Originally Posted by
peateater
The new proposals are problematic, as they have some very real negative consequences for the sport. I often run topless, for the simple fact that I get too hot and this puts me at risk of dehydration: can anyone give a valid reason why I 'must' wear a top, as this will decrease my personal safety? I have taken part in races where organisers have insisted on the carrying of full waterproofs on blazing summer's days, yet not provided one drop of water, or even insisted that any was carried- this is not a proper duty of care to the competitor, it's dumb adherence to rules rather than intelligent, dynamic risk assessment
Similarly, many runners have pointed out that numbers worn on shorts are actually more likely to be seen by marshals than ones covered by a top in poor weather; I now fold numbers and put them on my shorts after having lost more than one from a top, torn off by strong winds. Let's engage brain before casting these rules in stone- Pertex and water on hot days and full waterproofs when actually needed. Numbers to be clearly visible . Runners to be treated as intelligent adults...