LOCAL RESIDENTS Q&A

If you are a local resident and have any concerns about how this event will impact you please feel free to contact us.

Questions and Answers

Q. What is an adventure race?
A. An adventure race can take many different forms but always has a multisport dimension. At the iROC™ Race participants will compete in six different races that include running, orienteering and mountain biking. In fact, iROC stands for inov-8 Run Orienteer Cycle.

Q. Can you tell me more about the iROC™ event?
A. Yes! iROC™ will be an incredibly exciting event to take part in or watch. Uniquely each of the six races will have a spectator friendly start and will pass back through the event centre, on the lower Weardale Works site, at least once before finishing. This will ensure that iROC™ offers the best adventure race spectating ever seen in the UK. Each race will be between one and six hours long.

Q. Why is iROC™ taking place here?
A. The former Weardale Works site is an unusual and interesting venue for adventure racing. First, the site of the former cement factory offers a fantastic enclosed and self-sufficient location for the event centre, race infrastructure and participant car parking. Secondly, the quarry itself and steep hillside that form the majority of the site offer challenging terrain, complex contour features, woodland and tracks that make it ideal for adventure racing. There is the added bonus of having the back drop of the stunning moorland and beautiful Wear Valley.

Q. Can I take part?
A. Yes. Please click the ‘Come and Try It – Adventure Racing’ link for further information.

Q. Can I spectate?
A. Yes. You are welcome to pop along anytime during the weekend to watch what is going on and enjoy the event centre atmosphere and facilities.

Q. Will there be an increase in road traffic because of the event?
A. Most competitors compete in teams and will arrive by car together so there will be fewer competitors’ cars than you may first imagine. Competitors will generally arrive on a staggered basis during a long time period on the Friday afternoon/evening (28th May) before the event. Once the event finishes on the Monday afternoon (31st May) competitors generally leave within a few hours of each other.

Q. Where will participants park their cars?
A. All car parking for the event will be on the concrete pad, which was the site of the former cement factory. There will be NO disruption to local residents because of event car parking.

Q. Where will the participants be staying?
A. The majority of participants will be camping on the former playing field that is within the Weardale Works site. Some participants will choose to stay in local B&B’s and hotels and details of these are available on the iROC website.

Q. What facilities are being provided for the participants?
A. A small, temporary event centre will be built for iROC™ on the concrete pad. This will include marquees, portaloos, first aid, catering etc.  There will be music and commentary during the weekend but this will not be as loud or late, as the music at the 2009 race. All of this infrastructure will be removed immediately after the event.

Q. What about increased litter?
A. Adventure sports participants typically appreciate the natural outdoor environment and will be as concerned about additional litter as you. As such we anticipate very little litter but will ensure the entire event site is checked and cleared of any race related litter immediately after the event.

Q. Will local business benefit from this event?
A. Yes. A key philosophy of the event is to source products and services from local business if possible. This will have a direct impact on the local rural economy, in addition to competitors and spectators spending money in shops, garages, pubs, restaurants and for accommodation over the weekend of the event. In the long term and as a result of event reports in the specialist and mainstream media, we expect that more outdoor enthusiasts will become aware of the area as a destination for recreational tourism.