Once again, we had to postpone the long-awaited Whalers' Great Route Ultra-Trail (WGRUT), in the hope that better times will soon arrive and once again we will meet on the Azores trails.

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However, even with the postponement of the race, some runners from various parts of the world decided to keep their trip to visit Faial Island.

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So, for those who come to Faial Island between the 7th of May, the day the WGRUT would start, until the 30th of June, we decided to launch the Virtual WGRUT

 

By joining the virtual format, we can still enjoy the camaraderie, competition and fun of the event, although in a slightly different way.

 

A virtual event allows everyone to participate safely in their own way, according to their convenience and at times that work best for each one.

 

Each one will be able to choose the route they would like to run among the WGRUT 2021 courses. Times will be mesured and recorded on the Strava platform.

The event will take place between May 7th and June 30th, 2021 in Faial Island, in Azores. During this period, you can choose the day and time you prefer to run.

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Isn't the weather good? Are the streams running? Don't have time today?

 

No problem! You can run or walk on days when you consider the conditions to be perfect for you.

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You can choose to run or walk in one of the 4 routes of the event:

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- CTB Columbus Trail for Beginners, with 14,8k

- CTHM Columbus Trail Half Marathon, with 21,4k

- CTM Columbus Trail Marathon , with 44,2k

- CGT Columbus Grand Trail, with 76,6k

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The trails won't be marked, but you may find all details about the routes here

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Please, study the route before starting the race.

During this period, any person can run or walk on the trails.

 

But, if you want to join the competition, record your time, win t-shirt and finisher and try for the prizes, you need to sign up here and follow the step by step to sign up below.

 

When signing up for the Virtual WGRUT you agree to follow the recommendations of the Health Department related to Covid Pandemic:

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- run/walk alone or in group of maximum 10 people

- where masks if you meet anyone before, during or after the race

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Of course, for now we will miss sharing a beer and stories all together, but we can still have a shared experience, run with our friends and support the Azores Trail Run® and trail community, within the rules imposed by the authorities.

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Share the idea with your friends, challenge them, publish your results on social media. Let's keep the trail running spirit alive.

Many major events have become virtual we have already had many doubts about the viability of the format, but this event has everything to be successful. 

 

A virtual race is essentially an event that takes place over a certain period of time, is recorded in GPS and tracking applications, is shared and disseminated through social networks and the event's website.

 

To control the running time of the route, each participant must download their run or walk on Strava. And we will use an application called EZ Race that will automatically get the data from Strava.

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Find below the step by step for you to get your efforts recorded.

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We trust in your fair play. But, by the way, Strava recognize when you are trying to cheat it.

Everyone who signs up for the WGRUT will win...

 

a t-shirt of the event. Those who finish the course will receive a finisher prize.

 

The winners will be promoted on the social networks.

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Finishers and t-shirts will be sent in mid-March.

 

Classifications and activity posts will be updated regularly on the networks to motivate each other and keep pace with the Columbus Trail. Don't forget to publish and share your activities and results with the #columbustrail2021

 

And yet: you will walk in nature, the trails will know it and you will enjoy it. Have fun!

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You will run and walk on your own. There won't be support and aid stations. Don't give chance to bad luck:

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- Study the route before starting

- Use proper gear for the route (check bellow)

- Don't forget food and water

- Inform people that you know when and where you are going to run or walk

- Check the batteries of your phone and take a replacement battery with you

- Pay attention to weather forecast

- All trails are open to all users during the even. Competitors must respect the environment, other hikers and runners and follow the appropriate trail etiquette.

- All routes pass through several roads. Be careful when crossing roads and pay attention to traffic.

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Be safe! Have fun!

Mask, whenever the physical distance recommended by the health authorities cannot be guaranteed;

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Backpack or similar equipment;

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Water bottle or equivalent of 0.5 liter capacity, minimum;

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Thermal blanket (min. 100 × 200 cm);

 

Windbreaker / waterproof jacket;

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Operational mobile phone (with sufficient balance and battery);

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Food reserve;

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Whistle;

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1 Flashlight / Head light, with replacement batteries;