In the case of an abandon, you must hand over your race number bib to the organisation. An abandon is definitive and there is absolutely no question of you rejoining the race and running without a bib number.
Your calories must also be relinquished to the organisation. If you give them to another runner, it ’ s this runner that will be penalised.
If you wish, we will return you to your car or a train station (depending on our availability)..
Followers, spectators
There are very few on the Trans Aq'; that's good because the spirit of this stroll is to live far from everything (one?) for a week out of time.
If you've got fans, try and make sure that they visit the bivouacs as little as possible (it's not forbidden, there are no watch towers) in respect of the spirit and for the other competitors. Don't wander too far from the bivouac either, it's never pleasant to be suspected of receiving outside help... but what won't you do for a sneaky kiss (that's allowed, yes...).
Aide stations are generally in the middle of the forest and un-accessible.
Self sufficiency
See our webpage completely dedicated to self sufficiency. Read also and specifically clause 12 of the Rules and Regulations.
Blisters, feet
(Read medical self sufficiency)
Medical self sufficiency
Extract of clause 16 from the Rules and Regulations:
The medical team are there to treat serious injuries. No massages or other “comfort treatment” will be administered. The same applies to minor cuts and grazes, blisters, etc.
Treatment of blisters at finish lines will be given if the runner wishes, but will be sanctioned by a penalty (see clause 32). During the race, whilst the stopwatch is running, no penalty will be applied for treatment.
It is mandatory to have with you at all times antiseptics and plasters/bandages for your blisters and minor injuries.
Important injuries will, of course, be treated.
This option that we've chosen has worked well for 5 years. The spirit of this rule is dear to us: we find it an absurd situation, found in other races, where you see lines of runners lying on their backs whilst a nurse or chiropodist puts their feet back into shape. Television loves it but not us. This "sensation" side of things harms our sport because it allows the media to pass over what is great and beautiful in profit of "spectacular". That's how you get passed over as masochists and the media love a masochist (and sadistic organisers).
We think, therefore, that you should respect your feet in the same way that you respect the rest of your body to get to the end of the race. Respecting your feet is:
Not carry a bag that is too heavy.
Wearing shoes that have been largely tested during training.
Wearing socks (for those who wear them) that are clean and of good quality.
Having good foot hygiene (lots to say on this subject).
Having short nails, but not too short.
Intervene at the start of a blister and not waiting until it becomes a wound, even during a stage.
Etc...
So don't forget your foot emergency bag
Briefing, pasta party
Sunday evening, after the controls and before the Pasta Party, a welcome to the race briefing will be proposed.
The Pasta Party will be copious. It will, at last, be time for you to let everything go a little.
Maps and road books
There will be no road books this year (2010).
We supply a 1/50 000 map to each runner. It gives a view of the whole itinerary, it is for security reasons only and doesn't give a very detailed idea of the route.
Ordanance survey maps (or others) are forbidden under sanction of disqualification (clause 17 of the rules and regulations). We will be very strict and vigilant on this subject.
Shoes
Trail shoes are not recommended for running on sandy ground, and there's no mud or rocks on the Trans Aq' route.
The soles of trail shoes have too many cleats and these cleats dig into the sand under your feet and will cause you to "slide back" and not stick. Road running shoes are better adapted because they have less cleats.
The same goes for shock absorption and foot control for running on the supple ground of the Trans Aq'.
Don't go for a size that is too small, think about leaving space for your feet that will swell and also for the sand that will filter in!
Snacks
A few snacks/light meals have been planned to improve the self sufficiency. Read clause 12 on this subject.
Communication
The Trans Aq' is run in France (Trans Aquitaine...), you don't need your passport or vaccination against yellow fever!
We haven't, therefore, put in place as system of communication between runners and their families, we're not in Africa and we feel that we would be depriving you of the isolation that is part of your "week out of time".
You can reassure your families that we will really be taking good care of you.
Wherever possible, we will display the rankings for each stage on our web site at the 2010 Results page. But our priority is your security and the correct organisation of the next day's stage.
The results will be published during the evening, sometimes very late, particularly for the 3rd stage (the last one comes in at 19h!).
For the 4th stage (night run) the results will be published the following day at the end of the afternoon, because once again our priority is with race security. In the best of cases our team will only sleep an hour or two during this night before starting up again for the 5th stage...
