Wendover Woods Weekender^®

Introduction

The Wendover Woods Weekender consists of 5 different races with the Weekender Village and camping alongside. However the rules and regulations for each event are very similar and so there is one info pack covering all of the events. You will be emailed race specific instructions four weeks out from the race weekend and again just prior to the event.

All of the races (excluding the WW Kids) will use the same 10 mile loop which is entirely within Wendover Woods. Each event has it's own cut offs that will be enforced throughout the race and at the finish line. Entrants must finish within these cut offs to be eligible for awards.

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Course and Trail Conditions

The race routes consists of running differing numbers of our traditional 10 mile loop on forest trails and tracks within Wendover Woods, woodland operated by Forestry England. The course mixes some of the most enjoyable trail running to be found anywhere, with wide, soft trails including smooth descents and runnable climbs, but counters that with some short sharp ascents and descents along the ridge line. Runners will work hard for a finish at what we hope will be a truly rewarding experience. The WW50 will continue be part of the Centurion 50 Grand Slam. The WW100 is not part of the Centurion 100 Grand Slam.

Each lap has 2000ft of ascent and 2000ft of descent.

Registration times vary for each event but registration is in the "Trig Point Field" and will open 2 hours before the race is due to start. Registration will close 15 minutes before the race start to allow for the mandatory race briefing (With the exception of the WW Kids events where registration will open 30 minutes before the race). The cut off's for each race vary and are on the schedule page and each event page.

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Rules

All rules are at the final discretion of the race management team. No challenges will be permitted.

Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times for the WW100, WW50 and WW50km:

There will be kit checks prior, during and after the race. Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times. A time penalty of one hour will be imposed for any item found to be missing at any point on course. Please refer to this page for explanations on the inclusion of the below items. 

There are many options regards kit for fulfilling these requirements and those of other events. We stock what we believe to be the best options at our online store available by clicking here under the Mandatory Gear Section. Please ask us if you have any questions.

• Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Director (on the number you have given at registration)
• Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
• Whistle
• Waterproof Jacket: Gore-tex or similar, minimum 10000mm+ & must have sealed seams.
• Warm Hat - Beanie Hat or Buff (either are accepted)
• Gloves 
• Long sleeved base layer or fleece top - This must be carried separately from the start and kept dry, for use only in an emergency. Starting in 2 layers is not a substitute.
• The race is cupless which means you must bring a cup with you. Soft cups are available at the store here. 
• Any runner starting any loop after 1800 must take a primary light source/ head lamp out with them on the course - Minimum 75 Lumens
• Any runner starting any loop after 1800 must take a Back Up Light source out with them on the course - Minimum 25 Lumens

The mandatory kit for the WW10 is;

• Fully Charged Mobile Phone including the numbers for the Race Medic and Race Director (on the number you have given at registration)
• Survival Blanket: 1.4m x 2m minimum
• The race is cupless which means you must bring a cup with you. Soft cups are available at the store here.

There is no mandatory kit for the WW Kids event

RULE VIOLATION PROCEDURE 

Any protests to a ruling or of a runner to runner violation must be submitted by a registered entrant and must be lodged using the following procedure: 

1. Report the alleged violation to the runner, his/her crew or pacer as the incident occurs. Enlist a fellow witness to the alleged violation if possible. 

2. Report the alleged violation with the runner’s name and number to the next available aid station staff. 

3. Report the alleged violation in writing at the finish line to the race director. All protests must be submitted by 6pm on Monday following the race. Written protest must include the name of the person who lodged the complaint. 

4. Decision on all violations and rules is at the final discretion of the Race Management ONLY. There will be no challenges after that decision.

Wendover Woods are used by, but not limited to, horse riders, walkers and mountain bikers. Please be aware of other people whilst you are running and be as polite and courteous as possible to them, making way when necessary, particularly to horses. You do not have priority over any other users out on the course, most will be totally unaware of the event taking place. 

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Crew and Pacers

Crews are and pacers are not permitted at any stage.

Supporters

Supporters are welcome anywhere out on course, with the exception of Hale Lane Aid Station. Please note, nothing must be handed to or received from runners out on course, that is deemed as crewing.

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Medical

Any event at Wendover Woods is an extremely challenging event and participation presents numerous medical risks, many of which can be extremely serious or fatal. 

Participation in this event is at the runner’s own risk. Although medical personnel are positioned at various points along the course, the inaccessibility of much of the trail will make it difficult or impossible for medical assistance to reach the runner immediately. 

Medical support at the race is under the direction of the Race Medical Director who’s details to be used in an emergency will be made available to all runners at registration, further to that of the Race Director. 

The medical team on site for the weekend is provided by Sharps Medical Services. At any one time during the race there will be a roving team out on the course. There will also be a static medical team at Race HQ & at the Hale Lane Check Point for the duration of the race. 

