After its thrilling inception in 2018, Red Bull Quicksand will return to Margate, on Saturday, May 18.
The brutal, one-mile beach race sees runners battling through sand – and a treacherous series of obstacles – to make it to the finish. Last year, the course presented runners with trenches, rollers and whopping sandcastles, with the tallest climb a staggering 23 feet tall – almost the height of two double-decker buses.
The 2019 edition on Margate Main Sands promises even bigger, tougher challenges, including a new loose sand tabletop obstacle.
Open to a bigger field of 750 participants this year, the knockout format will also be more competitive. Like last year, the top finishers in each heat will take on the gruelling course all over again in the semi-finals and, if successful, the finals.
Runners expend 1.6 times more energy on sand than running on a road surface and the course will be full of sandy climbs, testing competitors endurance, acceleration and speed.
Runners must complete their mile within 20 minutes or they will be cut off from the heat. A participant’s time on the course starts when their timing chip passes the electronic mat at the start and stops when the timing chip passes the electronic mat at the Finish.
There will be flags in the sand at the finish line. Competitors will need to claim a flag to progress through the competition.
The event is free to watch and there will be designated viewing areas for spectators. It runs from 10am to 4pm.
