DURTY Events, organisers of the The Heb – Race On The Edge – a new, two-day, multi-sport challenge through the Hebridean island chain of Benbecula, North Uist and South Uist in September (3 and 4) 2016 – have published route maps for this 190km adventure – http://www.theheb.org/.
Seasoned racers and enthusiastic newcomers to the world of multi-sport, participating alongside each other as solos or pairs, will find themselves mountain biking and off-road running with a bit of kayaking and some easy navigation on a spectacular island journey – beautiful desolate sandy beaches, magnificent mountains, hidden coves, and fantastic Hebridean landscapes.
Benbecula will be the starting point for the 120km route round North Uist on 03 September 2016 with a shorter 70km route taking athletes to the southernmost point of South Uist on 04 September 2016.
However, to make it easier and more relaxed for everyone, the race will stop at the end of day one on Benbecula, allowing for a well-earned refuel and ‘battery charge’.
On day one, participants begin with a coastal ride from Benbecula to North Uist, followed by running and trekking on Eaval mountain (shorter options available).
Then, there is a beautiful moorland bike ride to the uninhabited inter-tidal island of Vallay, for a bit more running and trekking (short options possible), followed by the hop to Lochmaddy for a fun kayak section and a bike ride back to Benbecula for a night under the stars.
Day one course map link: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/osmaps/#/route/649451/The-Heb-2016-Saturday
Day two involves a spectacular North to South journey from the overnight camp to Kilbride on South Uist.
It includes epic riding on the machair and firm sands of the west coast beaches, as much running and trekking as you can handle on Beinn Mhor and Hecla, and kayaking off the stunning coast between South Uist and Eriskay.
This will be followed by an event party at the Polochar Inn, Lochboisdale, the perfect celebrations for such a huge achievement.
Day two course map link: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/osmaps/#/route/649481/The-Heb-Sunday-2016
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “The Hebridean island chain is known the world over as home to some of the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer, something which participants in the The Heb will experience first-hand in the event’s first year.
“Including disciplines of cycling, running and kayaking, The Heb will demonstrate not only the varied landscape of the Benbecula, North Uist and South Uist, but also demonstrate how well equipped Scotland is as the perfect stage for sporting events of all kinds.”
Organisers have had a number of enquiries asking how hard the Heb – Race on the Edge course really is.
Paul McGreal, from Durty Events, said: “With ’short cut’ options built into the route on both days and no extremely tough route choices on the cards The Heb has been designed to be totally achievable and fun for all those taking part.
“We’ve simply selected the best bits for an amazing but challenging adventure.
“That said, the course has been designed in such a way that you’ll be able to push yourself if you are an experienced multi-sport athlete.
“When it comes to route navigation we are keeping it really simple. Competitors will be issued with a map and knowing whether to turn left or right at a road junction will be useful. However, we won’t be testing their micro-navigation skills, though these might come in handy if they elect to go up all of the optional hills. We’ll even stick the occasional marker in at some key locations.
“And for those who are a bit nervous of kayaking they needn’t worry either. ‘Sit on top’ boats, paddles and buoyancy aids will be supplied and competitors definitely won’t need to be experienced kayakers to take on the short and fun paddling sections, though it wouldn’t do any harm if they’ve been in a kayak before the event.”
The Heb will be a stunning and achievable journey through the best of the Hebrides with the added bonus of stunning ferry journeys with event sponsor, Caledonian MacBrayne.
Organisers are encouraging all those looking for a stunning adventure challenge on foot, bike and kayak to sign up now.
To enter through online partner, Entry Central, go to https://www.entrycentral.com/festival/742
The Heb website: http://www.theheb.org/
The Heb on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hebchallenge
Images for The Heb can be downloaded by going to: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/859kw1ohrsclqia/AABH0zhBxC5dGsL–JrGk4sLa?dl=0
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Media contact:
For further information, images and to arrange interviews please contact:
Paddy Cuthbert | Littlehouse Media | E: paddy@littlehousemedia.uk.com | M: 07913 951717
Caledonian MacBrayne – www.calmac.co.uk
Durty Events would like to thank Caledonian MacBrayne for their sponsorship and logistics support, in the transport of both people and equipment between Mallaig and Lochboisdale.
EventScotland
EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news, visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.
EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s events directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland, see www.visitscotland.org or, for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination, see www.visitscotland.com.
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Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Email: paddy@littlehousemedia.uk.com
Website: http://www.theheb.org/
