Information and Runners` Guide

Information and Runners’ Guide
Simpson Desert, Birdsville Queensland
How far would you go to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes?
Contents
Introduction4
The Born to Run Foundation 4
Type 1 Diabetes
5
Big Red Run
6
Birdsville & Simpson Desert Overview
7
Course Description
8
Run Options
8
Individuals and Teams 9
Fundraising9
Transport Options
10
Volunteering 11
Campsite 12
Runners Guide to preparing for multi-day events
13
The Type 1 Diabetic’s Multiday How To Guide, Top Tips
18
Mandatory Gear – Big Red Run & Little Red Run 20
Mandatory General Gear - for the Event
20
Mandatory Gear - to be carried everyday & supplied by Race Organisers
21
Mandatory Gear - to be carried everyday and supplied by Runners
21
Mandatory Gear - for Day 5 22
Highly recommended extras
23
Event Safety 24
What participants had to say about the 2013 Big Red Run
26
Information & Runners Guide | 3
Introduction
Congratulations on entering the Big Red Run! Commiserations if you haven’t yet done so!
Whether you aim to be super competitive at the front of the pack, or if you just want to
challenge yourself to complete the full distance, you are in for an outback experience
of a lifetime and a week you will never forget. The Big Red Run is an annual fundraising
event for The Born to Run Foundation and is it staged in Australia’s magestic and beautiful
Simpson Desert.
The Born to Run Foundation
The Born to Run Foundation was established by Greg Donovan, inspired to make a
difference to the lives of people with Type 1 Diabetes, when his youngest son was
diagnosed with the disease. The foundation seeks to raise money for research into finding
a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, as well as raise awareness of the disease with an emphasis
on leading an active and healthy lifestyle as an important component of managing the
disease and reducing its long term complications.
Big Red Run | 4
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune disease
with no known cause. This in contrast
to Type 2 Diabetes which is primarily a
lifestyle related disease. A person with Type
1 Diabetes has no ability to produce the
hormone insulin and consequently cannot
control their blood sugar levels without
multiple blood sugar level tests and insulin
injections every single day. Type 1 Diabetes
is a lifelong disease which affects about
130,000 Australians. Daily insulin injections
or an insulin pump are the only treatment
and although technology has progressed
to allow for much greater control of sugar
levels, there is currently no known cure.
A person with Type 1 Diabetes faces a
greatly reduced life expectancy and is
susceptible to diabetic neuropathy, eye
disease, kidney failure and higher rates of
cardiovascular disease if blood sugar levels
are not controlled appropriately. There
are also much higher rates of depression
among people with Type 1 Diabetes.
Inspiring better living
with Type 1 Diabetes
The benefits of exercise and healthy diet
are even more important for an individual
living with Type 1 Diabetes, than someone
without the disease. However, for many
people with Type 1 Diabetes, engaging
in regular exercise and managing blood
sugar levels can be incredibly difficult.
All too often, physical activity is neglected
as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The Born to Run Foundation seeks to raise
vital money for research into finding a cure
for Type 1 Diabetes; however the Big Red
Run does far more than this. A number of
people with Type 1 Diabetes have taken
on the full 250km Big Red Run through the
Simpson Desert, challenged themselves,
their disease and what some thought was
impossible. These pioneering individuals
demonstrated that Type 1 Diabetes does
not limit an active lifestyle and that one can
achieve incredible things, despite living
with Type 1 Diabetes.
Steve Donovan
Steve Donovan is the son of Greg Donovan and is the
catalyst for the creation of the Born to Run Foundation.
Steve was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 14.
In the first year of the event, Steve ran the whole 250km
together with his Father Greg, a testament to everything
he has worked towards and another demonstration of
the capabilities of people with Type 1 Diabetes.
This monumental effort was from a 20 year old who
had never ran a marathon and battled a number of
knee injuries through training.
Duncan Read
Duncan was Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the
age of 14 but has never let the disease create a barrier
between him and his love of sport and adventure.
Despite needing 4+ insulin injections per day and
frequent finger prick blood tests, Duncan started
adventure racing in his 30’s. He has run the Sydney
Marathon and completed the 100km Alpine Challenge
in 2012.
In 2013, Duncan took on the Big Red Run; his biggest
adventure to date.
Duncan will be the first to attest that the most important
way of managing Type 1 is to stay fit. Not only has he done
this but showed incredible determination to run the desert
and prove anything is possible with Type 1 Diabetes.
Roger Hanney
Roger Hanney is a self confessed ultra marathon tragic,
who lives and breathes the sport. This was not always the
case however. At the age of 33, Roger was training for
his first half marathon when he got the shocking news of
being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
Doctors advised against attempting the half marathon.
Despite this, Roger has gone on to ultra running and
has run for Team Born to Run, completing the famous
4 desert series, the 240km single stage Coast to Kozi
and many other ultramarathons.
Roger is a role model to people with Type 1 Diabetes
aspiring to challenge their limits and plays a pivotal role
in helping other Type 1 runners achieve their personal
sporting goals.
Information & Runners Guide | 5
Big Red Run
A word from Greg Donovan - Event Founder
A huge welcome to everyone
who is looking to take part in the
2014 Big Red Run!
Events of this nature are life
changing experiences for anyone
who wants to come along and
have a go. I know from personal
experience, when in 2012,
myself, my son Matt Donovan,
Roger Hanney, Jess Baker and Ron
Schwebel took on the famous 4
Desert Series as Team Born to Run.
We became the first team to ever
complete the series in a single
calendar year and set a number of
world firsts.
