Everything you need to know before race day
Trail races are brilliant, but they are not quite the same as road races. This page explains what to expect, what you need to bring, and how our events work.
Before You Enter
A quick check before you sign up.
Is trail running for me?
Yes, as long as you are happy to take on uneven terrain, hills, changing conditions, and a bit more thinking than a road race.
Trail running is part race, part adventure. You do not need to be elite, but you do need to arrive prepared, wear suitable shoes, and pay attention to the course around you.
Are there prerequisites for any races?
For Ultra events, entrants must have previously completed a trail race, long-distance walk, or road race of at least marathon distance. The race organiser may ask for confirmation.
For trail half marathons, 10 mile, 10k, and shorter races, all are welcome. It is still worth looking at the route beforehand so you know what to expect.
Can I enter and pay on the day?
No. All entries must be completed online through the registration system on the website.
Who is behind Trail Monkey?
Trail Monkey started in January 2018 with a simple aim: to share Jersey’s trails with as many people as possible.
Most of the year, Trail Monkey is run by Paul Burrows and Harry McAlinden, who look after the admin, course marking, timing, permits, website, volunteers, emails, kit, signs, and the general controlled chaos of race day. On event days, they are joined by a brilliant group of marshals and volunteers who make the races possible.
The ethos is simple: friendly, inclusive, well-organised trail races that challenge people safely and send them home smiling.
Trail races are not road races
Courses are marked, but you still need to pay attention. Expect uneven terrain, route decisions, and a bit of adventure along the way.
Bring the kit. No exceptions.
All mandatory kit items are required. Random checks take place, and missing kit may mean you cannot start or continue.
Kit & Safety
The kit list is there because trail conditions can change quickly.
Do I really need trail shoes?
Yes. Jersey trails can be rocky, muddy, uneven, and slippery, especially after rain. Trail shoes give you the grip and support needed for this type of event.
Please buy them and break them in before race day. Turning up in unsuitable footwear may mean you are not allowed to start.
What mandatory kit do I need?
The exact kit list may vary by event, distance, and conditions, so always check the individual race page and final race briefing.
Typical mandatory kit may include:
- Trail shoes
- Water carrying capacity
- Nutrition
- Reusable cup
- Charged phone with organiser number saved
- what3words app
- Spare layer or waterproof layer
- Headtorch for longer races where low light is possible
Are all mandatory kit items really needed?
Yes. Mandatory kit is part of the race requirement and is there for safety, not decoration.
Runners may be out on the course for a long time, weather can change, and injuries can happen. If you need to stop, wait for help, or deal with bad weather, the kit list matters.
Please do not ask whether you personally need to carry water, wear trail shoes, or bring required safety items. If it is on the mandatory kit list, you need it.
What if I have a medical condition?
If you have a medical condition, please mark your race number with a red cross before race day. Write your medical condition and an emergency contact on the back of your number.
What do I do in an emergency?
If you are injured, in distress, or need to withdraw, contact the race director or tell the nearest marshal or checkpoint.
If you have no phone signal, move to the nearest checkpoint if it is safe to do so, or ask another runner, walker, or marshal to pass on your details.
If you come across another runner who is injured or in distress, you must stop and help. Contact the race director or alert the nearest marshal.
What hazards are on the course?
Many Trail Monkey routes use cliff paths, coastal trails, rocky sections, beaches, lanes, and uneven ground. Some sections may be narrow or exposed.
Take care, especially in wet, windy, hot, or low-light conditions. Do not overtake on narrow or dangerous sections. Wait until it is safe, and allow faster runners to pass when possible.
Race Day Logistics
The practical bits that help race day run smoothly.
How does race registration work?
Race pack collection details will be confirmed before each event. Where possible, runners or a designated representative should collect packs during the stated collection window.
Trail Monkey is a small team, and race-day admin time is limited. Collecting in advance helps the event run more smoothly and gives us time to answer questions before the pressure of race day.
Are drop bags available?
Round The Rock Ultra runners have access to a drop bag point at Les Fontaines.
In addition, all competitors in all our events can leave a bag at the start, which will be transported to the finish line.
Only official drop bag locations will be serviced. Please label your bag clearly with your name and race number.
