Overview

The Classic Quarter Ultra Marathon is a relative new comer to the Endurancelife stable and was first hosted in 2007 with much success.  The idea was conjured up by an enterprising Cornish businessman; surfer and ‘reluctant’ endurance athlete who wanted to take on a sizeable personal challenge, whilst at the same time raising some funds for Cornwall Hospice Care.

The challenge is brutally simple… to run, between dawn and dusk, from the southern most, to the western most points in Cornwall, along the legendary South West Coastal Path!  That translates to running a quarter of the compass from Lizard Point, to Lands End, non stop.

Sound like a challenge? Well it certainly is, not only is there 44 miles of the world renowned South West Coastal Path to negotiate, there is also the changeable weather and the innumerate steep climbs and descents to contend with along the way.  For those not familiar with coastal trail running and in particular with running on the SWCP, it is the ultimate runners rush, with spectacular views and  challenging terrain all in close proximity to the gently lapping, or potentially pounding Atlantic swells.

The good news is the challenge can be taken on as part of a 4 man relay team or for the intrepid and well prepared runner, as a solo effort.  Last year, the atmosphere of friendly but keen rivalry was a highlight, the relay category was contested right up the final stage and amazingly the quickest solo runner finished just yards behind the winning relay team!

The Classic Quarter is a sizable challenge - if you have already managed a marathon and like the idea of taking it a bit further whilst running on some of the most beautiful and testing terrain in the UK, look no further, this is not just a run, it is a running adventure.

Book a place

What is involved?

• Date: Saturday 28th June 2008

• Start Location: Lizard Point Car Park, Cornwall

• Registration: Solo runners 5am; Relay teams 6am

• Safety Briefing: Solo runners 5.45am; Relay teams 6.45am

• Start Time: Solo runners 6.15am; Relay Teams 7.15am

• Finish Location: Lands End, Cornwall

Prize Categories

1st / 2nd / 3rd Teams (relay 4's)
1st / 2nd / 3rd Solo Mens
1st / 2nd / 3rd Solo Female
Spot Prizes

Parking and Transport

There is ample parking available at the start at Lizard Point, However we recommend leaving vehicles at the larger car park at the finish at Lands End and using the free bus service get to the start, that way your clean kit and ride home will be waiting for you when you cross the finish line.

There are public transport links to the area and it is possible with a bit of extra planning to travel to and from the event this way, if you would like more information on the options available please contact us or consult the internet.

Please Note: Relay teams need to be well organised and are responsible for their own transport to the start and to the 3 relay change overs along the course, teams will be provided with maps and instructions regarding the best way to achieve this.

Registration

All the latest information regarding the event will be posted on the Endurancelife web site prior to the challenge.  Participants will also be sent periodic e-mail updates and a final e-mail 2 weeks from the start of the event.

Registration will take place in the car park at Lizard Point from 5am; participants will be issued with their Sport Ident timing system tag and running bib.  There will be important welcome and safety briefings at 5.45am and 6.45am respectively for Solo and Relay team categories that will cover the latest weather forecast, logistical considerations and general important information for all runners and relay teams.

Sport Ident Timing System

Each runner will be issued with a Sport Ident timing chip, which is a small plastic ‘dibber’ that is attached to the wrist via a tyvek strip, after the mass start it is each runners responsibility to insert the ‘dibber’ into the appropriate timing box located at the check points and most importantly at the finish.  There will be marshals on hand to assist at check points to ensure you have ‘dibbed’

Course Marking

The course follows the South West Coastal Path from start to finish, for the most part the path is clearly marked with yellow arrows often set into wooden posts and signs, where the signage is lacking or confusing, Endurancelife will put out extra making signs to help runners stay on course.  All additional course marking will be carefully removed after the event.

Check Points

There are 3 official check points along the course at approximately the 11, 22 and 33 mile markers, it is essential that participants check in with the marshal and electronic timing system present at the check points.  There will also be hydration stations at approximately 5 mile intervals along the course where water, fruit and moral support will be available.

Relay Teams

The 1st runner sets off from the start at Lizard Point.  The team then proceeds to the relay point at the 1st official check point where the ‘baton’ will be passed to the next team member and so on.  It is important that relay teams work together and are organised to ensure their team mates have the best support possible and to prevent confusion and hold ups at the busy transitions.

Spectators

Family and friends are heartily welcomed at all Endurancelife events and in particular to especially gruelling challenges like this, where the sight and sound of a loved one can make all the difference when the going gets tough.  Spectators also add atmosphere and extra energy to the experience for all the participants and crew. 

Please Note: It is asked that spectators follow the recommendations of the organisers and avoid check points that are difficult to get to or that have limited parking in order to prevent bottle necks and congestion.

Post Event

We like to celebrate after a big challenge and after the event there will be a relaxed BBQ and presentation at which quality T shirts, medals and prizes for top performances will be distributed.  Endurancelife celebrate the taking part as enthusiastically as the winning and every one is encouraged to join us for a well earned drink and a hearty meal, including friend’s family and spectators.

Kit and Equipment

Mandatory Kit

Trail running shoes
Hydration pack or bottle
Energy snacks
Mobile phone
Light weight wind proof jacket
Hat

Recommended Kit
An Endurancelife Buff J (utterly essential)
Sun screen

Training

For solo participants in the Classic Quarter it is essential that sufficient preparation is carried out.  It is recommended that solo runners have completed a standard 26.2 mile marathon although this is not a prerequisite.  It is more important that a program of training is started early and followed carefully.  The challenge is predominantly on the Coastal Path and runners need to be aware of the different demands the off road surfaces will make of on them. For relay team participants a good base of fitness is recommended, each runner will cover approximately 11 miles of uneven terrain.

Fund Raising

The Classic Quarter idea was conjured up with two ambitions in mind;
1: To offer the restless a genuinely extreme physical challenge
2: To raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care (CHC)

Cornwall Hospice Care describes their mission as thus; …

“The aim of Cornwall Hospice Care is to provide the highest quality care to alleviate pain and distressing symptoms for people with life-threatening illness, and to offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to them, their family and their carers”.

Little more needs to be said about the importance of the work the charity does except perhaps to point out that it is 92% funded by the public - the lowest publicly funded hospice organsation in the South West.

In addition to the challenge of completing the Classic Quarter, each runner is further challenged with raising £50 through sponsorship to help support the work of CHC. 

If you have a favourite charity that you would like to run and raise funds for, you are welcome to do so however, it will have to be in addition to CHC.  Thank you for your efforts