Rat Race Adventure Sports Reviews 

When like minded individuals come together to experience things most only dream of. The meticulously planned events and amazing staff who truly care about their work and making your adventure safe and memorable. Thank you all.

Meals
As stated on the event main page and within the itinerary, all meals included as standard.
Day Two – 15th January – Breakfast and Dinner were supplied, but no lunch.
Day Eleven – 24th January – No dinner supplied at Hotel.

As stated on the event main page and within the itinerary, all meals included as standard.
Day Two – 15th January – Breakfast and Dinner were supplied, but no lunch.
Day Eleven – 24th January – No dinner supplied at Hotel.

An event of this magnitude, proper sustenance, adequate sleep, and optimal fitness levels are essential. However, when it comes to providing nourishment and rest, the organisers fell short. While some factors may be influenced by availability, there were instances where these necessities were severely lacking..
Day Five: Breakfast consisted of one hard-boiled egg and some bread. Despite other food being available.
Day Ten: The evening meal was tasteless, almost void of nutrition.
Pitstops
As the event progressed, pit stops became more efficient. However, in the initial stages, food shortages were a common issue. For instance, on the second day, the lead group consumed all the Empanadas, leaving none for those following behind. This wasn't a fault of the group but rather a matter of insufficient supply. Additionally, the available drinks were limited to water and soft drinks, with no provision for electrolyte drinks. In comparison to European or Western sporting events, whether single-day or multi-day, the provided food and beverages were markedly inadequate considering the energy demands of each day's activities..
The initial placement of the pit stops proved to be insufficient, often still in the process of being set up when the lead group arrived. As the event progressed, there was improvement, with pit stops established approximately every 40 kilometres. However, these placements remained problematic at times, as they were determined solely by distance using an online map, without prior reconnaissance.
A significant issue encountered during the event was the insufficient rest facilities and lack of shade at many of the pit stops, exacerbated by the scorching weather conditions. Numerous rest stops could have been strategically relocated by just a few kilometres or less to incorporate towns with parks, seating, and ample shade. For instance, on the exceptionally hot fourth riding day from Mendoza to Balde, covering nearly 250 kilometres, there was a notable absence of suitable facilities for lunch.
Accommodation
On the large, the accommodation was clean, tidy and great.
Day Ten: The accommodation turned out to be extremely disappointing, as the original venue had unexpectedly cancelled the booking, leaving the organisers scrambling to secure a last-minute replacement. The Rat Race Hotel, hastily chosen as an alternative, failed to meet expectations, with the organisers admitting they hadn't inspected the venue beforehand.
As a result, participants found themselves crammed into overcrowded rooms, with up to five individuals sharing space, which raised concerns about hygiene and comfort. One bathroom appeared to have faecal matter on the wall, and the majority of rooms had only a single power outlet, forcing four riders, each with multiple devices needing recharging, to share. Frustrated by the subpar conditions, which included sagging beds, many participants took it upon themselves to seek alternative lodging arrangements.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that several nearby hotels had plenty of available rooms, offering a far more suitable and comfortable option for accommodation.
Route
Creating a coast-to-coast route that traverses the Andes presented significant challenges. Participants found themselves navigating treacherous roads, with reports of groups of riders being forced off the road by passing lorries, particularly along Route 7. However, a conversation with a bike shop in Buenos Aires revealed an alternative, safer route to the north.
Day Four, the rider briefing did not mention safety for the very technical descent.
The GPS files were not updated accurately. Despite receiving an amended file for riding on day 8 due to a change of hotel, the file for day 9 remained unchanged. Consequently, the initial route out of town on day 9 did not align with the GPS provided, causing the devices to continuously attempt to direct us to the starting point of the original route.
Coffee
For an organisation that prides itself on its coffee, the coffee supplied was Nescafe. Understandably providing good coffee could be logistically difficult, but not impossible.

If you're looking for an amazing event experience, check out Rat Race events. I completed the Ultra Tour of Arran 2024, and it was the best organised event I've attended.

First, the race went through technical terrain. The team, from the start, had you prepared. From mandatory kit check, reminders at the start, and well placed marshalls and event staff ensured you were safe and taken care of and could focus on doing the event.

The terrain was well marked, even in highly technical bits. In many event courses, you might be worried about going the wrong way, but the winding path was visibly way marked even in the most remote places to ensure you didn't get lost. So many races do not have this type of signage, and you are praying you are on the right course until you see the next marker. With the UTA event, I was confident every step of the way.

