Brighton Rocked!
We're not sure if the Rat Racers noticed all the boutique and pop surroundings of the inaugural Brighton Rat Race, such was the nature of the hammering sun and wind. Boy that made it tough on you, and us - but the Marquees stayed up (and so did the seas). The Nine2Five format has certainly proven to be a challenging format, and we'll make a few more tweeks to keep it the most kaleidoscopic day out for adventurers, ever. We welcome you to this wrap email, and the news that we will certainly be looking forward to Brighton Rat Race 2009.
1. Course Director's Report: Brighton Rat Race, 28th June 2008
What a weekend that was and where did all that wind come from? The Rat Race ‘Scunny Circus’, including an extra pair of experienced hands in the shape of Belfast Rat Race Planner, Stewart Caithness arrived late into the evening on Thursday. While making his way through a ‘sea of humanity’ the next day, Gary Tompsett spotted Steve Watkins – one of the grandparents to Adventure Racing. Brighton Rat Race had an unexpected but wonderful additional Marshal for the Incredible, Crazy Exploding Pants University Campus challenge. Friday morning was a flurry of activity – the Detail Event Village went up, including the now famous Adventure Area (comprised of the Indesit Moon and infamous slippery wall) and Giles Wolfe’s M-A-D mountain bike display. The last checkpoints were laid out and Brighton Rat Race was ready to go. A decision on sea Kayaking was left as late as possible but, based on the expert advice from Adam Chinery of Brighton Water Sports; the inner water of Hove Lagoon was chosen as the kayaking location. Rushing this change into position; the kayak timeout (for potential queues) was actually placed across the whole activity, and therefore you all enjoyed a very relaxed paddle! Next year, paddle round the pier will go!
Event day arrived and at 1045 the pre-race briefing was given to the Brighton Rat Racers. At 1055, the start/finish gantry was braced against the wind, and then was held in position by the event crew; digging their heels deep into the pebble beach. Looking round, just before the off, we saw an additional obstacle in the beach pebble sprint. Deck chairs had been laid out and the folk, down for a quiet lounge to take the sea air were warily making their way off the beach, watching eastward with a mix of fascination and wonder – ‘what on earth is going on here?’ Minutes later, nearly 200 racers ran, stumbled and tripped their way past the now applauding crowds - the Brighton Rat Race had started. Eight hours later racers were returning, having overcome the challenges made stiffer by the strong winds: mountain biking, cryptic memory orienteering, climbing/abseiling and freedive. Making a marshal laugh may sound like an easy thing to do (was there any tickling?) but going from 176bpm to The Two Ronnies was a sight to behold.
The Inaugural Brighton Rat Race was quite fittingly the last event to take place on the old Lido site, soon to be the foundations of the i360 tower. This space is iconic for its skate and BMX contests and the bustling market stalls. Now a special part of the history will be the Rat Race, 2008! We know that Brighton enjoyed having you on its sunny shores and rolling hills and hope that you enjoyed your visit. 2009 is already being enthusiastically 
discussed. With a wealth of locations to choose from; we were spoilt for choice. The stunning South Downs were a must, Hove Lagoon is a wonderful location, and what about the stairs at the university campus? … Brighton Marina’s bustling cosmopolitan feel … On top of these wonderful locations, there are still so many more locations that haven’t been touched yet. As for the event village location in 2009? … well …
2. Results
Full results are available on the Rat Race website.
Threes (teams) Class
Mixed category
1st place – Aberdeen Asset Management
2nd place - Team Sleepmonsteres/Inov-8
3rd place - CamRacers
Male category
1st place - CCP
Female category
1st place – Scuzzlebuskets!
Twos (pairs) ClassMixed category
1st place – Onley Runners
2nd place - The Magical Manatees
3rd place - Team Orello
Male category
1st place - Team Olney Multisport
Female category
1st place – Tatty Ratties
And we just had to give a spot prize to the Cavemen - how hot do you want to be!
3. SleepMonsters Report and Photos
There were several photographers at the event this weekend, and once again it is SleepMonsters that provides you with all the best reporting and pics for your perusal and purchase. Go here for the event reports by Eddie Winthorpe of Team SleepMonsters / Inov 8, photo galleries and here to go direct to SleepMonsters PhotoSales. There will be a picture of you - whether dashing along the pebble beach, cycling up high or stripped off ready for freedive.
4. Thank You's
When you go to the SleepMonsters Race Report you will see the depth and breadth of gratitudes to venues and authorities - we had a tremendous welcome from the City of Brighton and Hove, so hit the hyperlinks in the report for more info on all our supporters at the weekend.
5. Series Prize
The competition continues...With a win by Aberdeen Asset 
Management in Brighton, then that's 2 - 1 to AAM, but with SleepMonsters looking slick, and CamRacers also chasing. All eyes on Edinburgh Rat Race for the next episode in Auld Reekie.
Brighton has been ratified!
Rat Race HQ
