Run For Love Namibia | Early Bird tickets are NOW LIVE - only 40 places available!

FAQs

FAQs2022-12-01T11:21:59+00:00
What is Run For Love Namibia and why is it special?2023-12-27T14:41:19+00:00

TRIBE Run For Love Namibia is an epic multi-day running adventure that stretches from the epic wilderness of the Namib Naukluft Desert and to the mountain trails of Mount Brandberg to the breath-taking savannah of the Damaraland in northern Namibia, camping every night under the stars and pushing your limits every day as part of a TRIBE.

The challenge will take place in Namibia from 26 October – 2 November 2024 with a running distance of 225 km in 5 days.

Run For Love Namibia will mark eleven years since we embarked on our original 1,000-mile journey from Odessa (Ukraine) to Dubrovnik (Croatia) to fight human trafficking and support the survivors. This journey genuinely changed our lives forever and we can guarantee that the challenge will be an unforgettable experience.

Will we encounter any wildlife in Namibia?2023-12-27T16:25:53+00:00

The cold Benguela current brings a fog that shrouds the dunes of the Namib, supporting a surprising array of lifeforms.

You will come across Welwitschia plants, nourished by the fog to live for over 2,000 years. Then there are the animals – oryx, jackal, seal, springbok have all adapted to this environment and especially at the coast, there is an abundance of these critters.

Who are we fundraising for?2023-12-27T14:35:30+00:00

TRIBE Freedom Foundation was established by the TRIBE community in 2017. Our mission is to fight modern slavery and end human trafficking. Inspired by Run for Love – an epic 1,000-mile journey to fight human trafficking, thousands of everyday athletes and adventurers have pushed their limits to raise over £1.6 million for TRIBE Freedom Foundation, enabling us to support over 10,000 survivors and potential victims across the UK. We work by raising awareness of trafficking and supporting frontline projects to fight modern slavery. We empower the TRIBE community to create an impact.

For more information head to tribefreedomfoundation.com and check out our latest Impact Report.

What is the TRIBE Freedom Foundation?2023-12-27T14:36:06+00:00

TRIBE Freedom Foundation was established by the TRIBE community in 2017. Our mission is to fight modern slavery and end human trafficking. The charity was inspired by the original Run for Love 1,000 – an epic 1,000-mile journey to fight human trafficking. Since then, thousands of everyday athletes and adventurers have pushed their limits to raise +£1.6 million to prevent modern slavery and support the survivors.

TRIBE Freedom Foundation has three core objectives which underpin everything we do.

#1. Increasing Public Awareness: Communities are engaged to help build awareness of modern slavery across their wider networks and increase the level of public understanding.

#2. Long-Term Survivor Support: More survivors are holistically supported to help regain independence and overcome their previous exploitation, for as long as they need.

#3. Preventing Modern Slavery: Stakeholders, communities and individuals are equipped with the tools to better understand, identify and tackle the causes of modern slavery.

As part of the TRIBE Run for Love Team, you will receive exclusive updates on the work of TRIBE Freedom Foundation, our projects and the survivors whom we are supporting. We will help provide all the information you need to help increase awareness of modern slavery and amplify your fundraising.

In the meantime, learn more via our Website and our latest Impact Report.

How do I sign up?2023-12-27T14:40:05+00:00

Registration opens on 29 December 2023! To register your place head here (https://triberunforlove.eventcube.io/)  to make your registration deposit (£875). The balance (i.e. Registration Fee less the deposit) shall be paid no later than 1 April 2024. 

There will be 40 Early Bird places available for 48 hours only (from 11am GMT on 29 December 2023).

How many people will be involved?2023-12-27T14:37:48+00:00

Run for Love Namibia will bring together a team of 60+ runners from across the world to push their limits and help fight modern slavery. We would love you to join us!

Can anyone join the run?2023-12-27T14:42:26+00:00

Yes. TRIBE Run for Love 6 (Namibia) is open to ALL. With the right training and support, our potential is infinite. If you are interested in joining the run but you’ve never done something like this before, we would love to hear from you! You can reach out to us via email at tom@wearetribe.co or clara@wearetribe.co

How much does it cost?2023-12-29T11:02:32+00:00

Registration for Run For Love Namibia is in two phases and costs a total of £1,750 (early bird registration) – £2,000 (general registration) per person. To secure your place, you must register with your deposit (50% registration fee) via Eventcube. The balance shall be paid directly to TRIBE no later than 1 April 2024. 

NB: Prices above include all accommodation, transfers and food* (*as detailed in the Runner Information Pack), with the exception of flights, personal equipment, freeze-dried food whilst camping and out-of-pocket expenses. For a full breakdown please see the “What’s Included” section of the FAQs.

