Trail running is, inherently, the pursuit of freedom and unrestricted exploration of our most beautiful planet. Seeking the peace of wilderness or the thrill of single track motivates runners to leave the tar, track or treadmill. But both the peace and the thrill can be obliterated in situations where safety has not been considered. Correct gear is undeniably the place to begin when it comes to self-preservation and the protection of your fellow trail lovers, but once you have built your trail wardrobe and added all necessary medical and mapping equipment, what more should you be considering before heading up or out from your favourite trail head?
1. Route Knowledge
New routes are best tested with someone in the know. Maps and books have nothing on inside knowledge. Ask on trail running groups for company to explore new areas before heading out. Whilst group running is not encouraged during Covid-19 times, it is possibly to run with distance between you and one or two others and explore safely.
2. Buddy System
Always share you route plan and timing with someone else before heading out and confirm with them when you have returned. Even if you have dogs with you, even if you’re a seasoned runner, even if you know your route. Check in and check off the mountain.
3. Apps
There are some new and well-established safety apps that can be used in an emergency.
Namola
One of South Africa’s best-known safety apps. In an emergency situation you can press and hold down “Request Assistance” which alerts the control room. They will automatically receive your location, and they have your name and contact information stored.
Life360
Without access to emergency services in South Africa, the app allows you to create a “Private Circle” which syncs your group of friends or family together, allowing you to check in on each other’s real-time or recent whereabouts.
Find My Friends
Another app focused on 24/7 real-time location within a personalized circle. In-app chat enabled, and the ability to send alerts in the case of emergency.
Buzzer
A relatively new app piloted in the Cape suburb of Hout Bay. Buzzer connects you to all subscribed individuals and emergency services in your live location. A growing network of healthcare professionals, armed respondents and rescue organisations are automatically alerted to your emergency, which you can broadcast at the tap of a button. Respondents will see when the emergency has been addressed and by whom.
4. All in the Numbers
Trail runners should always carry fully-charged phones with emergency numbers pre-loaded. The suggested numbers will vary per region, but should include your local Wilderness Search and Rescue, local SAPS and a helicopter service such as Skymed. All trail runners should carry a small card, in a sealed ziplock, with their own emergency numbers such as a loved one, medical aid information and doctor’s details.
5. Above all else
Know your own limits and push them out gently. Embarking on a technical ascent if you are new to the sport can be catastrophic. Trail running ranges from gentle off-road meandering to white-knuckle scrambling, and everything in between. Start within your known limits and learn as you go. The journey is always more important than the destination, and the destination must be reached safely.
Words: Kim Stephens