Everything you need to know about the trail races at Átjan Wild Islands 2021
Four mountain races that take in the best of the Faroe Islands wild and natural beauty. This is trail running at its finest. With a choice of four distances from 10km up to around 65km, you'll run through one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. You'll scale steep ascents and be able to look back on dramatic cliffs and crashing North Atlantic Waves, you'll cross remote and rugged terrain, and you'll finish by the sea, welcomed with a warm Faroese traditional dish and a friendly applause from the islanders.
What are the mountain races?
There are four mountain races at Átjan Wild Islands. The rough distances are:
Ultra-Trail Faroe islands ~63KM / 3000m
Átjan Mountain Marathon ~40-44KM / 2000m
Átjan Mountain Half Marathon ~19-22KM / 1000m
Átjan Mountain Trail ~10KM / 500m
These are approximate distances and elevation, and are subject to change.
Do I need experience to enter?
It is imperative that you have some mountain running experience and are correctly equipped to race in the mountains. The trails are technical, with steep ascents and descents and at times will involve some light scrambling and exposed mountain ridges. If you are unsure of your experience or have any questions about your ability please email sarah@atjanfestival.com
When do the races take place?
The mountain races take place on Saturday 4th September 2021.
Are the races capped in numbers?
Due to the fragile nature of the Faroe Islands, and in order to respect the environment, as well as the farmers land, the festival will be capped at 500 runners across the four races. If you are looking for a race atmosphere of thousands of athletes – this event is not for you.
What will the terrain be like?
Some areas of the routes feature sections of light scrambling which involve loose scree and sections with very rough terrain, often needing three points of contact in the case of loose rock. Therefore these events are NOT for the faint hearted. Please be aware that some sections of the route traverse high and remote mountainous terrain and sometimes in very variable weather, so we ask that competitors feel at ease with these conditions in order to complete the course. The routes cross large expanses of uneven, boggy, and rough terrain that do not follow paths or trails which you may be used to running in the UK, Alps, or at other trail running events.
What kit should I bring?
Participants should be sufficient in the event of injury, and in the event you should need to walk to the nearest check point or start/finish locations. The race crew will reserve the right to ask for additional warm clothing to be worn or carried if the weather conditions demand so. In the communication leading up to race day, and the safety briefings on the day, you will be notified of any additional requirements. Due to the nature of the terrain, participants will need to carry their own food and drink for long sections of the course. It is the participants responsibility to arrive prepared. If you have any questions please contact sarah@atjanfestival.com
Mandatory Kit List
Must be worn:
Short or long sleeve base layer top (NO COTTON)
Shorts or tights
Mountain/ Trail running shoes – must have suitable tread
Must be worn or carried:
Waterproof jacket with taped seams
Waterproof trousers with taped seams*
Spare Long Sleeved Base Layer Top
Hat or buff
Gloves
Head Torch*
Survival Bag. Click here for video explanation.
Whistle
GPS device (Smartphone will suffice) and/or Map & Compass.
First aid kit with a minimum of - wound bandage, 4 x adhesive plasters, 4 x safety pins and any personal medication you require.
A water reservoir/flask with a minimum capacity of 1 litre
A reusable cup/mug There will be no plastic cups at the check points*
Nutrition/Food for the duration of the race
Suitable running race Vest, Race Pack/ Backpack
*These items are not required on the Mountain Trail 10km
Is there a bag drop?
There will be a baggage drop available for warm clothes at the finish line of each race. More details will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.
There is no half way bag drop or bag drops along the routes.
Are the routes marked?
All courses are route marked with event flags. You will not need to navigate and must follow the route marking flags at all times. GPX files will be available to download, but competitors are asked to use the flag markings in first instance. Please appreciate that there are always differences between gpx files depending on what software you are using and data may show up differently on different devices. For safety reasons, competitors should always follow the route markings as these are more accurate.
Are there aid stations?
The longer routes will have a number of check points offering food and hydration, these will be manned by marshals and more details will be sent to participants in the lead up to the event day. Given the remote section of the routes, runners must aim to be self-sufficient between check points. There are fresh mountain streams to fill up with water throughout the course. Runners must be self sufficient in nutrition, hydration, clothing and equipment.
Can I change my race distance?
Distances can be changed up until the deadline of 5th June 2021. This is subject to the number of entries per distance. If a race distance is full, you will be added to a waiting list and notified if a place becomes available. Please email sarah@atjanfestival.com using the subject RACE DISTANCE CHANGE and include your full name, email, and the distance you’d like to change to. You will be added to the waiting list and notified if a place becomes available.