Club members planning to tackle the 'fell' Summer Series races should be aware that these are held under Fell Runners Association (FRA) rules. The FRA has documented 'Safety Requirements for Fell Races', which is worth perusing. Although Cloud 9 is relatively tame the weather makes a huge difference, and the safety precautions are worth knowing about in case you end up lost in a gale! In particular it states:-
Competitors should arrive at races prepared to carry any or all of the following equipment:-
a. Windproof whole body cover.
b. Other body cover appropriate for the weather conditions (i.e. if its chucking it down they may require 'waterproof' rather than just 'windproof').
c. Map and compass suitable for navigating the course.
d. Whistle.
e. Emergency food (long races).
Generally if the organisers decide to enforce the equipment rules they will spot check a few people before the start. Normal practice is to cram the above into a bum-bag or small rucksack. Maps printed off the computer are fine (but putting them in a plastic bag is a really good move if you end up having to use them in the rain!).
Re the Cloud 9 race, this plot shows the profile.
Basically its all up for the first 3 miles, then up and down for the next 3, and finally down for the last 3. If you are interested in the course on gps click here to download the .gpx file (right click and select 'save target as').
Andy
Andy , I think hiking boots , full goretex , hat , scarf ‘n gloves , thermos of coffee (full measure of brandy) Kendal mint cake and a Ginsters pasty are mandatory ! Optional extras to include flare , body bag (I have plenty should anybody require one) and shovel (to bury the dead!).
Give me a shout as you pass me
Jon (the Vet)
Good Luck to all on Sunday that are brave enough to venture up Cloud 9 and race it!! My goodness it sounds horrific and I wish u all the very best of luck, I am just so glad I gave my number to Steve R – makes doing Trimpell 20 on the flat sounds so much easier!!!! Think I would take Jon the Vetmans advise – but then I am not mad or brave enough to do it, I chickened out!!!! Take care my friends and enjoy the views 🙂
I seem to remember that the hardest part of the Cloud 9 is the mile or so run through deep mud on the way out and back. The hills are a welcome relief after the mud.
Yes when I did the race – a long time ago – the hills were the easy bit. A race of several halfs. A cracker.
Remember that Andy was making a serious point re fell races, and also about how to avoid both disappointments and conflicts with the organisers. (There are several back stories.)
What type of shoe best suit this race. The forecast is for rain so it probably will be wet on the day.
JUST READING SOME OF THE COMMENTS , IT SOUNDS LIKE WE ARE OFF TO TACKLE MONT BLANC . BOSLEY CLOUD IS NOT A LOT HIGHER THAN ALDERLEY EDGE , AND YOU ARE NEVER MORE THAN 800 METRES FROM SOMEONES HOUSE. THE PATH DOWN FROM THE SUMMIT IS STONY WITH SOME TREE ROOTS FURTHER DOWN , BUT WITHIN EVERYONES CAPABILITY , STUDS ARE THE FAVOURED SHOE , BUT MOST TRAIL SHOES WILL BE ADEQUATE .
SEE YOU SUNDAY
TONY