CHECK POINTS & SAFETY INFO / RACE PROCEDURES

With so many newcomers getting involved with our sport it is probably a good time to give a clear explanation of the race procedure. All races that count for the Callin Wild Manx Fell League are point to point with the responsibility on the competitor to navigate around the course.  Route descriptions and maps are available for all races. Sections on some courses are over private land with the route usually decided by the landowner. These will be clearly flagged. It is mandatory for any flagged route to be followed by all competitors.

When studying the route descriptions it will be seen that there are two types of checks used.

Firstly there are unmanned checkpoints. These are usually situated on the summits and will be in the form of punches. All competitors must punch there check card (these will given out at registration) to prove they have been there. These check cards will be randomly examined at the finish.

Secondly there are manned safety checks at various places on the course. Marshals here will record the race number of every runner passing through, there will be no punch. It is at these points that the race control can be made aware of any runner who has gone missing and action taken as necessary. It is vital that every runner has there number recorded at these safety checks.

Any runner who misses any unmanned checkpoint or manned safety check will be automatically disqualified from the race.

Unless stated otherwise in the pre race information, all senior runners and those junior runners competing in races in which seniors are competing should arrive at races prepared to carry all of the following “best practice” equipment:

  • WATERPROOF whole body cover (i.e.covering the torso from head to ankles)

  • Other body cover appropriate fort he weather conditions including, as a minimum, hat and gloves.

  • Map of the race route and compass suitable for navigating the course (GPS or watch are not acceptable substitutes)

  • Whistle.

  • Emergency food (long races).

Beginners and those with poor navigation skills should also carry a mobile phone.

The FRA recognises “waterproof” to mean a garment marketed as "waterproof" i.e. not just “windproof” with taped seams.

Such garments require maintaining (i.e.cleaning and reproofing) to maintain their waterproof quality.

The FRA safety requirements state full kit requirements in Paragraph 13.