What food and drink is available at checkpoints?
Aid stations for ultra events usually include water, coke, sweets, some savoury food, and possibly soup at one or more locations. This is supplementary. You are still expected to carry enough calories and fluids to support yourself.
Half marathon, 10 mile, 10k, and shorter race checkpoints are usually more basic, often including water, fizzy drinks, and sweets.
Are there shuttle buses?
No. Trail Monkey does not provide shuttle buses. Please arrange your own transport using public buses, taxis, lifts, or car sharing where possible.
Are there toilets?
Toilet availability depends on the event location. Some remote race locations have limited or no toilet facilities.
Trail Monkey races are intentionally a little rough and ready. That is part of the charm, but it does mean runners should plan ahead.
What weather can I expect?
Almost anything. Jersey trail races can bring sun, rain, wind, heat, cold, mud, dry trails, or all of those in one day.
Train and prepare for changing conditions, and bring the kit required for your event.
Rules & Cut-Offs
Clear expectations keep the event safe, fair, and enjoyable.
How strict are the cut-offs?
Cut-offs are strict.
They are in place for runner safety, marshal welfare, permits, timing, and event logistics. If you miss a cut-off, you will not be allowed to continue and you will not receive a finish time or medal.
Am I allowed crew or pacers?
No, unless the specific race instructions clearly state otherwise.
Trail Monkey races are self-supported challenges. We provide checkpoint support where appropriate, but outside assistance, pacers, and private crewing are not allowed unless stated for that event.
What are the main race rules?
- No unofficial runners.
- Bib number must be visible on your front.
- Follow the marked course.
- Complete the course under your own power.
- No storing supplies along the route.
- No littering.
- Tell race management if you withdraw.
- No pacers or crewing unless stated.
- Carry all mandatory kit.
- No dogs accompanying runners.
- Follow instructions from race management and marshals.
- No abuse or aggression towards staff, volunteers, marshals, or other runners.
What are the penalties for breaking rules?
Penalties may include time penalties, disqualification, refusal to start, removal from the event, or a ban from future Trail Monkey events.
Some breaches are assessed case by case depending on intention and severity. Abuse towards staff, volunteers, marshals, or runners will not be tolerated.
Refunds & Deferrals
The policy is shown during registration and applies consistently to all entrants.
What is the refund and deferral policy for Ultra and Marathon events?
- Up to 3 months before race day: 75% refund.
- Up to 1 month before race day: deferral to another Trail Monkey event within 12 months.
- Within 1 month of race day: no refunds, deferrals, or place transfers.
Previous entrants who have already deferred are not eligible for a refund after deferring.
What is the refund and deferral policy for other distances?
- Up to 1 month before race day: 75% refund.
- Up to 2 weeks before race day: deferral to another Trail Monkey event within 12 months.
- Within 2 weeks of race day: no refunds, deferrals, or place transfers.
Previous entrants who have already deferred are not eligible for a refund after deferring.
Can I transfer my entry to someone else?
No. Entries cannot be transferred to another runner.
Can a deferred entry be refunded?
No. Deferred entries cannot be exchanged for a refund and cannot be transferred to another entrant.
Why is the policy applied consistently?
The policy is shown during the registration process, and entrants agree to it when signing up. Applying one clear policy keeps things fair and avoids judging individual cases differently.
If you do not agree with the refund and deferral policy, please do not enter the event.
Round The Rock Specific Questions
Extra information for Round The Rock entrants.
How far apart are the aid stations?
Water stations are approximately 10 miles apart. You are expected to carry enough water to sustain yourself between checkpoints.
Round The Rock is cupless, so you must carry your own reusable cup if you want coke, squash, or similar drinks at checkpoints.
How far is Round The Rock?
The Ultra is approximately 48 miles. The distance will not be exactly 48 miles, and route choice, tides, and terrain can affect the final distance.
If the tide allows, running the beach rather than the road at St Ouen’s and St Brelade’s may save distance, but it can also be more uneven and physically demanding.
Still got a question?
If you have checked the FAQ and the specific race page but still cannot find the answer, email Trail Monkey with your race name, full name, and question.
Email Trail Monkey