It was good to see a sizeable turnout at the Simonside Cairns race.  I did notice that some runners weren’t carrying any kit.  So I thought it might be worth a diplomatic word on the subject.

You will find the rules on kit on page 14 (paragraph 9) of the FRA Handbook and on the FRA website here:

http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/pdf/committee/11_fra_safety%20requirements.pdf

Kit is compulsory for long and medium category A races, and should be carried at other races unless the organiser waives the requirement.  There was a clear sign at registration saying that kit had to be carried.  Thus there was no doubt that each runner had to carry the required kit for the race.

So the golden rule is: always bring your kit with you and carry it unless the organiser says you don’t have to.

For those wondering what constitutes kit, it is:

Windproof whole body cover (ie top and trousers)

Map (can be a photocopy) of the course

Whistle

Compass

Emergency food (eg Mars Bar/jelly babies) for long races

The organiser can also specify additional requirements eg body cover to be waterproof – this was the case at the Simonside Cairns Race.

There is a myriad of lightweight products out there, and it all goes comfortably into a bumbag.  It costs a bit to buy, but once purchased will last for ages.

For those in any doubt on the wisdom/need to carry all or some of the kit (“who needs the trousers – I never wear them”), they should speak to anyone who ran the inaugural Great Lakes Race.  This was in the NFR championship and started on midsummer’s day in benign conditions.  The weather closed-in mid-race with horrendous conditions on the tops.  Most people finished wearing their full bodycover and wishing they had carried/worn warmer gear.

Many races have kit-checks.  Those not complying are disqualified/prevented from starting.  It isn’t fair to the organiser or other competitors if you flout the rules.

If you were one of the runners who weren’t carrying any kit (or only carried partial kit), please don’t be offended and do come along to the next race.  Just make sure you carry your kit next time.

John Duff