Get Ready for the First Green Belter

Rob Howard / 26.04.2010

There are just 3 weeks to go until the first 'Green Belter at Pippingford Park in Sussex. This new race format from Detail Events is replacing the one-day ACE Races with a fixed course race and lots of new challenges, including the mighty â€˜Green Machineâ€™ assault course, which comes right before the finish line.

Pippingford will be a familiar venue to many, but for those new to the area it is an enclosed area of ancient forest, open heathland, hidden trails and there are some military-style obstacles thrown in for good measure as the estate is used for cadet training. There are small lakes for the kayaking section of the race, and plenty of scope for mountain biking and trail running, plus some very quirky locations for surprise challenges.

The core course will be fully waymarked (and there is already a map up on the race website) and there will be a set of instructions and a map available as well, if you want to take that with you. For those who want to go faster and further there will also be outlying satellite checkpoints on offer, so the race is open to all levels, from beginner to expert. The race is expected to last up to 4 hours and is open to solos or pairs.

Over 250 participants are expected on May 15th and there is camping available on the Friday night from 1800 (but no showers or changing facilities). Bike hire is also an option through the Rat Race Store, and entries are open until May 12th, though there will also be entry on the day available.

The cost is £45 per head, and in addition to a great race each competitor will get £50 worth of gear and Rat Race rewards, including a technical T-shirt.

The Pippingford race is the first of the series, with the other two events taking place at Bracknell Forest on June 12th, and at the new venue of Hambleden on July 10th. All the details are on the race website at www.ratracegreenbelter.com