Can women do the race?
Yes, this is a mixed event and there are prize categories for men and women. Last year we had about 30%/ 70% female/ male split across the 3 events.
What time does the first wave start?
The first wave will start at 1000 in each location* and subsequent waves will start at 15 minute intervals after that.
* This may change slightly but you will be notified prior to the event if this is the case
Do you send my race number and other materials through the post?
No. We do not send anything in the post. All correspondence is done through e-mail. You will receive your race number and timing chip on the day at the registration, together with your Tech Race T-shirt.
Can I register for my friend at the event?
All personal details MUST match the participant when picking up race pack on the day at the registration (dob, name, address, email etc). If you arrive on the day and these details do not match to the given name you will not be able to register. We will be checking names against date of birth. You will only be able to pick up your friend’s race pack on the registration specific day’s that take place the day prior to the event.
The ONLY dates when registration can be done by friends are:
- Cardiff – Saturday 6th October
- Nottingham – Friday 12th October
- Edinburgh – Saturday 20th October
- LONDON - ALL COMPETITORS MUST REGISTER THEMSELVES AT LONDON
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 so be sure to arrive early to get your t-shirt size.
What age do you need to be to race MH Survival?
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 signed on the day, at registration.
Will there be a water station at the course?
Yes, there will be one water station approximately half way around the course.
Can I change my wave once I enter the event?
You cannot change your wave once you have chosen it when entering.
Can I race for a Charity?
Yes, you can race for any Charity of your choice. See our website and you may choose one of our charity partners.
How many people can race in each event?
We allow 4500 racers to enter Notts and London, and 2500 in each of Edinburgh and Cardiff and 7000 in London.
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!
Are the obstacles the same in each location?
Some are the same, such as the infamous Men’s Health Wall of Fame, the hay bale scramble and the Army Assault course. Others are unique to the host location.
Are all the courses very similar in each location?
No. Owing to local topography and city layout, each course is different. Each course is approximately 10km long, although exact length will vary from city to city.
Is the race on tarmac or off-road?
Both. Given you are in an urban environment, there is plenty of tarmac. But this is Survival of the Fittest and you should expect a mixture of terrains underfoot.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Being a swimmer does help but it’s not an essential requirement. Some obstacles in Nottingham will involve full immersion in water, in Cardiff partial immersion and in London just a few fun splashes. Buoyancy aids are provided by the organisers for Nottingham, together with ropes to pull yourself along through the water. There will also be non-swimmer alternatives at these locations. Full safety cover, including safety kayakers, is in place where required.
* Water immersion activities are always subject to weather and environmental factors in these events.
Can I take part in all 3 and is there a prize?
Yes you can. You can do one, two or all three. There is a special price of £100 for entry into all 3 of the 2011 events (Cardiff, Nottingham and Edinburgh). As well as individual city prizes for 1st – 3rd and spot prizes in each location, there is a prize for the overall MH Survival 2011 Series winner.
What sort of clothing should I wear?
The events are in October and November, 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 October, which features mud and water in healthy doses! You will be on tarmac a good deal of the time, but there will be some off road sections, so good robust trainers should be used. In each location, you will be getting wet and in Cardiff and Nottingham you will be immersed in water. Therefore wear shorts, socks and footwear that will dry 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.
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. We do not do refunds but you can transfer your entry to another event or to following year. We need 14 working days notice prior to the event to make these changes plus you will need to pay £7.5 fee. You can find full Terms and Conditions here.
