Race the Sun Information Sheet 2022 Race the Sun (RTS), sponsored by Utmost, is a relay race like no other. The task is simple - starting at sun rise on Saturday 21st May your team must complete a lap of the dramatic 100 mile Island coastal footpath before the sun sets. Format In 2022 the race will be run in a clockwise direction. Prizes will also be awarded for:  The team that finishes closest to sun set at 21:25 (Teams leave Peel at sun rise)  The fastest time set on each leg  A magnificent Golden Shoe to the team that raises the most money for the charity. Facts -Distance: 98 miles -Height gain: 14500ft -Average leg distance: 9.8 miles -Average Speed of each runner = 5.7 mph - With thanks to our Sponsor, Utmost, all the money raised will go to helping support, children Young People & families on the Island. -High Tide: 03:40am / Low Tide: 09:59am Start/Finish The race will Start and finish on Peel seafront opposite the Marine Pub grid ref (243 843) Start time: Sun Rise 5:05am Sun Set 21:25pm What’s in it for you?       Chance to take part in unique challenge Professionally organised and managed event Quality branded running vest An unforgettable experience Sense of achievement Satisfaction of supporting a local Charity The Course Leg 1: Peel to Cronk car park Distance: 11.45 miles / 18km Height gain: 1100 ft Leaving Peel the route heads up along the cliff top path, followed by a short road section before meeting the old railway track. The route continues to chop and change between the exposed rocky coastline, lush green glens of Glen Moar & Glen Wyllin, the disused railway and the beach (approx. 8km). Leg 2: Cronk to Point of Ayre Distance: 10.45 miles / 17km Height gain: 30ft From the Cronk the route continues along the beach (approx. 9km) and is a bit of a trudge in the soft sand. Reaching Blue point heralds a welcome change underfoot, as the route leaves the sand and goes on to a grassy path. Follow this and your final destination, the Point Lighthouse, will come into view like a mirage. Leg 3: Point of Ayre to Maughold Distance: 10.48 miles / 17km Height gain: 782ft Stay on the grassy path as long as possible before having to join the beach - at 5 miles this is the longest and most challenging beach section. From Ramsey the route is predominantly on well made cliff paths (leave the beach and continue along the road avoiding the short section around Port E Vullen where there are slippery rocks Gr 469930) This section finishes in the dead centre of Maughold village which is easy to find (next to church) Leg 4: Maughold to Laxey Distance: 8.98 miles /14km Height gain: 1427 ft The route descends steeply and again meets with the sea, contouring in and out of beautiful little bays before reaching Port Moar. From here the majority of this section is made up of minor roads and bridle tracks. The highlight is passing the idyllic Salmon pool at Port Cornaa - a great place to cool off. Leg 5: Laxey to Douglas Distance: 7.80 miles / 13km Height gain: 1265 ft A real mix of paths, roads, and bridle tracks. Starting from sea level the route out of Laxey up the main road is tough and perilous. The route continues along the main road for 1 mile until reaching Baldrine. Here the route leaves the road and rapidly descends to Garwick Beach before ascending up and over Clay Head Coastal Path. After negotiating Groudle and Onchan it’s all downhill to Douglas and the bright lights of the Capital. Leg 6: Douglas to Port Grenaugh Distance: 10.73 miles / 17km Height gain: 2118ft The relatively effortless journey along the sea front is soon disturbed by Douglas Head; a steep accent up the steps leading on to Marine Drive. The majority of this road is now closed, so with tarmac under foot and no traffic to worry about the going is fast. After a brief period on a main road the route joins the narrow cliff top path and follows the unspoilt part of coastline to Port Grenaugh. Leg 7: Port Grenaugh to Chapel Bay PSM Distance: 10.8 miles / 17km Height gain: 816ft The route continues along a stunning cliff top path with little height gain. There’s some fun to be had negotiating Santon Gorge and also diverting around the airport extension. After a short road section past the airport and through Castletown it’s around Scarlet and the lime stone slabs. The final stage on pavement is along past Gansey sea front, around Gansey head to the finish at Chapel Bay. Leg 8: Chapel Bay to Port Erin Promenade Distance: 7. 5 miles /12km Heigh