FAQs
The Great Glencoe Challenge
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the event?
You can register for the 2021 Great Glencoe Challenge by following one of the links within this website. Registration will close within 4 weeks of the event or in the event of the challenge reaching capacity.
I have registered to take part but don’t want to do it alone, can you match me up with other team members?
What qualifies as a team and how many can I have in my team?
Can I turn up and register on the day?
Is the only way to take part involve fundraising?
How do I pay my entry cost and when does it have to be paid by?
Can my dog take part with me?
Unfortunately no dogs will be permitted on the 2021 Challenge.
Can a team member withdraw or be replaced?
What information will I receive prior to the event and will this be posted?
What are the start times?
The 2021 Great Glencoe Challenge will have a number of wave starts (Wave A, B, C and so on) details of these times will be made available nearer the event date. On arrival at Event HQ at your allocated time you will be provided breakfast, tea & coffee before boarding the coaches that will take you down to the start point in Glencoe. You MUST allow for time for parking and to organise yourself in the morning as the timings in the morning are very tight & rigid.
When will I be told my start time and will it be the same start time as my other team members and friends?
What happens on the weekend, do I just turn up?
We require all participants to “Check-in” for the challenge prior to turning up at you’re your allocated start time on the day. Event “Check-in” opens at Event HQ, Glen Nevis, Fort William at 14:30 on the Friday and closes at 21:00 the same evening. You will also be given your participant bib & number, timing chip, T shirt and wristband. Direction signs placed along Glen Nevis road will help direct you to Event HQ upon reaching Fort William.
What if I can’t make it on the Friday to “Check-in”?
Where do I go on the morning of the event?
Is there somewhere I can park my car?
What does breakfast consist of?
Are there cut off times during the event?
Can I run the event?
What is the route like?
Are there toilets anywhere along the route?
Do we need a support team?
Are there restrictions for taking part?
What happens if I need to pull out on route?
Where is it best to stay overnight the night before the challenge?
Is there a recommended kit list, if so where do I get it?
What support do you provide on the day?
What happens after the event?
How do I cancel or substitute my place?
The 3 Lochs Ultra
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the 3 Lochs Ultra?
You can register for the inaugural 3 Lochs Ultra 2021 by following one of the links within this website. Registration will close within 4 weeks of the event or in the event of the challenge reaching capacity.
I'm not sure whether to register for the Bronze or Silver finish?
This all depends on you and the fitness of you and/or your team. We recommend if you are new to endurance events that you go for Bronze at 23 miles, however this all depends on your training and what level you take yourself to from registering. If initially you register for Bronze then you or your team exceed expectations, just drop us a line and let us know that you wish to pay the additional cost to change your finish category. Category changes cannot be made within 6 weeks of the event
What qualifies as a team and how many can I have in my team?
To register your team you first need to select a team captain and come up with a name at registration and let your fellow members know the team name, after which each member can select to join that team when they register themselves. Teams can be made from a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6. For teams of 3 to 6 members you will also require your own support crew and support vehicle.
Can I take part on my own or with a partner?
Yes, for individual entries you will be required to have experience in completing similar challenge distances and demonstrate a good level of fitness. For pair entries you must register as a team, have a team captain and provide a team name. Individual and pair entries will also be supported along the way at checkpoints by being provided with snacks & energy drinks, in addition a Bag Drop service will also be provided at certain locations along the route to allow for additional food & to make clothing & footwear changes where needed. The organiser also provides transport back to Event HQ if not completing the route, this service is also available from the finish back to Event HQ, Luss.
Do I have to fundraise?
No, you self-fund your participation but are welcome to take part as a challenge to raise funds for the charity of your choice.
How do I pay my entry cost and when does it have to be paid by?
You will be emailed a secure payment link hosted by our payment provider, Worldpay. Entry costs will be paid over two instalments with a link being sent direct to the email you provided when you registered. The first instalment is non refundable and will be due approx 4 weeks after registration followed by the final instalment approx 6 weeks before the event date. Failure to make payment on the due dates may result in you or your teams participation being cancelled.