E-mails, telephones: tell your friends and family that their e-mails and telephone calls won't be answered because we won't be in our offices from the 27th May.
Emergencies
The cell phone number of the race director is strictly reserved for race security, I would really love to not receive calls during the stage from people wanting news about their "little darling".
In the case of a family emergency, note that I've written emergency, leave a message on: 0033(0)6 30 08 83 19.
Advice for beginners
Following requests from some of you we've put in place this document.
This advice is particularly aimed at neophytes for this type of event. The "oldies" usually know how to prepare...
The opinions and advice given here are strictly my views on the subject and unpretentious, they are based on my 30 years experience as an ultra runner and a synthesis of my readings. Nothing revolutionary, just good sense and pragmatism.
This advice concerns:
·Planning your training.
·Physical training.
·Psychological preparation.
Planning your training
There are two types of runners, those who aren't scared of the Trans Aq' and ... the others! The first want to be in great form in June, the others don't know where to start and put together strategies full of long runs! The first can think about including other races in their training programmes, if they remain sensible, the others don't really need to do this: to finish the Trans Aq' you have to be at the start line, so no injuries beforehand!
The Trans Aq' is a race for the wise, those who will "manage" a slow but regular speed. The planning of these 5 months must follow the same model: prepare progressively, no peaks, no excesses, no injuries, a good head on your shoulders, impatient to get to the start line but without anxiety...
"to finish the Trans Aq' you have to be at the start line, so no injuries beforehand!"
For those starting from scratch or nearly, you have to start right away if you've not already done so! The objective is to increase strength week after week in able to endure the long run. Because of its particularities (ground often sandy, backpack, unreliable alimentation, growing tiredness accumulated from the previous days) preparing this stage is practically the same as preparing 100 km race! Let's say "85 km"... It's not that simple.
Therefore, plan your training to enable you to run this distance and be able to continue the following day. Run without suffering, you're here for the pleasure, don't forget that!
Physical training
There's no question of giving you a mighty lesson here! A few sensible bits of advice that are nevertheless based on some recent biological research.
It's possible to finish the Trans Aq' with only 3 training sessions a week. Every week! 3 sessions a week, if we keep to it can give some good work. Looking for improved performance, or to suffer less on D-day, 4 sessions is better...
If you're able to train more than 4 sessions a week, you probably have no need of our advice!
Don't neglect your family, your work, organise yourself around 3 or 4 sessions and stick to them!
Each session has its importance! Each day that you don't run also has its importance, it's part of the training, you must learn to recover, it's what will help you to go from stage to stage.
The beauty of the 4th session is that it forces you to do two days in succession and, therefore, absorb this muscular workload.
The star session will be the "long run". But it must be supported by two other outings of at least 45 minutes to 1h30. These shorter sessions must be used to either recover (if feeling the need after a long session by running short strides on flat and soft ground) or to work at speed. At 5 months from the start line, it's not too late to work on your vVO2max in the form of 30x30 or 45x45 to raise your standard, and why not some natural bodybuilding (fartlek). All at your race speed for a 10 km (maximum).
Just working at a slow rate lowers natural performance owing to age (loss of muscular density, stiffness, lower vVO2max).
Take care not to injure yourself by going too fast on unstable ground or by brutally starting after years of a humdrum routine. Put the accent on the length of recovery time rather than on the speed of progress.
If you've already been training (regularly 2 to 3 sessions a week) it's time to start including a 2-hour outing each week.
This specific session should be run as soon as possible with your backpack, lightly loaded at first, then adding a little more until you reach the weight that it will have the day of the long stage. Never load it to excess, it's stupid and you could be injured.
This session should be run slowly, never being out of breath, at the speed you think that you should be able to hold during the long stage. Even if it means walking on slopes if that's what you'll be doing in June! This session is destined to make you able to spend the major part of the day in the wild, to make your body and mind capable of enduring. If you can run in the wild, even without sand, it's better for progressively accustoming your joints. Do it during daylight to get your dose of UV's that your body needs particularly for synthesising vitamin D, very important for your immune system that highly strained during the winter.
Don't forget that if you become ill, you'll fall behind in your training programme, besides other disagreements!
I advise building up progressively the strength of your long runs. As soon as you feel comfortable with 2 hours then add on 15 minutes each week or every 10 days, depending on your level. Don't be rigid, but increase progressively. Always running slowly. Remember that the Trans Aq' is only an average 10 or 11 km/h! If the champions run a 10 or 11 km/h average, you'll perhaps be at 6 or 7. So you'll walk often!
