Engadin Ski Marathon - The Celtic Connection

After much chewing of the fat, here is the plan.


What is it


The 55th Engadin Marathon is the biggest participation sporting event in the Alps.  The participants are limited to 14,200 this year.  The route is along the Engadin Valley from Maloja, past St Moritz and finishing in S-Chanf.  Its about 42km.  The majority of it is flat but there is a descent around Pontresina.  Going downhill on thin skis is always entertaining!


Can you Manage it


I found quite an encouraging article online you should read if you have doubts!


Essentially, he says anyone with a modicum of fitness can manage so long as they've done a few lessons and a bit of practice beforehand (hence going out early!)  He says to expect to take around 3 - 5 hours.


Dates

The race is on Sunday 9th March.  I think we should aim get there on the 5th of March so we have the 6-7-8th to be taught how to do it! And have some fun while we're about it.  We then recover on the 10th, hand back rentals and congratualte ourselves beofre leaving on Tuesday 11th March.


Bushbys (all + Katherine!) and Geoff (plus anyone else!)

Fly from Gatwick (or other yet to be decided) to Milan, hand luggage only (get hold luggage to me and I'll drive it out).  Pick up rental car.  Drive to Engadin Valley.


Flights are about £70 return to Milan, Zurich or Innsbruck but the cost of transfer and car hire varies alot.  Innsbruck is criminally expensive.


Me, Alex & Malcolm and Luggage

Drive from Wiltshire to Engadin Valley with luggage, wine and prepped food.


Hilary & Nicola

Get yourselves to Engadin as your already in Switzerland


Accomodation, Eating & Drinking

The house I have booked is in the Engadin Valley and sleeps 14.  It is, as far as I can understand, pretty much on the course to which we have access after we have registered to race.  Its not cheap but then again, nothing in Switzerland is!


I am planning to cook, freeze and drive out with enough food so we dont have to worry too much about cooking short of warming it up.  I'll also plan to stop somewhere en route to pick up some chalet wine. It won't be Petrus but hopefully drinakble!


Ski Hire

Obviously, it would be a disaster if we arrived and couldn't ski! So we need to book ski hire asap as there are 14,000 odd competitors arriving in the valley so we need to ensure we have ours secured pre race.  I will do this en masse and try and get a group discount.  For each hirer, I will need:

  • Name
  • Shoe size
  • Weight
  • Height


Get this across to me asap.  I will chase but would prefer not to have to!


Race Registration

At the moment, it is CHF120 which equates to around £105.  Honestly, I don't know but I assume that registering together will make it easier to stick together at the start. I imagine getting lost in 14,000 people would be quite easy! So, if I'm to  register everyone...


For each registrant, I will need:

  • name
  • DOB
  • Email
  • Mobile

Cost

Will be somewhere between £1,000 and £1,500 per head.  I am trying to drive the cost down but there are a few unknown variables!  I will do what I can do keep costs down but Switzerland is horrifically expensive!


Dress

Given the origin of most of the invitees, tartan, if not kilts, on race day is encouraged!


Payment

 An intial paymet of £900 should be paid to:


Account Name: Peter Clapperton

Sort Code: 60-83-71

Account number: 59733682

Finally...

This is not my job! I have tried to think of everything but wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if I missed something!  If you spot something, or think I could do something better, let me know.... peter@clappertons.co.uk