In order to give themselves the best possible chance of reaching Colmar, walkers need to have a support crew, ideally two so that they can alternate work shifts. Each crew needs to have the following skills and experience between them: team leader, French/English interpreter, drivers, first aid/medical/masseur, race food preparation, previous experience of ultra-distance events and the ability to keep up with their walker when feeding them. The ‘working’ crew will work from a Motorhome that is obliged to drive behind their walker slowly. The ‘off-duty’ crew drives further ahead on the route to rest up and relieve the working crew when they pass them. So, the shopping list for the event will look something like this:
- Main coordinator
- Drivers
- A Motorhome and second car for general support
- Medical, masseur
- Fuel for both vehicles
- Ferry crossing
- Accompanying walkers, cyclist
- French and English interpreter
- 2 support crews, each of 4 - 5 people
- Accommodation before and after the race
- Sports food, drinks, spare shoes, first aid etc. for the walker
- Food and drink for the crew members
- Petty cash for other expenses