Objective
Your role is to clear the race route of the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa of any markings so that there is no trace of the race left. It is an essential task otherwise we receive complaints from the local communities and hikers, and the race may be refused permission to pass the following year. So thank you very much for your efforts!
Communication
If you need help or advice at any point then please send a message on the dedicated {DEMARKING} whatsapp channel, or contact RACE HQ directly.
RACE HQ / Lizzy: info@ultratourmonterosa.com | +41.76.593.6818 (phone and WhatsApp)
Please make sure you have a charged phone with a battery pack so that you are able to keep in touch with us in case of any problems/queries and so that you can check the route to be followed.
What to take with you
We need you to be safe & comfortable as well as our runners! Please carry the race obligatory equipment as a minimum, plus a duvet jacket.
Bring a large enough rucksack to comfortably carry the marking materials that you collect. Check the notes for your specific section (distance, elevation etc) and carry sufficient water / snacks to be comfortable. If you need we can provide you with dropbags, please collect from the Sportzentrum hangar.
Importantly, please carry a charged mobile phone with battery pack so that you can keep in contact with us.
Carry pliers or penknife to help with untying ribbons, cutting string etc.
Race route
Please check the Race Route webpage for gps, kml, pdf maps and profile of the appropriate race for your section. Download the appropriate gpx file and open it in your preferred mapping app (eg outdooractive, maps.me etc.).
You will be following the route markings so navigation should not be required. However in case markings have been removed in any places please also download the gpx for the appropriate race and open it in your preferred mapping app (eg outdooractive, maps.me etc.).
Check the notes for your individual section for any specific instructions.
Please note runners are instructed to follow the route markings at all time (in preference to the gps) in case we need to make any last minute adjustments to the route for any reason, so the marked route may vary slightly from the gps.
What to do
It is ideal to demark in the same direction the runners pass. This means all markings will be easily visible to you and nothing will be missed. If a section needs to be demarked in the opposite direction (for logistical reason) please be especially observant as a marking may be tucked behind a rock and hidden from view given your direction of travel. Train your eye to pick up any flash of flourescent orange or pink colour!
- Ribbons: you should be able to untie easily. If not cut as close to the knot as possible (so that the rest of the ribbon can be reused) and remove the knot also, so that no material is left.
- Flags: take a little care in how you carry them so that we can reuse them as much as possible!
- Signs: please also remove any UTMR signs. Make sure you have a penknife in case they are tied with string.
Logistics
Check the notes for your specific section for details on how to reach your start location and how to return to Grächen at the end of your section (as appropriate).
Please check in with us with a message in the {DEMARKING} whatsapp channel at the start and end of your duties so that we know you are safe and the section has been completed. This is really important so that we know the route has been cleared or if it needs further attention.
If you are returning to Grächen please bring all marking materials you have collected to the Sportzentrum hangar for deposit. Place your materials in the appropriate zone for
- Ribbons
- Flags in good condition (can be reused without repair)
- Broken flags or flags requiring repair
- Wet ribbons or flags (we need to dry these before sorting and storage)
Thank you!
Thank you so much in advance for your help. You have a vital role in ensuring UTMR can happen in future years!