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.
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
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:
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.
Accidental bodily injury to third parties and/or damage to third party property arising out of the insured activities. Includes:
£10m any one occurrence
Loss (financial or otherwise) arising out of errors and omissions. £5m any one occurrence
Personal legal protection in respect of mismanagement, including protection for the insured persons against employment wrongful acts. £1m any one period (costs inclusive)
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.
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
Written by Briony Latter, Debbie Stenner and Paul Colley-Davies for the WFRA.
Adopted Wed, 22 Feb 2023
Adopted Mon, 1 Jan 2024