FAQ

HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION FOR COMPETITORS

WHO THIS NOTICE COVERS.
It is compulsory for all entrants in this event, their guardians and their supporters to read this notice and comply with its stipulations. They are also responsible for familiarising themselves with the event course and all its hazards, Please inform your supporters of their responsibility to comply.
 
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY
You are responsible for your own health and safety during the event.

The event involves an element of risk of injury, where competitors will encounter deep water, wet road conditions, steep terrain and other random obstacles that are typically present in parks and reserves. You should not attempt any section of the event you do not feel capable of completing safely.

You should only undertake to participate in this event if you believe that you are fit to do so, as confirmed by a doctor.

At no stage of this event should you engage in activity that would threaten your own safety and the safety of other people.

There are no road closures in this event, so you must exercise caution and obey New Zealand road rules.

You should obey marshals, police and traffic officials, where they are instructing you for your safety.

COURSE AND CONDITIONS
Observe conditions on the day and react accordingly for your own safety. Be aware that significant areas of the course may present uneven surfaces.

This is a rain or shine event. Competitors should bring adequate clothing for before, during and after then event, that is suitable for the conditions encountered on the day.

The event should take competitors 4-8 hours. Some fluids will be provided on course. All competitors are encouraged to take any additional fluids with them.
 
WATER HAZARDS
ROTORUA HALF challenges has a 2 km deep water swim. Swimmers of low confidence must not enter this event.
In the event of difficulty in the water: Stop and Raise your hand. In the event of cutting your feet, please report to one of the first aid crew. 
 
LOOK OUT FOR FELLOW COMPETITORS
Please report any accidents during the event to staff or marshals.   
Please give assistance where fellow competitors are in need of help. St John paramedics will be on hand for first aid during the event.

ROADS AND DRIVEWAYS

The roads on the course are open to all motorists at all times.

You may be required to cross roads. Always be prepared to stop, even if you have right of way.

Please be vigilant.

Larger driveways may have traffic approaching you from the left and right.

Any road crossings may be marshalled and should only be crossed at the appointed crossing point, which is clearly marked.

By crossing a road at a non-appointed area, Competitors may be deemed to be leaving the course, and will be disqualified.

GENERAL SAFETY

Asthmatics must carry an inhaler.

Spectators must not follow athletes in vehicle or on bicycles on the course at any time during the event.

Parents/guardians must keep children under control.

Where a competitor is under 18 years, their parent or legal guardian is responsible for their safety.

Dogs must not accompany competitors in this event.

If spectators have no choice but to bring dogs, they must be on a leash at all times and kept well clear of all competitors.

HEART ATTACK
We fell it prudent at this time to point out that heart attacks can occur at any time and any place. There will be physical exertion involved in the event. Because of this, we have a prepared contingency plan. Heart attacks don't generally happen like they do in the movies, there are normally warning signs. Here are the warning signs of a heart attack.

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centre of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Other symptoms. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.
 
If you are running and you experience these symptoms. Stop; rest and bring your heart rate down immediately. If the symptoms continue, stay where you are, call for assistance from fellow competitors, locate a phone and call 111 immediately. Ask for ambulance and then follow the operator’s instructions.
 
After calling 111, call us. The emergency phone number – is on the bottom of everyone's race number. The race organisers have a rapid response plan that includes an automated external defibrillator. (DEFIB).