Can my dog take part with me?
Unfortunately no dogs or pets are permitted on the 3 lochs Ultra.
Can myself or a team member withdraw or be replaced?
Yes, you or a team member can withdraw at anytime but we must be told immediately. You can replace team members after registration has been completed but will require you to update registration. Any changes to your registration within 6 weeks of the event will carry a £15 admin fee. This is for the purposes of insurance, planning and safety. Please ensure you contact us at admin@threelochsultra.com if you wish to change or replace you or any team member. Registration fees and first payment instalments are non-refundable if you cancel without replacement. T shirt sizes cannot be changed within 6 weeks of the event when a replacement has taken the place of a previous team member
What information will I receive prior to the event and will this be posted
You will receive a full training and participation guide full of useful tips on preparing and taking part, in addition you will receive a support crew guide and a copy of The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, all by the email you provided at registration. Make sure your email is correct or if it changes since you registered please let us know ASAP as this is the primary means of keeping in touch with you and your team.
What are the start times?
The 2021 3 Lochs Ultra will have two rolling wave starts (Wave A, B) details of these times will be made availble nearer the event date. On arrival at Event HQ at your allocated time you will be provided breakfast, tea & coffee etc. You MUST allow for time for parking and to organise yourself, your team and support crew.
What is the expected average completion time?
We expect the average completion time to be between 18 & 20hrs for those trekking the full 49 miles.
What does the team captain do?
The team captain is the main interface between the team and the organiser
What if all of my team can’t make it on the Friday to “Check-in”?
If the complete team can’t make it on the Friday to check-in to collect your team items, you can request one team member does this on the teams behalf. A support crew member can also collect the teams items, just drop us a line to give us the name of who will be doing the pick up and checkin by emailing us at admin@threelochsultra.com.
Where do I go on the morning of the event?
On the morning of the event you report directly to Event HQ in Luss at your allocated time (PLEASE DO NOT TURN UP BEFORE). When you arrive you will receive breakfast in the form of a breakfast roll, tea & coffee.
Is there somewhere we can park my car or our support vehicle near the start?
Yes, all participants can park their car free across from Event HQ. Parking is for Support crews and participants only.
What does breakfast at the start consist of?
Breakfast will consist of one hot filled roll, porridge with tea & coffee, anyone requiring a more substantial breakfast prior to setting off is advised to bring along some additional food for breakfast with your support crew…And yes there will be a veggie option!!
Do we have to bring everything on the kit list?
It is vital that you bring all of the essential items on the kit list. You will be required to sign a kit list disclaimer form at event registration and there may be kit checks on the course.
Do we need to carry everything with us?
The kit list in the Training guide details the essential items that you must carry at all times. There are certain items that you can have within your Bag Drop kit bag or leave with your Support Crew to collect when you meet them at a Support/Bag Drop checkpoint. Please think carefully about what you leave in your kit bag or with your Support Crew – if the weather changes drastically you may regret leaving waterproofs in your bag sent ahead or left in the support vehicle!
Can we make our own arrangements to meet our support crew?
Please only meet your support crew at the designated checkpoints. Most of the roads around the route are single lane with passing places, so to deal with the volumes of traffic relating to the event we need Support Crew vehicles to stick to route and meet you only at designated checkpoints.
Are there toilets anywhere along the route?
There will be Portaloo toilets located at Event HQ, and all checkpoints
Can we have two support vehicle passes?
As access to checkpoints is limited, we cannot provide any teams with more than one car pass. Support Crews with more than one vehicle will need to rendezvous away from the course to transfer the car pass. Remember, the Support Crew vehicle must be no larger than a 12 seater minibus.
What if myself or a team member retires off the route?
If a team member or whole team decide to retire from the event en-route it is essential you inform the event co-ordinator. You can do this by phoning Event HQ whilst out on the course (Event HQ contact details will be on your emergency contact card). A teams left with just one team member must find another team to formally accept responsibility for them for the remainder of the course for safety reasons. The checkpoint co-ordinator must be advised and he/she will approve this.
What is available at checkpoints?
