Race organisers

The WFRA aims to promote grass roots fell running by facilitating fair competition, good sportsmanship and challenging, risk-aware races. To achieve this, we believe that our safety rules should be sufficiently flexible to allow Race Organisers to make informed judgements. We believe that the optimal balance between enjoyment and safety is best achieved by fostering thoughtful mountaincraft amongst competitors. Race entrants, the WFRA and Race Organisers have important, complementary roles to play in supporting the achievement of this outcome. We do not want to put an unfair burden on Race Organisers, and nor do we want to 'dumb down' the life enhancing ability to test ourselves in the sport that we love.

  1. However, to maintain this stance, we need the cooperation of you, the Race Organiser. Although safety incidents are rare, the consequences are potentially serious. To ensure the continued good reputation of the sport, and also that you continue to enjoy the protection offered by the WFRA insurance policy, please:-
  2. Read the Race Organisers' Handbook, and its appendices setting out an illustrative Race Description/Assessment Matrix and Risk Assessment in pdf and excel forms.
  3. Plan and display the safety requirements of your race, in advance, and according to conditions on the day.
  4. If you think your race qualifies as ER (experience required) or NS (navigational skills required), make the extent and nature of these clear to potential entrants in advance. They can then make an informed decision about whether their abilities match the event.
  5. Be aware that, although it isn't possible to fully control what runners do, if you know of an infringement of safety rules and you do not attempt to address it, you risk losing the benefit of £10 million public liability insurance and becoming personally liable.

The last thing the WFRA wants is to deter potential or existing Race Organisers from holding an event. If you have any questions, or need help with race organisation, safety or insurance, please do not hesitate to contact the Safety Officer, or any member of the Committee. The WFRA Committee is here to serve you, and committed to protecting the continued spirit of fell running  in Wales.

Gaz Jaggard, WFRA Race Registration and Safety Officer

View and download the Incident Report Form here

The WFRA is a not for profit organisation which promotes ‘grass-roots’ fellracing in Wales. The Association provides race organisers with a structure with regulations and a safety code. It arranges and provides insurance for race organisers and members. Races are accepted on the following basis:

  • the race organiser is a current member of the WFRA and agrees to abide by the contents of this Race Organisers’ Handbook;
  • they are ‘non-commercial’;
  • they are not for profit for any individual or organisation;
  • they are not organised for the primary purpose of raising money for charity, and
  • they are not organised in order to promote any political party, faction or cause, or in support of any organised public demonstration.

It is noted that races require financial planning, and it is accepted that there will often be some degree of surplus funds remaining once expenses are defrayed. Charitable donations from this remaining balance are acceptable provided there was no prior intention to raise excessive funds which would infer that the race was organised for that purpose. Although the Association exists to serve race organisers in Wales, it will accept races organised and taking place in other locations within the United Kingdom. Where there is a question of whether a race is suitable for acceptance a sub-committee of the Association shall make the final determination.

The WFRA public liability insurance policy has been arranged through Endsleigh insurance brokers. The policy is underwritten by Sportscover, (up to £10 million). The policy offers financial protection in the event of those covered by the insurance policy becoming legally liable to pay for compensation in respect of damage to third party property or injury or death to third party persons as a result of the administration, organisation and promotion of WFRA throughout the United Kingdom and all associated activities.  Further information is set out below.

Public Liability

Accidental bodily injury to third parties and/or damage to third party property arising out of the insured activities. Includes:

  • Indemnity to principals
  • Liability for damage to leased, hired, or borrowed premises

£10m any one occurrence

Professional Indemnity

Loss (financial or otherwise) arising out of errors and omissions.   £5m any one occurrence

Directors & Officers

Personal legal protection in respect of mismanagement, including protection for the insured persons against employment wrongful acts. £1m any one period (costs inclusive)

Legal Defence Costs

Defence of criminal proceedings. £250,000 any one period

This policy covers Race Organisers, who are members of the WFRA and organise races in accordance with the WFRA’s Safety Requirements, with protection extending to marshals and helpers at these races.  The policy also covers both WFRA members and non-members when competing in a WFRA race.

Insurance procedure

  • Apply to become a member of the WFRA
  • Complete and return the Declaration form (which will be supplied by the Race Registration & Safety Officer: Gareth Jaggard: gaz_jag@hotmail.com Tel: (07810) 808884
  • Provide a copy of the Race Route. This only needs to be done the first time you apply to insure your event with WFRA, unless there are changes to the route.
  • Insurance is a benefit of WFRA membership, subject to meeting the WFRA’s safety requirements 

To assist Race Organisers in describing  and publicising races in a way which doesn't inadvertently  exclude potential participants, the Women and Girls in Fell Running Working Group has developed this helpful guide

Documents