The Heb adventure race returns to the Outer Hebrides islands in 2016 as a two-day multi-sport challenge covering 150km.
The Heb – The Race on the Edge is organised by Durty Events this September and includes running, mountain biking and kayaking across Benbecula, North Uist and South Uist.
For those who remember the former Heb challenge, this time around the package promises to be “more achievable” to the average adventure racer and with less emphasis on map reading.
Paul McGreal, of Durty Events, says: “The Heb is back but it will be less daunting as an overall challenge. The format is shorter and there will be fewer requirements for navigation.
“Map reading will still play a part but the aim is for a race that is still tough but much more achievable for today’s have-a-go adventure racer.”
He adds: “The Heb will suit a range of different people including multi-sport athletes, works and office teams and fit and active people who want to give an endurance adventure event a go for the first time in the most stunning location in Scotland.”
15 things to know about The Heb
1 The challenge takes place on Saturday and Sunday September 3 and 4.
2 Participants will need the 2nd and the 4th for travelling.
3 You can enter as a solo racer or as a pair.
4 The cost of the challenge event is £250 for solos and £500 for pairs and includes ferry fares, camping on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and hot meals on Saturday and Sunday nights, as well as safety crew, maps, logistics, bag transfer and much more. Full list.
5 The aim is to travel between checkpoints, mostly off-road and on foot, mountain bike and kayak.
6 Day one will start at Benbecula with 100km of racing around North Uist.
7 Day two will be a 50km route from Benbecula to the southern most point of South Uist.
8 Navigation will be “easy” (although it is important that you can read a map with a compass).
9 Kayaking will be on provided sit-on crafts and will take place on inland lochs and less exposed sea lochs.
10 The aim is to enjoy the challenge on Scotland’s famously beautiful west coast island chain.
11 GPS tracking technology will make it possible to follow the athletes live online.
12 There will be different routes, checkpoint and navigation options to suit all skill and fitness levels.
13 The event has partnered with ferry company CalMac to help with transport from the mainland to the Outer Hebrides.
14 There are discounts available for Hebrides residents. E mail: [email protected]
15 For further information see The Heb or Facebook. Enter via online partner, Entry Central.
- Thanks to Carrick “Pyro” Armer for the photos.