By entering Machlud you agree to abide by these conditions and any other instructions given to you by the organisers and officials of the Machlud Trail Race.
Age limit: All entrants must be at least 17 years of age.
Registration: Opens at 2pm.
Start times: Runners will start in waves based on expected running pace. Waves will be from 3pm (slowest runners) until circa 6pm (fastest runners)
Cut-off time: A cut-off will be enforced (just before) Checkpoint 4 at 7.15pm with runners being directed straight to Checkpoint 5
Emergency Contact: On entry you must provide an emergency contact (name and telephone number) that we can contact during the race if there is a problem.
Timing chip: At registration we will provide you with a timing chip to record your time at the start/finish & checkpoints. You agree to return the timing chip at the finish, even if you retire early. If you fail to return the timing chip, we will be entitled to charge you for the replacement cost of the chip and an administration fee.
Cancellation by you: You may cancel your entry at any point. Cancelling 1 month or more before the event you will receive 100% minus admin fees. Cancelling between 1 month to 2 weeks prior to event you will receive 50% refund minus admin fee. No refunds if cancelling within 2 weeks of event.
Transfers: We do not allow entries to be transferred. If you are found to have transferred your entry or to have allowed another person to wear your race number, we reserve the right to exclude you (and the other person) from future participation in the event.
Deferrals: We do not allow entries to be deferred.
Cancellation by us: We may cancel the race if circumstances beyond our reasonable control arise. In the event of our cancellation, you will receive a refund of the entry fee minus Fabian 4’s administration charge of circa £2.50 (entry fee + refund admin costs). We will have no responsibility for any costs incurred as a result of the cancellation including any travel or accommodation costs.
The course: Is a marked fixed course with 6 checkpoints. You must visit the checkpoints in order following waymarkers and any instructions from the race marshals. Anyone found to be taking short cuts between checkpoints will be disqualified. Follow the Countryside Code at all time and ensure all gates are fastened behind you. All dogs must be on lead at all time.
Safety: In the case of bad weather we have a mandatory kit list that will be enforced and we reserve the right to refuse entry for any participant who does not have the specified kit as follows:
- Waterproof coat with hood and taped seams
- Waterproof trousers with taped seams
- Gloves
- Hat
- Whistle
- Trail or fell shoes
Random spot checks will be carried out before and after the race. The kit list requirements may be relaxed in the case of good weather and this will be emailed out in the final race instructions.
Every entrant is responsible for their own personal safety during the race, especially at road crossings
If you need to drop out of the race, you must tell a marshal. If you cannot contact a marshal, you must call the emergency contact number.
CaniCross Rules:
The welfare of your dog must always come first (well equal to yourself – it is a partnership after all!)
Although the race is mid-September temperatures can still be warm. Remember, dogs will overheat far quicker than we will. Equally consider a cold race day with biting rain. Be prepared – assess weather conditions in the week leading up to the race. I will send out a view-from-the-course in the final details briefing sent a couple of days prior to the race.
Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control at all times, both at Race HQ and whilst out on the course. Remember, not everyone loves dogs, be respectful of other runners and keep an appropriate distance where possible. Let other runners know when you’re coming past, and try not to allow your dogs line to impede any other runner.
Appropriate CaniCross equipment must be used. A Y-front harness that is designed for pulling, a bungee lead, and a CaniCross specific waist belt is recommended. Use of unsuitable equipment can lead to injury to yourself and your dog. Harnesses that restrict a dog’s natural shoulder movement should not be used.
Dogs must be trained and fit enough for your chosen distance.
Although there are water bowls for dogs at most checkpoints, it is your responsibility to ensure you carry enough water for both yourself and your dog for your selected course distance.
Dogs must be at least 12 months of age on the day of the race. 18 months is recommended for larger breed dogs. If you are unsure – please check with your vet before participating.
You take full responsibility for your dog at all times, both at Race HQ and on the course.
If your dog starts to struggle whilst on the course, you should retire at an appropriate place. Race organisers or marshals reserve the right to pull any dog off the course if there are genuine welfare concerns.
Always pick up after your dog – carry poop bags with you at all times.
T-shirt orders and cancellations
Limited edition Technical T-shirts will be available to order via the website. Made from plastic bottles no less – they look better than that sounds! More info soon.
T-shirt orders must be complete by 31st July
You are entitled to a 100% refund on your t-shirt order up until 31st July.
If you cancel your place after 31st July (6 weeks prior to event) and have ordered a t-shirt there maybe a possibility of a refund but will be handled on case-by-case basis. Other options will include donating the t-shirt to the prize fund.
Transgender Eligibility
We are committed to ensuring that Machlud Trail Race is a welcoming, inclusive, fair, and safe race for everyone.
Any transgender entrants must identify themselves to the organisers prior to the event and will be entered into the Open category.