The Start
The Focus on Imaging Photoplod starts at Steyning Leisure Centre on Friday June 13. You should arrive for registration at 9pm. Check-in normally takes until around 11pm to get everyone singed in. All teams set off together at 11.45pm. Detailed instructions of the route will be issued to captains one week before the event and also at registration.

During the Walk
The official Focus on Imaging Photoplod route follows the beautiful South Downs Way from Steyning to Birling Gap and can be found on OS maps 122 and 123.
There are nine checkpoints along the route, averaging about four miles apart, and this is where marshals will check you in and out along with your competing team walkers. If you don’t complete the walk for any reason, you must inform a marshal or call control and ensure transport is arranged via your support crew.
You will be expected to provide your own refreshments and supplies for the walk. However, you will be given breakfast at the half way point (Newmarket Inn).
The walk is quite tough with many hills at the start, it is also mostly in darkness, so decent kit and provisions are essential to ensure your team is able to survive the challenge!

Support
Every team must enter with at least one support vehicle/driver who will meet the team at each of the nine checkpoints. At these stops, teams can stock up on food, drink, clothing, change of shoes, first aid, sunscreen and so on. The role of the support crew is vital to the survival of the team and therefore the recommended kit list is encouraged.

Competition
This is a team competition. Teams, walkers, and drivers will be able to score points for completing the walk, completing the quiz, signing in and out at checkpoints, group photo at breakfast and so on. Scores are verified at the end of the walk and winners, losers and other titles are announced at the gala dinner on the Saturday night.

Safety & Accidents
We issue all walkers with illuminous arm bands and recommend bright clothing for the night section of the walk. It is advised that team members try to stay together until daylight for safety and not to walk alone at any point of the trail. Event Control patrol the route amd record each walker at every checkpoint.

The Finish
The walk finishes at Birling Gap, where you are required to check-in on arrival. You will be given your finishing number and will hand in your quiz and ID tags. You will also receive your medal of achievement in recognition of your efforts. There is a pub at the finish where you will be able to have a drink and make the most of the shade!

Gala Dinner
The Cavendish Hotel provides the destination for our celebratory banquet and overnight accommodation. Once you have showered and slept a little, you will be able to enjoy the company of your team and fellow teams for a special celebration meal and awards ceremony. If you wish, you may bring extra guests for the night by arrangement.

Entering a Team
All you need to do to become part of the Focus on Imaging Photoplod 2008 is find a team of six walkers (at least two of which must be male and two of which must be female or three of each of course) and at least one support driver and vehicle. It costs just £100 to enter a team. Each team member will need to pay £75 which will cover the cost of the hotel accommodation and gala dinner.

Sponsorship
We ask teams to set themselves a target of raising £1000 of sponsorship (which is only an average £168 per head for a minimum sized team and much less for a larger team). Please make every effort to raise at least the minimum sponsorship. All sponsorship monies and forms must be sent to Action Medical Research by July 28 2008.

Make good use of Action Medical Research’s online sponsorship system. Create your own fundraising account and invite friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you online, safely and securely.

Preparing for the Walk
We recommend that you increase your training gradually and follow a normal balanced diet in preparation for the Photoplod. A training programme and diet sheet will be sent to you in your Plod pack after you register. A reasonable level of fitness is required for the strenuous and challenging walk.

Insurance
You must understand that you take part in this event at your own risk. You absolve Action Medical Research from responsibility for any injury incurred or loss sustained to property through your participation in this event, unless caused through the negligence of Action Medical Research.