FAQs

Take Part

Frequently asked questions

What is the Caledonian Challenge?

The Caledonian Challenge offers you ‘The Walk of Your Life'. The goal is for your team to complete 54 miles in 24 hours, or to walk 26 miles in 12 hours, whilst helping to support some of the UK's most isolated communities. Find out more by visiting TAKE PART

Where does it take place?

Through some of Scotland’s most, remote, rugged and stunningly beautiful landscapes. Starting at Gairlochy, your team will walk the famous Great Glen Way and West Highland Way footpaths via Checkpoints at Glen Nevis, Kinlochleven, Glencoe Ski Centre and Inveroran, before finishing the Challenge at Auchtertyre. View CALEDONIAN CHALLENGE ROUTE to find out more.

When does it take place?

The Caledonian Challenge will take place on 16 & 17 June 2012. Prior to starting, your team and Support Crew will need to attend Final Registration on Friday 15 June at the Nevis Centre, Fort William.

How much does it cost?

We have a number of Entry Packages to suit different audiences. Visit our ENTRY FEES AND PACKAGES to find out more about the cost of taking part

What do I need to do to enter a team?

Visit HOW TO TAKE PART to find out more information about entering a team and the team entry process.

There is plenty of time to prepare for the Challenge, but as there are a limited number of team places available, you need to RESERVE A TEAM PLACE by filling in the entry form and making payment by 31st March 2012 to avoid disappointment.

How many team-mates do I need?

You will need a team with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 6 people, but if you are doing the 26 miles section, you can do it in teams of 3. Elite teams can take part in teams of 2. Visit HOW TO TAKE PART to find out more.

How can I get a team together?

We can support you with the recruitment of your team-mates by helping you spread the word and encouraging your work colleagues, friends or family members to sign up with you too. The Team Login Area of the website will give you access to e-Postcards, promotional posters, web resources, adverts, images and leaflets that you can use to help recruit a team.

You will need to fill in the ENQUIRY FORM or TEAM RESERVATION FORM to recieve a Username and Password to login. You can then visit TEAM RECRUITMENT RESOURCES to find out more.

Can I add or change a team member?

Yes. To add a team member access the Team Login Area and visit TEAM MANAGEMENT To add a team member, you simply need their name and email address. If you want to change/ substitute someone in your team then CONTACT US.

What happens if my team or a team member withdraws before the event?

If a team member wants to withdraw prior to the event, a Withdrawal Form can be found in the Team Login Area and by accessing the TEAM MANAGEMENT section. Please remember you need a minimum of 4 people in a team for the 54 miles section 3 for the 26 miles section (2 if you are Elite Runners) so if your team size reduces below the minimum amount of people, then you need to do all you can to find a replacement. When you find a replacement, please add them to the team.

If your entire team wishes to withdraw before the event, please CONTACT US.

Please be aware that Entry Fees are non-refundable unless accompanied by a doctor’s note in light of illness or injury, or in the case of exceptional personal circumstances.

Do I need a Support Crew?

We are now offering you a choice. You can either use our new SUPPORT PACKAGE option where we will pick you up, transport you to the event, feed you, look after you, look after your bags and take you home again. OR you can provide your own support crew which must be a minimum of 2 people, although these 2 people can support more than one team.

You can have 2 or more Support Crew members but we ask that there is only 1 Support Crew vehicle at the Checkpoints throughout the event. Visit SUPPORT CREWS to find out more.

How do I enter a Support Crew?

You can nominate Support Crew members online by logging in and visiting the TEAM MANAGEMENT section.

When’s the Entry Deadline?

Entry Deadline is 31st March 2012.

Can I attend a presentation about the event?

Yes we have two types of presentation, one prior to registration with some basic information about the event and the other is for after your team is registered and is a much more detailed Essential Safety Briefing. There are numerous presentations planned across the country, fill out the ENQUIRY FORM view locations and register for a presentation.

Fundraising

How much do I/we need to raise?

For 2012 we have reduced the minimum fundraising commitment. The minimum fundraising commitment for a team of 4 is £1600, the equivalent of £400 per person. For teams of 5 or 6, this rises to £2000 and £2,400, respectively, again reflecting £400 per person.
Elite runners have a minimum fundraising commitment of £650 per team member. Visit FUNDRAISING GUIDANCE to find out more.

Who are we raising money for?

All money raised will be managed and distributed by the Scottish Community Foundation. For 2012 we have introduced a new option whereby you can now fundraise for a cause of yur choice. Find out more about YOUR REWARDING COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

Can I/we raise money for other charities?

Yes, all the funds raised are distributed by the Scottish Community Foundation. If you raise more than your fundraising committment of £400, you can now choose to donate monies over and above the £400 to a cause of your choice. See YOUR REWARDING COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION to find out more.

How do I/we raise the money?

We offer plenty of fundraising advice on our website and plenty of downloadable tools such as posters and e- postcards, plus a whole section of fundraising ideas. Visit FUNDRAISING GUIDANCE to find out more.