Don't forget to drink and eat, regularly, before being in need. Latest research shows greatly that nothing is won (even weight) by abstaining. On the contrary, the greedy enzymes learn more easily to eat the bad fats! It's perhaps the moment to test your tolerance to energy drinks, their dosage depending on temperature. Generally, we never drink enough whilst running.
It would be ideal to arrive at a 3 hour outing by the mid-March, 4 hours mid-April (without skipping the intermediate values, frequency is what is important), then reduce 15 minutes by 15 minutes. Mixing your long outings with biking may be a good idea, especially if you have fragile tendons and joints and if you have a tendency to run a little too fast. 3 hours running then 1 hour of biking, why not? Or if you have a light injury, a long bike outing is better than staying at home.
Of course, you can replace some specific long outings by some trail runs in February and March. But it's more risky (injury) than a quiet, long outing. Many replace long outings by multiplying competitions. Because they need company. But it's more expensive, more risky and less effective because less specific. If the Trans Aq' if your major goal, don't spread yourself about, don't do a Paris Marathon or a mountain trail run in the 6 weeks that precede the event. Statistically you have a 20% chance (bad luck) of becoming part of the 25 or 30 runners that have to withdraw each year. Yes, to be at the final finish line of the Trans Aq' you must first be at the start line. And, as someone famous once said, "to finish first, you first must finish!"
Prepare yourselves, without forcing, regularly, quietly, week after week and you'll be one of our "finishers"!
Psychological preparation
This is word for word what says Fabien Hobléa (French vice champion 24 hour racer) in the Ultrafondus magazine: "without forcing things, I visualise the race. I live it by anticipation, in a dream, I make it something positive and something that I really want to do and do well. I build myself a positive impatience, integrating an acceptance that there may be some difficult conditions (note that I don't say "bad conditions") during the week end's race, especially as the weather forecast... etc."
Everything's been said!
Controls
Medical controls
Medical controls will start on Sunday morning 29th May (for those who are already there) and will last until 15h, time limit.
If you've sent us your completed medical certificate (the original), the control will stop ther, you'll not need to queue up. At the most our doctors will just want a little more information from you if you've signalled a particularity.
If you've not sent us your original medical certificate or if you don't have it with you, then you'll not be at the Trans Aq' start line (unless you can find at the last moment, on a Sunday, a doctor who is willing to give you the "golden key".
Effectively, actual regulations don't allow our doctors to deliver such certificates, they are considered as subordinates of the organisation and therefore, not necessarily objective and so they as well as the organisation would not be insured.
Backpack controls
Will be held on Sunday 29st May from 10h. First come, first served.
The procedure is a little long and will probably last until early afternoon for those who are last in line.
Lunch will be served as a help yourself buffet, so the controls won't be stopped for lunch.
List: as indicated in the rules and regulations, you must give a list of your backpack contents (race pack and the 3kg drop bag), list in duplicate (one to stay in your backpack and one that we will keep).
Everything that you will be carrying must be on this list, with the exception of your running gear (shoes, gaiters, shorts, etc., right up to the cap).
Weighing-in: at the control point we will weigh-in the drop bag before weighing your race pack. When the drop bag weights over 3 000 g (even if only by 1 g) then we'll open the bag and withdraw an article (any old thing), the owner may add this article to his/her race pack (without moans and groans and without philosophising about the exactness of our weighing equipment!).
Bottles, gels, cameras, English-Spanish dictionaries (just in case...) will be included in the weighing. Maximum weight limit accepted is 7 kg (race pack). Why 7 kg max? Statistically those who carry a heavy backpack abandon the most, are injured the most, and who most often finish after the cut-off time...
Tolerances: we don't want to be too closed-minded, you're not here to carry your dirty washing. The fourth day, before the following stage, you have the possibility of filling your 3 kg drop bag that you collected the evening before. You can leave in it whatever you want (with the exception of mandatory equipment) a contents list will be put together by our controllers. It's hard to manage for us. We do it to give you an easy life so be "fair" when exchanging (not at the last minute before the night run).
No leniency will be given in the case of missing mandatory equipment. The list is in clause 23 of the rules and regulations.
Calories:
We will not control calories.