What’s included in my registration fee?2023-12-28T17:42:20+00:00

TRIBE Run for Love 6 is a five-day ultramarathon, taking place in Namibia in October – November 2024. The challenge costs between £1,750 (early bird entry) to £2,000 (general registration) and includes: 

  1. Three nights’ hotel/lodge accommodation as per the challenge itinerary;  
  2. Four nights’ in our stunning tented camps along the route;
  3. Coach transfers from Windhoek to the challenge starting location on 27 October 2024; 
  4. Coach transfers between the challenge finish location and Windhoek on 2 November 2024; 
  5. Medical and physio support throughout the event; 
  6. TRIBE Run for Love finisher’s medal; 
  7. Epic camaraderie & team training support; 
  8. Unlimited fundraising support to help you hit your £1,500 fundraising target; and 
  9. TRIBE nutrition & merchandise! 

The registration fee does not include accommodation in Windhoek, transport to Namibia; personal insurance; any extended accommodation (i.e. any additional nights if you arrive early or choose to extend your trip beyond the core challenge dates as set out in the Run For Love Namibia Runner Information Pack); or any other out-of-pocket expenses during the challenge. 

For any questions regarding your entry fee and/or what’s included in the costs, please contact clara@wearetribe.co 

Is all accommodation and food included during the challenge?2023-12-27T14:46:58+00:00

All accommodation will be included for all TRIBE Run for Love 6 participants from 27 October until checkout on 1 November 2024. The accommodation will be a mixture of idyllic lodges and tented campsites. Food will also be provided when we are staying in hotels and runners will prepare their own food whilst we are sleeping in camp.

We will provide plenty of advice on how to prepare your nutrition and dehydrated meals for the nights that we are staying in camp. It’s a great experience!

Will any food or water be provided on the route?2023-12-27T14:48:53+00:00

Along the route, there will be aid stations with water and snacks (including TRIBE bars!) approximately every 10 km. Runners must carry provided nutrition in a day pack with sufficient nutrition for each day. Our wonderful event partner, Rat Race, prides itself on delivering the goods here! We always aim to provide the staples (fruit, some sweets and flapjacks etc.) along with supplementation of local goods.Please note that the provision whilst on the route does not consist of ‘full meals’ and will be more snack-based grab n’ go options, to reflect the journey being undertaken. We would also advise that if you have sports nutrition products that you know work for you, please bring them with you. 

Participants are required to bring a minimum of 3,000 calories per day for each day of the event. Participants must also carry 400 calories of emergency fuel each day, which must only be consumed in an emergency situation.

How do I train?2023-12-27T14:49:50+00:00

TRIBE is a community and we will train as a team to prepare for Run for Love Namibia; from monthly training sessions to information workshops and longer ultra runs. We go further and faster, together. We will release full information about team training events, plans and schedules to all runners in due course.

We recommend a minimum of 3 months of training prior to the event commencement. However, this depends entirely on your base level of fitness. For some, this will be less, and for others, you will want to get started as soon as you sign up! Many previous Run for Love participants have not completed a marathon prior to registration and we typically find that the average biggest training week is between 52 and 60 miles. Walking lots during training is an excellent way to build mileage and base for ultras: it’s not a speed race!

Do I have to run the full distance?2023-12-27T15:00:22+00:00

Not at all! You are encouraged to walk or run at the speed you are comfortable at. In fact, walking uphill and during other parts of the course will help you to go further, lower your heart rate and enhance your chance of completing the challenge.

At TRIBE and Rat Race, our emphasis is on teamwork, community and completion. We want to support every runner to complete the challenge. We strongly believe that, with the incredible TRIBE Run for Love team alongside you and the right preparations, you will be able to go further than you have ever run before!

Participants may withdraw from the event at any time. Any participant who wishes to stop should inform a marshal. Should a participant retire or be withdrawn from the event, they will remain accommodated at the campsite with those still participating. If anyone needs to miss a day or part of a day, they are still more than welcome – and encouraged to go again the next day if they are able to.

If you are unsure about signing up for the full challenge you can always get in touch with us (clara@wearetribe.co or tom@wearetribe.co). A number of the team who completed TRIBE Run for Love 3, 4 and 5 hadn’t run further than a half marathon when they signed up to take part in the challenge.

What will I need when we’re camping?2023-12-27T16:20:33+00:00

During the challenge, we will be making camp underneath the stars in stunning locations along the route. The living accommodation on camp nights will consist of shared tents with between 4-8 competitors. Tents will be provided for runners, you just need to bring your own sleeping bag and roll mat. 

Whilst we are camping, you will also need to prepare your own breakfast and supper. We will provide boiling water for dehydrated/freeze-dried food.

Tent partners often become close friends and support each other throughout the event. There is no doubt that one of the best things about multi-stage ultra-marathons is the lifelong friendships forged along the way.

