MFR Race Kit Requirements
With the 2009 Rentokil Fell League just underway, here is a refresher on the MFR kit requirements for each race. All of the Manx Fell League races are category A and therefore require additional clothing and safety kit to be carried during them This requirement is standard across all UK fell races and is in place for your own safety. Especially with the weather as it is at the moment the last thing you want is to be stranded on top of a hill for a couple of hours during a race with an injury and not at least have the basic kit to help you out.
Here is what you need.
Full Waterproof Body Cover
Just windproof is not suitable you need a full lightweight waterproof jacket and waterproof bottoms
Map, Compass and Whistle
You need a map suitable to navigate the race course, the standard is Ordanance Survey (1:50000 scale) or Public Rights of Way (1:25000) another good option for the fells are the Harvey Maps (1:30000), these conatin more details than the OS but are smaller than the Public Rights of Way. Second you will need a resonable compass, that can be used effectively to navigate if required and finally a whistle to attract attention if you are lost or injured.
Hat, Gloves and Emergency Food
Hat, Gloves and Emergency Food are optional but if the weather is particulary bad or it is a long race they may be made compulsory to carry, this is reccommended anyway and you should always be prepared to carry them on race day.
Somewhere to put it!
A bumbag, rucksack or similar is recommended to carry the above kit!
If you have any questions or need anything clarifying please just contact MFR
Filed under: MFR News
What about sealed seams and hoods? My gear is waterproof (i think). But my mountain gear will add considerable weight.
We don`t expect runners to have to go as far as sealed seams although some off-island races do stipulate this. Just sensible waterproof gear that most of us use in wet weather racing or training. We don`t expect everyone to turn up in the latest Gortex suits that cost a fortune.
The key words really are common sense. If the weather is cold and wet I would not start a race without my waterproofs plus gloves and hat wether it is compulsory or not.
There seems to be a bit of confusion amongst the newer runners as to why safety gear was not required at St Johns even though it was a very cold day. The FRA ruling is that safety gear is compulsory in ALL medium and long races. However in short races the organising committee can decide on wether any gear has to be carried. In the case of St Johns we don`t feel we need to make safety gear compulsory