Controls during the race will be done as follows: precise weighing of the whole backpack. A rapid comparison with the initial weight less what you are supposed to have consumed (fixed weight) will show an eventual discrepancy. A controller has the right to open the backpack if there is a weight discrepancy.
Read clauses 23, 24 and 26.
Environment: as intended by the regulations, you must write, in indelible ink, your bib number on gels or bars. If this is not done, you'll be taken out of the control procedure and only allowed to rejoin it again once all markings have been added (there's no reason why someone who has done the job properly should wait behind you).
Luggage: your suitcase (or travel bag) must be handed over to us at control time. This means that from this moment onwards you'll not have access to your things (nor to the boot of your car or to any outside help) in order to respect the spirit of the event. You must plan for the start line bivouac conditions to be very windy because it's on a dune, facing the ocean.
This luggage will be labelled and stored in a truck that will follow the race.
This control procedure will be carried out in good humour, it's an entire part of the atmosphere, don't stress!
Control at start lines :
Controls at start lines
Before the start of each stage, you must check out. We will give you a bottle of water to get you to the first aid station. Even if you don’t want this bottle you must still check out; it' s this action that constitutes the control start.
Bank details
You prefer to pay via bank transfer?
It's possible...
On request we'll sent you our bank details.
Bibs
Numbers showing on our registered runners list are not bib numbers. Each year, many of you ask for a bib number that corresponds to your age, your birthday year, your county number, etc. We've stopped giving out these favours a long time ago, for many reasons. The main reason being that we try to give you a bib number that could be useful for us if you meet with an emergency. Generally we group you by "family". Lady runners, overseas runners, etc. In this way if we're informed that bib number 26 is missing, without checking the list of runners, we know that we're looking for an overseas runner. So please don't get upset if we don't give you your lucky number.
Bib numbers will be decided after race registration closure, mid-April.
Bib number sizes are 20 cm wide by 22 cm high. One for the front and one for the back. The rules and regulations stipulate that the bib must be visible (number and advertising) at all times (a controller may stop you and insist that you attach your bib correctly, on top of the 30 minute penalty). It's not to annoy you; a visible bib number allows us to control your points of passage, your safety could depend on it. The advertising is important too, for example we won't publish any photos or films if your number is not shown in respect of our race partners.
The back bib can be fixed on the backpack sensibly and correctly, it will be visible. The front bib can cause slight problems because of a front pouch. Raidlight pouches are placed quite low on the stomach allowing you to fix your bib on your chest.
Helpful tip: rather than use safety pins (they tear the bib even though made of tyvek) have some double-sided sticky tape and some Velcro with you. Stick the Velcro all around the bib (on the back) using the double-sided tape. On your backpack stitch, to the same dimensions, the opposing Velcro. In 5 seconds you can place your bib and it won't budge. Another tip: crumple up your bib before fixing it in place, it's more supple and is easier to fix.
Withdrawals
See the rules and regulations, clause 27 for reimbursements.
Cooking pans
The diameter of the cooking hole on the camp stoves is 7 cm. So your cooking pan must have at least this diameter to sit securely on stove.
The rules and regulations don't impose a cooking pan. So the clever ones amongst think that you can share one pan per team. I'm not sure that it's a good idea. Firstly because you won't all eat together, it's a shame for the fraternal atmosphere and secondly because if the runner carrying the cooking pan abandons, you'll no longer have a pot (the person who abandons must relinquish their backpack to the organisation). Are you willing to take this risk for just a few grams?
GPS…
We don’t like to restrict what is difficult to control… (watches with incorporated GPS). Therefore, they are authorised. They will only be useful for km evaluation they are not precise enough in the forest. A good nose works very well when you have enough experience.
Gaiters
Particularly on the Dune du Pyla, but also along the whole itinerary, gaiters are practically indispensable! We don't advise nylon gaiters that go right up to your knees. Ankle length mini gaiters are sufficient. Raidlight proposes two types; the simplest have already proved themselves. The "Desert" model is more elaborate and covers the whole shoe (after your cobbler has fixed Velcro to your shoes). The lycra used seems to be the correct choice for avoiding your feet over-heating. Of course, you can also make your own if your budget is a little tight... You can download the Raidlight advice sheet from their website raidlight.com (click on: trails, then advice and technical (...),)
Stage start times
For those who are anxious and who have "pills to take", the start times will be communicated in April.
