5x5

1. The HQ (Headquarters) for the event is The Longs Arms in Steeple Ashton.
2. Runners are advised to wear suitable Clothing and Footwear - this is a trail run which uses grass and gravel paths, crosses a grass field and wooden bridges.
3. Weather conditions will be considered before the event takes place and if considered too severe the event will be cancelled.
4. The trail consists of rough uneven ground, it may be muddy - or very hard - and care should be taken when crossing the wooden bridges / wooden planks which may be slippery.
5. There may be fallen trees (including roots and branches) - however the course will be checked the same day before the event.
6. Tight turns. No turns except the turnround point (at or after 2.5km) are more than right angles.
7. Jostling. The number of runners is limited to one hundred and this should be reasonable to avoid collisions when passing on the return or outward route.
   • See Covid restrictions at the foot of this article
8. There are no public (or other) roads on this route. There are, however, a few farm tracks near the turn round point where there will be at least two marshals.
9. The whole of the route is off road which is a public right of way called the White Horse Trail.
10. This event takes place in the Spring and Summer months of April to August.
11. Care should be taken during the later months of fast growing grass and branches which may overhang the course, however the organisers will do their best to ensure that these are cut back as far as reasonable.
12. It is virtually impossible to cycle this trail due to bridges which consist of two or three planks with a gap in between.
13. The route is signed both with tape, arrows and marshals.
14. There are no other events taking place at the time of these races other than those mentioned below, such as haymaking.
15. This route is suitable for all persons aged 12 or over.
16. There will be two trained First Aiders present at all time, one near the start/finish of the event and one on the course.
17. The runners are led to the start of the race from the HQ, along the footpath (unless they choose to make their own way there in advance).
18. Toilet facilities are (only) available at the HQ, a public house. Men, in a building attached outside, Ladies within the main part of the building.
19. The route is a public right of way and pedestrians should always be given priority.
20. The Start is at a wide section of the trail.
21. The Finish is along a slightly different part of the trail near the Headquarters.
22. After they have finished the runners can take shelter in the Headquarters where the presentation will take place.
23. Water will be available in the Headquarters or near the finish.
24. Parking is not available anywhere near or on the trail. Competitors and others should park carefully, in the village.
25. Marshals, arrows or tape will be placed at all points where it is considered possible to take a false way (wander off the route).
26. Fallen trees will be clearly marked with tape and the deviation clearly shown.
27. The route will be checked about two hours before the event and again by the marshals as they make their way to their marshalling points.
28. In July and August the route will be cleared/strimmed to avoid fast growing obstacles like nettles or briars.
29. Long grass may be an obstacle which is considered to be of very low risk.
30. Bridges may be slippery. Two of these consist solely of two or three planks. The risk is considered minimal but should there be an accident, the first aiders will be there to help.
31. The first (and last) bridge is raised and has barriers on both sides, however it, too, may be slippery.
32. Entries and registration will take place one hour before the event at the Longs Arms in a room directed by the management of the establishment.
33. Runners numbers will also be distributed there before the event.
34. Prize giving will take place after the event at, in or outside the Longs Arms.
35. Local farmers have been consulted about these events.
36. This event is not suitable for wheelchair users.
37. Dogs are not permitted due to the risk of tripping or falling over leashes.
38. The marshals at the finish of the race will not leave their positions until all runners have been accounted for.
39. Once the last runner has passed a marshal on their return journey, those marshals will run behind the last runners on their return to the HQ and prize giving.
40. Risks due to users:
    • Walkers - the course uses entirely public 'trails' such as the White Horse Trail, so walkers may be encountered.
    • Motor Vehicles - there is no passage for any motor vehicle, even farm vehicles would find it difficult to pass.
    • Farm Tractors - same as Motor Vehicles
    • Cyclists - extremely unlikely
    • Horses and other animals (livestock). Farmers and land owners have been notified of this event.
    • There may be Haymaking machines on, near or crossing the trail in July and August.
41. Risks due to other factors:
    • Roads - see motor vehicles above.
    • Woods - the event does not pass through any woods
    • Multi Terrain nature of the course - Trip hazards
    • Overhangs such as brambles and low branches
    • Rabbit holes - none noticed
    • Badger holes - none noticed
42. Before the start of each race there will be a briefing describing the potential hazards.
43. Someone will check the course before the event.
44. It is important that all participants should read the rules of the event.

There is a description of the route on the home page of the event plus photographs taken at very frequent intervals, and even a film taken in 2012.

Scale of risks

Covid precautions

At the time of writing this Risk Assessment COVID measures are relaxed, but we cannot be sure how long it will stay that way. If a new variant appears, perhaps one that is worse than Omicron, there could be a whole raft of Government measures.

While runners and marshals are outside, there is no need to wear masks, but "social distancing" is still advised.

Inside the HQ, everyone should obey the restrictions imposed therein by the Management.

COVID regulations and guidance will be kept under review and any changes to control measures (either additional measures or possibly relaxation of measures) that might be needed to meet the guidance applicable when the races take place, will be implemented.

Dated: 07/02/2022