What is a raft?

A raft is a floating, non-motorised collection of materials, with a raft race team on top. All propulsion should be human powered, without gears, linkages, etc. It can be as simple as a collection of oil drums lashed together, or as complicated as a floating gin palace. But beware - the more weight, the more your raft will sit in the water, and the more likely the raft will run aground on the shallow bits - meaning your team have to get out, and push. And in May, the Esk is cold

Teams can be as small as two, or as many as fifteen - but remember, the more weight, the bigger the raft must be. And the team has to get the raft into and out of the water, and carry it back to the car-park by themselves. The team itself - well, it'd be a good idea if they were all confident swimmers, quite strong, fit, and not in need of any extensive medical equipment. Because it'll get wet when your raft sinks. And the team can go in fancy dress.

So how do I enter?

Well, check that:

• You have a team and they fit the criteria above. And they're all available on raft race day.
• You have a raft, or the ability to build a raft. Dont underestimate just how much time, money and marriage this will cost.
• You can get the raft to and from the race, the raft floats, and you can lift it. Just like the guy who built an aircraft in his basement and couldnt get it out, you'll feel pretty foolish if you cant transport your raft
• You are able and willing to raise money for charity. This is the point of the exercise - to help some really good national and local charities and groups.
• You need to get the registration form, from the Marykirk Hotel, here in Marykirk. Just ask at the bar, and they'll give you one.
• Check that your raft floats!
• Come down to Marykirk and check out the route, but be aware that you cannot test the course.

Got that ? So what are you waiting for! Get organised, and get in touch!  

<p><div id="MMEmbeddedMap" style="padding:8px"><iframe width="500" height="400" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://www.multimap.com/client/embed/?lat=56.782&lon=-2.51585&zoomFactor=15&mapType=hybrid&moveMap=-288,22&qs=marykirk&emid=n1RedrB2APRaQApTa1YKodXDGqvQj13i"></iframe><div><a href="http://www.multimap.com/maps/?lat=56.782&lon=-2.51585&zoomFactor=15&mapType=hybrid">View Aerial Image of Marykirk, Aberdeenshire,  Scotland, UK</a> on Multimap.com<br />Get directions <a href="http://www.multimap.com/directions/?lat_2=56.782&lon_2=-2.51585&countryCode_2=GB&displayName_2=Marykirk, Aberdeenshire,  Scotland&qs_2=Marykirk, Aberdeenshire,  Scotland">to</a> or <a href="http://www.multimap.com/directions/?lat_1=56.782&lon_1=-2.51585&countryCode_1=GB&displayName_1=Marykirk, Aberdeenshire,  Scotland&qs_1=Marykirk, Aberdeenshire,  Scotland">from</a> Marykirk, Aberdeenshire,  Scotland, UK</div></div></p>

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