These times will vary because of tide times, bus transfers, the age of the captain and the wind speeds.
Hotel at the final finish line
This year, the night in the mobile home is not included in the registration fees. We spent hours trying to meet all your satisfaction in 2010 (many changes of mind, even during the race!) only to hear too many complaints (we weren't organised and speedy enough getting you to your homes...).
So either you sleep in tents once again (the bivouac will be set up near to the showers), or you can rent a mobile home yourselves.
The only hotel in Saint-Girons Plage isn't open on the 4th June, at least it doesn't open before the 1st of June, and so it's not possible to reserve in advance.
Lamps
Rules and regulations stipulate that you must have a lamp with batteries in your backpack.
It's applicable right from the first stage of the race, for security reasons (you could get lost, and stay out until nightfall°;
Tip: have a really light light for the first part of the event and put your heavier headlamp in your 3 kg drop bag. You just have to swap them when you pick up your drop bag.
Freeze dried
See the web page entirely given over to self sufficiency.
Média
Media
You often ask what the media coverage will be. It's a complex question because the greater number of viewers the less guarantees you can have in advance about the reports that will be featured.
In 2009, as the 4 previous years, the Trans Aq' got more than 30 pages of features in the specialised French press (Ultrafondus, Trail Attitude, Esprit Trail, Running Attitude, Running Mag, Jogging International, Endurance-France, at least one feature in the UK, Germany, Italy, Runners' World-Sweden).
It's one of the 5 French races most published!
Regional newspapers (the daily Sud-Ouest) published a few half pages in 2009.
France 3 Aquitain (TV) showed a 2 minute broadcast.
For national TV and national non-specific press reviews ("headline" stuff) it's a lottery depending on scoops.
June weather
June in Aquitaine is usually warm and mild. Average daytime temperature is about 25°C. But it's quite possible to have exceptions with 17°C to 32°C. At night the average is 13°C, with exceptions of 6 to 20°C.
Garment choices are hard to make, we advise that you come to the first bivouac with a few options and take your decision on Saturday morning, after the last weather forecast (that we announce). Previsions over 5 days are quite reliable these days. The race lasts 6 days, but the southern end of the race is usually 1 or 2°C warmer than the northern end.
The Aquitaine coastline is subject to 3 possible weather situations:
The most frequent: westerly or south-westerly winds, mild temperatures, often cloudy with a risk of warm rain.
The most disagreeable: north-westerly or northern winds, heavy, fast moving clouds often without rain, cold nights.
The warmest: Eastern wind. Anticyclone over France. It's hot in the sun, in the forest and especially on the beach where you're sheltered from the wind by the dunes. Nights are very cold. It's this type of weather that dominates during the Trans Aq'.
For reasons of pressure and air mass temperatures over the coast, note that it can often rain 4 or 5 km inland but the coastline stays under brilliant sunshine.
You can also bring a frog in a jar.
Flies, mosquitoes
Some competitors backpacks, you may have noticed, hold a cream called "Cinq sur Cinq". It's an insect repellent cream. In less than 10 years the Landes forest is victim, from May onwards, to an invasion of biting flies. They are called "horse flies" or "flat flies". They proliferate where there are animals or game. The increase in the number of deer, stags and doe, has caused an increase in the number of flies.
Nothing to laugh about, 2 or 3 days after rain, and when it's stormy, they're a real plague! They are attracted to sweat and cause no trouble in the bivouac, after your shower. They don't come out at night, and you'll not find them on the beach. It's best to run in a T-shirt rather than a vest, so as not to offer them your shoulders. The "Cinq sur Cinq" cream (free ad) is the only one (out of many) tested that gives you the time to kill the fly before it bites you. Last year, good weather conditions allowed us to avoid this problem, it won't necessarily be the same this year. You could run under a mosquito net...
There are very few if no mosquitoes during the bivouacs, it's not a real problem.
Shuttles
Saturday 28th June, a bus will collect you :
· 18h Saint-Jean train station in Bordeaux, behind the station (access via central underpass) at or near to the Belcier carpark.
· 18h30 Bordeaux Mérignac airport, ground floor, at the arrivals area.
Don't panic there'll be at least 50 of you, and you'll recognise yourselves, you'll all be stressed out and have the same strange baggage (you don't have to wear gaiters!).
