Heb 2010
08 September 2009 - The 'Heb' remains the ultimate mountain sport race in the UK.
Following this year’s unfortunate postponement, the organizing team has taken the opportunity to consult widely and review all aspects of the event. The outcome of which is that ‘The Heb’ is a well respected race; a few relatively minor changes have been affected but overall the event remains the ultimate Mountain Mountain Sport race in the UK.
The route will remain as the classic week long multi-sport stage race, journeying along the length of the Outer Hebrides from the Island of Barra to the Butt of Lewis. Just look at it on a road atlas – it’s simply awesome and a lot longer and wilder than many realize. The race has a fifteen year pedigree although remains little known amongst current day Adventure Racers.
The 2010 Race will be from Sunday 4th July – Friday 9th July 2010. We’ll start with a half day Prologue on Barra, and then racing from Eriskay to Lewis, Monday to Friday. The Heb is a ‘stage race’ with overnight camps based at the various Community Halls up the length of the islands; these serve as Race HG each night and make for a sociable and support atmosphere.
The race format will have three distinct categories – Teams, Pairs and Trios – this later category being a new development for 2010.
Hebridean Challenge – ‘Team of Five’
This is the original Heb Challenge format and the UK’s toughest Mountain Multi-sport Adventure Race. A relay format with the team covering all disciplines; running, MTB, cycling, swim, kayak. Not all team members need to do every discipline/stage.
Hebridean Challenge – ‘Pairs’
Team of Two – covering all disciplines, (as above) in a self supporting relay. One of the pair needs to be sea kayak specialist, and ideally the other a swimmer; both will need to run, cycle, MTB… it’s a busy race experience.
Hebridean Trio Challenge ‘HTC’
The new Non-Kayaking class, but with swimming stage(s). This new class has the strap-line of ‘three mates in a car’ and is the simplest and cheapest way to access The Heb, as it can be done using the average sized car with just two bikes. The logistics and slightly easier route choices and ‘accessibility’ is designed for Heb newcomers and those wanting a relatively easy/stress free adventure. It will also be an excellent way to ‘suss’ The Heb for future years.
Are you up to The Heb Challenge? – The race website will be update shortly, with entry forms and further info available by the end of September. The entry fee will be £350 per person regardless of whether you are part of a team, pair or trio, which is excellent value for a fabulous week’s adventure.
The Heb – A Real Adventure Race.
If you have any immediate questions please contact:
Joe Faulkner (faulknerjoe@hotmail.com), Heb 2010 Race Director