The Official Important Stuff We Have To Say – Rules, Hazards and Risks Communication to Participants

Walking
The 42km course is a running event only.  The 25km and 17km courses can be walked.  All runners, will walk the course at times (even the winner), especially the uphills and runners will probably walk more later in the event as fatigue sets in.

Compulsory Race Briefing

There will be a compulsory race briefing 15 minutes before each course start.  Please ensure you are there to hear all the final information

Cut-Off’s

There will be a cut-off at the summit of Rainbow Mountain at 2pm. You will not be able to start a 4th lap of the course after this time. You will be directed back down the road towards the finish thus only complting 3 laps.

Aid Stations

Please ensure you have enough nutritional supplies and water for your needs.  Saying that, we will provide one aid station at the top of Rainbow Mountain so you can soak up the views and these are situation approximately at this distance through the course:

• 42km Course station at 11.3km, 18.3km, 28.3km and 35.3km (water and some food).
• 25km Course station at 11.5km and 18.5km (water and some food).
• 17km Course station at 10.5km (water and some food).

Performance rules

The purpose of these rules is to ensure the Event’s integrity as a test of individual performance, providing equal conditions for all. The guiding principles of the Performance Rules are as simple as: play fair, be safe, and respect the land.

Violations of any rules may be grounds for disqualification for one or more years, or other sanctions such as time penalties, fines, and/or disqualification from awards.

• There will be no unofficial runners.
• Each runner’s official race number must be worn prominently on the front of the body and must be easily visible at all times.
• Runners must follow the marked trail at all times. Any runner departing from the official trail must return to the point of departure on foot before continuing.
• Each runner must complete the entire course under his own power. No physical or mechanical aids are allowed, including but not limited to ski poles, walking sticks or mountain bikes.
• Except in case of medical emergency, runners may not accept aid or assistance in any form from anyone between marshal locations.
• All cut-off times will be strictly enforced. Runners must be checked OUT of the aid station BEFORE the cut-off time. Runners returning to the checkpoint after the cut-off time will be pulled from the Run.
• Littering of any kind is prohibited. Please respect the natural beauty of our trails and the right of everyone to enjoy them.
• Runners must refrain from any act of bad sportsmanship.
• Smoking is not permitted on any section of the s or along the trail.
• Any runner who is unable to finish the run must personally inform the nearest aid station captain of the nearest checkpoint of their decision to withdraw and make sure their ace number is recorded.
• Runners who leave the course without turning in their race number will be classified as “lost,” thereby activating a search. Time spent searching for any such runner will be billed to the runner.
• Be respectful of other users – such as recreational walkers, runners and mountain bikers.

What to do in an emergency or coming across and injured runner

• In an emergency the participant shall give a series of short blasts on their whistle. Any team hearing a distress signal must abandon their course and help in any way needed.
• If someone is hurt then wait for the next participant to arrive and send them forward (or backwards if closer) to the nearest marshal location or aid station.  The marshal will make contact with the paramedics directly or via the Event Director/Managers.  Once contacted wait at that point till the paramedic team arrives and lead them to the injured person.
• In no circumstance leave the injured person alone.

Hazards and risks

• If an incident occurs – please contact one of the aid station staff, course marshal or Tail-end Charlie. They will radio one of the safety personnel to respond – or will call in an ambulance or helicopter.
• The Double Rainbow Trail Run is a physically challenging event. Participation presents medical risks, many of which can be extremely serious or fatal.
• Participation in this event is at the runner’s own risk. Although Event Management has medical personnel at various points along the course, the inaccessibility of much of the trail will make it difficult or impossible for medical assistance to reach the runner immediately.
• Participants are encouraged to see their own medical doctor prior to the Event. Runners should be knowledgeable about the stress effects attendant to participation in distance events.
• It is important for each entrant to recognise the potential physical and mental stresses, which may evolve from participation in this Event. Runners may be subject to extremes of heat and cold, hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, disorientation and mental and physical exhaustion. Event Management and the medical staff strive to work with runners. They will do all they reasonably can to ensure “safe passage” to the finish, but ultimately runners must understand their own limitations.
• Runners should appreciate the risks associated with participation in this event. Actions may have to be taken on your behalf under extreme time constraints and adverse circumstances. We will make reasonable efforts to give assistance whenever possible. Ultimately and primarily you are in charge. Be careful, be responsible, and do not exceed your own abilities and limitations.
• Some of the main risks of the Event, but certainly not all of them, are listed. These should be understood and remembered by all runners, before and during the event. Please note that death can result from several of the risk conditions discussed below or from other aspects of participation in the Double Rainbow Trail Run.
• Cars: There will be vehicle traffic on two parts of the course. You should be well aware of this when running on roads. Make sure you look both ways when crossing any roads. Areas with cars will be sign-posted, including:

