A semi-autonomous race in the mountains: good equipment = better safety and better performance!
A race in semi-autonomy implies that each runner has the capacity to be autonomous between two refreshment posts, not only on a nutritional level but also that of their clothing or their personal security. This principle means that each runner must have with them, throughout the entire race, all their obligatory equipment which allows them to adapt to problems they encounter or anticipate (bad weather, physical problems, injuries, time waiting for assistance, etc.).
A mountain adventure
The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® races take place in the mountains with numerous passes to cross, most of which are situated at an altitiude of between 2000 and 2600 metres. The last few years are largely remembered for rain, snow, wind, the cold or stifling heat, which can all play their hand in distrupting the proceedings.
To assure the safety of the 6000 runners, the organisers have set up an important security plan, while at the same time emphasising the first level of safety for the trail-runner…. is the trail-runner themselves.
Experience, lucidity and a knowledge of the specificities of the The North Face® Ultra-Trail du MontBlanc® races will be the greatest contributor towards the safety of participants.
Insufficient protection against the cold and rain can cause a significant drop in performance. It is therefore necessary to balance the increased weight and necessary equipment to not only assure participants' safety but also their performance.
Catherine Poletti, race director reminds us that: "One should never forget that various hazards, related to the environment and to the weather conditions, can make the race extremely difficult. In full sun or when it is cold, waiting for help can be decisive. The safety of each therefore depends upon the quality of that which they have in their packs. It is an ultra-trail in the mountains where the ‘mountain’ environment over-rides that of the discipline of a ‘running race’. All mountain goers have an ‘at the bottom of the bag’ which allows them to be ready for all eventualities and ensure their autonomy and survival. This is for us, organisers and trail-runners, indispensible! Besides the concerns of safety, good equipment engenders more pleasure… And running for pleasure remains the prime motivation!"
The equipment
To participate in these events, mandatory equipment has to be carried by each participant.
It is about a vital minimum to which every trail-runner has to add according to their own needs. For the organisers it is particularly important not to chose the lightest clothing possible so as to gain precious grammes, but to chose clothing which provides a truly good protection in the mountains against the cold, wind and snow, and therefore better security and better performance.
Mandatory equipment:
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mobile phone enabled for use in the three countries (With the security numbers of the organisation stored, kept switched on, with the owners number visible and with fully charged batteries)
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personal cup or tumbler - 15cl minimum (water bottle not acceptable)
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stock of water - minimum 1 litre,
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two torches in good working order with replacement batteries,
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survival blanket 1.40m x 2m minimum
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whistle,
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adhesive elastic band from which you can make a bandage or a strapping (mini 100cm x 6 cm),
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food reserve,
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jacket with hood and made with a waterproof (recommendation: minimum 10,000 Schmerber) and breathable (recommendation: RET lower than 13) membrane (Gore-Tex or similar) which will withstand the bad weather in the mountains.
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long running trousers or leggings or a combination of leggings and long socks which cover the legs completely,
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Additional warm midlayer top: One single midlayer long sleeve top for warmth (cotton excluded) with a minimum weight of 180g (Men, size M)
OR a two piece clothing combination of a long sleeve baselayer/midlayer for warmth (cotton excluded) with a minimum weight of 110g (Men, size M) and a windproof jacket* with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) protection
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cap or bandana
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warm hat
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warm and waterproof gloves
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waterproof over-trousers
* The windproof jacket does not replace the mandatory waterproof jacket with hood
Very strongly recommended
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Knife or scissors with which to cut the self-adhesive elasticised bandage
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walking poles for security on slippery ground in case of rain or snow
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a change of warm clothes, indispensable in the case of cold weather, rain or injury
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the sum of 20 euros minimum (in order to cover the unexpected....)
Advised (list not definitive):
Telescopic sticks, change of clothing, compass, knife, string, sun cream, Vaseline or anti-chaffing cream, needle and thread,…
For all kit-rules visit www.ultratrailmb.com/page/16/Reglement.html
