Where is the event held?
The event is run from 1st Chipping Sodbury Scout Group's HQ (BS37 6PQ) and the teams will be navigating the local area.
How are points scored?
Each team is given a sheet of checkpoints, each checkpoint earns points with its difficulty/distance determining the value. To earn the points, the team will have to visit the checkpoint and stamp their scorecard. Both courses have bonus points available for finishing and phoning-in on time. In the 8-hour course, there are sometimes bonus points available for visiting specific combinations of checkpoints.
Where are checkpoints located?
All checkpoints are located on a gate/sign/fence/stile or the start/junction of a footpath. All 5-hour checkpoints are visible from the road. Some 8-hour checkpoints will be located cross country.
How are teams monitored?
We have a team of marshals in vehicles, GPS trackers and the police are often roaming too. All event staff are first aid trained and equipped with radios/mobiles. The event control room monitors and records all team locations throughout the night.
What is the half-way phone in?
Each team must make a phone call to the control room half-way through their allotted time. The control room will record their position and ensure the team are happy and fit to continue. Failure to phone-in results in disqualification.
What is a compulsory checkpoint?
This is a manned checkpoint that all teams must visit at some point during their allotted time, failure to do so results in disqualification.
What happens when a team arrives?
First stage is check-in where all parent/guardian/leader contact details are checked. When the team is ready, they will move into kit inspection to ensure they have everything they need, and any extra/forbidden items confiscated. Next the team will be given their allotted plotting time (25 minutes for 5-hour course and 30 minutes for 8-hour course). They will also be reminded of the rules, how to stay safe and who to contact if there is a problem. After this time the team is transported to the start point.
What if my team starts or finishes late?
Our website is updated with live event timings so that parents/guardians/leaders can monitor their expected finish time. Note - teams can finish up to 30 minutes after their due finish time, after this time they are disqualified and picked up.
Can we see the course?
If a leader would like to see the course during the event, you may join an event marshal. Please speak to us on the night to arrange.
Which section should we enter?
Teams aged up to 14 can enter either exercise, but if aged older you must enter the 8-hour. It is down to the leader's judgement on the team's navigation ability as to whether teams aged under 14 enter the 8-hour exercise. We can also allow teams to enter non-competitively.
Is food provided on the night?
Yes, food and drinks are provided for all teams when they have finished the exercise. This is included in the entry fee. Please ensure you complete any dietary requirements on the entry form.
Do we need to submit an activity notification?
Yes, all teams entering the competition must submit their own activity notification.
Does there need to be a leader present throughout the night?
No, but the leader in charge must be contactable for the duration of the event. Some leaders choose to stay in our HQ and others go home.