Please see the following summarised safety requirements for competitors noting that:
The Race Organiser (RO) has a duty of care to competitors but competitors must accept that race monitoring arrangements, e.g. marshals and checkpoint recording are primarily designed to ensure ‘fair competition’ and must not be considered a ‘safety net’.
No individual has an absolute right to enter a WFRA registered race - all competitors must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the RO that they have an appropriate level of skills and experience to complete the race safely and in a reasonable time, and of course have the appropriate kit/ equipment. ROs have been instructed to decline entry to those who cannot meet this requirement.
A competitor enters a race on the understanding that they are responsible for their own safety. The competitor must obey all instructions from the RO and officials and must equip and conduct themself accordingly.
Whilst fell racing is clearly a competitive sport, it remains essential that all competitors treat others, whether they be other competitors, marshals, race volunteers and members of the public with courtesy and due respect. Competitors are expected to go to the aid of any individual in distress, even if this means forfeiting their race.
All competitors are expected to treat the countryside, property and livestock with respect. For the avoidance of doubt, it is contrary to the sport for any competitor to cross and/ or damage any wall or fence except by means of a stile, gate or other reasonable crossing point (unless explicitly advised by the RO).
A deliberate or accidental breach of any rule or failure to follow an instruction from a Race Organiser may result in a competitor being disqualified from future WFRA (and FRA licensed) races for a period determined by the WFRA Committee (or a disciplinary panel convened by it).
WFRA Summary Code of Conduct
The WFRA aims to ensure a welcoming and equal space for everyone involved in the sport of fell running. All WFRA members, and all who participate in WFRA events must abide by the WFRA Code of Conduct (full version here: https://www.sites.google.com/site/welshfra/policies). This includes:
Taking primary responsibility for their own safety, upholding the values of fair and sporting competition, complying with the race Safety Requirements, and treating the countryside with respect.
Avoiding abusive, racist or inappropriately sexual language or behaviour, and challenging inappropriate language or behaviour by others.
Behaving with respect, dignity, and courtesy to others, including fellow competitors, marshals and officials.
Avoiding inappropriate physical contact with other runners.
Maintaining high standards of behaviour on WFRA and related media. If you're uncertain whether something is appropriate - don't post it.
ENTRY FORMS
A5 Entry Race Form pdf A5 Entry Race Form docx Junior Entry Form
SUMMARISED SAFETY- INFORMATION FOR RUNNERS_2024.docxWFRA races are categorised in terms of their technical difficult with Category ‘A’ being the highest technical grade requiring previous fellrunning experience and a good level of fitness as the race is likely to cross high, exposed and possibly remote mountain terrain where ‘sound mountain judgement’ will be required.
Category A: - average not less than 50 metres of climb per kilometre
Category B: - average not less than 25 metres of climb per kilometre
Category C: - average not less than 20 metres of climb per kilometre
Also in terms of length:
L (long) Race is 20 kilometres or over
M (medium) Race is over 10 kilometres but less than 20
S (short) Race is 10 kilometres or less
ER = Fell running experience required – usually significant levels of experience.
NS = Navigational Skills required – these are traditional skills using map and compass. The use of electronic devices for navigation purposes is strongly discouraged as it is against the ethos of the sport. Such devices are prohibited by many race organisers
LK = Local Knowledge an advantage
PM = Partially Marked
Eg: Tour of Torpantau AM, ER/NS/LK - fell racing experience required, navigational skills needed and worth doing a recce beforehand.
Race Incident Form
In the event of an incident occurring during a race, for example an accident, damage to property, an injury or indeed anything which concerns you, please report this to the Race Organiser or other race official either on the day or as soon as practicable afterwards. The rule of thumb is, the more serious the incident, the more promptly it should be reported. In certain circumstances such incidents may need to be reported to the police, another emergency service or relevant authority.
View and download the Incident Report Form here