiple bags to be used for various locations and there are 2 main transitions at which you will be able to access different kit.
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The transition locations are as follows:
Thirassia Transition: This bag should be taken with you in the kayak. It should therefore be in a waterproof drybag. This is the change from kayaking to running/hiking. This bag contains anything you wish to access AFTER the first kayak and BEFORE the run/hike stage on Thirassia island.
Thira Transition: This transition bag will be waiting for you at the end of the kayak section. This is the change from kayaking to running/hiking. This bag contains anything you wish to access AFTER kayak and BEFORE the longest run/hike stage (so for example fresh trainers for the run.)
Transition bags must be soft and not hard suitcase-style cases, ideally dry bags so protected from any weather and no more than 30l each in size. Small holdalls, duffels or rucksacks are fine.
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BAGS
There are therefore multiple bags to be considered for this journey:
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1. General ‘overnight’ bag (recommended: Holdall or duffel) for spare and general kit.
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2. Daypack or running vest: This is the bag you will carry with you for the two run/hikes. This should be big enough to carry all of the mandatory kit, with 2 litres of water.
3. Waterproof dry bag: Big enough to fit your running pack and spare trainers for the Thirassia run. This will go in the Kayak with you on Kayak 1
4. Thira transition bag: containing anything you wish to change into for the longest run/hike. You may also leave items in this bag if you do not wish to take them with you on this phase. This bag will be taken directly to the hotel from this location I.E., you will not see this bag again until after you’ve finished
ITINERARY
The days below are counted from ‘arrival and meeting day’, which is the day we pick you up from the airport and drive to Oia.
DAY ONE / MEETING AND TRAVEL DAY
Friday 4th /11th October 2024
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2pm RV at airport and transfer to hotel.
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If you have overnighted in the area, you can meet us at the hotel to check in from 3pm, please do not arrive ahead of this time.
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Settle in for the rest of the day!
Rat Race will publish a location of a local bar to join the team for sundowners if you would like to socialise with other rat racers later on in the evening!
Meal: Find somewhere nice to eat or Join the Rat Race Team at a local restaurant, the choice is yours!
Accommodation: Hotel in Oia
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DAY TWO / REG, GEAR PREP AND BRIEFING
Saturday 5th / 12th October 2024
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10am Registration and briefings at Oia Sunset Hotel
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After registration and briefings are complete you have the afternoon to relax and unwind.
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If you are booked onto the additional kayak refresher training, you will be transferred at 2pm for your session.
Meals: Breakfast - Provided.
Dinner: Find somewhere nice to eat, the choice is yours!
Accommodation: Hotel in Oia ​​
DAY THREE / EVENT DAY!
Sunday 6th / 13th October
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5:30am Depart to Mavrópetra Harbour to start kayaking​
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Jump in kayaks for a 5km paddle from Oia to Thirassia​
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Foot stage on Thirrassia for 13km​
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Get back in the kayaks for an 8km paddle back to Thira​
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Foot stage up to the highest point in Santorini, Prophet Elias and back to Oia, approx. 34km.
Meals: Breakfast - Provided.
Dinner - 9pm A celebration meal and a well-deserved ouzo!
Accommodation: Hotel in Oia
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DAY FOUR / DEPARTURE DAY
Monday 7th / 14th October​
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Transfer to the airport departing at 10am or wave goodbye as you go and explore Santorini further.
Meals: Breakfast - Provided
MEDICAL OPERATION & PARTICIPANT SAFETY
COURSE CUT OFFS & WITHDRAWALS
This event is not about cut-offs. But, having a ‘cut-off’ and a ‘sweeping’ structure is an important part of our Event Management Plan and Risk Assessment processes. Cut off times are independent of any other factors that occur earlier in the course such as start time, injury, going the wrong way, time taken at Pit Stops, head winds; and whether it is your fault or not. We understand that missing cut offs can be tough to take but please remember this is not the crew member’s fault that breaks the news to you, should it happen to you. Please also remember that if this does happen to you, the Event team’s decision is final. ​
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There are a number of reasons why you may be cut-off or withdrawn from the event. These could be medical, pace, kit, personal or other factors.
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As far as the time available goes to avoid a cut-off, there is no ‘set’ cut off time . (ie. time limit or published time). Instead, we require all participants to be at the finish location before nightfall. If this is looking unlikely you will be ‘swept’ or 'boosted' forward. That is the cut-off.
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Above all else, please remember, this event is not about cut-offs. It is about getting the most out of this magical environment. We will not cut you off and sweep you forward unless we really must. And if we do, it is for your own safety.