–       Crossing Lake Okaro Road

–       The gravel forestry roads

• Specific Hazards for 2017:  None noted to date but will update you at the race briefing
  

Effects of Cold/Hypothermia: Temperatures will likely be cooler during the run as the event is in June so be prepared for changeable cold weather, even during the middle of the race. Hypothermia is a potentially serious risk, especially running late in the evening through to early nightfall since one’s energy reserves will have been depleted from 14-16 or more hours of running. Hypothermia can strike very quickly, particularly when pace slows from exhaustion or injury. The initial warning signs of hypothermia often include lethargy, disorientation and confusion. The runner will feel very cold with uncontrolled shivering and may become confused, unaware of the surroundings, and may possibly be an immediate danger to himself. Staying well-nourished, adequately hydrated and appropriately clothed will help avoid hypothermia. It is important that runners have the required compulsory gear as outlined in Section 6 above.

Use of Drugs: No drugs of any kind should be taken before, during or immediately after the Run! Many drugs can increase the risk of heat stroke. A partial list of problem drugs include NSAIDS (including Ibuprofen), amphetamines, tranquilizers, and diuretics.

Injuries From Falling: Falling is an ever-present danger on the Double Rainbow Trail Run, with potentially serious consequences. Much of the trail is narrow, some uneven and rutted patches occur.

Overuse Injuries: Obviously, innumerable overuse injuries can occur, especially in the knee and the ankle. Sprains and fractures can easily occur on these rough trails. Blisters may cause you to have a sore day or in severe circumstances may prevent you from finishing.

Common Fatigue: One of the dangers you will encounter is fatigue. Fatigue, combined with the effects of dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia and other debilitating conditions can produce disorientation and irrationality.

Getting Lost: Although Event Management endeavors to mark the Double Rainbow Trail Run course, it is definitely possible to lose the trail. If you believe at any time that you may not be on the correct trail, do not attempt to find your way cross country. If you are sure of your route, backtrack to where you last saw a trail marker and try to find other markers showing the direction of the trail. If you are unable to find your way, stay where you are! Wandering randomly will take you farther from the trail and reduce your chances of being found. If you do become injured, exhausted or ill, STAY ON THE TRAIL. You will be found there either by another runner, or the mountain bike safety patrol  that monitor the progress of runners during the event. If you feel dizzy, disoriented or confused, do not risk falling. Sit or lie down on the trail until you recover or are found. An unconscious runner even a few feet off the trail could be impossible to find until it is too late. If you are assisted by individuals who are not associated with Event Management and you elect to leave the trail, you MUST notify the official at the nearest aid station of your decision to withdraw.

Difficulty in Gaining Access to or Locating Injured Participants: Much of the Double Rainbow trail is remote and inaccessible by motor vehicle. Accordingly, in spite of the many layers of safety precautions instituted by Event Management (including radio communications, rescue helicopters on standby, paramedics at the event centre and basic first aid at marshal locations), there is absolutely no assurance that aid or rescue assistance will arrive in time to give you effective assistance should you become sick, incapacitated or injured.

Although medical and other personnel will assist you when possible, remember that you are ultimately responsible for your own well-being on the trail. Only you will know how your body and mind feel at any given time. Monitor yourself during the entire Event, and prepare yourself to drop out at the nearest check-point if you find it just isn’t your day. As you continue past each marshal location, be aware of the number of miles to the next one, realising that getting rescue vehicles into these areas can be difficult, if not impossible.

Aside from all that – have fun!