I wish to draw to your attention two rules in particular:
Rule 204, which says permits must be applied for at least 6 months in advance. I have tried to be lenient with this but sadly a few organisers have pushed the boundaries: I have had permit applications as close as 48 hours before the event. I do not issue the permits myself, they are issued from Birmingham so after you have sent it to me I have to send it on to Birmingham. Please help me to help you by getting your permit applications in well before your event.
Rule 206 refers to refreshments: A number of you have asked how rigid the rule is and I sought clarification from UK Athletics.
The rule says that drinks must be provided in all races of 10Km and above; and that they must be at least every 5Km.
Therefore if you are putting on a 10K you must have a drinks station at half way. (If you can't put it at half way then you should have two according to the rules)
A 10 mile race must have at least 3 drinks stations (I would suggest 2.5 miles, 5 miles and 7.5 miles, rather than 3, 6 and 9)
A half marathon must have at least 4 drinks stations (I have 5 at Freckleton, but then it is in June and it's sometimes warmish)
A marathon must have at least 8 drinks stations plus separate sponge stations between water stations.
Many of you may be unfamiliar with the water station requirements and I appreciate the extra strain it may put on your resources.
However, if there is a claim and you haven't provided the correct number of drinks stations then you, the race organiser, will be liable. The permit standards form that you sign when you apply for your permit states that you will be providing the right amount of water stations.
I'm sorry, but this is a rule that I'm going to have be keeping a check on as it will get tighter. I'll have to give you time to get things in place, I appreciate that, so please let's work together on this one.
I trust you find the above useful and not too burdensome (is that a proper word?)