This challenge was inspired
by my son Stephen who was
diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
in his early teens. I felt the need
to do something for vital research
into finding a cure for Type 1
Diabetes, and so the Born to Run
Foundation, its mission and the
Big Red Run was born.
There is something very special
about multi-day events that you
just don’t experience in regular
single day running events.
There is an electric atmosphere
and a camaraderie that is forged
by a week of shared trials and
triumphs. I challenge you to
challenge yourself to come and
have a life-changing experience
in the amazing Simpson Desert.
A word from Pat Farmer - Event Ambassador
I have run in many events all over
the world and seen some amazing
sights and amazing people, but
the Big Red Run would have to be
one of the most special events I
have ever been involved with.
It is an event organised by runners
for runners and is geared towards
bringing out the best in all who
were involved including the crew
and volunteers. Like anything
worthwhile it is not easy and
you will need to be prepared to
go outside your comfort zone,
but competing in this event will
definitely be a highlight of your life.
A word from Adrian Bailey - Race Director
Sand, Sweat & Satisfaction!
If you are keen for a new challenge
whilst exploring unchartered
territories, an adventure with new
found friends and want to help
make a difference in people’s lives…
then joining the race to find a cure
for Type 1 Diabetes by taking part
in the BIG RED RUN is for you!
I’ve taken part in hundreds of
events over the years but nothing
compares to that of taking part in
the Big Red Run. Spending a week
amongst the dunes, enjoying the
winter warmth of the Simpson
Desert whilst sharing the adventure
with likeminded others with similar
goals whilst treading landscapes
found nowhere else in this world
is a mind blowing experience
alone. Throw in to the mix camp
fire banter and sing along under
a starlit sky together with a few
surprises along the way and you
will find yourself being part of an
outback adventure like no other.
Welcoming everyone across the
finish line in Birdsville this year
not only brought tears to my eyes
but the sheer sense of satisfaction
for what everyone achieved was
overwhelming!
See you on the start line – be
prepared for a life changing
experience!
A word from Lucas Trihey - Event Director
When I walked alone across the
Simpson Desert in 2006 I had
no idea that it would lead to me
helping set up and run the first
Big Red Run in 2013.
After my 400km, 17-day trek I
thought I knew a fair bit about
the effort needed to achieve
a challenging goal but the
determination I saw from the
runners at the first Big Red Run
Big Red Run | 6
was so impressive it often bought
tears to my eyes. The runners
with diabetes, the young and the
inexperienced did amazing things
that caused all of us in the crew
to look on in admiration while
the experienced runners were
supportive and an inspiration.
This book is full of information
you’ll need to enter, prepare and
participate and I recommend
you read it cover to cover. Just
remember the thing you’ll need
most is buried deep inside you
– this run will show you how
determined and tough you can be.
The Big Red Run changes lives.
Join us in the Simpson in July 2014
for an incredible experience, to
learn about yourself and to help
find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
Birdsville & Simpson Desert Overview
Birdsville is a small Queensland outback town
situated on the banks of the Diamantina River
between the sands of the Simpson Desert and
the gibbers of Sturts Stony Desert. The area
is steeped in history, from aboriginal meeting
places to European settlement in the late 1870s
and beyond.
The Birdsville population currently stands at
approximately 100. The town provides modern
facilities for all travellers along with many thriving
businesses. Comfortable accommodation and
general supplies are available in the town.
Birdsville is located in the Temperate Zone with
a generally arid climate. Rainfall average totals
160mm each year occurring mostly in summer
with September being the driest month of the
year. Daytime temperatures in the region reach
an extreme mid 40°C in the summer (November
- February) down to typical desert nights of 4°C
in the winter. Milder daytime temperatures reach
(15-28°C) during the winter months, although
it has been known to reach into the mid 30s on
occasion. The average temperature for July is 21°C.
The Simpson Desert to the west of Birdsville is a
large area of dry, red sandy plain and dunes in
Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland
in central Australia. It is the fourth largest Australian
desert, with an area of 176,500km² and is the
world’s largest sand dune desert.
The desert is underlain by the Great Artesian Basin,
one of the largest inland drainage areas in the
world. Water from the basin rises to the surface
at numerous natural springs, including Dalhousie
Springs, and at bores drilled along stock routes,
or during petroleum exploration. As a result of
exploitation by such bores, the flow of water to
springs has been steadily decreasing in recent
years. It is also part of the Lake Eyre basin.
The Simpson Desert is an erg which contains
the world’s longest parallel sand dunes. These
north-south oriented dunes are static, held in
position by vegetation. They vary in height from
3 metres in the west to around 30 metres on the
eastern side. The largest and most famous dune,
Nappanerica, or more popularly Big Red (named
by Simpson Desert traveller Dennis Bartell), is 40
metres in height.
Information & Runners Guide | 7
Course Description
Competitors will take to the start line erected right outside the iconic Birdsville
Hotel. In front of them lies a challenging course that includes vast open gibber
plans, red rolling parallel sand dunes and the valleys in-between them. At times
the terrain can be quite unforgiving and soft underfoot as the course traverses
parts of the Simpson Desert where no tracks have been established and few,
if any people have been before. Competitors have described the course as
“breathtaking” and “challenging”. The whole course is marked out with flags
and tape and is easy to follow. Sections where runners are expected to be still
running in the dark are marked with flashing beacons.
Although there is no mountainous terrain, competitors can expect a course
which is technically and physically challenging. The course will cross many
sand dunes, follow the ridge lines and snake through valleys and river beds,
and cross vast salt lakes and shiny red clay flats to satisfy everyone’s need for
variety. After a life changing week of adventure and toil, on the final 8km day,
competitors will follow the same road they started on, all the way into the
beating heart of town, the iconic Birdsville Hotel, for a well earned beer and
celebration with new found friends.