'BEDDING DOWN INTO THE COURSE'
It is probable that when you set off, the first hours of the first day may be a bit hit n’ miss. Pace, temperature regulation, kit selection, footwear or bag niggles. All to be expected. Embrace that ‘bedding down into it’ phase and listen to your body and to your kit. Expect some unexpected phenomena (not UFOs, just unusual kit or boot issues that you may not have quite been expecting). Use this time to just get used to the environment, the gear and the temperature. Go with it and relax. By pit stop 1 or 2, you’ll have worked out enough to be comfortable.
MEDICAL OPERATIONS
Our team is there for you in case you have an incident with which you require assistance. The team will shadow the progress of the challenge each day in vehicles, on foot, bikes and kayaks; before establishing a med centre each afternoon at the location to which we are heading for our accommodation. Whilst the medics are there for ‘what ifs,’ they are also a great source of preventative advice; so please do use them to ask questions and check best practice, particularly in suspected foot injury or issues such as blisters. We will also have medical staff along the course with you for some specific sections of the route.
MEDICAL PRE-SCREENING
We have invited you to have a medical screening process, which can be completed via the link below. Please complete this as soon as possible – and certainly please, no later than 4th August 2024. If you do have any condition that you feel we should know about, however small you feel it may be, please do share this with our Medics. Experience has shown that early pre-screening can assist both us and you greatly in enabling the care you need pre and during the trip. If you do not share information on conditions which are likely to affect your participation or decide to share them very late in the process, we are all under pressure and we will always reserve the right to cancel your participation if we feel there is a medical issue that may affect yours, or others’ safety.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS AND MEDICAL INFORMATION:
We are very fortunate to have an excellent Medical Director providing oversight, planning and screening on all of our international trips, who in turn engages seriously professional and qualified staff to join you on the trip. Rat Race also conforms and has been audited to the rigorous BS8848 standard of expedition management. This means our approach to all things safety and medical is extremely thorough and it is designed throughout with your best interest at heart.
Your medical screening details will be sent direct to our medical team and under medical confidentiality rules, this will only be shared with our medics and no-one else. If they decide this is info that is in the best interests of everyone for us as organisers to be privy to, they will seek and gain your consent before doing so. It is therefore important you complete the link to the medical survey only which can be found HERE; do not send Rat Race medical information direct. If you have any queries at all on the medical side of things in relation to this event, you can email our Medical Director, Dr Patrick Musto directly and confidentially on office@trailmed.com and he will assist.
TRAVEL MEDICINE ADVICE
As well as being a practising NHS Emergency Care Doctor and Expedition Medicine Specialist, Dr Musto is also a qualified travel medicine practitioner. Please view the Travel Medicine Advice PDF HERE.
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INSURANCE FOR YOU AND YOUR EQUIPMENT
We have asked that you have in place Travel Insurance cover and specified Evacuation cover to last for a minimum period of the event duration for the days you are with us on the published itinerary. Evacuation and medical expenses cover should total no less than $500 000. A copy of this cover/covers (if separate policies) is required to be received by us by 4th August 2024. The details for submission can be seen at the bottom of this EEI in the ‘checklist’ section.
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We recommend that participants have insurance to cover damage, loss, theft, injury and non-attendance. Rat Race cannot accept any responsibility for the loss of, theft, or damage to any Participant property or the circumstances of Participant non-attendance. Within the 12-week departure window, we cannot provide any transfers and, in all cases, we cannot entertain requests for refunds. We respectfully remind all participants that unforeseen circumstances preventing attendance is what travel insurance is designed for and is the reason for this as a strong recommendation on such undertakings.
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You can submit copies of your insurance via the online form here. Alongside this, we ask that medical screening is completed, plus an online waiver. Please see the actions list at the bottom of this document for details.
Some suggested providers are as follows:
For UK and Channel Island residents Rat Race’s own insurer brokers have a brand-new product: https://www.mannbroadbent.co.uk/sports-travel-insurance/.
Note: This is Rat Race’s UK-based insurance broker, specialising in the leisure insurance market. This is a specialist sports travel cover product; however, Rat Race is neither an insurance broker or underwriter. We can recommend Mann Broadbent wholeheartedly as good people to deal with, but please remember that this is not a ‘Rat Race product’ and we have no say whatsoever on claims decisions made by the insurers, in the event that you raise such a claim via one of these policies.
