Monday 27 June 2016

The FRA


Given Alderman's Ascent is almost upon me I thought I'd give you a quick run down on the FRA, that is the Fell Runners' Association (England). Saddleworth Rangers have secured a race permit and associated UK Athletics insurance from the FRA. As such, participants have to comply with the 'FRA safety requirements and rules for competition'.

FRA races are categorised according to difficulty (A being the hardest, B the middle and C the easiest) and distance (L being long, M being medium and S being short) - Alderman's has a category of AS, so averages at least 50m climb per kilometre, has less than 20% of the race on road and is between 1.5 and 10 kilometres long.

The runners' rules include:
1. Know what you are in for (be confident of being able to complete the race)
2. Comply with the race rules
3. Use appropriate kit for the course and conditions
4. Wear your race number on your chest
5. Inform the race organiser if you retire (don't complete the race for any reason)
6. Behave respectfully
7. Be subject to disciplinary action (be excluded from the race) if you don't observe these rules
8. Be aware of the basics of hypothermia (symptoms, treatment and how to avoid it)

So I've got my kit ready: waterproof whole body cover, hat, gloves, map of the route, compass, whistle, emergency food. I've read up and been up the mountain at least once (and made it back in one piece). It will be a challenge, but there will be bread and soup at the end, so that'll keep me going! Bring it on!


1 comment:

  1. Well, Matt, you don't do things by half! As if JUNE DOUBLE wasn't enough, a JULY TRIPLE looms... will be there to see you off at the start line! HORIZONS TEAM

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