Gofar Definitions

Ultra-distance

There are undoubtedly different views on what constitutes ultra-distance as opposed to long-distance or even whether there is any difference at all!  For the purposes of this site the general benchmark for inclusion is a route of at least 35 miles with 6000 feet of ascent.

Challenge

This is something which can be completed at any time and at your own initiative in one continuous outing.  Races and other types of event organised on specific dates are excluded from this site.   For the purposes of this site national or regional trails, such as the Pennine Way or Calderdale Way, which have some form of official blessing are excluded.  Challenges fall into two categories - formal or informal as described below.

Formal or Official

These are routes where there is an official recorder to register successful completions and supply information on the route.  There are also usually set criteria for completing the route such as a time limit.

Informal

These are routes without any official recorder and usually without any time limit although they must be completed in one continuous outing.

Supported attempts

This is where the route is completed with assistance from road-side vehicles providing food and drink or from someone pacing or navigating a section of the route for you but who is not doing the entire route themselves.  Support also includes any purchases from shops, pubs and cafes..

Unsupported attempts

This is where there is no form of road-side or en-route support.  This usually means dumping food and drink in advance at points on the route.  Items may not be purchased from shops, cafes or pubs en-route.

Self-sufficient attempts

This one is only for the real nutcases out there!   It means you carry everything you eat and drink but you may take on water from naturally occurring sources such as streams and springs.  Technically you may eat natural occurring food en-route such as fruit or even fish and wild animals where it is available and permitted.