As a runner I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by Fellhound, many of us enjoy some of the added risks that come with our sport, hurtling down a tricky fellside, battling with the elements or thrashing around thinking you know where you are on some remote clag bound mountainside. As an organiser though you have to think slightly differently. Whilst the legal side of your actions as an organiser most probably doesnt enter the equation ( although I did consult with a personal injury lawyer this last week who gave me some usefull advice !) its more on the moral side and having to think about the safety of others, some who may be less experienced than most. Having observed copius amounts of blood on a famous Lady fell runners gashed open chin last year after she slipped on ice and accounts of several other serious injuries in the event including broken legs, it is upsetting and somehow you take it personally, its you that is organising the race and someone has injured themselves in your race. Checking the route out this week I was certainly torn between my wanting to have the race with the extra challenge the conditions would bring or opting for the play safe option.....in the end with my Organisers head on, play safe wins every time.
Quote Originally Posted by Fellhound View Post
First of all, don't take this as an attack on the organiser (it's not) but everyone assumes the above. Why are you "in the poo"? The organiser is organising an adventurous event over difficult terrain in winter conditions. All he needs to do is demonstrate he's taken all reasonable steps to make the event as safe as it can be, given it's nature. I the case of ice, the organiser only needs to make all runners aware of the conditions and the risk and perhaps recommend some precautions (eg orienteering shoes with metal dobs would massively reduce the risk). Don't have any? Well then, the decision on whether YOU should run or not is YOURS as an individual.

All off-road events have hazards; hidden holes, rocks to trip over, slippery grass and mud. It's part of the game.

If the current trend towards nannying and over-cautiousness continues it will be the death of organised fell-races and then all we'll have left will be unofficial 'underground' events...... actually that might not be a bad thing.

PS - I work as a Safety Advisor....