It is important for each entrant to recognise the potential physical and mental stresses, which may evolve from participation in the race. Runners may be subject to extremes of heat, cold, hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, hypoglycaemia, hyponatremia, disorientation and mental and physical exhaustion. We and the medical staff strive to work with runners and will do all we reasonably can to ensure “safe passage” to the finish line, but ultimately runners must understand their own limitations. Adequate physical and mental conditioning prior to the race is mandatory. If you have not been able to prepare properly, do not attempt to run. Runners entering an ultra distance trail event must understand that the trail is at times remote and access via anything other than on foot is not possible. You must be capable of self sufficiency. 

Runners should appreciate the risks associated with participation in this event. Actions may have to be taken on your behalf under extreme time constraints and adverse circumstances. We will make every effort to give assistance whenever possible but ultimately and primarily you are in charge, and you are likely to be solely responsible for creating your own crisis that we must then respond to. Be careful, be responsible, and do not exceed your own abilities and limitations. 

Some of the main risks, but certainly not all of them, are listed here. These should be understood and remembered by all runners, before and during the event. Please note that death can result from several of the risk conditions discussed below. 

1. Renal Shutdown: Renal shutdown occurs from muscle tissue injury which causes the release of myoglobin, a protein material, into the blood plasma. Myoglobin is cleared from the blood stream by the kidneys and will look brownish-coloured in the urine. Adequate hydration will help flush myoglobin through the kidneys. Overwhelming amounts of myoglobin may clog the filtering system of the kidneys either partially or totally. If not treated, renal shutdown can cause permanent impairment of kidney function. IT IS CRUCIAL TO CONTINUE HYDRATING USING ELECTROLYTE FLUIDS DURING THE FINAL HOURS OF THE RUN AND FOR SEVERAL HOURS/ DAYS FOLLOWING THE RUN OR UNTIL THE URINE IS LIGHT YELLOW AND OF NORMAL FREQUENCY. There is extensive research to support the claim that NSAIDs (ie. ibuprofen etc) greatly increase a runners chances of reaching a stage of renal shutdown. We will not provide Ibuprofen or at any aid station and you are strongly advised not to take it during or immediately after the run. More information on this subject can be obtained by contacting the race director. 

2. Effects of Cold/Hypothermia: Temperatures in November in the UK are usually around 6 degrees Celsius in daytime, however temperatures can be much colder. With wet conditions and/or moderate to high winds runners will be open to exposure during the event.  Hypothermia is a serious risk when runners energy reserves have been depleted from up to 15 or more hours of running. Hypothermia can strike very quickly, particularly when pace slows from exhaustion or injury. The initial warning signs of hypothermia often include lethargy, disorientation and confusion. The runner will feel very cold with uncontrolled shivering and may become confused, unaware of the surroundings, and may possibly be an immediate danger to his or herself. Staying well-nourished, adequately hydrated and appropriately clothed will help avoid hypothermia. 

3. Risks Associated with Low Sodium and Chloride Counts: Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) in ultramarathon runners have been associated with severe illness requiring hospitalisation. It is important for long-distance athletes to use fluids or eat foods containing electrolytes/ salt to replace the water and salts lost during exercise. WATER INTAKE ALONE IS NOT SUFFICIENT, as water intoxication and possibly death may result. This problem may in fact worsen after the Race, as the non-electrolyte-containing fluid which has been accumulating in the stomach is absorbed. Potassium and calcium replacement may also be important, although these levels change less with fluid loss and replenishment. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include; weight gain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, lack of coordination, dizziness, muscle twitching/cramping and fatigue. If left untreated, it may progress to seizures, pulmonary and cerebral edema, coma and death. There are two ways to put oneself at risk of hyponatremia; 1) over-hydration (with water or even electrolyte-containing sports drinks) and 2) replacing sweat with hypotonic fluids. Risks of hyponatremia include weight gain and low sweat rate. 

Risks of hyponatremia can be minimised by eating salted foods a few days prior to the race, matching fluid and electrolyte intake to sweat losses and monitoring weight. The best way to achieve proper electrolyte and fluid balance is to hydrate with fluids containing proper amounts of electrolytes and to replace with sodium-containing foods or supplements, if required, and as determined during your training. Electrolyte fluids should be consumed for a good period (a few hours) after the race. Once the gut is working and adequate hydration has occurred, the normal balance of thirst, hunger, digestion and kidney filtration will maintain the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes. Water or dilute sports drinks should be consumed only after the onset of urination. 

4. Vehicle Hazards: There are three areas on the course where runners must be watchful for vehicles. Road crossings are not all marshalled.

5. Use of Drugs: No drugs of any kind should be taken before, during or immediately after the race. 

7. Injuries from Falling: Falling is an ever-present danger on trails, with potentially serious consequences. Much of the trail is narrow, uneven and rutted and some sections are very steep. The course may be covered with sitting water, snow or ice which will create significant challenges and potential hazards to runners. 

8. Overuse Injuries: Obviously, innumerable overuse injuries can occur, especially in the knee and the ankle. Sprains and fractures can easily occur on the trails. Blisters may also halt progress. 

9. Common Fatigue: One of the dangers you will encounter is fatigue. Fatigue, combined with the effects of dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, hyponatremia, hypoglycaemia and other debilitating conditions can produce disorientation and irrationality. 

