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Peninsula Ultra Fun Run |
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running in heaven, feeling like hell |
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Race Information |
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The Start The starting time is 5:30 am, Saturday, 22 August 2009. Cars must meet at the Cape Point Reserve gate at 4:45 and proceed by bus to the parking area by the restaurant—that’s where the race starts. If you’re not at the gate by 4:45, you will not be allowed in the reserve!
Be Prepared Do not underestimate the challenge of this run. Ensure that you are fit and strong. Do not take this run lightly - it is tough, it will be tough on race day and it will push you to your limits – be sure you are ready for the run. The route will NOT be marked. You should have familiarised yourself earlier with the terrain and route. If not, stick with others - especially if you're an up-country runner or novice. Even veteran PUFFER runners lose their way at times - some novice runners have lost the track completely and ended up miles away from the route. We don't want to have to call out Mountain Rescue! This cannot be a race - the reward is to reach the finish line. Do not attempt to run in areas which are extremely steep and/or rocky. Keep your wits about you - this is especially important on Table Mountain (e.g. Platteklip) where your legs will be tired … TAKE IT SLOWLY where necessary.
Cut-Off Times There is a strictly enforced 13h30 cut-off time at Constantia Nek to prevent runners from being stranded in the dark on Table Mountain. Other cut-offs to be advised
“Retiring” from the race · If you retire from the run, you must inform the nearest race official. Failure to do so could result in a rescue being launched for no reason (Not only might you be liable for any costs, you will be banned for life from participating in the PUFfeR!) · Runners finishing at Constantia Nek are considered to have completed the "PUFfeR Fun Run". A medical doctor may be at Constantia Nek or the Water Bailiff’s House (checkpoints 9 and 10). Should it be his/her opinion that you should retire from the race, you must accept that decision.
Refreshments Water and Coke and (hopefully) a sports drink will be provided at regular intervals, approximately every five to seven kilometres. Biscuits, chips and sweets will be available as well at the road-accessible points. Although all efforts will be made, we can’t guarantee that seconds, refreshments or your bags will be at each scheduled station; we are dependent on volunteers. Plan to be able to survive at least one stretch without a refreshment station.
Bags with Personal Food and Kit You can supply THREE bags with food and other personal gear. The bags are for checkpoints 7 (Silvermine Dam), 9 (Constantia Nek) and 12 (Lower Cable Station/Tafelberg Road). The bags must be marked clearly with your name, race number and the checkpoint number. Bring these bags to the RACE BRIEFING on 21 August. Note that we will endeavour to get your bags back to the finish but they may get lost (or get there very late) so don’t leave anything of value in them. Your bag for checkpoint 9 (Constantia Nek) should contain raingear, gloves, hat, compass, map and emergency food.
Foul Weather Unless the weather conditions are absolutely ideal, there will be a compulsory gear check at Constantia Nek. You will be required to take your own compass, map, foul weather gear and emergency rations before being allowed to proceed up Table Mountain. Novices are required to carry a map or cross Table Mountain with a veteran Puffer runner. In case of foul weather, the race will be re-routed, possibly at the last minute or even during the course of the race. The organisers reserve the right to alter the route as circumstances dictate, or even to cancel the race midway.
Race Numbers · You must have your PUFfeR race number visible on the front of your clothing. You don't need to run in club colours. · Runners can choose their own race numbers, preferably with 4 or fewer digits or letters. Decimals, fractions, and formulae are permissible. You may lose “your” number if you miss a PUFfeR and another runner applies for the same number (except for permanent numbers--these remain "yours" in perpetuity). · Permanent numbers are allocated after 3 successful completions of the PUFfeR, the Tuffer PUFfeR or the Ruffer PUFfeR (or any combination thereof). Please note that the Tuffer PUFfeR does not count as two PUFfeRs!
Substitutions If you have entered the PUFfeR and been accepted but cannot run for any reason, you can NOT nominate another runner to run in your place. Acceptance is based on personal criteria, not like the lottery or ticket system used in other races. Any entry fees paid will be forfeited but, provided that you give early notice of your withdrawal, you will enjoy a "preferential entry" in next year’s PUFfeR (should you meet the qualification requirements).
Entry Allocation
Runners are required to follow the application procedure correctly by completing the application form and emailing it back to the PUFfeR organizers by 11 May 2009, midday (12h00).
ENTRY ALLOCATION IS SUBJECT TO THE RUNNER MEETING THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
The following priorities (order) are used in allocating entries: 1. Previous PUFfeR winners and VIPs (e.g. RSA president, FHAC chairperson, Comrades winners, Bill Gates, space aliens, etc.) and Nikki Campbell. 2. Runners who successfully completed 1 or 2 PUFfeR(s) during the last 5 years. 3. Runners who were accepted the previous year but gave early notice of their inability to participate due to circumstances beyond their control. 4. Novices (to the PUFfeR) – based on the personal runner info provided in the entry form. 5. Any runner with a permanent PUFfeR number.
Application Form Entries close 11 May 2009 Disqualification (possibly for life) · You do not attend the pre-race briefing at Capestorm, Wynberg, on the evening of 20 August 2008 . · You disobey any official, warden, traffic officer or the organisers. · You continue on if you miss the 13:30 Constantia Nek cut-off time. · You obstruct, verbally abuse or are obnoxious to other trail or road users or any member of the public. · Infringement of one of the safety rules, such as not assisting a fellow runner in serious trouble · Infringement of one of the ecology rules, such as littering (be it as little as a sweets wrapper or squeezy sachet) · You willfully disturb/destroy any animal or vegetation (excepting mosquitoes and Port Jackson). · Not informing race officials if you pull out of the race. · You fail to buy the race organiser a drink when meeting him in a pub J
When in doubt: MARTIN rules, OK! J |
