click here to download the safety notice.

Force Ten (Phoenix) Long O Safety Notice

Basically your safety is your own responsibility as for any day out in the hills. Be aware that the weather can change very quickly in these hills, and what may seem a benign environment in the sunshine, can become very dangerous in poor conditions.

This event has to meet FRA requirements. These state that competitors should arrive at events prepared to carry any or all of the following equipment:

1. Windproof whole body cover

2. Other body cover appropriate for the conditions (including waterproof cagoule with hood)

3. Map and compass suitable for navigating the course (map is provided)

4. Whistle

5. Emergency food

As a minimum, a cagoule or wind-proof covering must be carried.

Shorts may be worn, if weather conditions permit, but be aware that there are patches of gorse, bilberries, and some small patches of nettles in the woods and fields near the Day 2 Finish.

Dogs are not allowed in the competition area.

Any out of bounds areas are shown on your map and must be strictly observed.

Any competitor retiring must report to the SI Card Download Point as soon as possible.

All competitors are reminded that if injured and requiring assistance they should sound six short blasts on their whistle at one minute intervals.

A Search and Rescue Procedure will be instigated one hour after the designated Course closing time. Any competitors who find that they will be unable to complete their course before the closing time MUST RETIRE AND REPORT TO THE SI CARD DOWNLOAD POINT before this deadline to avoid an unnecessary emergency.

All competitors must observe the country code and report any damage to property to the organisers at the finish.

You are advised that there are potentially hazardous steep slopes and rocky outcrops on the hillsides.

See Final Details about river crossings.

There are adders in this area. They are shy creatures and are likely to slither away unless they feel threatened. If you see one, move slowly on. Adder bites are very rare and are usually mild and local.

In the unlikely event of being bitten, do not try sucking the poison out or removing the venom in any way. Symptoms (if any) may take up to 6 hours to appear, but medical attention should be sought, as a precaution, as soon as possible. So walk carefully and steadily back to the car park, inform Download, and we will help you to get medical advice.

For further information, try the NHS Direct website pages at http://www.nhsdirect.org.uk/articles/article.aspx?printPage=1&articleId=626

The nearest hospital is Alnwick Infirmary (tel: 01665 626700)