Changes to the Race Format
04 March 2008 - Stef Sargent, new Race Director Paul Corrigan and Route Planner Gavin Earons have been in the thick of exciting planning for the "Heb 2008".
The weather smiled on us (between the showers!) and we also managed to fit in a little sight-seeing, walking and talking - and a quick mountain bike blast (Gavin and Paul only!). Our prime objectives were:
- to identify the problem areas in last year’s event and to implement any changes that will ensure these problems do not happen again
- to take into consideration the welcome feedback and comments from previous "Heb" competitors, marshals and organisers
- to improve, innovate and broaden the appeal of the “Heb” while retaining its essential characteristics, ethos and uniqueness
- to review and simplify the “Heb” rules and documentation
- to ensure that the “Heb” retains its place in the hearts of competitors, helpers, supporters and the community and that it retains its place in Adventure Racing history
- to ensure that communities of these remote and beautiful islands receive the maximum benefits from the “Heb”
- to make every effort to ensure that every “Heb” provides a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable experience for those who are involved in any way
So what did we come up with? Several exciting new developments!
- A new "pairs" category (while also keeping the old-style one) – the Mountain Marathon plus Adventure Race has arrived! The fine detail is still being finalised but essentially teams of two will do the "dry bits" of the main route - no kayaking or swimming! But did I say dry? This is the "more mud for your money!" adventure race – the infamous peat bogs of the Outer Hebrides have not gone away!
- We have decided that the Heb 2008 will be much more of a true relay race but with a unique twist and a touch of mystery! We will not say any more at this stage you’ll just have to expect the unexpected.
- We will give out some delicious "route tasters" information as a build up to the event – first we will show you where the overnight stops will be and the likely position of a few of the key checkpoints. Later we will give out locations of many of the key checkpoints (but not all or how you will be expected to reach them!). We will issue the whole route plan a full month before the race - we are too kind! Did I say the whole route? What I mean is everything except a few twists and mysteries - we don’t want to spoil (y)our fun by telling you absolutely everything now do we?
- The "Heb" will challenge the all round strength of your team - if your team has weak links - trust us we WILL try and find them!
- Responding to popular demand, we have scrapped the points system for "Heb 2008" and replaced it with a defined system of penalties for non-compliance with route requirements. These will be published in table format well in advance of the event.
- In all categories, we have decided that to be eligible to win a category, relevant competing teams must actually complete all the category challenge and results will be ranked accordingly. For example, any team who has missed a section will not be ranked higher than a team who has completed the whole route. This ranking will be achieved by the penalty system.
- We have standardised and simplified the Event Rules however they must be read in conjunction with two other documents: Specific Guidance Notes (which give added information about rule requirements) and a Safety Plan specifically covering all issues pertaining to event safety.
The intention is to publish the new "Rules" within the next week and to publish the Guidance Notes and Safety Plan over the next few weeks. Existing rules for team minibuses and pairs vehicles remain (see Guidance Notes).
Entries are coming in from across Britain and although we have introduced the new pairs categories, we still have the same limitation on overall event numbers because of inter-island ferry size restrictions. Remember, the only way of ensuring that your race entry is not put on the "waiting list" is to get it in now (there is no guarantee of a final race place from the waiting list!)
We will be publishing a definitive list of the Heb 2008 categories along with the award categories and eligibility criteria in due course but here is an outline summary:
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The Hebridean Challenge
The main event - "The Heb" is for teams of five which MUST include at least one member of the opposite sex and have a suitably qualified kayaker to qualify for the trophy. Same sex teams ARE allowed and will be ranked but cannot win "The Heb" trophy. Includes hill running, sea kayaking, road biking, mountain biking and swimming.
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The Hebridean Adventure
Teams of four – essentially the same route and format as the "The Heb" but without the kayaking or swimming. Includes hill running, road biking, mountain biking and swimming.
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The Pairs Challenge
Teams of two, one of whom must hold the requisite BCU 3* Sea Certificate to kayak. These competitors MUST have a proven track record of previous similar race experience to gain entry. The (very tough) course is essentially the "Heb" route adapted to cater for the logistics of a two-person team. Includes hill running, sea kayaking, road biking, mountain biking and swimming.
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New for this season: The Pairs Adventure
Teams of two - this is a new and exciting five day adventure racing mountain marathon for experienced pairs. Teams will cover a modified version of "The Heb" route to cater for the logistics of a two person team and excluding the kayaking and swimming sections. Competitors should have previous similar race experience to gain a place e.g. Heb, LAMM, KIMM (OMM) etc. Includes hill running, road biking, and mountain biking.
See Team Format for more detail.
We sincerely hope that the changes outlined above resulting from a very detailed event review, and taking note of the very welcome feedback and suggestions from knowledgeable and experienced participants, will result in the event meeting the principle objectives stated above and will ensure that the “Heb” continues to be a unique experience and challenge for all involved.
Safe and happy training!