HBTC

Safety on the Mountain

We, the organisers of the Hout Bay Trail Challenge and all helpers involved on the day, take safety very seriously and expect all participants to do the same.

Cold, wet, windy and misty is generally the type of weather expected for the Hout Bay Trail Challenge in July. The weather at sea level is usually very different to that on the top of Karbonkelberg, Grootkop and Vlakkenberg, so one needs to be prepared. Please refer to the Race Equipment list for the exact gear/equipment you will need to carry with you on race day.

The necessary emergency numbers will given to runners at race briefing and will be on your race number.

Safety Tips when Training

Plan your route: Know where you are going so there is less chance of your getting lost. Make sure you are allowed to run the route you have planned and have the correct permit if required
Tell someone where you are running and what time to expect you back
Check the weather before you head out: things could change while you are out and you need to be prepared
Take sufficient supplies of water and food: always be prepared for worst case scenario, keep a energy bar in your kit bag at all times
Take a fully charged cell phone
Know your limits!

Equipment

Every competitor taking part in the Hout Bay Trail Challenge is expected to be self-sufficient and equipped in accordance with the requirements of the race rules. It is compulsory for all competitors to carry their own equipment throughout the duration of the race. There will be random equipment checks at any time and place before, during or immediately after the race. If competitors are found without the specified equipment they will be disqualified from the race and their race result will be displayed as "DSQ".

Required Race Equipment

Equipment list has been updated

Space Blanket - Essential for all weather conditions - it shouldn't leave your trail running gear!
Waterproof Shell Jacket with a hood -
Whistle - Essential for all weather conditions - it shouldn't leave your trail running gear!
Buff/Beanie - required if your waterproof doesn't have a hood
Base layer - if not wearing place in waterproof bag for cold weather conditions
First Aid Kit - Strapping, pain killers
Food - Enough to last at least 7 hours
Cell Phone - ensure is kept dry and is FULLY charged
Water holder - Minimum 1L carrying capacity and must contain water or suitable hydration.
Backpack /hydration pack /Hip belt /Hydration Belt - all race equipment must fits into the bag/belt.
Collapsible Cup / Soft flask - There will be no cups at the water stations

Advised to have with you:

Trek Poles (Only if you have trained with them)
Hat/Cap/Visor
Compass/GPS - must know how to use
Water Proof bags
Sun Sreen
Anti-chafe cream
Towel and clean clothes for the finish

Note that the equipment you start with, you need to finish with. No discarding any equipment at the check points. You can only refuel with drink and fuel at each check point.

Please note that the equipment is there for your safety.

Why a whistle? - The sound of a whistle will carry a lot further than the human voice so if you fall down a ravine and need to alert someone a whistle will more than likely be heard over your voice.

The rescue signal for a whistle is 6 good long blasts - stop - then repeat until someone gets to you. Don't stop because you've heard a reply - rescuers may be using your blasts as a direction finder.

You can use a torch in the same way in the dark - and it is advisable to carry one when running in darkness.