The Ultra Tour of Arran also took me to places I never would have chosen to go, but made it fun in the process. Who on first go thinks, let's go to a bog. Most normal people would avoid it. Rat Race had us running right through it, but made it fun and a moment everyone remembered.

The staff were the loveliest people. With the fun intro every morning, to the personalised welcome every time you crossed the finish line, although UTA was a big event, it felt cosy, small and personal. The staff were lovely at every pit stop and always wanted to make sure you had the best time, had everything you needed, so you could enjoy the event.

Finally, the UTA was a bucket list adventure. I was so scared about going alone, but I saw a place I never would have seen, accomplished something I never would have ever been able to do on my own, and made so many new friends. Don't get me wrong, it was tough, really tough, but it's something I will always talk about and remember! Loved this event so much.

Thank you Rat Race team for helping me get to the finish line and accomplish something I never thought possible!

What an epic weekend. If you want a challenging race with lots of technical terrain, dramatic mountains, stunning coasts, this one is for you.

Arran is such a special place you need to add it to the bucket list. Can’t fault the Rat Race team, the atmosphere was fantastic and the staff were so supportive.
Everything ran smoothly and was well communicated. I’d give extra points for the snacks at check points!

2024 Scotland Coast to Coast. A team of us have booked the run bike event only to be told that there are no bikes available by the bike hire company. I have emailed and called rat race but as of yet have had no reply. We are keen to look at alternatives but we just can’t speak to the company. Anyone have any ideas here?

What a fantastic experience. My first Ultra marathon, and all the staff and volunteers were brilliantly supportive, making sure I had the best experience I could!

The scenery was stunning, the course was challenging, and I learned new things about what I was capable of!

Panama Coast to Coast: An event and adventure of a lifetime not to be taken lightly. There are no words that can truly describe the nine days of tarmac, jungle and water you get to experience on Panama Coast to Coast. However hard you think it might be, it's harder. However much you trained you should have done more, and however much pre-admin you did your kit could have been better. Be under no illusion this adventure race will live with you forever and provide you with a sense of achievement that will last a lifetime. The support and event staff were excellent and the location is unmatched. I urge anybody looking to test themselves beyond their limits to book this event straight away.

So post Panama Coast to Coast 2024, and it is safe to say I have one of the best experiences of my life.
I would say that in choosing this type of event, you have to commit a large amount of time to training and kit selection and testing.
The support from Rat Race prior to and during was excellent. Abby, Dave, James and the support crews knew thier stuff, and supported the whole team to achieve our own personnel goals.
Thankfully our team of adventurers were awesome and attacked the event with true commitment while keeping high spirits and fun.
I would recommend Rat race and have done to anyone and everyone. I have completed over 10 events with them and would only say to you.
Choose wisely, train correctly and be prepared to have a great time.
Darren

Panama coast to coast is definitely a challenge that just keeps giving, it is a thing of beauty but will do everything in its power to keep it's jungle secrets close, the scenery and the people are spectacular and even though things did not go to plan for me the first attempt in 2022, it did not stop me trying again 2 years later in 2024 but for me it was not my time, so maybe in a few years time.. but I honestly cannot thank the whole of the rat race team including the photographer who's photos are just amazing, the local guides, the packrafting instructors and of course the brilliant medical staff enough for their support and encouragement, this is a challenge that makes you feel safe in an environment that is brutal.. everything is so well organised from the pre event Q&A, to kit check they are with you for the whole experience and I .looking forward to my next adventure with Ratrace thank you once again for an unforgettable experience

What an incredible experience! My first trip to the Arctic and my first Rat Race Adventure. The event was expertly organised down to the last detail and we were all kept fully informed with detailed safety briefings before each days activities. I cannot praise the team highly enough for not only how well they looked after us all but how they worked as a team. The event was challenging but manageable with encouragement always offered from the team to give you a boost. The scenery and surrounding were out of this world. The accommodation and food was really good. The camping night was definitely character building but to absolutely be embraced as part of the experience. The guides were outstanding and all the kit we used was extremely good quality. I have memories to last a lifetime and am already planning my next adventure!!

Rob and the team were brilliant in taking us through the event which I absolutely loved. I cannot fault the organisation, everything flowed seamlessly.

The days activities were tough but rewarding, a good 6 hours each day.

The accommodation was great and lots of tasty vegan food provided.

The guides were first class.

Arctic Circle 2024
This journey to the Arctic Circle was a well organized adventure, a testament to the meticulous planning required for multi-disciplinary events, especially in a realm where temperatures plunge to the point of freezing balaclavas and hydration packs solid. Amidst these challenging and harsh weather conditions, the exceptional care and attention provided by Rob and team not only made the daunting challenge feasible but also enjoyable.

