And assuming it’s all about the frontend runners, which it isn’t.
That rule was written for the main herd who need to drink during the run, and in light of the fact that the run occurs in mid-January, in summer.
So should we go easy on the frontend about that rule?
No.
Firstly, it’s a race. And in the interests of a level playing field everyone carries the gear they signed up to carry, and that was listed on the website for the preceding 12 months (years, actually).
Secondly, the frontend are the local heroes and can lead by example.
I do feel a little sorry for frontend newbies to trail running though. The rules vary from race to race as the courses and logistical concerns vary from race to race. It’s a hard way to learn that you have to read the specific rules for each race prior to running, but I don’t see another way.
Personally, I know I’ve selected which events to enter based on mandatory gear requirements in the past. Though some entrants seem to prefer the Enter-Then-Whinge model.
On the AURA side of things, it was good to see that the entire M56 podium were AURA members and that in the F56 race it only had to roll back one position. Nice to have as little performance distinction between the two titles as possible.
There were 285 finishers in the 56kms race. We did hit a high of over 350 entrants in the 56kms, but as per usual many requested to be put in to the 28kms fun run as race day looms.
Slowly the percentage of women runners inches higher. We’ve had as low as 18% in the 56kms, but it was 25% this year (the 28kms run for comparison has 43%).
The 56km results can be found here, with full event results available on the event website. Next year’s event is scheduled for Jan 13, 2019.