What will the weather be like?2023-12-27T14:57:40+00:00

It can be very hot during the day but temperatures often plummet overnight. The desert is a land of extremes of all descriptions, weather included. It is not overbearingly hot however and the heat is very dry, making it far more manageable than humid climates with lower temperatures. This needs to be taken into consideration when packing to ensure runners are prepared for both the heat and cooler temperatures overnight, including suitable layers and good waterproofs to keep you dry as there is always the possibility of rain.

How will I navigate my route?2023-12-27T14:56:50+00:00

This a self-navigation event and course markings will not be present however the majority of the route follows obvious tracks. Rat Race will be providing GPX files for the route. it is essential that you have the means to navigate these GPX files, with a backup option in place too. The best and easiest way to navigate these files is with a wrist based running watch, which are very user friendly. It is also essential to have a back up option; this could be another handheld GPS device, or simply your mobile phone with a navigation app and the routes downloaded. Rat Race has a selection of devices available to hire for anyone who does not possess such a device. 

We recommend Komoot, which allows you to easily download the routes and store them for offline use, meaning you can navigate without signal. You can reach out to the experts at Rat Race for further guidance on this topic if you are unsure. 

In practice, we will be encouraging runners to stick together as a pack (this is how all TRIBE runs work as this is not a race!). At its core, Run for Love is a team effort and all runners should do everything to look after each other.

What kit will I need?2023-12-27T16:33:07+00:00

We will be providing all registered runners with a comprehensive kit list and partner discounts to help everyone prior to the challenge. You should try different options and work out what you feel comfortable with in training. 

For reference, key equipment and gear includes the following:

CAMPSITE GEAR

  • Warm fleece/down jacket for evenings 
  • Nightwear – you will want to change into some non-running gear at the end of each day, and it cools down quite quickly at night, so pack a few base layers. 
  • Beanie/alternative warm headwear
  • Sleeping bag and roll mat (or similar)
  • Insect repellent and after-bite cream 
  • Minimum of 3,000 kcal food per day. Freeze-dried food is highly recommended.

The following items must be carried by all runners at all times: 

DURING THE RUN (MANDATORY EQUIPMENT)

  • Suitable running shoes and socks – the most important thing is to have plenty of support and comfort and to ensure your sizing has enough space for some foot swelling in the heat.
  • GPS device (these may be available to hire from Rat Race) – this can be a watch or a handheld device. This is an important piece of equipment that will assist you following the GPS-generated route line on the ground. If you’re not familiar with such devices, don’t worry – they are easy to pick up! You should practise with your device prior to arrival at the event but the Rat Race team will also assist on arrival with GPX files and ensure you know how to download them onto your device. The key is that this device MUST have enough battery to last a full 15 hour day and you must have the ability to re-charge it (portable charger, see below). You must have enough power to ensure your GPS device can be powered on each day for all six days of the challenge. 
  • Running pack – you will need to fit all the mandatory kit inside, plus mandatory water capacity, food (min 400 kcal) and spare clothing. 
  • Hydration system –  you will be required to carry a water bladder (1.5L – 2L) and two water bottles. It is expected that all runners have a bladder full of water, and two bottles for salts / energy drink options.
  • Waterproof liner or drybag for day bag – a waterproof liner or drybag will prevent sand getting all over your items inside! 
  • Cap / hat with sun protection and sunglasses – you’ll want all the shade you can get on this event, starting with your head! We advise wrap-around sports sunglasses to give you the maximum field of vision and sun protection. Cat 3 protection minimum spec. 
  • Sand gaiters – these are a must for certain parts of the route to ensure that sand does not get into your shoes! A good pair that is well-attached will spare you the horrors that a tiny amount of sand could do inside – even a few grains may be enough to irritate your feet over the course of a day. 
  • Durable water repellent windproof jacket (with TAPED SEAMS)
  • Poles
  • Buff/scarf
  • Whistle (included on many ultra running vests) 
  • Compass – ideally you won’t need this but it’s a must have, just in case your GPS device fails and you need to take a bearing.
  • Portable charger – for your phone and charging your GPS device! 
  • High-quality head torch with spare batteries (we also recommend red light capability)
  • Personal basic first aid and foot care kit (inc: safety pins *4, cleansing wipes, antiseptic spray or cream, plasters, zinc oxide tape, 4x sterile needles, 4x scalpel blades, small pair of scissors and gauze swabs (2x packs of 5 swabs))
  • Sunblock (minimum strength factor 30, although 50+ is recommended)
  • Minimum of 400 kcal emergency food reserve to be carried on you during each stage of the challenge – this equates to 4 energy gels or similar bar products. 
  • Electrolytes / salt tablets or sticks – these are vital given the conditions in Namibia. Runners will lose a lot of essential salts through sweat and it’s important to replenish these to avoid burning out and dehydrating. 

