This event is essentially five fell races and as such is organised under the rules of the Fell Runners Association. This is an organisation run by fell runners for fell runners. The rules of the organisation, like the sport are kept pure and simple although the rules relating to safety are thorough and well thought out by experienced people.
Fell relays of this nature attract non fell running clubs and with that runners who are inexperienced in competing on the fells and sometimes lack the extra skills needed to compete in this type of event. With that in mind Rossendale Harriers as organisers of this event have compiled some guidlines for clubs considering entering our event.

1. The kit requirements as specified are the minimum required by FRA rules. Clubs/individuals should consider adding to or enhancing the items specified given the time of year and the weather conditions. An example would be to wear or carry "waterproof" as opposed to "windproof " full body cover. It should be noted that tights or trackster type leggings are not acceptable as "windproof " clothing. Material such as Pertex, Gore Tex or ripstop nylon would be examples of what is acceptable.

2. Kit checks will be carried out at the start of each leg and all runners entered should present themselves, with their kit for checking before they start. The kit requirements as outlined are to be worn or carried by each runner.

3. Clubs/individuals should have a basic understanding and be aware of the dangers and symptons and treatment of hypothermia. This can occur very quickly especially in February if runners are forced to stop or slow to a walking pace. Body heat is lost rapidly in cold wet or windy conditions and the onset of hypothermia can be very rapid unless sufficient warm/waterproof/windproof clothing is worn or carried.

4. With the above in mind runners should stay together at all times. This event crosses high, open, exposed moorland (especially on the second and final legs) and teams cannot be sure that they will have sight of other teams in front or behind of them.

5.Should weather conditions on the day be of such severity as to endanger life and limb the organisers will take the decision, possibly at the last moment to cancel or abandon the race.The main factor in making such a judgement will be to protect the safety of the competitors and officials, this may prove unpopular but the organisers decision will be final.

6. Maps...It is essential that each runner carries a map of his or her route and have a basic understanding of how to use the map. The map carried should be a O.S. map or good readable photocopy or the Harveys map of the Pennine Bridleway South which is more runner friendly and easier to follow. It is essential that each runner has basic navgational skills and an ability to navigate to safety should an accident/incident occur.It should not be assumed that because this event takes place in the South Pennines and not the Lake District or Welsh mountains that navigational skills are not needed. Basic map reading skills are easy to obtain and clubs should consider courses or events where these might well be learned.

7. Prior knowledge of the route is recommended i.e. whilst the entire route is well waymarked the signs could easily be missed in the heat of the race and we would advise runners to recc'e their respective legs prior to the race.

The general philosophy behind the above advice/requirements is that the competitor or the individual should take primary responsibility for his or her safety on the fells. As organisers we also have a responsibility to ensure that the race is made as safe as possible. The rules are relayed by the organisers to the clubs or club official entering the team and it is important that this official/individual conveys those rules and requirements to each of the 10 individuals in the team that he or she has entered. (as from 2009 the club must give formal assurance in writing that this has been done)

The Fellrunners Association organise safety and navigation courses for runners. For information visit their website at :
www.fellrunner.org (click)

Hypothermia and runners (click) Here is an article written by myself (GW) offering advice on the condition known as Hpothermia and makes useful reading.

For information on navgation, hypothermia and safety in the outdoors the definitive book to read is Mountaincraft and Leadership by Eric Langmuir published by the Scottish Sports Council
.....................................................................................................................................................

Easter Sunday 2008 !