Run Options
250km Big Red Run or 150km Little Red Run
Maybe you are an adventurous walker or hiker, or you have a connection
to Type 1 Diabetes and wish to participate and support the Born to Run
Foundation and raise funds for Type 1 Diabetes, but you feel that 250km may
be outside your limits.
Or maybe you are a strong and competitive runner, but would prefer to compete
over the 150km distance so you can push yourself a little harder each day.
What can you do? Little Red Run could be the perfect option for you!
In 2014, there will be two distance options that participants can choose from.
These will be the 250km Big Red Run and the 150km Little Red Run. Both will
be staged over the same six stages, and much of the same course. Below is a
breakdown of the respective distances that competitors cover on each day of
the event.
Big Red Run | 8
250km
Big Red Run
150km
Little Red Run
Stage 1
42.2km
42.2km
Stage 2
42.2km
21.1km
Stage 3
42.2km
21.1km
Stage 4
31km
15.4km
Stage 5
84.4km
42.2km
Stage 6
8km
8km
Individuals and Teams
In the Big Red Run you can participate as an individual or in a team.
Individuals
Individual competitors participate by themselves and perform their fundraising individually.
Teams
The Big Red Run also incorporates a team category. Teams must include a minimum of 3 people.
There are 2 types of teams.
•
Full teams – they must run together as a team every day for the whole distance.
•
Relay teams - where all members run together on the first stage and last stage of the event.
On all other days, at least one member from the relay team must complete the stage. The decision as to
who runs each stage is at the discretion of the team. You may wish to run the whole way together or have
one member run a stage each. People who enter as a team perform their fundraising collectively.
Fundraising
The Big Red Run is first and foremost a fundraising event for the Born to Run Foundation. As such, all
participants are required to make a minimum fundraising commitment of $1,000 as part of participating
in the event.
Upon registration as an individual or a team; you will be able to create your online fundraising page.
Here you can tell your story and ask your friends, family or businesses to support your Big Red Run journey.
You can go about your fundraising in a number of different ways. Some things you can do are hosting a fundraising
event, holding a raffle or having a morning tea at work. Some people back themselves with the first donation while
others seek corporate sponsorship.
Fundraising can be a very rewarding experience and we encourage our participants to get creative with their
fundraising initiatives and let the whole Big Red Run family know via our Facebook page.
There will be fundraising incentives for participants who reach certain targets and for top fundraisers.
More details will be available through the Big Red Run website when fundraising opens.
In 2013, the Big Red Run raised over $150,000 for research into finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes!
Information & Runners Guide | 9
Transport Options
Transport to and from Birdsville is an important consideration that all competitors and
volunteers must make. Below are a number of options that can help you plan your journey.
Flights
Skytrans flies regularly in and out of Birdsville. We have reserved 25 seats on the flight
that lines up with the event dates, and seats are available for purchase through the Big
Red Run website. These will be priced at $1,100 return.
The seats available on this flight are limited so it is advised that you secure your place as
soon as possible if you would like to fly.
Departing Brisbane to Birdsville: Monday 30th June at 9:00 am
Departing Birdsville to Brisbane: Tuesday 8th July at 11:45 am
Charter Buses
A Charter Bus will be leaving from Brisbane on Sunday morning 29th June and arriving in
Birdsville on Monday morning the 30th June.
The same bus will be making the return trip from Birdsville to Brisbane, departing
Tuesday the 8th July and arriving Wednesday the 9th July.
These will be $395 return, which works out at $0.12 a kilometre!
A similar charter bus will also depart from Adelaide if we have demand for this option.
The cost will be the same at $395 return.
More specific details can be found on the website: bigredrun.com.au
Drive
You may wish to make your journey a good old fashion road trip. Why not take the time
to drive and visit some of the quirky and colourful townships of the Australian outback
on your way out to Birdsville. Depending on what route you chose to take, all roads are
sealed except for the last 250km into town. It may be a little bumpy, but 2 wheel drive is
possible. Probably best not best to bring a Hyundai Getz or similar though!
Big Red Run | 10
Volunteering
The Big Red Run would not be possible
without the tireless efforts of the
volunteers who support the event.
Whether you are seeking an adventure in
Australia’s red centre or have a connection
with Type 1 Diabetes, Volunteering can be
an amazing and rewarding experience you
are sure to never forget. The Big Red Run
requires a number of volunteers working
in different capacities. Some of the specific
roles of volunteers include:
•
•
ourse setters, forerunners and
C
sweeps
Campsite staff
•
Drivers
•
Medical and First Aid including doctors,
nurses, paramedics, wilderness first
aiders and physiotherapists.
•
Checkpoint and traffic marshals
•
General duties
•
Photographers
Volunteers too can create their own
fundraising page if they wish. If you would
like to volunteer for the Big Red Run, you
can get in contact through the website to
find out more.
Information & Runners Guide | 11
Campsite
Campsite Facilities
What’s exploring Australia’s red heart without the experience of an Aussie campsite? The camping
arrangements of the Big Red Run are part of the whole experience. It’s in sharing tents with
strangers, coffees around the urns in the morning and stories around the campfire that makes the
Big Red Run something you will always remember.
At camp you can expect to sleep in enclosed marquees, shared amongst 8 people. There will
be hot water supplied in the mornings and evenings for food and drink preparation. At all
camps there will be porta loos however there will be no shower facilities available.
Our team of campsite volunteers are responsible for packing down, moving and setting up
camp as the race moves through the desert. All your gear is transported between campsites for
you, so there is no need to carry it while you run!