What support is available for helping to raise the funds?

There is plenty of support available for you in the FUNDRAISING GUIDANCE section of the website.

How do I/we pay in collected funds?

There are numerous ways for you to pay your funds. You can transfer them online, offline or via BACS. Further information can be found on FUNDRAISING SUPPORT section of the website.

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is tax relief on money donated to UK charities. The Inland Revenue treats donations as if the donor had already deducted basic rate tax from them. The charity can then reclaim this tax to increase the value of a donation. Find out more here GIFT AID.

When is the fundraising deadline?

The Fundraising Deadline is the time by which your team is required to have fulfilled its fundraising commitment. The Fundraising Deadline for this Challenge is 15th July 2012. All terms and conditions can be viewed at TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY INTO THE CALEDONIAN CHALLENGE.

Where does the money I/we raise go?

The funds raised are managed and distributed by the Scottish Community Foundation. We fund projects that provide much needed services at a grassroots level, which enrich the quality of people’s lives and help them build stronger communities. Further information on the themes and individual projects can be found in the STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES section of the website.

How much do teams raise typically?

On average last year, each team raised £3,000, find out more at YOUR REWARDING COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Is my entry fee included in the fundraising total?

No. Your Entry Fee is separate from your fundraising total. However, the Foundation supports the running costs of the event, effectively subsidising your Entry Fee and making it very good value.

Other

How much training do I have to do?

With the right training and preparation anyone can achieve the 54 miles! The more training you and your team do in the months leading up to the Challenge, the more likely you will all cross the Finish Line together. Visit PREPARATION MATTERS to find out more

What types of training do I need to do?

We recommend that you consult a personal development trainer to devise an individual training plan that is exactly right for you. If you have a medical condition that will be affected by undertaking sustained exercise, you must consult your GP. Find out more by viewing our TRAINING GUIDANCE section on our website.

How long do I need to train for the Challenge?

The more training you and your team do in the months leading up to the event, the more likely that you will all cross the Finish line.

What kit and equipment do I need for taking part?

We offer a recommended KIT LIST on our website

I have never done anything like this before, can I take part?

The Caledonian Challenge is tough... but anyone with the right training and preparation can complete the 54 mile course. Of course if you don't have the time to train for the 54 miles, you can choose to do the 24 miles section which is roughly a day's walking. We will provide training guidance and tips in the months leading up to the event. People from all walks of life have taken part.

How long does it take to complete the course?

The aim is to complete the 54 mile course in 24 hours, and to complete the 26 mile course in 12 hours, however, the completion time is roughly 20 hours and 11 hours respectively.

What happens if I don’t complete the course?

If you withdraw during the event then your team can carry on as normal, if more than one person withdraws before the finish then we will ‘buddy’ you up with another team so that you are able to finish. Visit RETIREMENT PROCEDURES to find out more.

Can I volunteer at the Caledonian Challenge?

We have a number of volunteer opportunities, including Volunteer Marshals, Checkpoint Chief Marshals, First Aid and medical staff, physiotherapists, administrators, photographers and film crews. Please do contact us if you are interested in working in any of these areas volunteer@caledonianchallenge.com find out more by clicking VOLUNTEER

Where/How do I book any accommodation I may need?

There is a large amount of accommodation in and around Fort William. June is a busy month for the area, however, so you are well advised to book your accommodation as early as possible. See ACCOMODATION MATTERS. If you make use of our SUPPORT PACKAGE option, we will take care of that for you.

What services will be provided? (E.g. food, toilets, first aid etc) or what will be provided by the organisers at the main checkpoints and at the finish?)

In return for paying the Entry Fee and committing to raise your funds, you will receive numerous services like water and toilet facilities etc. To view the full list visit WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY ENTRY FEE?

What do support crews have to bring with them?

Visit SUPPORT CREW MATTERS to view all the necessary information for Support Crews.

What happens if we drop out on the route?

Do we have to walk together?

Yes, we advise that you only walk as fast as the slowest member of your team, visit TEAM CHALLENGE to find out more.

I’ve only got a team of 3, can you help me recruit a team member?

As a result of feedback we have received from past participants and also from potential participants who have not been able to take part in the Caledonian Challenge due to not having enough team members, we have set up this new service - SOLE MATES which can help you find your team members!

Will we have a map of the course?

Yes, you will receive a downloadable map, view WHATS INCLUDED IN MY ENTRY FEE? to find out more.

Where do I find the results?

In the week following the Caledonian Challenge, we will provide all teams with their team times and final position by publishing the TEAM RESULTS on the website.

What time do I start?

We have staggered start times at 7/8/9/10/11am to ensure that people aren’t crammed together on the walk. Your start time will be calculated on the basis of your estimated start time, the amount you have managed to raise and your requested start time.

Great - where do we sign up to take part?

Simply complete the entry form. If you need help, just give us a ring on +44 (0)131 524 0350

The Caledonian Challenge 2012