Or
At Lesparre Medoc train station a shuttle bus will be waiting for you on Saturday at 14h46 and 17h46 and on Sunday at 10h46. The train that brings you will leave from the Bordeaux station.
You'll all have a seat but only if you've reserved it, via us, before the 1st May 2010 (see the questionnaire that was sent to you in March).
The return bus to Bordeaux, after the race is included in your Trans Aq' registration fee.
Where is the first start line?
The start line bivouac is at Montalivet in the Gironde region.
It’s 80km North-West of Bordeaux.
You must be at the start line bivouac before 3 pm on Sunday the 30th May 2010. After this time, penalties will be applied (clause 7 & 32/1 of the Rules and Regulations).
Even if the reason is beyond your control, sanctions will be applied: imagine that you have a plane to catch; boarding starts at 3 pm!
Please respect this rule, in respect to the organisation and for everyone who has made the effort to be here.
Itinerary 2011
The itinerary changes each year and will be validated by public authorities only in April 2011.
We'll give you the stage information in general. But exact details for each stage will only be given the day before each stage...
Car parking at the start point
You will be able to park your “dear” car at the start point, in very safe conditions. We will bring you back by bus at the end of the event (Sunday 5th June, around about midday).
Pros, champions
I often hear of new runners being intimidated by those that they call "the Pros"...
First of all, the Trail pros are only 2 or 3 in France and then they're only semi-pro. The good runners, the experienced and wise runners, there are some. But they aren't pros. They were just like you a little time ago!
Then the number of stars (the number of finished Trans Aq's) doesn't mean they're champions, sometimes it may mean they're new to it, like you, sometimes at a low level but who've succeeded in their challenge : finish the Trans Aq'.
Abandons on the Trans Aq' are often by experienced and sometimes fast runners but who commit mistakes (preparation, heavy backpacks, starting out too fast, etc...) or who give up sometimes a little too quickly when they see that they'll not meet their goal.
95% of dedicated, wise, sometimes very low level debutants finish the Trans Aq! Their motivation is generally very strong and that's what is the most important to get to the end.
The beautiful, sophisticated equipment that the "Pros" use, is of course a plus, but it's legs that count the most, they don't run by themselves!
Our Romanian friend, Emil, ran a great Trans Aq' in 2006. His motivation to run in France swept aside all obstacles. His "Woolworths" backpack, his pumps and his Moscow 1950 style clothes didn't stop him beating many runners with "height of the fashion" running attire and who forgot sometimes what they came for: for the pleasure and to get to the end. In peace and good humour.
Aid stations
At the aid stations you'll only find water. Water from the Abatilles source.
The aid stations are usually mandatory control posts. Including the one before the first start line that counts as the control start. There will be an aid station approximately every 15 km.
The race is run under alimentary self sufficiency, no food will be proposed at the aid stations.
Water will be distributed to participants:
Each morning before the start, one bottle, 1.5 litres.
At each aid station, one bottle, 1.5 litres.
At each stage finish line, 2 bottles, 3 litres.
Three bottles instead of two at each stage finish line if the bivouac is in the wild (no tap water).
Special circumstances:
A bottle of sparkling mineral water will be given at the end of the long stage (as well as the 2 bottles of still water).
An extra bottle during the rest day whilst waiting for the night run to start.
Stoves
We supply camping stoves. One stove in the centre of 3 tents of 3 runners, so one camping stove for 9 runners.
The diameter of the burner is 7cm. So your cooking pot must be at least 7cm in diameter to balance on the stove.
Relief
The Trans Aq ’ is not generally listed as a trail race, even less as a trail race with relief … . A trail? Yes, it is a trail; it's actually 6 trails in a row.
The Trans Aq ’ with relief? Yes. The total relief is generally about 2 500 m each year.
Prize giving
Prize giving
The prize giving will be held on Saturday 4th June at about 18h00. Don't forget your razors and/or make-up. Fancy party frocks will not be necessary.
Musical entertainment will be supplied with an unforgettable feast.
Race results
If all goes according to plan, the race results will be published on our web site, at the latest, the morning following each stage, and a few daily news articles will be published.
Team results
Each team member also participates as an individual runner.
Teams can be made up of 3, 4 or 5 members.
Note that the rankings will be calculated on the time results of the 3rd stage finisher of each team, even if for a team of 4 or 5 members, the third member is not the same each day. This is an important point of the regulations because it allows 4 and 5 member teams to leave the possibility for a runner to have an “off-day”… Teams of 3 take the risk of becoming a non-finishing team because of a member abandoning. It is, therefore, important to remain together to help and protect the 3rd team member.
