Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a list of Frequently Asked Questions:
Race registration & briefing
- Where is the race briefing?
The briefing location and time will be announced. Our office is now here. - When can we collect our race pack?
Thursday and Friday. - Is there anyone else registered from my country? Maybe I can coordinate with them.
Please check through our ambassadors page or Facebook group. - Do I need to bring a medical certificate?
No, but if you have any condition our medics should know about, you should inform us in advance.
http://trailrunningnepal.org/general-trail-running-nepal-medical-questionnaire/ - How many drop bags are allowed for the 55 km & 100 km race?
Yes there are drop bags in the following locations:- 20 km Sidhing: bag for 100 km and 55 km runners, must be prepared and given the night before.
- 60 km Kande road crossing. For 100 km runners only.
- On http://annapurna100.com/regulations/ it is stated as mandatory but are “long sleeved sweatshirt” and “long trousers or trousers that cover the knees” needed mandatory?
Yes, at night or in rainy or cloudy weather, and at higher altitudes it can be cold enough to get very cold or hypothermic if stopped for any time. Refer to Obligatory Equipment list. - Personal Medical record need to be submitted?
No. But we strongly advise that you have a regular medical exam before competing in such races. Our race medics have permission to stop you and withdraw you from the competition if they see that you have a medical issue.
Race day
- Our hotel is in central Pokhara, how can we go to the start line of 55 km?
There will be shuttle buses departing from Lakeside, driving through Pokhara. The times will be sent to you at least a week before the race. - What is the cutoff time for the 55 km?
It is preferable if you finish and there is no specific cutoff at the finish itself. The slowest runner last year was 13.5 hours for 50 km. Estimate 6pm at the finish line to not DNF. - Route markings – esp in the dark (night), finding the route markings can be confusing. What should I expect?
You can expect orange ribbons, with reflective tabs attached for the night sections. Arrows will be at key junctions. - Will there be safe keeping of my luggage at start point village Dhampus until I complete the race on Sunday?
Yes. 100 km runners will have their bags taken to the finish. 42 km runners have their start bags taken to the finish line and stored safely. 55 km runners can leave items in their rooms if they book for Saturday night, or leave at the start line in our store. - Are there aid/water stations on the route? Or is it self sustained?
Yes. there will water at every checkpoint and some simple energy food too similar to: biscuits, veg noodle soup, banana, oranges, chocolate, bread, potatoes. Bring your own gels or bars if you prefer what you are used to. Carry at least 1.5 litre water. The ridge you are running on for the 55 km and 100 km is quite dry, so water is difficult to find and filter in some places, so ensure you are able to carry at least a litre. - How much money do I need to bring on the actual race for transport in case of DNF?
We have some jeep support between checkpoints that might be able to pick you up but they cannot be everywhere at once, it might take time or not be possible if the number of DNFs is high, and most checkpoints have no road, so walking out is the only option. In this case we’ll try our best to get you to a place where you can get local transport back to Dhampus. Carry at minimum of Rs 2000 ($20) and that should be enough for a meal and local transport. - Is there any bus that goes back from the 55 km finish line to Pokhara? If yes, what time?
Yes, we’re fixing times when we know the number of local participants. We hope to have a bus leave at 4pm directly after prize giving, and depending on numbers, another when the bus is 70% full. Thereafter there will be a number of jeeps for remaining people not intending to stay in Dhampus. - Can our support friend/family wait at the finish line? Or can they move between checkpoints?
The course is not very supporter friendly. For the 55/100 km it is only possible to get to the 20 km point, and for the 100 km, the 53 or 60 km points. Contact us if you are interested to know more. - If we stay overnight in Dhampus after finishing the 55 km race, what time does the bus go back the day after?
Get up as early as you can to see the sunrise from the viewpoint. There will be shuttle buses running at around 8am after some breakfast. - What time does it go dark?
You start to need a light at 6pm. - Are there plant-based food options at the aide stations?
There are no meat options. There will be vegetarian noodles, bread, chocolate, biscuits, potatoes, bread, oat bars etc. Contact us if you would need something very specific. - What are the foods and drinks on the posts along the way?
Mineral water will be available. Food will vary from place to place including: potatoes, biscuits, bananas, noodle soup. We recommend that you a) bring your own favourite energy bars, gels, powders and carry them, b) bring money (Rs 100 notes) to buy items from small teahouses along the route in case you need. - Will the route be marked?
Yes, the route will be well marked with orange fluorescent ribbon and reflective squares for the sections in the dark. - What are the timings (deadlines to pass a post) before one gets disqualified and has to stop?
TBA
Dhampus
- How do we book return vehicles from Dhampus to Pokhara?
This is included and arranged. The journey requires 4×4 vehicle and takes about 1 hour.
There will be buses leaving after the race (for quicker runners), some jeeps, and then a bus departing on Sunday morning aiming to be in Pokhara by 10am but check the programme for more accurate information.Supporters who wish to travel must register with us in advance by email.
- In Dhampus are single rooms available?
Unlikely, this is a small village with a very limited number of rooms. We will produce a rooming plan so you can see availability and put your names against rooms where possible.
General
- Would it be advisable to fly out of Pokhara to Kathmandu after the race on Sun 27th Oct or should I wait till Mon 28th Oct?
Yes, book an afternoon flight. - What hotel are we staying in?
You can book your own hotel in Pokhara, or we can help you with that, and it is not included in the race fee. Registration etc. will take place at Hallenchowk lakeside so a hotel close to there would make life easy. - I just want to find some cheap accommodation … And also would like some advice as to where I could stay for a couple of weeks prior to race and train!!
Perhaps go to Pokhara and hang out there or go on a trek. There are a whole heap of nice and reasonable budget hotels in Pokhara. Just search Trip Advisor. - Please can you advise on what sort of travel insurance most people take out and if normal travel insurance (including trekking over 3000m) would provide adequate cover.
See this page of recommendations about insurance. Most simple activity insurance policies cover trekking up to 4000m. - I would like to fly in on Friday and out on Sunday at my own expense.
Flying to Pokhara is possible. See http://annapurna100.com/book-a-flight/ - How many days do I need to acclimatize or get comfortable before race day? I am worried about high altitude sickness.
No need to be worried, the altitude is not great enough for major problems to happen and we have altitude-trained medical support there. - Also, can you please point me out to a website/ blog/ experiences of participants of previous races? novice and first-timers would be awesome.
See this as a starter! http://vimeo.com/38444424 - Is payment possible at the start and in cash? Do we need to pay online or can we pay when we get to Pokhara?
See the payments page. Preferable if you pay online but cash bank transfer or can be accepted. - Do you know of any mountain biking guides near Pokhara, to connect me with after the race?
Ask info@himalayansingletrack.com
If you have unanswered questions, please email info@annapurna100.com
