berkshire
- Last Updated: Wednesday 9 April 2025
The countdown is on to the first event of our 2025 Summer Adventure Race Series!
For those who have not raced with us before, we have put together this short video to give you a bit more information on what to expect (if viewing on a mobile device, it works best when opened to full screen mode).
You can find our race specific information here and our regular race day information can be found here.
The forecast is looking superb so remember to pack your sunscreen! We always recommend checking the forecast closer to the event as well – particularly when we mention the weather is looking good as that normally leads to rain…
We will be carrying out spot checks on mandatory kit before the start so please ensure that you are carrying all required kit with you. You can check the kit list here.
Start lists along with kayak timeslots will be published here on Wednesday.
We look forward to seeing you at Elstree School on Saturday for a day of adventure!
Kim and Joe
Please also read all the accompanying notes below which provide further important details.
BERKSHIRE RACE DAY INFORMATION
All the information you need for a successful race can be found here:
Regular race information
All our regular race information can be found here:
RACE NUMBERS
You will need to know your race number in order to collect your race pack.
Each team has been given a start time window. This is based on which course you are doing, when your kayak time slot is, how long it’ll take most people to get to/from the kayaking and the fact the course closes at 16:45 (i.e. you must finish before this).
You can start any time within your start time window. But remember if you are kayaking early on, you will need to allow enough time to get to the kayak transition. You can only get to/from the kayak transition on foot (see below course notes for further information on the layout of the course).
KAYAK TIMESLOT
Everyone who is kayaking has been allocated a kayak timeslot (please see the Start List for your kayak timeslot) The maximum time allowed for the kayaking is 60 minutes for everyone.
NOTE: The kayak time slots are 75 minutes to give you flexibility but you must not exceed the 60 minute kayak time limit on the water.
Exceeding the maximum permitted kayak time (60 minutes) – even by 1 second – and you will incur a 50 point penalty.
If, for example, your kayak time slot is 09:45-11:00 and you get on the water at 09:50, then you must off the water and finish kayaking before 10:50 (i.e. 60 minutes after you began kayaking) to avoid the penalty.
Your kayak time begins when you punch the kayak transition control to get on the water and your kayak time ends when you punch the kayak transition control again (i.e. a second time) to get off the water. Not punching the kayak transition control both when you get on and off the water incurs penalties, whether done intentionally or not, so please don’t forget!
You can only kayak within your kayak time slot. You must have finished kayaking (i.e. be off the water having dibbed the kayak transition control) before the end of your kayak time slot, otherwise you will incur a 50 point penalty. So if, for example, you are in the 09:45-11:00 kayak slot, and you get on the water at 10:30, you’ll only have up to a maximum of 30 minutes in which to kayak as you must have finished kayaking no later than 11:00.
event BASE & timing
Registration and event briefings will take place from Elstree School sports hall. Parking is at Douai Park Recreation Ground (RG7 5TA).
The event base opens at 08:00 (please see below for full timings).
Your start time is based on which course you are doing, please see below. You can start at any time within your start window, just make your way to the big blue start arch when you’re ready to start. Your race time (2/5/6 hour time limit) begins when you dib the start control and receive your checkpoint descriptions.
course notes
The layout of the course is such that…
- the transition point for the run and bike is located at the event base
- you can run and bike as many times as you like
- you can only run to and from the kayak transition (just under 2km via the shortest (sensible) route)
How long you spend running, biking and kayaking is up to you. But, if you’ve never done a Questars Adventure Race, it can be difficult to know how long to spend on each discipline. Attached below is a course planner’s guide which gives suggestions for how to structure your day depending on your kayak window. This is only a guide, the great thing about Questars races is that what you do is up to you! If you like running, you can spend more time running and less time biking (and vice-versa).
Equally, you do not need to use all of your time limit. If you have had your fill of adventure after a couple of hours then you can join us back at HQ for food, drink and to share stories of your navigation successes and failures!
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!