FAQs
Questars Adventure Race Series
Take a look through the commonly asked questions about our events. If you can’t find your answer below, you can contact us
FAQs ABOUT THE RACE
Yes! Just get in touch should you need to start early or late. We can normally allow start times an hour early/late.
No. There is no requirement to collect checkpoints on every discipline. If you want to spend all of your time running or all of your time biking that is absolutely fine.
There are no set distances. You choose which, and how many, checkpoints you visit. Hence it’s up to you how far you run, cycle and kayak. There is no rule or requirement to visit checkpoints on each discipline so the minimum distance for each discipline is absolutely nothing (0 km).
The minimum distances required to visit one run/bike/kayak checkpoint vary according to a number of different factors. But to give you an idea, to visit:
one kayak checkpoint usually involves paddling 500-1000 m*
one run checkpoint typically requires travelling 1-2 km* on foot
one bike checkpoint normally involves cycling 2-5 km*
*If the kayak transition is remote then you will also need to run or cycle to and from this location. The kayak transition is generally within 5km of the event base and can normally be reached on either bike or foot.
There are no set routes or distances. You choose how many checkpoints you visit and your route between them. Hence the distance covered by participants varies greatly. However, to give you a rough idea, the minimum distance you would need to cover to visit all the:
kayak checkpoints is typically 6-7 km
run checkpoints is usually 20-25 km*
bike checkpoints is normally 40-55 km*
* You may end up covering more ground than the distances shown above if you don’t take the most optimal route. Distances tend to be towards the lower end of the given range where the terrain is hilly, and near the upper end of the range where the terrain is flat.
We recommend that you use a mountain bike (preferably with front suspension) as these are best suited to deal with the broadest range of off-road terrain and trail conditions that you might encounter during the race. You can either bring your own or hire one from our official provider.
However, you are welcome to use a different type of bike (e.g. a cross/gravel bike) if you want to, as long as:
- it is designed to be used off-road (slick tyres are not allowed).
- you understand and accept that it may not be as suitable as a mountain bike and may therefore hinder your progress.
If you have any doubt over whether your bike is suitable or not, then please either get in touch to discuss or hire a mountain bike from our designated provider (please see the event page for details).
Yes, you can use any bike that is suitable for off-road use as long as it conforms to our policy on bikes (see above).
NB. Mountain bikes (preferably with front suspension) are generally recommended as these are best suited to deal with the broadest range of off-road terrain and trail conditions that you might encounter during a Questars adventure race.
Yes, you can use an electric bike (e-bike) as long as it conforms to our general policy on bikes (see above) and:
- you declare this before you start
- you understand and accept that, in order to provide a fair and even competition, you will be not be ranked against other competitors who use a standard pedal bike (i.e. who don’t use an e-bike).
No, unfortunately we are not able to allow participants to use their own kayaks.
It’s not necessary to do so, but you may use your own paddle and/or buoyancy aid if you really want to. However, you will need to transport it to/from the kayak transition. We recommend getting in touch should you wish to do so.
Yes, under 16s may take part, subject to certain terms and conditions, if they are accompanied by a designated adult (e.g. a parent / guardian) at all times during the race. For full details, including terms and conditions, please see our Child Policy.
No, unfortunately for insurance reasons we are not able to allow participants to take part with their dogs.
RACE ENTRY FAQs
The Trio Novice (summer) and Duo Taster (winter) races are aimed at those new to adventure racing and/or looking for a shorter adventure. Whilst the Trio Masters (summer) and Duo Full (winter) races are aimed at adventure racers with some previous experience and/or those who like a challenge and want to compete against the best.
As a general rule of thumb, anyone who has i) taken part in three or more Questars adventure races before or ii) received a Questars winner’s prize before is encouraged to do the Trio Masters/Duo Full race. However, we know one rule like this doesn’t fit everyone, as individual circumstances vary. So this should be thought of as more of a guide than mandatory.
There is one rule that is enforced, and that is: a person can only receive a Novice/Taster winner’s prize once. This is to encourage previous Novice/Taster prize winners to move on up to the Masters/Full race and ensure they aren’t tempted not to do so by the thought or lure of winning another Novice/Taster prize.
Ultimately which race you enter and take part in is up to you. The course (i.e. the number and position of the checkpoints) is usually the same for both; the only difference is the time limit. If you want to cover/see as much of the course as possible then the Masters/Full race is what you should do as this gives you extra time in which to explore the area.
You can find someone else to take your place and update your entry for free at any point before the event.
Up to four weeks before the event, you can transfer your entry over to another Questars event.
Please see the Withdrawal Policy for full details about each option.
