Quote Originally Posted by alwaysinjured View Post
...If that was my race I would have said something in following years particularly claggy ones along the lines of:

"Don't think you can follow the leader. Get your compasses out, you will need them. Runners go everywhere in clag on this race, particularly from the end of the crinkles where they just seem to go everywhere instead of turning for Pike of Blisco - You have been warned".


At very least...as the RO you might get to go home earlier next time!
I agree with AI that highlighting the hazards is an important thing for an RO to do but it does raise a dichotomy (as Lecky says) in that it could leave the RO exposed if someone fell foul of a hazard, either physical or navigational, elsewhere on the course, or off it in the latter case.

The key thing is that the RO should highlight what he/she believes are the most significant hazards (and that will depend on a number of factors) but should make it clear that such highlighted hazards are not the ONLY hazards the runner will encounter.

AI has, of course, explained this previously.

I refer you back to the warning given to entrants in the Conestoga Trail Race in America, published in Boff Whalley’s book and previously posted by me on this forum:

“Warning: This is not your standard 10 mile race. The footing is uneven at best and can be dangerous. A fall is probable. An injury is possible. Insect bites, sprained ankles, lacerations and broken bones are some of the possible hazards. There will not be medical teams immediately on hand and our insurance will not cover your medical bills. You are responsible for your own self. Do not enter unless you are willing to risk and assume responsibility for any injuries that you may incur.”

A good starter for any organiser’s warning to runners!