28 & 29 April 2012

Q2 The Quest Challenge

Exmoor, Somerset

Race Background

Like the one day Questars, Q2 The Quest Challenge is designed to appeal to all comers from complete novices to the most experienced adventure racers. There will be a great deal of choice as to the distances and routes taken to enable everyone to set their own level of challenge. And there’ll be rest and recovery time between the various parts that will comprise this multi stage event. 

Expect some novel innovations, new formats and challenges. These will be combined with some great mountain biking, trail running and kayaking over some tremendous terrain offering great variety and views.

Event Details

This race takes place in the eastern part of Exmoor, in west Somerset - an area not previously used by Questars before.

Kayaking will be on a large reservoir. The water can still be very cold at the end of April so it is important all competitors wear appropriate clothing while kayaking that will protect them against the cold should they end up in the water. Participants are therefore advised to bring and wear wetsuits if they have them. Those who don't have wetsuits should wear long sleeve thermal tops and bottoms underneath what they would normally wear kayaking.

The stages have yet to be finalised but, in order to make the most of the area, it is possible that one of the stages will start and finish from a remote point which competitors may need to drive to. If this causes you a problem, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can plan accordingly.

Event Base & Facilities

Combe Sydenham Country Park, Monksilver, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4JG

The event base is ideally situated in the middle of a wonderfully scenic area providing instant access to a lovely landscape of woodland, moorland, valleys and farmland.

There will be a field for those participants who wish to camp at the event base. Toilets will be on site but unfortunately there are no showers due to the remoteness of the spot.

You don't have to camp if you don't wish to. This event is designed so you can easily stay elsewhere in local accommodation if you'd prefer.

Provisional Event Timings & Stage Details

FRIDAY

1800 - Event base and campsite opens
2000 - Registration opens until 9:30pm

SATURDAY

0800 - Registration re-opens until 9am
0910 - Event briefing (lasts approx. 20 mins)
1010 - Stage 1 starts
Stages 1 & 2 includes trail running, mountain biking, kayaking and a challenge. Novices can expect to be active for up to 6 hours and Masters 8 hours across the two stages.
1800 - Stage 2 finishes
2030 - Stage 3 starts - a night run with a few surprises
2150 - Stage 3 finishes

SUNDAY

0845 - Stage 4 starts for Masters participants
0930 - Stage 4 starts for Novice participants
Stage 4 involves trail running and mountain biking plus a few challenges
1400 - Stage 4 latest finish time (all participants)
1430 - Prize giving & results announced

Final event details including entry lists, kayak groups and other specific information will be posted onto the Questars website noticeboard and sent to teams by email in the week prior to the event.

Race Price

Q2 The Quest Challenge's race fee includes all the usual things you can expect at a Questars plus two nights camping at the event campsite. As with all Questars races, car parking is included as is the provision and use of kayaks, paddles and bouyancy aids.

An early bird discounted price of £79 is available until 31 January 2012. Thereafter the entry fee will be £89 per person. Enter as a team of 4, 3, 2 or as a solo. The choice is yours! 

Entry Information

Entries for this adventure race are now open; enter online here...

Online entries close one week before race day on Sat 21 April 2012 if places haven't already sold out.

Places are strictly limited by the number of kayak places available so do enter well before the entry deadline to avoid missing out.

Bike Hire

Where possible we endeavour to team up with a local bike firm to supply suitable bikes to those participants that wish to hire them. If it is possible for us to do so for this event, details will be added here nearer the event (i.e. in the New Year).

Accommodation

Camping at the event base on both Friday and Saturday is included in the event price. Parking, drinking water, toilets and space to pitch tents is provided. You will need to bring your own camping equipment i.e. tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat etc. We hope to have onsite catering facilities throughout the weekend so you don’t need to bring cooking equipment unless you want to (this will be confirmed nearer the event).

If you do not wish to camp then there are alot of alternative accommodation options in nearby towns and villages. The timing of the stages is such that participants can return to their local accommodation between stages if they want.

Further details about alternative accommodation in the local area will be added here in due course.