FAQs
Your questions answered
Taking part in a charity challenge is a big commitment and we want to make sure you’re fully prepared. Here’s a round up of our most frequently asked questions. For questions specific to one of our challenges please just get in touch with the team directly: lucy@classicchallenge.co.uk
General
What is the average age?
It is impossible to give an average age. Charity challenges appeal to people from all age groups. We have taken people from 18 to 80 years old to all corners of the globe. Those aged 16 and 17 are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian although a minimum age of 18 applies to some of our most challenging events e.g. Kilimanjaro. If you are 16 or 17 years old and want to join a challenge please contact us at info@classicchallenge.co.uk before you register.
What type of person takes part?
Everyone who signs up for a charity challenge has two things in common – a sense of adventure and the desire to help those less fortunate. There are people from all walks of life which makes for an interesting and diverse group of fellow participants. Most people who sign up don’t know anyone else beforehand but we quite often get friends, couples and groups taking part. There will be the opportunity to meet other participants at a pre-departure information session plus you can opt to join Facebook to start sharing tips on kit, training and fundraising. It’s also a great forum for photo sharing after the challenge.
How fit and healthy do I have to be?
You don’t have to be super fit to take part and it’s not a race. However, our challenges are fairly strenuous therefore you should be of average fitness and enjoy reasonable health. We strongly recommend that you do regular training in the weeks leading up to the event. If you are over 65 you must obtain a signed medical form from your doctor. It is essential that the charity and Classic Challenge are aware of any medical conditions that may be affected by participating in the event.
How many people take part?
This varies a great deal from group to group, as some destinations have a limit but on average each charity challenge is made up of 30 – 40 participants plus staff.
How are minimum sponsorship challenges funded?
Each challenge requires a non-refundable registration fee. In addition to the registration fee there are usually two payment options to choose from and airport taxes to pay (if a flight is included in the challenge):
A) Option 1
You will commit to raising a minimum amount of sponsorship in aid of your chosen charity. You will need to discuss with your charity what the minimum sponsorship level will be. We will invoice your chosen charity at 10 weeks prior to departure, for the tour cost minus the registration fee. We will invoice you directly for the airport tax. You will pay all your sponsorship money to your chosen charity, not Classic Challenge. Your chosen charity will need to receive 100% of your minimum sponsorship by 12 weeks prior to departure. Until your charity receives 100% of the minimum sponsorship and Classic Challenge receives your airport tax your place on the challenge is not confirmed.
B) Option 2
You will pay the cost detailed in the Charity registration pack, plus airport taxes. You will also be asked to raise as much sponsorship as you can for your charity, but there is no minimum sponsorship requirement. You will pay all your sponsorship money to your chosen charity. At 10 weeks prior to departure, we will invoice you for the cost outlined in the registration pack plus airport taxes.
Please note that airport tax is a combination of flight taxes (airline insurance / security tax / fuel cost and tax). This is subject to change up until the point that you are invoiced directly for the airport tax 10 weeks before departure.
The tour cost is based on a minimum of 30 people taking part. If the number falls below this level the tour cost may increase.
Fundraising
What fundraising help will I receive?
Raising funds is often the toughest part of a charity challenge. However, it is possible to reach and even exceed the sponsorship target as many participants of all ages and from all walks of life have proved. Whichever charity you sign up with will also offer support and pass on top tips from past participants.
What happens if I can't raise the sponsorship money?
All money raised is a charitable donation until you have paid the minimum sponsorship money to the charity – usually 10 weeks before departure. At this point your place on the charity challenge will be confirmed. If you do not raise the required amount you are liable to forfeit your place on the challenge. All sponsorship money should then be forwarded to the charity who will return it to your sponsors where requested. You can however make up the shortfall yourself in order to still take part. If you are having problems raising money do let the charity know well before the sponsorship deadline so that they can offer help and advice.
How much of the money I raise will directly help the charity?
Charity challenges do incur costs for travel, accommodation, food, staff etc. Classic Challenge gives the charity a package price per person and the sponsorship level is set accordingly.
What if my sponsors think my challenge is a holiday?
The challenge of taking part in one of our events starts months before departure due to the fundraising and training involved. Once on the challenge the physical exertion of trekking, cycling, climbing for 6 – 8 hours a day is not to be under-estimated. This combined with a different culture, climate and basic accommodation means that the experience is often outside most people’s comfort zone. However, the personal satisfaction of overcoming these physical and emotional barriers and benefiting your chosen charity is fantastic.
Are payments for travel arrangements protected?
Challenges which include a flight are ATOL protected as we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 1886. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
The Challenge
What does the challenge include?
This varies by challenge but in general the following is included: all transportation (flights, ferry, train, coach etc depending on the event), shared accommodation, full board (on challenge days), water and snacks whilst undertaking the activity, luggage transfer, bikes (if cycling outside of Europe), all necessary back-up including support vehicles, Tour Manager, mechanics, doctor or medic and guides.
What is not included in the challenge?
This varies by challenge but in general the following is not included: registration fee, travel insurance, vaccinations, bikes (on European challenges), spending money, visa, tips for local staff, airport taxes, some meals on non-challenge days (varies by event) and optional tours.
Do I need specialist kit?
You will receive a packing list when you sign up which recommends the type of clothing and equipment you will need. If cycling the only essential item is a helmet which must be worn at all times when riding – plus a bicycle on European challenges e.g. London to Paris Bike Ride. If trekking a comfortable pair of worn in boots is a must.
Do I need travel insurance?
You must be insured to take part – either through a company of your choice or the Classic Challenge recommended policy. If you are organising your own policy please make sure your insurance company is aware of the nature of what you are doing and that it is a charity event. You will need to provide proof of your insurance 8 weeks before the challenge.
Are airport taxes Included?
Airport taxes are not included in any of our charity challenges and are payable by each participant 8-10 weeks prior to departure (depending on the airline).
Where will we stay?
We use different types of accommodation (hotels, guest houses, hostels and camp sites) depending on what’s available in the area which is suitable for groups. As these are charity challenges and not holidays the standard is generally quite basic during the event itself with a better quality (normally a 3 star hotel or equivalent) at the end. Rooming is usually twin, triple or quad share although occasionally we use dormitories. Accommodation is single sex, sometimes we can make provision for couples but this isn’t always possible.
Will I have to carry my luggage?
No, luggage will be transported in support vehicles unless otherwise stated, although day packs may need to be carried on some treks where there is no vehicle access. Small bum bags are useful for carrying personal items with you.
What kind of support is there?
There will be full medical back up, mechanical support (if cycling) and English speaking guides. There will also be support vehicles available (on most challenges) in case for any reason you are unable to continue. A Classic Challenge Tour Manager accompanies every challenge.
Are bicycles provided?
Bicycles are generally provided on all challenges that include a flight. You will need to bring your own bicycle on UK and European challenges e.g. London to Paris.
What’s the food like?
The food will be wholesome, tasty and plentiful. It is usually prepared by the local team so we are able to enjoy a variety of local dishes. For example, Morocco – couscous and tagines, China – rice and noodles, India – curries and dhals. There will be snacks and water available on challenge days. If you have a special dietary request please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate it.
How much spending money will I need to take?
This is entirely up to you and depends on how many souvenirs you want to take home. We suggest around £100 spending money for short haul events and £200 for long haul challenges to cover sightseeing, drinks, gifts, optional tours etc.
Can I stay on afterwards?
It is usually possible to stay on after the challenge. If it is an event which involves a flight any extension will depend on airline rules and availability. A fee of £40 per person is usually payable, subject to additional charges levied by the airline.
