ARTICLES

Setting a Trail

  • It is advisable to have at least one co-hare to assist with setting the trail,but is not a necessity.
  • Virgin hares should team up with an experienced hare to set a trail.
  • The trail should take approximately twice as long to walk as to run it.
  • If it looks like rain,use plenty of flour.Chalk tends to `disappear` when wet. Place flour out of streaming waterways.
  • Use an average 5 kilograms of flour to set the complete trail,unless using chalk as well.
  • If using chalk, it is advisable to use white. The colour chalk tends to be difficult to see.
  • For trails crossing sand dunes or beaches, it is advisable to mix the flour with a colour pigment to enable easier trail location.Colour pigment (powder paint) can be purchased at any local paperback store.
  • The trail should start within 100 meters of the first check point.
  • To start the running pack, point them in the direction of the first check. This will assist in less confusion, and should prevent the pack over running the home run.
  • Checkpoints are either marked with four blobs of flour, or a circle using flour. If using chalk, Four squares, or a circle can be drawn. It is advisable to number the checkpoints, which will enable the runners to know that they are still on the correct course.
  • False trails either end with three blobs of flour set in the shape of a tri-angle, otherwise three triangles sketched onto the ground. Don`t use a circle with a cross in the centre.
  • False trails should not be too difficult to locate, and shouldn’t be too long either. The idea is to let the slower pack catch up to the lead.
  • Trail markings are to be clearly set out, especially where roads intersect, or side roads lead off the trail, to minimize confusion.
  • The run should start not longer than 10 minutes from the advertised starting time, unless there are know traffic problems which will cause late arrivals. Use your discretion!
  • The distance of the trail should be approximately, 5 to 8 kilometres, and /or take roughly an hour to run, depending on the terrain.
  • The hare can stop for a `regroup`along the trail, especially if the trail is in difficult terrain. This also allows for a `cold drink` in the event that the trail is a more strenuous run, or the weather is extremely warm.
  • Difficult section of the trail should be forwarned, and the hare should trail behind to prevent any losses of the running pack.
  • Most important, try keep the runners off busy roads.
  • With this in mind, enjoy the run.

The walking group:

  • There exists the opportunity to set the trail for the walkers as well. Although this will take more time, it will be appreciated by the walkers.
  • Try taking the walkers via an interesting route, bearing in mind that there might be prams and / or `frail`(injured) members whom cannot traverse rocky or slippery terrain.