Return to Bordeaux
At your arrival at the end of the Trans Aq’* we will take you back to Bordeaux by bus, on Sunday 5th June. Airport or train station for 11h45 or noon, it’s included in your registration.
But, don’t plan to reserve a train before 12h30 or a plane before 13h15 (national flights) or 14h15 (international flights).
* The final finish line will be in the French department of the Landes, at St Girons Plage.
Road books
Road books will be distributed each evening before the next stage. They're on a scale of 1/25 000(1 cm = 250 m) and will show all tracks neighbouring the itinerary. Relief will be visible as well as indications concerning the state of the tracks to be used (S0 to S6, no sand, lots of sand...).
Sand
Each year the "finishers" of the Trans Aq' go home as hero(ine)s!
Think that they've run 220 km in the sand... Let's put things back into proportion: yes you're hero(ine)s. But there wasn't just sand.
In total, there will be 28 km run on tarmac, cement or chalky tracks. There will be at least 50 km run on non-sandy track (pine needles, grass).
And yet, at the end of each stage, you'll all have the feeling of having floundered all day in sand. When you get home, you'll only remember the Trans Aq' sand! You're lucky that I don't upset easily, because a Trans Aq' run uniquely in deep sand, is really easy to trace out...
By saying that there is only deep sand, you're not really telling the truth and you harm the Trans Aq' because your frighten future candidates of the next edition.
Sleeping bag
It's mandatory. The rules and regulations ban noisy bags like the aluminium (Alupack) models in order not to disturb the sleep of your tent-mates. Survival blankets can also be left at home.
Race backpack and 3 kg
Your race backpack should weigh on Sunday 29th May between 3.5 and 7 kg. Not a gram more or less. Including empty water bottles.
You also have the right to an extra bag that will be handed back to you at the finish line of the third stage. This extra bag must not weigh more than 3 kg, bag included.
This rule has not been made to complicate your life, it's been thought out so that your start race backpack is lighter, so you don't have to run (walk?) your first stage with a backpack that's too heavy...
To accelerate controls, we won't open this "drop" bag, you can put in it what you want, but we recommend that you use it for the food you'll need starting from the arrival of the 3rd stage.
For this "drop" bag, plastic supermarket or plastic advertising bags are not accepted.
Tip, small sports shoe sacks (that your suppliers hand out) are perfect.
Am I capable of finishing the Trans Aq'?
If you run a marathon in less than 5 hours, yes, you're probably capable of finishing the Trans Aq'. But you must be specifically trained-up (see the "Advice" subject).
Definitely read the subject "Pros".
Tents, bivouac
Tents will be grouped three by three and there are 3 places per tent. This means you'll be grouped together in "families" of 9 people. There will be a camping stove in the middle of each group of three tents. Three tens around a central stove looks a little like a flower (3 petals). Each group of three tents will now be known as a "flower".
Teams: In order to allow team members to stay together, we've placed each team in the same flower (group of 3 tents). A team of 5 runners will occupy 5 of the 9 places in a "flower", a team of 3 will leave 6 places free.
Individuals: Runners not members of a team will complete the flowers by choice or chance.
Bivouac: These "flowers" will, in reality, be installed very close to each other, the bivouac is very compact. We'll have numbered the flowers . They'll always be installed in this order, so that you'll have an easier job finding your place when you get in "a little out". But because numbers lack a little poetry, we've also given your flowers names. These names will use local names (sometimes local dialect) of places that you've run through, sometimes in deep forest.
For the anxious: Don't ask us the favour of putting you in a precise flower, no matter what the reason. We refuse to manage this. And besides you may miss out on one of those meetings that only destiny (luck) allows!
Each year everything goes well, it's one of the treasures of the Trans Aq'. The "flower" list is published at registration closure.
Suitcases, travel bags
Your suitcase (or travel bag) must be handed over to us at control time. This means that from this moment onwards you'll not have access to your things (nor to the boot of your car or to any outside help) in order to respect the spirit of the event. You must plan for the start line bivouac conditions to be very windy.
This luggage will be labelled and stored in a truck that will follow the race.
This control procedure will be carried out in good humour, it's an entire part of the atmosphere, don't stress!
