The Rules of the Race to Paris

The Race to Paris is a fund-raising event organised by Edinburgh Students' Charities Appeal.

The idea is for participants to get to a designated point in Paris (France) in the minimum amount of time and without spending any money on transport (we don't expect you to go on hunger strike as well while taking part... and actually, if all else fails, we don't mind if you pay for the ferry crossing from Dover to Calais). You can hitch, blag travel on a train, a plane, even ask for donations to pay for a bus. As long as your tactics are legal (both in the UK and any other countries you pass through) and you organise your trip on the day (none of this "getting free flights before you go" shenanigans) you can use whatever means you can imagine!

Whilst this is obviously intended to be a fun event, there are obviously some risks involved and consequently some rules are needed. Below are the basic rules of the event. More detailed rules can be viewed by clicking here.

The rules are quite simple, easy to follow, and designed to ensure your safety.

You can not spend any money on travel (except for the ferry from Dover to Calais if you really get stuck).

Teams are of two people (no more, no less) of which at least ONE must be male. All participants must be aged 18 or over at time of departure.

Participants must pay the £35 registration fee (per team member). You will be refunded your fee if your team raises over £350.

You can choose the charity you wish to support. Only legally recognised charities can be supported.

Don't do anything illegal! If we find that you have done something illegal you will be considered to have cheated and may be disqualified.

Don't accept anything you feel uncomfortable with, EVEN IF IT'S FREE!

Teams must check in by text message periodically as a security requirement. If you don't check in, we'll assume the worst, and call the relevant Police with your last known location.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a suitable tavel insurance policy for the period of your trip. If you can not show evidence of adequate cover, you may not be permitted to take part. Below are some insurance policies that we think are quite good...

The following list gives you a selection of insurer's websites you might want to visit for a cheap Backpacker travel insurance policy in the UK (usually Backpacker cover also covers you for Hitchiking, but if you have your own cover, you might want to check this).

The sites below are what we have found to be the cheapest, but as with everything, shop around for the best deal. Another benefit of these sites are that they are fairly easy to use.

If you're fed up you can either pay your way to Paris or go home. If you decide to go home you MUST tell us!

It's not strictly a rule, but you are much more likely to get a lift or assistance if you smile and have fun!