Q&A With Race Director Mike Hamel
adidas INFINITE TRAILS World Championships race director, Mike Hamel was live and discussing the ‘need-to-knows’ and FAQs of the team relay trail running event which takes place at the end of June (22-24) in Gastein/SalzburgerLand, Austria.
I highly recommend that you watch this entire video, as Mike breaks down the event and answers frequently asked questions in a very succinct and understandable way and clears up a lot of possible confusion. It’s 26 minutes long but every minute is filled to the brim with information and worth the watch. Also tune in next and every Monday at 18:00 CEST as Mike will answer more questions and cover different topics each week concerning the run, the Gastein area or even the best way to fuel your body.
For about the first eight minutes, Mike gives a nice overview of what you can find on our website and what the race is basically about. It’s not long and it will definitely help in giving you a basic look at the where, when, why, how and who. After these eight minutes, our awesome race director goes right into the FAQS. In case some people are allergic to watching videos or maybe their headphones are busted, below, I’ll post the most common questions we’ve gotten regarding the adidas INFINITE TRAILS World Championships and of course the answers and any and every helpful link that we have.
adidas INFINITE TRAILS World Championships FAQS:
Are there mixed gender teams?
There are three options for the event: All male, all female or mixed teams.
Is there an age limit or minimum?
You must be at least 18 years of age and you will sign a declaration of liability saying that you are physically fit and capable of participating.
What day should I arrive in Gastein?
The registration office opens at 12:00 CET on Thursday June 21st (until 20:00), the adidas INFINITE TRAILS village opens at 10:00 on Friday the 22nd, and the events officially kick-off with the Vertical Open/Prologue race briefing at the Alpen Arena at 16:00 CET on Friday. For more info on the timeline check out the program for the weekend.
What is the nearest International airport?
Salzburg is the closest with a transfer time of 1 1/2 hours but Innsbruck and Munich are also nearby and about 2 1/2 hours from Gastein. There are multiple services and taxis which can help you to reach your final destination. Check out our Location page for more info.
Is there a train station in Gastein?
The trains of the Austrian, Swiss and German rail services take you to all three villages in the Gastein valley, for a low fare and in an environmentally friendly, stress-free way. Austria’s ÖBB Railjet takes passengers to the Gastein valley eight times a day. The German rail service, Deutsche Bahn, offers a direct connection to the Gastein valley four times a day. The train from Salzburg to Gastein operates every two hours and its duration is as short as one and a half hour. Thanks to railcard discounts and economy prices, you can also travel to the Gastein valley for a really low price, with fares starting at €39.90. From Munich, tickets are available starting at just €19.90. For detailed information on all train travel options see our location/train travel page.
Am I allowed to bring food?
We have 16 aid stations along the race course that provide PowerBar sports nutrition, fruit, sweet and salty snacks, water, isotonic drinks and Coke. You can also bring your own race nutrition, but you must carry it in your backpack.
If a member of my team can’t make it, can I get a refund?
You can still participate in the event if a teammate is forced to cancel but you will need to find a replacement. If you are forced to cancel altogether, you have to contact the race organizer and inform him of the reason. Paid entry fees cannot be refunded, though we recommend an additional ticket insurance, which will reimburse your entry fees if you are unable to take part in the race for health reasons. For participants from Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland or the Czech Republic, it is possible to book ticket insurance here. For more information please see the rules and regulations.
Can I run if my teammates can’t finish their loop?
Yes, there are fixed starting times for each loop: 10:00 for Loop 2 and 19:00 for Loop 3. This means that even if your teammate can’t finish, you can run no matter what. Your team would be disqualified if one member was to not complete their part but each loop is a run unto itself and the individual finishers of each route will be also be recognized.
Are there toilets along the route?
There will be no portable toilets along the race course but there are toilets at the the various huts and hot spots along the route including: Graukogel Hut and Stubnerkogel Mountain Station, both are several kilometers from the start of the loop. For more details see the race/routes section of this website.
Is accommodation included in the price?
Accommodations are not covered in the packages but there are many great, world-class options in the area. Several of these offer healthy breakfasts, top-notch service and they will even launder your used sports wear and have it ready the next morning. See the list of our partnership hotels HERE.
Can I run with my dog?
As there will be hundreds of competitors running along a track which is at times very narrow, there is simply no space left for dogs. Animals are not allowed on the course at any time.
Is there a deadline for registration?
June 15th, 2018 or whenever the 333 team slots are filled.
What if I can’t find teammates to join me for the race?
We have created a Facebook group aimed at supporting solo runners in finding potential teammates.
Do I get a T-shirt or certificate for participating?
You will get a participation gift from adidas as well as a finisher shirt and a finisher certificate.
Where can we see the runners during the race?
There are many different hot spots and view-points along the routes. Atop the two mountains, inside the two villages and at the Alpen Arena. Please look at the spectator page for a better idea of the best places to watch the run.
– Kevin Gillikin