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS

  • Proof of travel insurance
  • Passport
  • Cash (Namibian dollars)

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ITEMS 

  • Long sleeve loose wicking layers for sun-protection 
  • Small or travel pillow 
  • Battery Pack for recharging phones. There will be no electricity in the campsites.
  • Normal clothes and toiletries for when you leave the race and for travelling
  • International plug adaptor
  • Baby wipes
  • Small towel
  • Spork, or similar eating utensils
  • Shoes for camp, flip flops or similar (these can be left at camp while running)

Participants’ equipment and clothing must be able to fit into one large bag which will be transported between campsites. This bag must be a waterproof soft duffel and must not exceed 20 kgs in total.

Will I have to carry all my kit each day?2023-12-27T16:23:06+00:00

No. Each participant is allowed a 20kg soft duffel bag which will be transported between campsites. Participants will have access to this bag after each day’s run. In this bag, participants are advised to carry items such as: meals and snacks (dehydrated food is advised), a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, travel pillow, regular clothing, alternative footwear, and anything else they desire (as long as it weighs no more than 20 kg).

Runners must, however, take a day pack each day, with essential survival and nutrition items (such as water bottles, nutrition, basic medical kit, a whistle etc) in their running packs.

The full list of mandatory safety kit will be communicated in the kit list in advance of the challenge to all registered participants.

What time will we start each morning?2023-12-27T16:23:44+00:00

Each stage will start between 05:00 – 09:00, covering between 32 km and 60 km on each stage. There will be checkpoints approximately every 10km where participants can access water, shelter, and if necessary medical support. On Day 4 (Thursday), we will be on the road at approx. 5:00 am with head torches and glow sticks! This is the infamous long day, an epic test of endurance and an incredible challenge for every runner.

Do I need insurance?2023-12-27T16:25:07+00:00

Run for Love Namibia is an extreme challenge and runners are required to take out adequate travel, medical and other insurance. Personal insurance that covers ultra marathon trail running is required to participate in this event. If a participant does not have sufficient insurance, they will not be allowed to take part.

Event insurance is included in the entry fee, but we require you to be covered personally as well. Three companies we recommend include: Dogtag, The British Mountaineering Council, ITRA Insurance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you check and adhere to the specific passport, visa, health and immigration requirements for Namibia.

You must check these requirements with the relevant embassies/Consulates and by consulting with the latest travel advice provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (“FCDO”) at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice or your local government’s travel advice.

You should also check with your doctor for details on any health measures you will need to take prior to the start date of Run For Love Namibia. Requirements do change, so it is important that you stay up to date with these requirements at all times prior to the event start date.

What if I get injured during training and can no longer take part – what happens to my money?2023-12-27T16:22:28+00:00

The challenge deposit is non-refundable.

However, if you withdraw with an injury (or for any other reason) before 1 August 2024 you may transfer the balance (£875 – Early Bird Registration, £1,125 – General Registration) towards your place in any future Run for Love.

 

Do I have to fundraise?2023-12-27T14:54:02+00:00

Our goal is to fundraise £150,000 for TRIBE Freedom Foundation to help end modern slavery. We are asking every runner to aim to fundraise at least £1,500 towards our goal, supporting our projects to prevent modern slavery and empower the survivors.

There are lots of ways for you to fundraise as a team and we will be on hand to help every runner to maximise their impact with helpful guidance on matched funding, JustGiving and setting up fundraising events.

What if I want to arrive earlier or stay later?2023-12-27T15:01:38+00:00

You are welcome to extend your stay in Namibia. However, outside of the meals and accommodation included in your challenge entry package, you will need to be self-sufficient! Please check the “What’s included in my registration fee” section in the FAQs.

Are there any cut-offs during the challenge?2023-12-27T15:02:21+00:00

The main goal of Run for Love is that everyone is able to finish the event safely whilst enjoying the scenery. We hope this event will have a high finish rate. There may be cut-off times to ensure all runners complete each day during daylight hours (other than the long day). Runners should aim to sustain at least 4 km per hour (a slow walking pace). Any cut-offs exist purely for the safety of participants and crew members. We want everyone to reach the finish line.

What happens if I cannot complete the challenge?2023-12-27T15:02:51+00:00

This is an extreme event and voluntary or imposed withdrawal from the event can happen. This is handled with great respect by TRIBE and our event partners.

Participants may withdraw from the event at any time. Any participant who wishes to stop should inform a marshal. Should a participant retire or be withdrawn from the event, they will remain accommodated at the campsite with those still participating If anyone needs to miss a day or part of a day, they are still more than welcome – and encouraged to go again the next day if they are able to.