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The UK may not have the highest mountains in the World, but plenty of people die every year in the outdoors. The causes of death are down to a variety of reasons, virtually all are preventable through better preparation. There are very few deaths in UK Mountain races, but there have been a few. Many of the accidents, and the few deaths, have been on exposed mountains, and rugged terrain, usually aggravated by poor weather.
If you are preparing to enter an event such as The OMM, The Dead Sheep 100 in Wales, or the Dragon’s Back Race also in Wales, there is some key advanced preparation that can be done by everyone. First of all, they require strong navigational skills. GPS devices and phones are not allowed on these events, except in the case of an emergency. Even then, the chances of getting a mobile phone signal in some remote locations are very low. Therefore, participants must rely on their paper map skills. When weather is clear and visibility is good, sometimes navigation from a map alone is sufficient. However, when in inclement weather, low cloud, or fog, the compass is a vital tool.
There are a variety of compasses that can be purchased, from basic to advanced sighting compasses. For most events such as OMM and Dead Sheep a basic field compass with suffice. In basic terms, the compass must show degrees from 0-360, have a rotating bezel, the North hand is generally coloured red, and there is a measuring scale on the compass. Carrying a basic thumb or competition compass, that shows only the cardinal points N,S,E and W, is not sufficient, and won’t pass kit check.
It may be stating the obvious but, it is no use turning up to a navigation event, armed with your maps and compass if you can’t use them. This happens with alarming regularity. Race Directors specify a mandatory kit list, but fail to check if participants can actually use their equipment. In an effort to improve safety, some races such as the Dead Sheep 100 now require proof of proficiency from their participants. This is normally by submission of a short online video of the participant demonstrating taking and following a bearing. While this is only a basic measure, it provides some level of assurance that participants have some degree of navigational competence. Where non exist there are a variety of commercial operators, such as Nav4, who will teach navigation skills, from basic to advanced.
The next key area to ensure safety is the right clothing, and footwear. Participants should ensure they are carrying both waterproof jacket and trousers; both with taped seams. Knowledge of the clothing laying system is key. Participants should wear a base layer, we wearing or carrying one or more mid layers, as well as their waterproof shell. In extreme conditions, lightweight down can server as an effective mid layer. Footwear on races is always a tricky choice. For races such as The Dragon’s Back where scrambling over exposed ridges is part of the course, a fell shoe with a superior level of grip is required. Inov8 and Salomon are the shoes of choice for many runners. When tackling The OMM, or Dead Sheep, then because the course can in theory at least be walked in the time limit, the events attract walkers as well as runners, and so it is not unusual to see participants in boots and gaiters, in an effort to keep their feet dry. Of course, there are runners in these events, who would not dream of wearing boots, and so regular changes of socks is par for the course.
Waterproof socks are invariably a waste of money, and sometimes the cause or macerated feet. Either water crossings are too deep, and so water pours in over the top of the sock and shoe, or more commonly water socks the outer layer of the waterproof sock, and simply acts as a sponge, spreading the moisture up and inside waterproof sock. The final issue is of course sweat. Waterproof socks are not breathable, and so sweat stays in the sock and causes maceration of the feet.
So, with the right choice of clothing and footwear, and working on the assumption that participants can navigate, the next area is fuelling and hydration. Mountain race participants should be able to carry 2l of water at any time, in their bottles or hydration packs. Refilling these from streams is common place in mountain events, assuming you can locate a safe source of water. The water should always be from a moving source, and not a pond, and of course filled upstream from any pollutant such as dead animals. Water purification tablets are used by some as an extra measure of protection.
There is no single food choice which suits everyone. The rule of thumb is to eat little and often. If emergency levels dip too low, then participants not only feel hungry they also feel cold. This can lead to more serious issues of course. These types of events are always self-sufficient, with water only supplied on some events. The golden rule is never to eat something on race day that you have not previously consumed before. That rule is however, applicable to everything. Don’t wear new clothes, or use new equipment. Everything you use, wear and eat should be tried and tested in practice or previous events.
Don’t be put off by this advice. If you are well prepared you will have a safe day out in some rugged and remote locations. Remember “fortis fortuna adiuvat”, Fortune Favours the Bold! Enjoy your mountains events and stay safe
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