Campsite Entertainment
We endeavour to make the Big Red Run more than a running race but a unique outback
experience. As such you can expect various things going on at camp after the days running.
In 2013, runners were treated to an amazing sunset concert by Australian country music legend
John Williamson, a motivational talk by the inspiring ultra runner Pat Farmer, an Aboriginal
heritage talk, stargazing, and live music and stories around the camp fire.
Details about what you can expect in 2014 will be available on the website when arrangements
are finalised.
Big Red Run | 12
Runners Guide to preparing for multi-day events
Introduction
Whether you come from a marathon or ultra-marathon background, multi-day stage racing is a whole different ball game. It can be a
very exciting and rewarding experience to set yourself a goal and work towards it over a long period of time. Because it is so different
to other endurance based events; you must carefully consider how you prepare. As this type of event is new to most, below are some
recommendations and advice you can incorporate into your preparations in the lead up to and during the Big Red Run.
Many runners agree that the preparation and anticipation can often be as exciting as the race itself, and is a major part of the whole Big
Red Run experience. It goes without saying however, that those who come very well prepared have a much more enjoyable experience
than those who don’t.
Training
One of the most common questions that
competitors ask is regarding how they
approach their training. Whether you’re a
seasoned runner or an adventurous trekker,
multiday events like the Big Red Run require
specific training and preparation over many
months. Below are a number of tips you can
implement in your preparations.
1. D
ecide on how you are going to
participate
Are you going to push yourself and be
competitive or will you shuffle along
and enjoy the scenery. Maybe you just
want to set out and walk the whole
distance. Whatever your intentions,
decide on your style first before
considering what type of training best
suits you and your goals.
2. Stay accountable and motivated!
Depending on when you decide you
are going to participate in the Big Red
Run there could be a very long period
of time until you actually race and it
is not uncommon for athletes to lose
motivation over an extended training
period. Some strategies you can use
to maintain your motivation over the
course of your training is to put a
picture of the desert up on the fridge,
tell everyone you know what you are
doing, or better yet, rope in a friend or
partner. It is also recommended to find
other appropriate events to enter in
the lead up. All these things will make
the Big Red Run a consistent focus in
your day to day life.
3. Train hard
To make substantial gains in fitness
there needs to be a high level of
exertion. During the week when you
have the pressures of time, family and
work make your training sessions short
but hard. Spending 40 mins doing
hill repeats or intervals with a rest:
work ratio of about 1:1 will be a very
challenging workout. Start putting
this into your training schedule once
per week to start and then twice per
week after 2-3 weeks. When done
properly, interval based training can be
incredibly effective.
4. Go long
Long training runs are a very important
element in your preparations for
the Big Red Run. Most runners will
reserve the weekend for a long run.
Everyone’s definition of long is different
depending on their running ability.
But to excel in an event like the Big
Red Run you need to be able to be
on your feet for a long period of time
and constantly moving, even if it is just
a shuffle or walk. Aim to build up to
a 3 hour run or longer on weekends
consistently before thinking about
doing big back to back sessions.
These types of training runs are
essential to trial how you intend to fuel
yourself and how you can keep your
mind strong. The back to back session
will get you used to running on tired
legs, and ready for the multi day nature
of Big Red Run.
5. Backing up
One of the most effective training
techniques is to introduce “back to
back” training sessions. This is quite
simply doing a long training session
on two consecutive days. Depending
on your current state of fitness; you
should start with at least 2 hours per
session and build it up to 3-4 hours
per session.
In these events, after the first day
you will be running on “tired legs”
so it is crucial that you condition
yourself for this and prepare mentally.
An additional benefit is that you
build time on your feet, which will
condition the bones, ligaments and
tendons of your feet and legs to cope
with the hours and hours of pressure
they will experience during the event.
Like your long runs, start off short and
build up over time.
If you are managing an injury,
this type of training technique is
not recommended as there is the
potential to exacerbate whatever
problem you are dealing with and
will likely limit the healing process.
6. Get stronger
Strength Training should not be
overlooked in the endurance athlete.
A strong endurance athlete can
maintain higher power output over
longer periods of time and will
perform better under fatigue.
Information & Runners Guide | 13
Appropriate strength training is also
a crucial element in injury prevention
which is very important in events
that span these types of distances
over many days. In such long events
like The Big Red Run, it is not the
cardiovascular fitness of the individual
that fails but the strength in their
legs and core and posture that limits
peoples performance.
For runners and trekkers, I would
recommend selecting exercises that
are primarily lower body dominant,
work a large range of motion and
challenge the core and posture.
Some good examples include
lunges, squats, broad jumps, single
leg hopping, push ups, mountain
climbers and skipping.
7. Train in the sand
In the Big Red Run, you get a rare
change to venture out into the wide
expanse of the desert where very
few if any people have ventured
before. You will experience a variety
of terrains as much of the course is
set off established tracks. As such it
is very important that you condition
your body to deal with the demands
of rough and soft terrain. Of course
the best way to do this is to train in
the sand. Running in soft conditions
requires a great deal more energy
and can tax different areas of your
legs that running on hard surfaces will
not. Incorporating some soft sections
into your long running days can be
great preparation for what you will
experience in the Simpson Desert.
8. Add a backpack
It is important to do some training
with a pack. Not only will this increase
the intensity of your workouts, it will
simulate the mandatory gear and
water you will be required to run with.
Make sure you have an idea of how
heavy your mandatory gear will be,
and get used to moving and running
with this on your back. It is also a good
opportunity to test out your pack and
make certain all your gear will fit.
Big Red Run | 14
Ensure you make any adjustments
required to the straps and that your
pack is comfortable to run with before
heading out into the desert with it.
