Every year we get queried on the information below—it is simple, clear and self explanatory. In a nut shell—turn up without the mandatory gear below and you will not be permitted to start.
All runners (that includes those doing the 22 km—so please do not ask again), must carry with them as a minimum the following safety equipment. The reason for this is if someone were to injure themselves out on the trail, they may need to either walk out or wait a couple of hours for medical assistance.
Given the area is subject to sudden changes in weather and the possibility of an injured person rapidly losing core body temperature or going into shock, these items are considered the minimum safety requirements. X – Mandatory to carry, WD – Weather Dependant, determined by the Race Director on the day. Bring them and be prepared. Look at this informative video by Trail Running Scotland to see for yourself the difference between mandatory gear, some gear and no gear.
| Mandatory Items | 45 km | 36 km | 22 km | 5 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood | X | X | X | X |
| Waterproof and windproof pants | X | X | X | WD |
| Spare long sleeved thermal top and long johns (not “skins” or equivalent) | X | X | X | WD |
| Beanie and/or hat, gloves | X | X | X | WD |
| Waterproof map of the area, compass or GPS (knowledge of how to use | X | X | X | |
| them). Recommended is Vic map 1:25,000 Buller Stirling or Spatial Vision 1:50,000 | ||||
| Buller – Howitt Alpine Area. You may download the maps on the website | ||||
| Lighter or waterproof matches | X | X | X | |
| Whistle | X | X | X | X |
| Emergency space blanket/bag | X | X | X | |
| Personal First aid requirements: bandaids, antiseptic, painkillers etc. | X | X | X | X |
| Pressure Snake Bandage - see this article Snake Bite - Mandatory Safety Equipment | X | X | X | X |
| Minimum of 500 ml of water (better still 1 litre if it's hot) and/or a container to carry it | X | X | X | |
| Mobile phone (Telstra has best coverage) and/or Personal Location Beacon | X | X | X | |
| Torch and spare batteries | X | |||
| Food for the run and emergency food if lost | X | X | X |
Snake Bite - Mandatory Safety Equipment —make sure you read this, it is very important!
NB: All runners in the 36/45 km distances MUST have sufficient experience/equipment to allow them to either find an alternate route back to run headquarters or wait out the night and complete the run the following day if required.
A gear check will be conducted on the Saturday night/Sunday morning. Failure to carry ALL the mandatory gear listed above will mean you will NOT be permitted to run. Please pay special attention to the requirements regarding pressure snake bandage.
Any runner in the 36/45 km events who withdraws or is unable to complete the run back to Mt Buller Village by 5:00 P.M. on the Sunday MUST attempt to contact the event director by mobile phone (0418 136 070) and advise their status. If you have only one bar showing on your phone for signal strength—send an SMS message.