WHAT IS TRAIL RUNNING?
Trail running is one of the best ways of exploring wild places. It provides amazing freedom and also is a great way to exercise. There are many health benefits to trail running vs road running but there are also more hazards and variables to be considered. Please follow this link to the British Mountaineering Council’s website on the main considerations. BMC Trail Running Guide – Problems and Hazards
WHAT ARE RUN LEADERS?
Run Leaders in the Alps are International Mountain Leaders and in the UK are qualified England Athletic Coaches or Fitness Leaders. They are familiar with the route and the terrain. They are there to show you the way, and make the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. They will make decisions that help minimise the risks to the team. Please listen to their instructions. Whilst we will give you every opportunity to complete the planned itinerary, weather, natural risks and other unforeseen circumstances may mean the route or itinerary has to be changed. Run Leaders will also be in regular communication with each other and the logistic team who will make joint decisions over emergency situations and changes to the route. Whilst every support will be provided by your leader and the support crew, you are responsible for your own safety. You will be part of the team and expected to remain part of that team, contributing and ensuring the success of the team in achieving its goal.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
It’s really important you get suitable and adequate insurance to take part in Run the Wild holidays.
For European Running Adventures you are required to take out cover, which most activity insurance companies will provide. This must include emergency evacuation and medical care whilst you are doing the trip. For UK Running Adventures, insurance is not essential but it is recommended. Sportscoverdirect is a relatively inexpensive insurer and provide cover for all of our trips. For European cover they offer a complete travel insurance or if you already have your own travel insurance you can just purchase an activity top-up insurance (which complements existing travel insurance).
If you would like to obtain insurance for one of our UK trips, then a sports accident policy is ideal. For our European running adventures, you will need to select “Mountain Running”, this will cover you for up to 25 miles distance each day and also a maximum altitude at any point during your trip of 4,500m, although none of our trips go over 3,000m.
There are many other insurers, one is the ITRA which offers cover during your trip through an annual membership scheme. However, we recommend that when you take out insurance it not only covers you for any unforeseen aspect during trip but one that also covers you for not being able to attend in case you are injured or unwell. This is because deposits and balance payments are non-refundable. Other factors to consider are lost baggage and delayed flights.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate and valid insurance for the trip.
DO YOU ACCEPT CHILDREN?
Run the Wild Limited accepts bookings directly from persons aged 16 years or over, for under 18 years old, participants must have obtained parental/ guardian consent to participate. Our events allow all ages to enter but for those under 16 years, they need to be running with a legal guardian and of course be able to complete the event distance. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
DO YOU ACCEPT DOGS?
We love dogs! We also love running with them! On most of our UK trips you can bring your 4-legged friend (send us an email to double check and also please inform us if you intend to run with your dog as we need to know in advance). We ask that all dogs are run in canicross equipment only, and are kept on lead at all times. We will not accept dogs being run with a lead attached to their collar (if you have any questions on this, please drop us an email and our resident canicrossers can suggest equipment providers, and even places to try out kit). Dogs also need to be people-friendly and dog-friendly. Maximum of 2 dogs per person.
There are a few other things that you need to consider too:
- If the weather is too hot, you will not be able to run with your dog
- You need to be able to lift them over styles and other obstacles!
- Be aware that some people are afraid or allergic to dogs so please be sensitive to this
- It also may mean you run quicker than you would normally so be aware there maybe points where you need to wait for the group
- You need to ensure you have enough water and food for your dog for the duration of the run
- We cannot guarantee you will get the use of a support vehicle for anything other than a medical emergency
CAN MY FAMILY JOIN A TRIP?
Many people who run have partners as well as children! We will endeavour to cater for people who want to involve their family in the adventure. On most of our trips you can bring your family along to stay with you in the accommodation and this is particularly relevant on the weekend trips in the Alps where you will have free time in the afternoon so that you can spend time with the important people in your life who support you in these amazing adventures. If you have any further questions, please get in touch!
DO YOU GET MANY SOLO RUNNERS / SOLO TRAVELLERS?
Yes most of runners for both UK events and holidays in the Alps are solo travellers. Our events are a great opportunity to meet other like minded runners and make new friends, so don’t be shy!
HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT FOR HOLIDAYS?
For multi-day events we take a deposit which is a minimum of 35% of the total trip cost or a minimum of £100 (whichever is greater). This deposit is non-refundable, unless we have to cancel the trip, in which case you will be entitled to receive a refund or make an alternative booking (please see Terms & Conditions). The balance will be due 12 weeks prior to the holiday start date. Your funds made available to Run the Wild Limited through your booking on multi-day Alps trips are protected by a trust account which is in accordance with the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. This is not relevant to trips less than 24 hours in length. All trip payments are placed into this account and will remain until the trip is complete. In the event of financial failure before your departure, all monies paid, excluding insurance premiums, will be refunded to you.
DO YOU CATER FOR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals are only included as described in the itinerary relevant to your trip. Sometimes we will also set up a refreshment stop where possible, this will also be in your itinerary if planned. For every trip you will be expected to carry with you enough snacks and water to keep you going between any planned refreshment points. Please do let us know if you have any dietary requirements, we can cater for vegans and vegetarians on all our trips.
ON HOLIDAY, WILL I NEED TO SHARE A ROOM?
Hotel rooms and other accommodation is provided on a twin room sharing basis, and on some of the multi day routes in dormitory style accommodation. Please let us know if you would prefer a single room, and where possible we will arrange this, at an additional supplement. All sharing rooms are done a same gender basis unless.
TIPPING – ALPS TRIPS
Tips are at your discretion but they are greatly received and help guides earn a living on what is very seasonal work. Our guides are passionate about what they do and usually go above and beyond what we expect of them. If you are looking for some guidance then the usual rate is around 10% per person of the cost of the trip. For example, if your trip costs EUR 2000 then the tip would be around EUR 200 per person. As with any service, this will be based on your personal experience.
WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?
You are responsible for ensuring you have the correct documentation so you get to the start of your trip. Ensure you have a passport with at least 6 months left before expiry before you travel.
HOW DO I GET TO THE START?
All this information will be contained you in your joining instructions but if you have any questions, please get in touch. You are responsible for getting to the start of the event on time, whether that is in the UK or in the Alps!
CAN I SHARE A LIFT TO AN EVENT?
We facilitate a car sharing program to our UK events. Head to our community page here on Facebook and use the #travel to let everyone know that you are either offering a lift or need a lift to an event!