Download Event Rules

Event rules.
1. The event will be run in accordance with FRA rules as modified and extended by the following: ( Special attention should be paid to the FRA safety requirements rules 9 and 14 ).

2. Each team must comprise of Ten different runners.

3. Teams may be made up of runners from different clubs but such teams may not be entered under a club name ,the organisers should be made aware that the team entered is a composite team and any such team will not be eligible for prizes or leg records.

4. The minimum age is 18 yrs of age for legs 1,2,3 and 5 although 16yrs of age ( on the 1st January on the year of the race) for leg 4 which is the shortest leg ( 5.5 miles ). This is as per the Fra rules for competition rule 10

5. Pairs should run together at all times and must be together when entering the changeover.

6. It is the responsibility of the club/team Captain or the responsible person entering the team to ensure that all of the team members are fully aware of all Race rules and details and in particular to rule 7 below and FRA safety requirements 9 and 14. This must be confirmed in writing on the form supplied as a download ( click here ) and returned to the organiser at the address on the form.

7. In accordance with FRA rules and having regard to the nature of the route and the time of year, it is mandatory that every competitor must wear or carry windroof ( preferably waterproof ) whole body cover i.e. cagoule and overtrousers,(tights are not acceptable) other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions, map suitable for safely navigating the course,compass, whistle plus hat and gloves. Emergency food should also be considered and competitors should bring such additional equipment in the event that it is required. We will carry out strict kit checks at the start of each leg.

8. Bum bags must not be passed on at leg changeovers from one runner to another.

9. Kit checks will be made in accordance with FRA rules at the start of each leg. Competitors must ensure that they are at the start of their leg in sufficient time for kit checks to be carried out. Runners should register at the start of their leg, collect their race number and get their kit checked.(Safety pins will be provided)

10. The route is definitive i.e. there is no route choice. The correct route is the one as outlined on the official map sent out to teams and defined on the ground by the Waymarking signs. Any reports of deviation from the permitted route will be investigated by the organisers and could result in disqualification of the whole team. There should be no excuse for shortcutting,runners should preferably have some prior knowledge of their own leg route and maintain the spirit of the event by taking extra care on the day to ensure the correct route is followed. Shortcutting or deviation from the proper route causes ill feeling and resentment by other teams and should be avoided at all costs !

11. Club vests should be worn to assist officials at changeover points to identify incoming teams. ( Weather conditions may however determine that a club vest be worn under a cagoule)..

12. Runners should register at the start of their leg and collect their race number. Safety pins will be provided .This should be worn by each runner on the front of the chest. Numbers must not be folded or cut down in size. An emergency contact tel. number for use by runners on the day will be printed onto the front of their race number. ( The weather conditions may however dictate that the number is not visible if a cagoule or other warm weather clothing needs to be worn.)

13. Please take care crossing main roads.

14. This is a bridleway and you may encounter horses and cycles on the route. Please slow down and give way and take extra special care around horses.Please show care and respect for other users.

15. Mixed teams must comprise of 5 ladies and 5 men with a man and a lady on each leg ( this is a new format from 2012)

16 Cut off times. To ensure the safe passage of all runners given the shortage of daylight hours at this time of year cut off times will be introduced at the final 2 changeover points. ( Summit and Whitworth) There will be a mini mass start at the cut off times for all teams whose incoming runners (leg 3 and 4 runners) have not yet arrived. Slower teams should be especially aware of the cut off times and make their runners available for a possible mass start. Teams missing the mass start at the last 2 changeovers will not be allowed to continue ! For leg 4 runners this is 1.30 pm prompt and for leg 5 runners this is 2.30pm prompt.

Click here for a more detailed explanation of the mass starts

17 There will also be a cut off time introduced at the first 2 changeovers at the discretion of the officials if the incoming runners are deemed to be overdue. This may be due to an injury or or the team getting lost. In order that the rest of the team can progress and the outgoing runners are not waiting around in the cold they will be issued with a new "dibber" and set off.

18. We will be using the Sprortident timing system which requires an electronic “dibber” to be carried by one team member who will hand it to the official at the changeover who check in by placing the “dibber” into a control box and then pass the “ dibber” on to the outgoing team.
See separate sheet for details of the Sportident Timing System.

19. Special care should be taken parking at changeover points. Parking space is limited and we would advise incoming/outgoing runners to car share as much as possible. We would advise spectators to avoid the changeover points.
See the leg changovers page for details of parking.

20 Every single gate must be closed. Teams observed not closing gates will be instantly disqualified. Do not assume that the team behind will close the gate. Even if it means closing a gate on an approaching team......close it !
We have had complaints from farmers and United Utilities rangers in the past so please ensure you follow this rule.

21.The use of Gps, Sat Nav, I phone or similar electronic devices is not permitted as a navigational aid on the day. It is permissable however to wear or carry such devices to record the statsistics of your run.The primary navigational aid should be by the use of a paper map and compass.