Security
Each runner is responsible for his own security. Even the best runners are not immune to injury which might immobilise them during the night, in the cold and rain high in the mountains.
To minimise the risks it is necessary to: Understand that Istria 100 by UTMB® is neither a marathon nor an ordinary trail. Run below your possibilities to keep some “juice” to tackle a difficult situation such as a sudden change of the weather conditions.
Even in the spring, sudden changes in the weather conditions can occur. The temperature in the mountain areas can drop to 0°C during the night, rain or hail can fall abundantly, and one can get lost in fog despite comparatively comprehensive way-markers. And it can also reach more than 25°C during the day!
In the mountains, one of the first rules is to systematically avoid stopping at a high point, very exposed to the wind and other bad weather conditions.
In case of weakness, do not hesitate to rest at the next refreshment point, but never at the top of a pass or at a high point. A few moments of recovery, quick burning sugars mixed with some slow-burning sugars will allow continuing in a better shape.
Avoid any heat loss, anticipate the changes in temperature (it’s while going down that one cools down), do not wait to shiver before covering up, do not change into dry clothes in full wind, plan ahead or wait to be in a sheltered position.
If over several hundred metres you do not see any way-markers, turn round and retrace your steps to find the last one.
Stay on the paths.
Do not stop to rest in the case of extreme fatigue, in the cold and wind, go to the nearest security point, if necessary by going back the way you came.
Alert other competitors in case of injury or of incapacity to continue. Call the race direction on the number written on the BIB or even the emergency number 112 for Croatia.
Walking poles: be careful with your poles, especially in the first part of the race when the human density is particularly strong. Do not use the wrist-straps on the descents: if you fall, the wrist-straps prevent you from getting back using your hands (also causes injuries to the shoulders, wrists, forearms... or graver still the skull).
Remember: Assisting an injured runner (or volunteer), or one whom is in difficulty is an absolute must!
A mobile phone is obligatory for each runner with the international roaming action activated throughout the race and with the battery in working order (think of deactivating your options to save you batteries, eg: Bluetooth). For those who are afraid of being disturbed by the ring of their phone, put it into silent mode keeping the “text alert” active. If the race should be stopped, keep your mobile phone switched on to receive further race information. The organisation must be able to contact you under any circumstance, which includes before and after the race, due to bad weather or any other unforeseen occurrence.
Verify that the number you have put on your registration form is the number of the phone that you will be carrying during the race.