The camping experience was 100% character building, but balanced by the warmth of an open fire in the wilderness hut where we toasted marshmallows and shared some beers. The other nights that were spent in the cabin were comfortable and the food was outstanding!

This expedition struck a perfect balance between “type 2 fun” that tests your limits and the well-deserved rewards that follow. It was a beautifully blend of adventure and hospitality that left us with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Arctic Circle.

Brilliantly well organised, fantastic crew and guides. Rob and team helped us get through all the stages. The guides were fantastic, whether helping you with your kit or offering words of encouragement through the stages. The crew were super helpful and created a huge boost to the event when needed. Overall a fantastic experience. Thanks

I signed up with Rat Race to take part in Mongol 100, a 100 run, trek, bike or skate across a frozen lake in Outer Mongolia. It was a truly epic adventure in the most surreal, beautiful place at times feeling like a personal pilgrimage across this vast space. There were lots of challenges including -36 degree camping and the Rat Race team ensured we were well looked and safe. The local Mongolian team were amazing and allowed us into their culture and going above the call of duty to look after us. Thank you Rat Race for a truly magical and life affirming adventure … can’t wait for the next one!

Well that’s a wrap on the most epic 9 days of cycling! Coast to coast across South America. Standing in the Pacific and the Atlantic within 2 weeks was properly special. We averaged 120 miles per day, 2 weeks ago that would have been a huge day!

I learned a lot about myself, my capabilities and felt inspired by helping others along the way. Chile and Argentina are amazing countries with fantastic people. To see the world by bicycle is the way to do it!

Abbi and her team were simply amazing! The support was fantastic and I cannot recommend this event enough. I had the easy job… shut up and ride!

I have been inspired by the incredible people I have met, in awe of the beautiful scenery and animals… and floored by the Andes. This will not be the last time South America… until the next time!

Challenging event - well planned, great staff, paid attention to all of the details. Had an amazing time and would definitely do another adventure with Rat Race.

I participated in the Glacier to Glacier event in December 2023 and in one word it was awesome! Of course the stunning environment of the famous glaciers, mountains but also the steppes and the National Park through which I cycled almost by myself in complete silence, are inspiring enough. The event is tough, especially because of the ever present wind (although we were lucky to have a decent wind compared to the usual force), but the hardship makes the experience even better.
The Rat Race crew was very well organized, giving (safety) briefings every day in the evening and in the morning before the start. They are a friendly and experienced bunch and they did all they could to make the experience for the participants as good as it could be.
This was my third event with the company and I am absolutely a huge fan of what they do and how they do it!
Their experiences are definitely worth the title of ‘bucket list adventures’ and I am looking forward to my 4th event! Keep up the good work guys!

Glacier to glacier event in Patagonia. Superb event. Well organised. A great mixture of accommodation. Campsite locations were picturesque and the food quality was great - even for vegetarians. Washed down with local beer supplied by Rat Race. The event was tough at times and you do need to be fit. Both the U.K. based staff and local Argentinian teams are excellent. You’ll feel 100% safe at all times. And it’s difficult to put into words the glacial experience at the finish. If you have ever wanted to experience Patagonia (not from a tour bus) then this is the five star event to do. It will be an epic experience.

This was my first Rat Race multi day event abroad (I've taken part some of their other events in the UK) and I wasn't disappointed. From the moment we all met in El Calafate, James, Jim, Danni and Brydie, along with a great group of local guides, made this a trip to remember. The organisation of each days stage was excellent. The tea, did everything they could to make sure every participant got the most out of the stage. For me, the final stage on closed road to the Perito Moreno glacier was the highlight of an amazing six days! Patagonia was a bucket list destination and I've now got to experience it in the best way!

Santorini Circuit was epic. I’ve done a fair few Rat Race events in the UK and on one of these a few of us decided to sign up for this one. And i am so glad we did. Amazing location, amazing weather and more importantly amazing people. Both participants and crew! Until Santorini i had never been in a kayak, i’m terrified of water especially the open sea. But the crew were amazing and i bloody did it! My navigational skills are terrible (get lost with sat nav!) but again i did it! Only got a teeny wee bit lost in a village - some wee greek woman is probably still trying to figure out what i was doing. Our group was lucky enough to be the only group since the pilot that have managed to do the whole circuit as it was intended as the weather gods were so kind. I’ve met friends for life doing Rat Race events and the same applies to this one. So much so we’re now planning the next one - so Abbi we may very well see you in Croatia!