10. Difficulty in Gaining Access to or Locating Injured Participants: Much of the trail is inaccessible by motor vehicle. Accordingly, in spite of the many layers of safety precautions instituted by the race management (including radio communications, sweepers, foot patrols and other emergency services and medical personnel at many checkpoints), there is absolutely no assurance that aid or rescue assistance will arrive in time to give you effective assistance should you become sick, incapacitated or injured. 

What to do in a Medical Emergency:

If there is a problem and you need the Medical Team either to attend or just for advice, call: 07421 005671 at ANY time during the event. 

This will put you through to the Event Medical Team Leader who will co-ordinate any response and/or give advice, Our team will be happy to talk you through Emergency Aid Procedures on the phone whilst they are on their way to you. 

If you are ill/injured or have found someone who is ill/injured and need the medical team to attend your location, we’ll need to know the following: 

Your Phone Number (In case we need to call you back) 

Where You Are. We’re also able to access Lat/Long if you have a GPS with that capability. 

Your name and/or Runner Number and that of the Casualty if Different. 

What’s wrong? What do you need the medical team for? 

If you are not the casualty, but have found them, please stay with them until help arrives, whilst this may impact on your personal best, at least you’ll have a good excuse

Make the casualty as visible as possible and keep them warm, It is mandatory for each runner to carry a “Foil Blanket” which should be used if you're in any doubt at all. 

Do not allow the casualty to move UNLESS they are in an unsafe position, e.g. in the middle of a busy road and there is no other option. 

Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink until the medical team arrive as they may require surgery or medical procedures at hospital and food/drink will delay this being able to happen. 

Be ready to flag down the Medical Team when they are close by. 

The phone used to call the Medical Team must remain with the casualty until the medical team arrives, if we’re having difficulty finding you, we will call you back. 

Calling 999 

General Rule: If the Casualty is NOT BREATHING or is likely to STOP BREATHING imminently, call 999 for the Ambulance Service, then the Event Medical Team (We ask that you call both because we may be close by and can assist until the 999 Service Arrives), for all other Injuries/Illnesses, call the Event Medical Team on the above number FIRST and we’ll take it from there. 

If you just need advice, give the Medical Team a call on the number above, or speak to one of the marshalls. 

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Non-Medical Risks and Dangers

There are other significant risks to runners during the race which do not fall under the medical category. The major ones are listed here and all runners should be aware of these prior to race day. 

1. Social Hazards. The course makes its way through remote sections of woodland. There is always the opportunity for undesirable characters to be on or around the trail and the chance that they may cause trouble for runners. Runners who want to listen to music should use headphones should be aware of their surroundings at all times on the trail.

2. Road Crossings. There are four road crossings and a very short section of the trail travels along the road. The junctions will not all be marshalled, you the runner must be alert and aware at all times when emerging on to roads. We advise all runners to recce the route prior to race day. It is YOUR responsibility as a runner to navigate all road crossings safely. 

3. Getting lost. Race staff and the volunteers do their best to provide a marked trail, but it is necessary for runners to continually remain alert as they travel. 

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Aid Stations

These type of running events survive because of the incredible volunteers who work the aid stations. Without them there would be no race. There is an aid station at Hale Lane in the woods at 5.5 miles on each lap and in the Trig Point Field at the end of each lap.

The aid stations are well stocked with fluids and a variety of foods. The fluids that are generally available are Water, Tailwind and Coke. Hot drinks including tea and coffee are available later in to the races. The foods that are generally available are fruit, cookies, chocolate bars, jelly babies, crisps, nuts, a limited number of Gu energy gel packets, sandwiches, wraps etc. There will be hot food at the finish for the WW100 and WW50. There will be food vendors in the Weekender Village too. 

The use of Ibuprofen can lead to kidney problems when used in abundance and/or under stressful conditions such as running long distance races. We will not provide these medications at our aid stations. If you feel the need to bring and use your own pain medications or anti-inflammatories, then you are willing to assume the responsibility for their use.

Without the assistance of the volunteers and race medics, there would be no race. Many of these volunteers have spent days preparing for the run and will be out on the course over both Friday and Saturday, assisting runners. They have given up their weekend to insure you the best possible chance of success. Courtesy and sincere thanks from the runners will go a long way to help make their day.

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Cut Offs

Cut-off and “pace” times are listed on the individual race pages. Cut-off times reflect the deadlines for LEAVING the aid station. If you return to an aid station after the cut-off, you will be WITHDRAWN from the race. The cut-off times will be strictly enforced by the Aid Station Teams. Anyone leaving an aid station after the cut-off time will be disqualified. This rule is for the safety of all participants. There is NO NEGOTIATION on the cut off times. 

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Awards

All entrants who finish within the cut off will receive a medal and finishers tee (finishers tee only in the WW100 and WW50) (opt outs of receiving awards are available during registration).

Runners crossing the finish line after the cut off will not be listed as official finishers and will not be eligible for awards.

Additional prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Male and Female as well as winners of each Vet Category: MV40, MV50, MV60, MV70. FV40, FV50, FV60, FV70. 

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Schedule

The schedule can be found at the schedule page here