RAMPAGE WEEKENDER 2023 – IMPORTANT INFO

The Rampage Weekend is an event that will test your mettle, so it is useful to be well prepared beforehand. Whether you are a seasoned pro or are taking on your first mud run type event, this useful guide should help you eliminate any doubt and stress before the event. With handy tips for things like clothing, accessories, pre and post race information, you will soon be ready to join the thousands of past Rampage runners who have experienced the adrenaline rush and pride of finishing such a gruelling, yet rewarding run.

Trail running or running shoes

Trail running shoes are the recommended type of footwear for the Rampage, as these were designed for events such as this, where you’ll face different landscapes, as well as water and heaps of fresh mud. They’re built with stability and comfort in mind when dealing with hills, rivers, ravines and other tricky terrains that you might encounter during your run. They will let your feet breathe and stay cool and will usually be quicker to dry and let out water more efficiently than normal shoes or trainers. They will also have superior traction and grip than most other trainers and will cushion the uneven ground better than other footwear.

Of course, not everyone will have trail running shoes, so don’t worry about rocking up in your old faithful running shoes. Running shoes will help keep your feet well ventilated, allow water to drain out quickly and can usually handle most terrains.

It is important to note that your trainers will take some serious battering during the run, so it’s maybe not advised that you bring your newest pair of kicks that you haven’t even tried on since Christmas. Your trainers will get covered in mud and will not be in the same condition after the run. In saying this, most good quality trainers will be able to be washed and should be able to withstand the course.

Also, it should go without saying, but please make sure to tie your laces firmly, as you don’t want to be finishing the run in socks…

Sports Clothing

The right type of clothing can make a world of a difference during Rampage. We recommend substance over style on this occasion. While we don’t necessarily favour any particular clothing choices, we would mention the following:

• Tighter fitted clothing – loose clothing will weigh you down and hold more mud and water and will generally be a bit more annoying when cold and wet.
• Fast drying active wear – now is the time to break out your Clima Cools and Dri Fits. Tops and bottoms with quick drying technology will be beneficial in that it will provide greater ventilation and also will dry quicker, so you won’t be weighed down.
• Clothing which let’s you move – your complete range of motion will be tested on the course, so we recommend wearing active wear clothing which will let you be as flexible as you need to be.
• Socks – the optimal choice would be socks designed with some sort of quick-drying technology. If you don’t have these, then most sports socks will do the trick. Your feet will be pretty important during the course, so we recommend taking good care of them and showing them some love!
• Gloves – not a necessity, however they could give you that extra bit of support or grip on some of the tougher obstacles. Again, hard wearing and breathable gloves like cycling or weight lifting gloves may be the best option.

Accessories

• Sports watches and timers – if you are in this for the glory and want to accurately record your time, we recommend a durable sports watch or device like a FitBit or other exercise monitoring device. Make sure they’re waterproof and can take a bit of a beating.
• Headbands – good for keeping the mud, sweat and tears out of your eyes. For return runners, we hope to see the Rampage headbands from last year proudly on show!
• Goggles – again not necessary although could help in the water obstacles and Slip ‘N Slide.
• Armbands – not at all necessary, but it’d give us a laugh!

Notable mentions

For those mavericks who defy normal social conventions, we encourage you to get as creative as you like in choosing your race day attire…and completely ignoring our sensible clothing tips above. If tackling the course dressed as a Giant Hotdog, the Milky Bar Kid or Freddie Mercury is your thing, more power to you!

You must arrive at least 45 mins before your designated race time. Check your confirmation email for your race time. Once arrived, please park in the car park across the road from The Jungle. Then walk towards the front end of the car park and cross the little bridge and follow through the subway tunnel. This will bring you into the farm yard where you will register and drop off your bags at the bag drop-off, if you wish.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND COMPLETE THE RISK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM ATTACHED TO YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAIL OR ON THE RAMPAGE WEBPAGE AND HAND IN AT REGISTRATION WHEN YOU ARRIVE. THERE WILL BE NO FORMS AVAILABLE ON THE DAY. IF YOU ARE THE GROUP ORGANISER YOU SHOULD DOWNLOAD AND PASS THEM ONTO YOUR GROUP.

Once the Rampage Course has been conquered, the post-race endorphins and adrenaline buzz will only keep you warm for so long. We recommend bringing the following:

• Warm jacket or coat – an old and warm jacket, fleece or coat that you don’t mind getting dirty and you can pull on straight after the race is useful to help bring your body temperature back up. Rampage is held in May in the unpredictable Northern Ireland climate, so be prepared for anything!
• Towel – warm ‘outdoor showers’ will be available for everyone at this year’s Rampage. The ‘indoor shower’ blocks will only be available to those who are Glamping or Camping. They will be locked and open at 4pm. Bring a towel to dry yourself off after your comforting shower. Please bear in mind that there may be short queues for the showers, hence why we suggest bringing a jacket also to keep you warm while you wait.
• Change of clothes – self-explanatory really. No one wants to go home or sleep in a tent in a set of muddy and wet clothes. If staying on for the after party, we will have electrical points and mirrors available for anyone who wants to make themselves look pretty!
• Toiletries – shower gels and shampoos will help get the dirt and mud out of every nook and cranny and deodorants will have you back being so fresh and so clean in no time.
• Post workout supplements – you will be served some well-deserved tasty hot food after the run, however if you have your own preferred supplements or food to replenish energy stores, body salts or boost protein for quicker muscle recovery, remember to bring them with you.
• Extra cash – we take card/credit card, as well as Google and Apple Pay payments, although having coins on you could be handy for the bag drop area (£2 per bag) , should you wish for us to look after your belongings while you’re on the course. There will also be a fully stocked bar at the after party, so you’ll need some extra cash for that, as well as the BBQ Hut.

For those who are staying on and partying the night away with some live music and themed ‘Bright & Tight’ After Party, we have a few suggestions:

• Tent – when it comes to tents, size doesn’t really matter, but something easy to assemble would be the obvious choice. All tents can be erected after the runs are finished.
• Airbeds/sleeping mats – the camp site is located on a lush and soft grassy area, however after the race your muscles may be sore and to get through the night contentedly an extra comfort would be an airbed or sleeping mat. You’ll thank us for that one!
• Sleeping bag – an obvious one, however essential to keep you warm as the temperature drops in the evening.
• Camping chairs – if you’re finished the race early and want to gather in the camp site with your friends and fellow Rampagers to reminisce over the course and get to the bottom of exactly who was the best, a few chairs might help during the debate!
• Other camping accessories – whatever other accessories it takes to make your camping experience the best possible.

As part of the Camping ticket option, you will also receive a hot breakfast bap (sausage or bacon). These will be served between 9am and 10:30am from the Lazy Llama Restaurant. They will not be available after 10:30am, so please be collect your breakfast between these times.

The theme for this year’s Rampage After Party is ‘Bright & Tight’. We will leave the finer details up to you as to what exactly this entails. We expect to see some luminous lycra, maybe some flashdance inspired spandex outfits on show. We can’t wait to see some of the creative ideas you lot dream up.

It is not required that you wear fancy dress, but we reckon it gives the party a fun and entertaining vibe!

As usual, we will be offering up some live music for our Bright N Tight themed after party. We are pleased to welcome back Neil McKeown to play our lively acoustic set and then the illustrious Brian Moore who will provide some party tunes late into the night.

20:00 – Neil McKeown – Acoustic Set

22:00 – Brian Moore – Live DJ set

00:00 – Finish

We will have a fully stocked bar, with bottled beer, shots, wine, cider and more. Card and cash accepted.