Objective
The objective of ‘sweeping’ for our race is to stay with the last runners and provide a channel of communication in case of an incident. Demarking the route will happen separately, except where specifically requested.
General communication
If you need help or advice at any point then please send a message on the dedicated {SWEEPING} whatsapp channel, or contact RACE HQ.
RACE HQ / Lizzy: info@ultratourmonterosa.com | +41.76.593.6818 (phone and WhatsApp)
Over most of the race route you can use your phone to contact us directly. Please use the dedicated {SWEEPER} whatsapp channel, or contact us directly as above. Please make sure you know how to send your location via whatsapp. Over ~5% of the race route there are black spots without mobile network (also weather dependent). In this sections we will provide each sweeper pair with an inreach satellite communication device so that you can be in communication with Race HQ (see separate instructions).
Security / Emergency
In an emergency please contact us on the EMERGENCY number (call, sms or whatsapp).
EMERGENCY: +41.79.399.85.27
ALL incidents must be reported to this number so we can report immediately to the mountain guide in charge of each sector (IT) or the cantonal security for Valais (CH) following their required protocol. Please do not deal with any incident alone.
What you need
We need you (our volunteers) to be safe and comfortable as well as our runners. Please carry the race obligatory equipment as a minimum, plus a duvet jacket. Remember that you may be moving at a pace considerably slower than is normal for you, and you will get colder than when running or training yourself.
- Smartphone capable of sending whatsapp messages / following gps / using a map.
- Battery pack – this is really important, we need you to be able to communicate and receive messages.
- Race obligatory equipment
- Extra warm clothes
- Orange safety vest – we will provide this, please wear it!
- First aid kit – we will provide
- Extra water (minimum 1 litre surplus to your own requirements).
- Emergency food (surplus to your own requirements)
- Inreach satellite device (provided if required)
- Larger rucksack or dropbags if your section requires demarking (see individual section instructions)
- Extra torch / batteries if you are sweeping a night section
What to do
Please stay with the last runners. If they prefer to move alone please keep a respectful distance behind. Your role is to check the route is clear of runners (they should all be ahead of you) and to provide motivation to those at the back of the field if required.
You are our channel of communication in case of any incidents. You don’t need to perform any first aid but you may need to give a runner some materials (bandage etc) to enable them to reach the next checkpoint where there will be first aid assistance. Please don’t administer any drugs. In case of serious incident requiring medical assitance / mountain rescue please contact us on the emergency number so that we can organise help, and await instructions as to whether we require you to stay with injured runner.
You will be working as a “sweeper pair”. Please both of you stay with the last runner in case there is an incident and we require one of you to remain with an injured runner. If the last runner is far behind the next please discuss the situation with Lizzy in the whatsapp channel. In this case it may be necessary for your sweeper pair to divide up, but you must discuss with us first so that we know your location and the situation, and we can follow your gps locations.
Logistics
Please collect your sweeper kit from Lizzy in Grächen or from the checkpoint coordinator at your starting point. When you arrive at the end of your section please report to the checkpoint coordinator for that location. They will direct you to food, bed or the bus to return directly to Grächen. Please return your ‘sweeper kit’ to the CP coordinator, or Lizzy at the finish line in Grächen.
Please check the notes for your individual section on how to reach your starting point and how to return to Grächen.
Briefing
We will arrange a time to meet with Lizzy in Grächen for a briefing on your role. If you start from a remote location we will arrange a briefing by telephone. Please check your individual section notes for more information.
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 a marked trail so there should be no problems with route finding. However, in case of any problems please download the gpx for the race that you are sweeping, and make sure you understand how to follow it with an appropriate app (eg. outdooractive / maps.me etc). In your briefing with Lizzy you will discuss the route for your section so you know if there are any trouble spots or likely problems. Please make sure you know the distance between checkpoints and the facilities / DNF possibilities available at the checkpoints you pass / end at so that you can advise any struggling runners.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for your help. You have a vital role in the safety of our runners and we appreciate your efforts. We hope you enjoy the beautiful route too!