There are toilets, changing cubicles (at Bag Drop points), first aiders and energy drinks and water at all checkpoints. There is also car parking for your support crew to meet you at the designated checkpoints only.
How fit do I and/or a team have to be?
With the right training and preparation the 49 miles is achievable for most, but it is seriously tough with the crux being the last 15 mountainous miles through the Arrochar Alps! Whatever distance you take on you will need to dedicate time to train, especially if you are a team. Most individuals and teams will plan long weekend walks alongside some shorter evening sessions. It’s important that you practise on different terrain too, so you may need to factor in some travel time.
What kit will I need to train and take part?
Good quality walking boots are the most important item, they have comfortable and well worn in. You’ll also need waterproofs (jacket with a fixed hood), and suitable clothing for all weather conditions. Socks, water bottles, layers and some personal medical supplies are also required – all of which can be picked up from any good outdoor shop. Once you’ve signed up, we’ll provide you with a full kit list and give you lots more advice in the build up to the event.
If entering a team, how do I get a team together?
Most teams are made up of friends, colleagues or family members. If you’re having difficulty putting together a team, visit our Facebook page The 3 Lochs Ultra and post what you’re looking for, or simply enter as an individual if you have the experience and confidence in your ability.
What age to take part?
For those taking on Bronze only the minimum age is 16 years old but accommpanied by an adult 18 years or older. Both Silver and Gold the minimum age is 18 yrs.
What's the role of the Support Crew?
Your support crew are a vital part of your team. Their role is to meet you at each checkpoint along the route. They will provide you with additional food, replenish you water supply, top up your snacks and most of all, motivate and encourage you to keep going and reach the finish line. They will also carry your extra kit like wet weather gear and warm clothing for the night sections. They are also there to transport you from the finish back to Event HQ Luss to celebrate.
How many support crew do we need?
One but we recommend two, one to drive and one to navigate. You will then be able to split the time into shifts to allow your fellow support crew member to sleep. Remember that if one of the team is not able to continue they will need to get in the car so allow room just in case – Don’t turn up in a Fiat 500!!
Is a support crew really required?
Yes. All teams of 3 to 6 members attempting all challenges must have a Support Crew. The 3 Lochs Ultra is a serious challenge where you’ll experience some very tough conditions, you’ll need their support.
What sort of vehicles are permitted for support?
Just one Support Crew vehicle per-team is allowed at checkpoints. A vehicle pass will be issued at event registration which allows the Support Crew vehicle access to the designated checkpoints. The vehicle must be no larger than a 12 seater minibus. You’ll need enough space for the whole team (in case of drop-outs) as well as support crew and the equipment. This is very important as there is limited access to checkpoints, most small single track lanes. The event relies on the goodwill of local landowners and communities.
Can the Support crew eat with us at Checkpoints, Start & Finish?
Yes, there is enough food for 2 support crew members at all of these locations.
How much training do we need to do?
The more you train the easier you will find the challenge, but you shouldn’t be on your own all the time, get friends involved even if they don’t plan to take part. Alternatively get a team together and train with them. You need to build up your endurance. You need to build up mental strength and stamina too. Everyone is different – you need to learn about yourself and your needs before the event. How often you need to drink, how tiredness affects you, which footwear you prefer, and so on. Training with a team will help you to set your pace, and to work out your roles within the team, and how best to support each other. People often find they get loads out of the training – it can mean quality time spent with your team partner or full team, as you all get fitter and prepare for the journey ahead.
Can friends and family meet us at checkpoints?
Only your Support Crew will be able to meet you at the designated checkpoints. They will need to display their Support Crew pass for their vehicle to gain access.
What about individual entries, pairs and runners with no support crews?
A Bag Drop service will be employed to move your kit bag ahead of you to allow for clothing/footwear changes to be made and to have additional food & snacks, medication etc available. There will also be transport available to take you from the finish or should you drop out at any checkpoint, back to Event HQ in Luss. Hot food is available to everyone taking part at Checkpoint2 & 3 as well as the start and finish. Runners will not have hot food made available to them out on the route, only before the start and post event at Event HQ.