Foot Care
Runners should consider looking after
their feet and preventing blisters as one
of their highest priorities. Your feet are
your wheels, and you don’t want to get
flat tyres! Blisters are not just incredibly
painful but can mean the difference
between finishing or not, especially in
multiday events. Although the event is
supported by a well equipped medical
team, it is the responsibility of the runners
to look after their own feet and treatment
of blisters. This means being proactive in
preventative strategies and knowing what
to do if a blister does happen to form.
Consider this scenario. You start on the
Marathon of Day 1. You are making good
time and at about halfway you feel that
”hot spot” under your heel getting much
worse. You stop, empty out the sand in
your shoes thinking that is the problem
and press on all the way to the finish.
What was a mere unpleasant feeling under
your heal turns out to be a huge blister
that has been growing bigger step by
step. While you are running it is common
to feel much less pain and so you do not
perceive this as a problem to address.
If this blister happens to break, you will
have an open wound on your foot and
a high chance of infection. As you can
appreciate, having an infected wound
under your heel after Day 1 is going to
make for a very unpleasant week and
could cause you to pull from the race as
well and put extra strain on the medical
team. It is not exhaustion or injury that
causes most DNF’s in multiday running
events but blisters just like this.
Below are some ways you can best
prevent blisters and how to manage them
if you happen to get one:
•
pend many weeks training in the
S
shoes you intend on using.
•
Make sure your shoes are sand proof
by training in the sand and making
the necessary self modifications.
Avoid mesh type running shoes that
will always let sand in.
•
se gaiters to prevent sand getting
U
into your shoes.
•
se pre-emptive taping with good
U
quality strapping tape on the areas
of your feet you feel are most likely
to get blisters (balls of feet, the arch,
toes and heels etc).
•
se good quality toe socks. It is also
U
a good strategy to wear double
socks. Some people have found that
wearing toes socks and then a long
compression sock over the top is
quite effective at preventing blisters.
•
Use an anti-chafe on the soles of your
feet or between sock layers.
•
onsider applying a product like
C
Hydrogel on your feet and toes.
This will prevent moisture getting
into your skin, as when your feet get
moist, they soften up and are more
prone to developing blisters.
•
Treat “hot spots” on the run as early
as you can. You can do this by clearing
sand, applying tape, applying a
compeed and using an anti-chafe.
It can be annoying and cost time to
stop but will save you in the long run.
•
onsider wearing shoes ½ a size to a
C
full size larger to account for double
socks and swelling of the feet that
will usually occur during multiday
running events.
•
Make sure you have all the necessary
things you need to prevent and
manage blisters packed in your own
medical equipment that you take in
your running pack. You may need to
pack extra equipment that is outside
of the mandatory gear list. This is
considered akin to a triathlete taking
a puncture repair kit with them.
Hopefully it does not have to get
used, but the athlete will be sure
glad they brought it with them if
they get a puncture.
Blister Treatment
If you happen to have a blister form it is important to know how to best
treat it. As you can appreciate, if you do have a blister form somewhere on
your foot during a multiday event it is all about controlling and preventing
further injury and avoiding infection. It is more than likely that if you do
have a blister form, you will have to get up the next day and run on it.
Below is a guide as to how to best manage a blister if it does arise.
1. Draining the blister
In most cases blisters will heal themselves without having to drain them.
Because you will be on your feet the next day, leaving the blister filled
with fluid will likely cause problems like extra movement of the skin and
possible rupture, so it is recommended that you drain the blister. To do
this, it is important to clean the area free of dirt and sterilise both the
affected area of skin and the needle with an alcohol wipe. Next; bunch
up the blister by applying pressure and moving the fluid to one side of
the blister. Insert the sterilised needle into the blister. As you remove
the needle, maintain pressure on the blister so as to push the fluid out
of the hole created by the needle and collect the fluid with a piece of
clean gauze or tissue. Blisters have a tendency to fill up with fluid again
so it is likely you will have to do this multiple times.
2. Dress the blister
When you drain and clean the blister, it is important to dress it so it
doesn’t get dirty and increase the chance of infection. While at camp,
you may wish to put a large dressing on that will not stick to the skin
and wear loose shoes or sandals to prevent aggravation.
3. Prepare to run/walk
When you go to perform again you will need to dress and prepare your
blister appropriately to avoid continued damage of the skin. There are
a number of ways you can do this. It is very common to dress the area,
apply taping over the dressing and lubrication to reduce the amount of
friction. This can be effective but some find that they still have problems
with this method. Another option it to apply a “donut” type dressing.
This is where a piece of this foam is cut to shape and placed over the
blistered area. The hole in the middle of the donut essentially sits off the
area of skin which is experiencing the most amount of friction and protects
it from rubbing.
Personal medical equipment you should bring to treat blisters:
•
Alcohol wipes
•
Compeed Patches
•
Medical Tape
•
Hand sanitiser
•
Bandaids
•
Anti-inflammatory cream
•
Needles
•
Sports strapping tape
•
Anti-Chafe lubricant
•
Scissors
Information & Runners Guide | 15
Nutrition
In the Big Red Run, you are required to bring with you the food you wish to eat for the duration of the week.
This includes all breakfasts, snacks, dinners, recovery food and food while running. Event organisers will supply
hot water in the mornings for breakfast and in the afternoons and night for dinners.
Below are the basic requirements you should be able to demonstrate at competitor gear check:
•
Breakfast for every day of the event
•
Snacks while at camp
•
Food you wish to consume while running
•
Dinner for each night at camp
The food you wish to eat is a very personal choice. However, below are some recommendations to help you
decide what to take:
•
Make sure the food you bring is non-perishable.
