Orion Trail Events
The SCS Ultra
KingFisher Pre-school Kingsand
Overview
This is a point-to-point ultra-marathon event. The Race HQ is based at the finish line in Kingsand.
The finish line and HQ address is MEYC, Jackman's Meadow, Kingsand, PL10 1NY.
The event itself starts in the little village of Polruan.
The address is 3 St Saviour's Hill, Polruan, Fowey PL23 1PZ.
You will then head East, following the stunning coastline, eventually reaching the small but beautiful town of Kingsand.
The route is approximately 53km and almost entirely off-road. The cut-off for this race is 12 hours. It is generally well marked, as it follows the South West Coast Path, and they have kindly marked it already. You simply have to follow the acorn, as we say. This event is a great introduction to ultra-marathons if you are just starting out or another great race to tick off if you are a well-seasoned ultra-runner. You will be supported by our team of amazing volunteers. They will also provide first aid cover at key points along the route, and we will make sure to have someone back marking the race, sweeping behind.
The event is self-navigated. We will provide you with a GPX file of the route, and for your safety, you will be required to have this on your phone or a smartwatch prior to the event in order to take part. This will be checked during registration; without this, you will not be permitted to partake in the event.
Race HQ
So, the HQ is at the lovely little Kingfisher preschool. The address is
MEYC, Jackman's Meadow, Kingsand, PL10 1NY See the link below for a Google Maps location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gw77vGqKhc1qufBs5
Unfortunately, there is no parking on-site, so please refer to the section on parking.
There is a large indoor area at the race HQ. You will be able to leave stuff here while you are out on the course, which will be manned at all times. However, you do so at your own risk.
Logistics
Friday 27th
Registration opens on the evening of Friday 27th, from 16.00 pm - 22.00 pm.
Here, you will be given your race number and goody bag.
You must register this evening and not on the morning of the race, as we need to do a full kit check, which takes time (exceptions will be made if you contact and arrange this with the race director prior to the event – before 9 pm Thursday the 26th).
Saturday 28th
5 am - Race HQ will reopen to start distributing your GPS trackers.
6.15 am - The race safety briefing will begin.
6.45 am - The bus will depart race HQ.
8 am - The race will start from Polruan.
Parking
As there is only a limited number of you this year, there should be no problem with parking availability.
Large car parks nearby:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bnjg2DPfsoKhpLj2A - Central Car Park, 0.4 miles, 8 min walk
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2ceVkp1HxXte1Kz48 - Cawsand Car Park, 0.7 miles, 15 min walk
There is limited parking available on the road outside the Preschool, but as you are there all day, it would be better if you could park at one of the car parks listed.
Transport
Transport shall be provided to get you to the start line for all participants entering the race. We highly recommend you use this service as you can park in Kingsand knowing that when you finish the race, you will be back where you parked your car. Having only one vehicle travelling to the start line will reduce transport emissions for the race – something we feel passionately about.
The transport will pick you up from the race HQ at 6.45 am and will take around 1 hour to get to the start line. You will have around a quarter of an hour to stretch off from the drive and prepare yourself before the race starts, which will be as close to 8:00 a.m. as possible.
Be advised that there is no transport back to the start line after the race.
Race Safety
We will ensure you are looked after during the race, with the safety of all the runners being the main priority. You will be provided with a GPS tracker, and there will be well-stocked checkpoints when you need them the most.
You must ensure that you enter each of our two mandatory checkpoints regardless of whether you want to take supplies or not. Your race number will be recorded for safety purposes and act as a backup for your race timing.
Your GPS tracker will allow us to always see where you are during the race. As an added bonus, your family, friends and support can watch your progress online. The link to this is below:
https://www.geotracks.co.uk/live/2111
The GPS tracker also has an SOS button, so we can find you if you have a problem. This will all be explained in more detail when you are given your GPS device in the morning and during the safety briefing.
For minor issues, there will be First aiders at each checkpoint, but if you have any serious issues during the day, you are to call 999 first or 112 for the Coastguard if suitable, then please inform the race director or the race HQ; both of these numbers are on your race bib.
Kit List
Mandatory Kit to be carried at all times. A marshal will check this equipment list at registration, so please ensure you have it with you when you come to sign in. There will also be random checks carried out at aid stations. This equipment is for your safety; failure to have it may result in your disqualification from the race.
-
- Baselayer
- GPS tracker – provided by Orion Trail Events
- GPX file of the route on either your phone, smart watch or another GPS device
- Trail shoes (road shoes are not acceptable)
- Race pack/vest/rucksack
- Waterproof jacket with taped seams
- Waterproof pants with taped seams
- Warm Jacket/Mid Layer
- Headwear, a warm hat or buff is acceptable
- Hydration system – bladder or bottles, min. Capacity: 1 litre. This is the min. We recommend 1.5 litres, and if it’s a hot day, you may want to bring 2 litres. We will provide plenty of drinking water for refilling at the checkpoints.
- Survival bag – foil or plastic survival bag (not blanket)
- Basic first aid kit – min 1 x wound dressing and selection of blister plasters
- Whistle
- Head torch (with spare external batteries)
- Nutrition – Energy foods, gels, bars, etc. You should carry any specific foods you require and the majority of your daily calorie requirements.
- Personal cup 150ml minimum, suitable for consuming hot drinks/soup (bottles or flasks with lids are unacceptable). Orion-branded collapsible cups will be available for purchase at registration if you require one.
- Emergency food reserve. Recommendation: 800kcal (2 gels + 2 energy bars of 65g+ each).
- Mobile phone, fully charged.
- Small battery pack for charging your phone or watch.
The Route
Hopefully, by now, you have all looked at the route that was uploaded to the website. I'm going to produce a video over the next few days that includes a description of the route and what to expect this week; that way, it will be super fresh and up-to-date with all the current information I have about the route. It will also explain the small change we have had to make to the last 2.5km of the route, where you will now loop back into Kingsand instead of carrying on to Cremyll.
SO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR AN EMAIL WITH THIS VIDEO IN.
The GPX file I now want you to use is ready to download on both the website and the link below.
So, ensure you have this current, up-to-date version for race day.
There still might be some minor changes, but these will be advised to you in the race safety briefing on the day.
Location
Images
