There exists a very real possibility of a runner or pacer in the Alpine Challenge becoming badly lost and/or injured during daylight or during the night somewhere out of mobile phone range. This could happen on either the first or second day of the event, and it could happen to anybody, even the most experienced trail ultra-runner. In such a situation, it is critically important to have all of the Mandatory Equipment. You must take this requirement seriously. Temperatures below 0°C plus wind chill and snow have been recorded during April in the race area, and this could be accompanied by rain, wind, hail and/or snow.
In 2018 as a result of extreme cold, snow and wet weather additional safety gear was added to the mandatory gear list, even with this extra gear many runners withdrew as a result of the extreme cold and sub zero conditions, either with early onset hypothermia or in order to avoid hypothermia. Do not underestimate the Victorian Alps!
The Mandatory Equipment must be carried by all runners and all pacers at all times on the Alpine Challenge course. If a runner is found not to have all of the Mandatory Gear, they will not be allowed to start. If a runner or their pacer fails a gear check on the course they will both be disqualified. There are no stores near the course of the Alpine Challenge likely to stock items on the Mandatory Gear list, so it is in the runner’s (and their pacer’s) interest to make sure they have the gear as specified.
If in doubt, contact Paul Ashton on 0418 136 070 or at
This list has been prepared based on running in good to mild conditions. It should be treated as your minimum safety gear and should be adjusted upwards in terms of quality and quantity of gear depending on conditions. Many runners aim to take the lightest and smallest amount of gear with them. This will not protect you in the Victorian Alps in cold, wet and windy conditions. The 100 mile event has a 34% DNF rate because people continue to underestimate the conditions. Look at this informative video by Trail Running Scotland to see for yourself the difference between mandatory gear, some gear and no gear.
All participants must provide and carry with them the following minimum safety equipment. X means you must have it, O means Optional.
| Mandatory Items | 100/160 km | 60 km | 42 km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof & windproof jacket with hood,(gortex, pertex, entrant, japara, nylon etc) | X | X | X |
| Waterproof & windproof pants, (gortex, pertex, entrant, japara, nylon or similar) | X | X | X |
| Spare long sleeved thermal top and long johns (polypropylene, wool or similar). May be worn at the start of the run Not acceptable: cotton, coolmax, lycra and any non-thermal compression garment |
X | X | X |
| Beanie and or hat and or balaclava or buff (1 only) | X | X | X |
| Windproof & waterproof gloves (large size dishwashing gloves are waterproof ) | X | X | X |
| Hard copy map of the area and course notes (laminated or in a waterproof map case or zip lock bag). Spatial Vision—Bogong Alpine Area 1:50,000 or off the website | X | X | X |
| Compass or GPS plus spare batteries for GPS. Find out how to use your map and compass here | X | X | X |
| Lighter or waterproof matches | X | X | X |
| Whistle | X | X | X |
| Emergency space bag/light bivvi bag (1 only) or equivalent bag | X | X | X |
First Aid kit including
|
X | X | X |
| Fully charged mobile phone and portable power bank (with indicator lights) 1 phone per solo runner/2 per team or relay team - Telstra provides the best coverage | X | X | X |
| Torch/headlamp and spare batteries | X | X | |
| Back up torch/headlamp | X | ||
| Food—for the run and emergency food if lost (energy chocolate is good) | X | X | X |
| Water—minimum 2 litres capacity. More recommended if forecast is hot | X | ||
| Water—minimum 1 litre capacity. More recommended if forecast is hot | X | X | |
| Personal cup or other suitable container for drinking at the refreshment points (water bottle is valid) | X | X | X |
| Waterproof bag for spare clothing (plastic bags/zip lock bags or dry sacks are fine) | X | X | X |
| Sunscreen (depending on weather forecast) | X | X | X |
| Personal Location Beacon or similar (1 per solo/team, provided in race pack) | X | ||
| Emergency heat pack (provided in race pack) | X | X | |
| Race number (provided in race pack) | X | X | X |
| Tape with race number for pack (provided in race pack) | X | X | X |
| Ziplock bag – for your rubbish (provided in race pack) | X | X | X |
| Be prepared to carry a fleece or down jacket—to be advised prior to race start | X | X | X |
Runners in 60/100/160km distances must show a fully charged power pack with full indicator lights and correct connection cables (please see example below).
Unacceptable gear: If you bring this equipment, you will not be permitted to start: water resistant jacket/overpants, jacket without a hood, poncho, "skins", snake bandage other than pressure bandage.
NB: Mobile phones are an emergency communication device and may serve as a back up only for map, spare torch or compass. It does not replace these items and they must be carried. Drop, break your phone or run your battery flat and you have nothing.
Mandatory Safety Equipment for 10-16-25 km Runners
This list has been prepared based on running in good to mild conditions. It should be treated as your minimum safety gear and should be adjusted upwards in terms of quality and quantity of gear depending on conditions. Many runners aim to take the lightest and smallest amount of gear with them. This will not protect you in the Victorian Alps in cold, wet and windy conditions. Failure to have all the listed mandatory safety equipment at registration/during the event and at gear checks during the event will result in disqualification and the participant being removed from the event.
All participants must provide and carry with them the following minimum safety equipment. X means you must have it, O means Optional.
| Mandatory Items | 25 km | 16 km | 10 km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof & windproof jacket with hood,(gortex, pertex, entrant, japara, nylon etc) | X | X | X |
| Waterproof & windproof pants, (gortex, pertex, entrant, japara, nylon or similar) | X | X | X |
| Beanie and or hat and or balaclava or buff (1 only) | X | X | X |
| Windproof gloves | X | X | X |
| Hard copy map of the area and course notes (laminated or in a waterproof map case or zip lock bag). Spatial Vision—Bogong Alpine Area 1:50,000 or off the website | X | X | X |
| Compass or GPS. Find out how to use your map and compass here | X | X | X |
| Whistle | X | X | X |
First Aid kit including
|
X | X | X |
| Fully charged mobile phone - Telstra provides the best coverage) | X | X | X |
| Food—for the run and emergency food if lost (energy chocolate is good) | X | X | X |
| Water—minimum 500 ml capacity. More recommended if forecast is hot | X | X | X |
| Personal cup or container for drinking at the refreshment points (water bottle valid) | X | X | X |
| Sunscreen | O | O | O |
| Race number (provided in race pack) | X | X | X |
| Tape with race number for pack (provided in race pack) | X | X | X |
| Ziplock bag – for your rubbish (provided in race pack) | X | X | X |
| Be prepared to carry a fleece or down jacket—to be advised prior to race start | X | X | X |
Unacceptable gear: If you bring this equipment, you will not be permitted to start: water resistant jacket/overpants, jacket without a hood, poncho, "skins", snake bandage other than pressure bandage.
Warning
All participants are advised that failure to have the approved mandatory safety equipment at registration and at gear checks during the event will result in disqualification and the participant being removed from the event.
Unacceptable gear
Yes, we have already mentioned this above but just in case—if you bring this equipment, you will NOT be permitted to start
- Water resistant jackets/over-pants—must be waterproof
- Jacket without a hood
- “Skins” or equivalent are not acceptable as thermal top/bottom
- Snake bite bandage that is not a pressure snake bandage
NB: In previous years runners have experienced sub zero conditions during the night run with strong winds, giving a wind chill factor in the area of minus 5/10 degrees. Please prepare well for the night section or be prepared for a DNF.