•
F reeze dried meals from outdoor shops work quite well for dinners and breakfasts. They will not perish and
are very easy and quick to prepare.
•
hoose food that is very energy dense to save weight and volume in your bag. Check the number of
C
calories per gram and aim for the highest.
•
Consider taking a recovery type drink to consume very soon after finishing the days running. These types of
recovery drinks come in powder form and are very calorie dense, making them ideal for these type of events.
Big Red Run | 16
Fuel right for your run
Hydration
Whether you are an experienced runner or not it is well understood that how you fuel
yourself can have an enormous effect on how you perform. For most people, the Big
Red Run represents an enormous challenge and is completely different from most of
the previous events that have been undertaken. As such there may be other things you
may need to consider when deciding how to fuel during the run itself. Below are some
important points that you may find helpful in your preparation and during the event.
Hydration is another important factor that
you must consider if you are to perform
your best and if you want to remain
safe. For hydration in endurance sports,
the recommendations below provide
information on how to hydrate in the
most appropriate way and avoid serious
health consequences.
While doing your long training sessions
Make sure you eat the exact breakfast you intend to eat during the event to make sure
you tolerate it well. You should try and replicate the exact food, the portion size and the
period of time from when you eat to when you start running.
You may find that the food is well tolerated but the portion size may be a little too big and
you experience gastrointestinal problems soon after starting your training. You can only
make changes to your plan after you know what works and what does not.
Consume the same food you wish to consume while running, whether it be sports drink,
gels, muesli bars, lollies or nuts. Finding the right formula for you is most often a matter
getting out and trying different things rather than taking a prescription from a set plan.
During the event
Make sure you bring a variety of foods. Eating the very same foods day in day out can
become monotonous and in some cases can deter you from getting in the required
energy to perform at your best. Packing a variety of options will ensure you always have
something satisfying and sustaining.
When setting out on a day’s running, it is recommended trying to consume small
portions of food in the first hour. During this time your energy may be good and
you will probably not be hungry because breakfast was not too long ago, but during
this time you are trying to offset and delay the depletion and fatigue you will likely
experience later on in the day.
Sports nutrition can play a very important role in supporting your run. Gels, chew
blocks and sports drinks can be very convenient for controlling and calculating intake
and are mostly well tolerated by the stomach.
Make sure you have both sweet and savoury options available during the run.
Many participants report getting sick of consuming the same sweet foods or gels.
With so much information about what to consume, how much to eat and at what times,
one can sometimes overload their system with too much intake. During exercise, there
is no way your body can absorb and replenish what is being used. Sticking to a minimal
approach of taking in 50% when the body is asking for 110% can sometimes be the
smartest approach.
Anticipate how long you will be running for each day and plan appropriately. Someone
who runs the majority of the way will be on the course for a much shorter period of time
and working at a much high intensity compared to someone who is walking the majority
of the way. As such, a runner may require less food because 1; they will be out there for
a shorter period of time and 2; the intensity their bodies are working at will not allow for
the same rate of absorption of nutrients.
Drink to thirst
This is the most important piece of
information to remember. If you happen
to under hydrate you will become thirsty
and obviously satisfy that need by drinking.
Dehydration can increase the stress on
the heart and kidneys, so it is important
to replace some of the fluids that are lost,
primarily through sweat. Your body has a
complex but efficient system of regulating
fluid balance and thirst is an important part
of this system, so listen to it. During exercise,
your body will reduce blood flow to non
essential functions as the metabolic demands
are greatly increased in the heart, lungs,
muscles, skin and liver that are working
overtime. As a consequence, blood flow
to the digestive system is greatly reduced
making the absorption of water and calories
much lower than at rest. It is very likely that
you will not be able to replace all that is lost,
however small frequent ingestion of fluid is
better tolerated than large ones.
Sweat rates are different between different
people and are also related to the
environmental factors such as heat and
humidity. For this reason, a set prescription of
how much to drink cannot be given. However,
it is recommended that you take in a small
amount of water about every 15 minutes,
more if you’re thirsty, less if you’re not.
We also caution participants not to
drink excessive amounts of water as a
way of “hyper-hydrating” or to prevent
dehydration as this will increase the risk
of Hyponetremia. Hyponetremia is a very
serious condition whereby you essentially
over hydrate, which in turn can cause an
imbalance in electrolytes as they have been
“diluted”. Correct electrolyte balance is
essential for correct functioning of the
nervous system and over-hydration can
disrupt this balance.
Information & Runners Guide | 17
Electrolytes and Hyponetremia
Hyponetremia is a serious medical condition where excess fluid consumption causes a
dilution of sodium in the blood. As a result, the body corrects the imbalance by allowing
water to seep into the cells to correct the imbalance that has occurred. Most cells can
cope with swelling except the brain with has a finite capacity to expend.
Some of the mild symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. Other symptoms
that indicate more serious progression of the condition are confusion, mood swings,
irritability and drowsiness. These are neurological manifestations and indicate swelling in the
brain. The danger comes when all these symptoms are mistaken for dehydration. If a person
in this state were to take in even more water the consequences could be fatal.
All this being said, another part of your fuelling equation must be the electrolytes
you take in. Remember your body has an incredible ability to self regulate, so it’s not
necessarily a matter of “more is better” and taking in excessive amounts of electrolytes.
During exercise which is performed over a very long duration, one can lose sodium,
which leads to a number of problems such as muscle cramping and fatigue. There are a
number of electrolyte products available. It is recommended that you become familiar
on how to use one of these products, by preparing the solutions to the recommended
concentration and using during training.
Remember, slower competitors who are exerting themselves for much longer periods
of time and probably drinking lots of water are at greater risk of running into problems.