Other providers:
Note: We have no relationship with any of these providers, but previous customers have found them reasonable to deal with regarding some of our similar Bucket List challenges.
Note: For all insurance, please remember that cover is offered based on several factors, (the nature of the event disciplines being one of them), but your own insurance profile, age, health and other details form a big part of this. As such, we are always happy to provide details to insurers in support of cover requests from customers, but we cannot influence their decisions as to whether to offer cover to individuals.
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GENERAL SAFETY AROUND VEHICLES
This event takes place on the trail and open roads. There are vehicles, this is not a closed road event. Vigilance must be always taken.
SUN & HEAT
Please carefully review our Sun & Heat safety guidance issued by our medical partner Trail Med.
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LITTER
We want to show that this event has exemplary control of littering. Please help us achieve that. Pack your litter into your pack, pockets or nearby bin bag at a vehicle. No exceptions. Santorini is a beautiful environment, and our absolute commitment is to keep it that way.
EMERGENCY PROTOCOL
In the event of a true emergency or serious incident you will be notified of protocols at the orientation in Oia. If you are with an injured party whilst on the route, stay with the casualty and await assistance. In the event of a non-emergency incident but for which action is requested from the organisers, then you should place a call (we will give you numbers) or if no phone reception, you should send a message forward to the next Pit Stop with another participant if possible and/or await an event crew member approaching via vehicle/or on foot from behind. This might be medical, logistical or kit/ equipment breakdown as examples. We politely ask that you stop and help someone that is in difficulty – you will be the first person to find them – remember to take note of time, place (number of km, or minutes/ hours from last Pit Stop) and participant number/ name at the incident site. Remember we are all in it together and we are in effect one big team.
MUSIC PLAYERS
While these are allowed, please control their volume according to your environment. Always use your judgment when listening to music or audiobooks. Please also be aware that if you cannot hear general voice levels you might miss instructions or warnings from crew, other participants or approaching vehicles.
OTHER ADMIN MATTERS
EVENT ETHOS: ‘RACING’ AND OUR FINISH TIMES SERVICE
Completing not competing. Rat Race’s ethos has always been about inspiring folk to undertake challenges in awesome outdoor locations. Santorini is just that, taken to an epic level. This is not a formal race environment and there are no winners and losers. We do not award prizes for the fastest folk. There will be no splits. Indeed, there will be no timings. Rat Race totally appreciate the incredible commitment of those taking on the challenges we lay down and each participant is as important as the next regardless of how fast you can cover the distance. This is akin far more to an expeditionary undertaking than anything else.
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In delivering this unique challenge we prioritise factors such as safety, camaraderie and environmental concerns. Respecting the wishes of local stakeholders with our route management and litter policies is vital in being able to bring folk together for this unique experience. Safety above all else is paramount, as you will fully appreciate. To reasonably balance all these factors, we emphasise that the event is not a formal race environment, rather it is a challenge in the great outdoors where great folk come together with a common purpose.
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LOCAL PAYMENTS
Most locations in Santorini take credit and debit cards. Having some local currency is a good idea. When we are staying in hotels, you may charge incidentals to your room if the hotel has that facility. All room accounts should be settled prior to leaving the accommodation in each location.
CONTACT DETAILS AND ACTIONS CHECK LIST
1.) For ALL pre-event email correspondence prior to departure:
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events@ratrace.com for admin queries, challenge-based questions, kit, training, prep
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office@trailmed.co.uk for any medical-based advice or discussion on medical conditions in confidence
2.) Emergency correspondence from people who need to get in touch with you (i.e. from those who need to contact you) IN EMERGENCY ONLY while you are embarked on the event: events@ratrace.com.
The originator should quote ‘Emergency correspondence for (yourname)’ in the email title and they must provide a phone number for return comms. This will be patched through to our crew’s mobile phones, (or satellite messaging platform if we are out of reception) from our office and a satellite phone will be made available for you to return the comms to the originator. We would aim to provide a suitable response period of within 24 hrs for this service to the originator.
Please, please, please do tell your family and supporters NOT to contact us about Tracker Emergencies!
3.) A WhatsApp group will be created a few days before departure. This will be the main point of contact leading up to the event itself.
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COMMS COVERAGE AND DATA
You will most likely have phone reception in Santorini. There will be WiFi in the accommodation. 
FINAL CHECK LIST
Must be completed by 4th August 2024
Must be completed by 4th August 2024.
21st August at 1730 UK Time
That’s it. Pheeeww! 
 
See you in Santorini!
The Santorini Circuit Team