The Rules

Any changes prior to the event will added here when known but the handbook should be consulted for definitive information.

1 Entry to the event must be in teams of three or four - at least two team members must be aged over 17 years - the other(s) may be aged 16 years ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT.

2 A Team Leader must be elected and must sign the Team Entry Form to this effect.

3 The section of the Entry Form concerning capabilities of team members must be signed by the adult unit leader of the relevant organisation. In the case of non-scouting entries, the Entry Form must be approved by the parent/guardian for participants under 18 years of age.

4 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
WEAR the following at all times during the walk:
(a) Thermal vest or t-shirt.
(b) Thermal long sleeved shirt.
(c) Long trousers or breeches (not jeans). Where track suit type trousers or "thin material" trousers are worn, thermal "long johns" must also be worn / carried.* If weather conditions are considered suitable, shorts may be worn.*
(d) Socks
(e) Boots which have been specifically designed for hiking, or specialist fell running shoes or boots.*

CARRY OR WEAR at all times during the walk:
(f) Balaclava helmet or hat which covers the ears.
(g) 1 Fibre pile or fleece jacket - plus spare sweater/sweatshirt.*
(h) Mitts or gloves (not fingerless type).
(i) Waterproof outer garment with hood (not just showerproof).
(j) Waterproof overtrousers.

* Suitability of equipment/conditions for Rules 4 (c),(e),&(g) will be entirely at the discretion of the Inspection Teams. If in doubt, bring alternatives.

CARRY at all times during the walk:
(k) Drinks for consumption en route.
(l) O.S. maps of the route - scale of 1.25,000. N.B. One map per team is permissible for the sections of the route above Black Hill and below Chapel. Maps must be complete and photocopies are not permissible.
(m) Whistle.
(n) Silva type compass.
(o) Torch with spare batteries and bulb or 2 of the disposable type torches (minimum life 8 hours). The torch must be suitable to see by when (or if) walking in the dark.
(p) Watch.
(q) Orange "Bivi Bag" - 500 gauge
(r) Mug.
(s) Pencil.
(t) Emergency food pack contained in a sealed polythene bag comprising the following minimum essentials:
Glucose, nuts, raisins, sweets or chocolate, beverage, etc. suitable for 12 hours.
(u) Walker's Handbook.

5 TEAM EQUIPMENT

6 Teams will NOT be permitted to start, or continue, the walk unless the equipment listed in Rules 4 and 5 above can be produced at the start, and at spot checks carried out by Inspection Teams en route.

7 Each competitor will be issued with a Tally, Route Card and a Reflective Disc at the start. The tally ("Dog Tag") must be worn around the neck and the Reflective Disc affixed to the rear of the rucsac. The Route Card must have the appropriate section detached at each Checkpoint BY THE CHECKPOINT STAFF. In the event of a competitor retiring, the Route Card ONLY will be retained at the Checkpoint at which he/she retires - the TALLY MUST be taken to the Finish at Buxton and handed in by the COMPETITOR PERSONALLY.

8 Teams MUST adhere strictly to the starting times allocated.

9 Competitors may retire at any point on the route, but it is obviously desirable to retire at a CHECKPOINT if possible. If a Checkpoint cannot be reached, then a message MUST be sent to the nearest Checkpoint, or to Central Control, by telephone or messenger.

10 Team members must walk as a unit at all times. At the discretion of Checkpoint Staff and Inspection Teams any team disregarding this rule will be disqualified.

11 In the case of any team members retiring en route the remaining members of the team MUST wait at the nearest checkpoint until they can make up a "scratch" team of not less than THREE, or more than SEVEN members.
The combined team must elect a new Leader who will check the Team have the Full team gear (as per Rule 5) and will sign the Scratch Team document held by the Checkpoint Staff to confirm this. In the event of an original team of four forming part of a "scratch" team then that team will still be eligible for trophies.

12 Teams must finish as a complete team (i.e. the same members that started) to be eligible for trophies.

13 No team will be permitted to LEAVE the checkpoint at Chapel-en-le-Frith after 21.15 hours on the day of the walk. Teams reaching this point after the time stated MUST retire. The Organisers retain the right to compulsorily retire any team which is extremely late at subsequent checkpoints.

14 The use of "Support" vehicles and "Pace-makers" is prohibited and any other than moral support will mean disqualification for the team(s) concerned.

15 In the event of an outbreak of Foot and Mouth, or any other animal disease, in the area, the Walk will be cancelled. If the area has been declared free from infection it may be necessary to ban competitors travelling from any other district in which the disease is prevalent. In either case the Organisers cannot accept liability for any expense incurred by competitors.

16 In the event of the Start Committee considering that weather conditions are unsuitable for competitive walking over open country the Walk would be cancelled. The Organisers cannot accept any liability for any expense incurred by competitors.

17 The Trophies will be held by the winning teams for a period of twelve months. In the event of a tie each team will hold the Trophy concerned for six months by mutual agreement. It is the responsibility of the holding teams to safeguard and return the trophies to the organisers prior to the following year's event.

18 Acceptance of all applications will be at the discretion of the Organising Committee and, on signing the Entry Form, all competitors agree to accept these Rules and Conditions governing the event. The Organising Committee's decision will be final in any dispute.

19 The Organisers accept no responsibility whatsoever for any loss, injury, or loss of life incurred during the weekend of the event.

20 Dogs are not permitted to accompany teams on the walk.

Last updated: 09:23, 26 April 2008