Taking in small amounts of electrolytes as per the recommendations outlined on each
product will ensure you don’t run into trouble.
The Type 1 Diabetic’s Multiday How To Guide, Top Tips
Whether you are already an ultrarunner or
about to become one, there are a couple
of things specific to your management of
your wellbeing on the run that this short
piece will try to impart. Notice that I
said, specifically, YOUR management and
YOUR wellbeing.
Everybody running multiday
ultramarathons must
•
rain with commitment, conditioning
T
their body and mind for the
challenge of prolonged endurance
running in unpredictable conditions
•
et familiar with any equipment/
G
clothing/foods that they might need
to use in the desert
•
Bring their own supplies of
PREVENTIVE and RESTORATIVE
supplies – tape to protect your feet,
gaiters to keep out grit, lube to
prevent chafing, AND ESPECIALLY
adequate sources of protein and
carbohydrate FOR EVERY BODY,
EVERY DAY
Big Red Run | 18
As a Type 1 diabetic, you have to do all
the things that everybody else does plus
a bit extra.
•
Sports gels are an easily carried and
absorbed carb but can become
too sweet
Pre-event
•
contain small amounts of protein which
is believed to support endurance
•
ave CAFFEINE which will improve
h
focus but also accelerate metabolism
and effect how much carb is needed
1. G
et familiar with the cumulative
impact that running long, hard, and
maybe even hot will have on your
insulin sensitivity. Every Type 1 runner
needs to reduce their basal levels
and bolus ratios, but the level and
duration of reduction varies. Become
an Insulin Ninja.
2. W
ork out portable carbohydrate
sources that work for you.
•
Convenient whole foods like apricot
coconut balls, sultanas, sundried
banana?
•
rink powders are weight efficient.
D
Maltodextrin is 100% CHO and
essentially flavourless, sports drinks
also provide essential electrolytes but
the sweetness can become sickening
over several hours
3. P
ractise your balance: intensity –
nausea – IOB – BGL - CHO – duration
- hydration. This set of intertwined
relationships is the key to running
ultra with type 1. The harder you run,
the more carb you need, the more
dehydrated you become, the higher
your sugars will trend, the higher
they trend, the more you dehydrate.
4. Take ownership: everyone running
has a story, yours features a busted
pancreas. Don’t make excuses. Don’t
blame the disorder.
5. Actively seek and absorb available and
relevant information. www.type1ultra.
com has aggregated a number of
relevant links and resources – use them.
www.exT1D.com.au is the best
educational site for active type 1s,
use it too.
The Event
1. ‘Where we’re going, we don’t need
roads’ BUT you will need NEW &
SPARE EVERYTHING
Checklist
–– Fresh batteries in your meter and
pump. Don’t mess around, get
lithium.
–– Additional canulae, cartridges,
needles, IN DATE glucose strips
–– Check your glucose strips again?
Lots of them? All in date?
–– Insulin – fast and slow. Take
both even if you’re a pumper,
and make sure you know how to
work with them manually. You’ll
be amazed how quickly insulin
cartridges that have never ever
smashed before will drop and
shatter when you are in a remote
town with no serious chemist.
–– Spare glucose meter.
•
Simply put, pack enough diabetic
supplies (including at least 1 spare
glucose meter and more food than
you’ll need) for the apocalypse and
you’ll easily manage 2 weeks of
running and travel.
2. Be prepared. Running in the desert is a
fantastic experience, virtually out of this
world. Some normal rules still apply.
•
Trends mean more than single
readings. Know yours.
•
drenaline blocks the effect of insulin,
A
be patient with high readings in the
first hour of each race day.
•
ypoglycaemia is predictably more
H
likely to occur 6-8 hours after finishing
an activity.
•
Insulin is active anywhere from
2-4 hours after dosing. Have an
early breakfast, adjust your pump
programming for the week.
•
reat mistakes as learning
T
opportunities. We all make them!
3. T
he big concern, ‘what about my
insulin?’. It may lose some potency
but it will last. Bring 3-4 times as
much as you might need just in case.
Put some in the middle of your pack,
where it’s coolest. Give some to the
medics. Keep some in your transport
bag. And remember to bring enough
for the trip home too – that goes for
all your perishables as well.
4. Test, Test, Test. Objective information
is your best friend because your own
judgment will be skewed by fatigue
and exertion. High reading? Wash
your hands with plain water – ALWAYS
carry some plain water – and test
again when your hand’s dry. Carb will
get on everything throughout the
week, don’t be fooled into taking a
corrective dose of insulin when your
sugars are secretly normal.
5. Generally?
•
Own your D. Or it will own you.
•
on’t Panic. It’s an art, it’s a science,
D
it’s a challenge, but running long
with type 1 is never a crisis unless you
prepare badly and put your problems
in the Too Hard Basket too easily.
•
dapt. If you have prepared, if you
A
have practised, if you have made
use of the resources available to you
along your personal journey with
Type 1, you have everything you need
to succeed, whatever your personal
definition of success might be.
•
ppreciate the people who are part
A
of your adventure. There is always a
crew ready to answer your questions.
They want you to get through and it
wouldn’t be the same without them.
All of this might seem scary, but the
difference between scary and exciting is
ATTITUDE. Make sure to bring plenty –
especially self-belief. All you ever have to
do, in your diabetes management, your
training, and at the Big Red Run, is take
the next step.
Roger Hanney is part of Team Born to Run.
Diagnosed in 2008 while training for his
first half marathon, in 2012 he became
the first person with type 1 to complete the
4 Deserts Grand Slam. He writes at
www.runeatsleeprun.com and elsewhere.
