Assistance on the Course

No pacing allowed and no assistance to runners permitted outside of checkpoints.

On The Course

This is an unmarked course. It is the competitor’s responsibility to study your  maps and know your course.

The terrain and altitude make this a serious ultramarathon with significant risks, and runner safety is paramount. While some sections are close to significant roads, there are large sections with poor access for emergency vehicles. Despite relatively mild weather for this time of year, exposure is still a potential hazard for a tired or injured runner. The weather can change dramatically in a short space of time in the Alps. White-out conditions are possible even in January, while extreme heat can cause dehydration and sunstroke.  The remoteness of parts of the course mean an injured runner may have to wait hours to be rescued.

Runners must carry the mandatory gear. While we do not wish to be the “trail police”, we will do spot checks in the interests of runner safety. All runners must be prepared with both the light and heavy kit. An announcement is made usually the day before the race regarding which kit is to be carried.

Runners are advised to carry a litre of water when leaving each checkpoint. While extra water can be obtained from natural water courses it is advised to treat before drinking. Care should be taken crossing Big River.

Runners must follow directions from race officials. Checkpoint officials will have the authority to withdraw a runner if they deem the runner unfit to continue or if the runner is outside the cut off time.

If you need to leave the trail

Upon check in, you will be supplied with a coloured ribbon with your race number on it. Please tie this to the outside of your pack. If you have to temporarily leave the trail for any reason, please leave your pack on the trail where it can be seen, so that sweepers who may be following the field do not unknowingly get ahead of you.

If you get lost

If you believe at any time that you may not be on the correct trail, do not attempt to find your way across country. If you are sure of your route, backtrack to where you are confident of your position. If you are unable to find your way, wait where you are, as wandering randomly may take you farther from the trail and reduce your chances of being found. Blow 3 sharp blasts on your whistle, and repeat periodically. You should use a PLB (if you have one) ONLY in absolute emergency. Your phone may work.

If you become injured, exhausted or ill

Stay on the trail where you will be found. DO NOT GO OFF THE TRAIL. An unconscious runner even a few feet off the trail could be impossible to find. If you feel dizzy, disorientated or confused, do not risk falling. Sit or lie down on the trail until you recover or are found.

If you want to withdraw from the run

If you want to withdraw from the event, you must notify the nearest checkpoint. Runners leaving the race without notifying a race official will be responsible for search costs incurred.

Sweeps

Sweepers will run behind the field. If you leave the track for any reason be sure to leave your pack in view so the sweep does not pass you.

Ambulance

The ambulance is not a free service in Victoria. If you are not from Victoria, check that your private health insurance or travel insurance covers ambulance, or that your home state has a reciprocal agreement with Victoria.

For Victorian residents, the annual subscription is not that expensive and covers you for the whole year, not just this race. The cost of a ride out of there in a helicopter would be very expensive.

iPods/iPhone etc.

iPods are allowed but must be removed at

• checkpoints
• on the road crossing at Omeo Rd
• final stretch along the road to Hotham summit

Age

Runners must be 18 years or older to enter.

Emergency Contacts

Digital (GSM) mobile services are virtually non-existent over much of the course. You are still required to carry a phone as this is always a primary source for contact. Mobile phone services may work on the higher peaks. Emergency numbers will be printed on the reverse side of your race bib.

Insurance

Entrants should note that public liability insurance exists for this event, however this does NOT cover participant’s medical or rescue costs which are the responsibility of each individual. Participants are particularly advised to ensure that they have adequate cover.

Snakes

For management of snakebite read this: Qld health snake bite

Fire

Trailsplus race organisers will be in regular contact with local authorities regarding risk management, including weather and fire threats.  Runner safety is top priority and if a decision is made to cancel the race due to fires, all competitors will be advised as soon as possible.

If you see a fire or smoke, use the emergency contact details on the back of your bib to report the fire. 

If you are in imminent threat by bushfire:

• Remain calm
• Beware of radiant heat and smoke (Rock is a good protector from radiant heat)
• Avoid wandering around
• Find an open area or an area with low fuel, e.g. already burnt ground

If you cannot avoid the fire, protect yourself from radiant heat by lying face down under an embankment, rock, loose earth, or in a hollow, or if possible get into a pond, dam or stream.

Hydration

Care must be taken to balance water intake with hydrolytes, in particular sodium.  Not enough water can lead to de-hydration.  Too much water can lead to EHA (Exercise Associated Hyponatremia).  The symptoms of both conditions range from irritability and discomfort, to weakness, dizziness, cramps, chills, nausea, vomiting and headache.

It is the runner’s responsibilite to consume the right amounts of both fluids and electrolytes according to the conditions and their body.