Objective
Your role is to mark the race route of the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa such that runners (without GPS) can easily follow the route in all weather conditions (night, heavy cloud) without concern.
Communication
If you need help or advice at any point then please send a message on the dedicated {MARKING} 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. Please make sure you know how to follow gps in a mapping app and how to check your location (and send to us if necessary).
Materials
We will provide you with:
- fluorescent orange / pink ribbons
- fluorescent orange / pink flats (on bamboo skewers)
- bamboo sticks with fluorescent orange / pink flags for any boulder sections
- laminated A4 arrows (see notes below for suggestion of how to place)
- string, duct tape
- biodegradable spray paint if necessary (minimal use only)
Markings will be reflective if required for your section.
We will provide you with sufficient markings for your section, plus spares. Please carry everything with you. Given the race logistics it will be very hard to return to complete / repair a section if you run out of markings mid way.
We will give you an inventory of your materials. It would help us a lot for future editions if you can make a note of what worked / didn’t work so well, ideal quantities etc and return the form to us. Thank you!
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 you require for your section. Check the notes for your specific section (distance, elevation etc) and carry sufficient water / snacks to be comfortable.
Importantly, please carry a charged mobile phone & battery pack equipped with the phone / contact details of race HQ as well as the race route gps.
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.).
Check the notes for your individual section for any specific instructions.
If you encounter any problems on the route (eg fallen rocks or trees, blocked trail) or anything about which you are concerned please send a message in the {MARKING} whatsapp channel or contact Lizzy directly with a photo, your location and a description of the problem. Please do this immediately (do not wait until you return to Grächen) in case we need to make an adjustment. With the logistics of the race route it takes considerable time and effort to get you into position so it is better we solve problems in situ.
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 you have a very important and valuable job!
How to mark the route
- Please refer to the marking map of your section for any specific hazards or instructions.
- Marking should always be done in the direction of travel of the runner, and so that markings are clearly visible to a person moving quickly.
- Single track trails to be marked with ribbons / flags at 30m intervals depending on the terrain.
- Junctions: to be well marked – so as to be unequivocal even in bad visibility. Put a cluster of ribbons/flags to draw the attention of the runners and a laminated arrow sign if necessary.
- Boulder fields / tricky sections to be marked with bamboo flags at 10m intervals (see notes for your section)
- Please place prayer flags on any cols / appropriate locations! As well as a welcome sight for runners the flags are a symbol of sending good wishes (towards our runners and the wider community).
- Spray paint is to be used minimally and only if absolutely necessary. It is biodegradable but takes time and we need to minimise our impact on our environment and for the local community.
- Ribbons: please tie at the end of the ribbon so that most of the ribbon hangs free and unobstructed and can be easily seen. If reflective please make sure the ribbon is tied in a way so that the reflective strip faces the oncoming runner. If the reflective strip hangs side on to the runner then their headlight won’t catch it and the marker will be invisible to them!
- Flags: these are best placed at a slight angle so that the fluorescent material and reflective strip hangs straight and head (square) on to the runner. The flag will not be visible if placed side on. Placing at an angle helps the flag remain in position in case of wind, rain or snow.
Logistics
Please collect the marking material from Lizzy at the sportzentrum hangar (or from your checkpoint location if appropriate).
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 {MARKING} whatsapp channel at the start and end of your duties so that we know you are safe and the section has been completed.
Thank you!
Thank you so much in advance for your help. You have a vital role in ensuring the safety of our runners and we appreciate your efforts!