Information & Runners Guide | 19
Mandatory Gear – Big Red Run & Little Red Run
An important consideration you must make in your preparations are the mandatory gear items that you intend to take. The document
that specifies what items are required can be found at bigredrun.com.au. Competitors must show they have all of the listed items in
this document. This will be checked at competitor registration in Birdsville and is non-negotiable. Failure to do so will mean a competitor
cannot start the event. It is extremely important you take the time to locate and pack all these items because there are no shops in
Birdsville to purchase any missing items and you cannot always rely on other runners taking spares.
This list has been made with every consideration of participant’s safety in mind, and as such all items will be checked. Only some items
will be required to be taken with you while you are on the course. Although gear check will not occur every day, there will be random
gear checks at various checkpoints throughout the event. If you fail in one of these gear checks, a time penalty will be incurred.
All your other gear and food will be stored in another bag that will be transported between campsites for you. Aside from the mandatory
gear items there are a number of optimal gear items that you may want to consider taking. These other recommended items can be
found on the mandatory gear document on the website.
Gear Bag - transported by Event Organisers
Upon registration in Birdsville, competitors will need to bring their own bag that will be used to carry all of your mandatory gear
between campsites.
Competitors are limited to a 14kg weight limit. All event gear must fit inside your event bag. Other luggage and belongings will be able
to be stored at a secure place in Birdsville for the duration of the event and can be collected at the conclusion of the event.
Mandatory General Gear - for the Event
Sleeping Bag
Competitors must have a sleeping bag that is suitable for cold conditions as nights in the desert can
get close to zero and occasionally even below zero. Sleeping bag liners are recommended to make
your sleeping bag even warmer, should temperatures become unusually cold. Shop around for a
compact sleeping bag which will fit into your gear bag more easily than a very bulky one.
Sleeping Mat
A light thermarest, or blow up sleeping mat is suitable.
Food
Food is a personal choice however competitors must be able to supply:
•
•
•
•
Breakfast on every day of the event
Recovery food or drink following each day’s run
Snacks while at camp
Dinner at camp each night
It is recommended competitors take freeze dried meals (available from outdoor stores) or nonperishable
food options. Hot water and drinking water only will be supplied at camp by the event organisers.
Utensils
Competitors will need to supply their own cup, bowl and eating utensils.
Clothing
Competitors may wish to change out of their race clothing following the run and should be prepared
for cold weather. Recommended items include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Thermals
Thick socks
Warm pants
Fleece top
Warm jacket (a down parker is a nice luxury to wear at camp if you have one)
Beanie
Camp shoes
Do not bring too many changes of clothes as you will likely exceed your 14kg weight restriction.
•
•
•
Toilet paper
Head Torch - make sure it is powerful and has fully charged or new batteries.
Hand Sanitiser
Competitors are required to bring anti-bacterial hand gel (min 30ml) to use at camp.
Big Red Run | 20
Mandatory Gear - to be carried everyday & supplied by Race Organisers
Satellite tracking device
Emergency card
(laminated) with advice on snake bite treatment, what to do if lost or injured etc
Course maps
Race shirts
Long sleeved and short sleeved race shirt. One of these shirts must be worn every day
Event hat
Event buff
Mandatory Gear - to be carried everyday and supplied by Runners
Backpack
Backpack or body-pack with capacity for all mandatory gear, food, drinks etc.
Must be big enough to carry the extra clothing (thermals and fleece) on Day 5.
Hat
Peaked cap with top of head fully covered is the minimum requirement, a full brim hat or Legionnaire
style is recommended. Brim or visor-only styles are not permitted. Your event hat will be suitable.
Lightweight long pants
The event will continue in moderate sand storm conditions so you will need to be equipped to
cover your legs, arms, head and eyes. In addition to your buff, long sleeved shirt, hat and sunnies,
you must also bring 1 x pair of long pants, lightweight-style to protect your legs in the event of a
sandstorm. These pants can be stored in your overnight bag. You will be advised before each day
starts if you need to carry these long pants.
Rain jacket
- waterproof, breathable
The event will continue in moderate rain. You must bring a waterproof, breathable rain jacket.
It must have sealed seams and a hood. It must be in a size that fits you. Acceptable fabrics include
Gore-Tex, Entrant, Event, Hy-Vent, Aqua Stop, Omni-Tech, Helly-tech and similar.
The following are not acceptable: plastic rain poncho, polyurethane (PU) coated fabrics, non
proofed/ treated or non-membrane fabrics. The rain jacket can be stored in your overnight bag.
You will be advised before each day starts if you need to carry the rain jacket.
Thermals
Long-sleeved top and long-leg bottoms. Must be polypropylene, acrylic or similar synthetic or wool.
Garments made from cotton, coolmax, lycra or “compression” garments are not considered to be
“thermals” for the purpose of the Big Red Run. You can wear compression garments but they cannot
replace the mandatory thermals so you must bring thermals as well for Day 5. You will be advised
before each day starts if you need to carry these.
Fleece
100 weight fleece minimum, long sleeved. Note that “100-weight” refers to a common standard
used by Polartec for a lightweight fleece layer. If in doubt check with your retailer that the fabric is
equivalent to Polartec 100. You will be advised before each day.
Sun glasses
/ UV eye protection
Sun cream
30mls minimum
Whistle
To attract attention if you need help.
Compass
A bushwalking or orienteering compass is recommended but any small compass is allowed as long
as the needle points north and settles quickly. Be aware that some northern hemisphere compasses
may not work properly in Australia. A compass must be carried in case you get lost and need to
follow the Emergency Instructions.
Head Torch
Minimum 99 lumens manufacturer rating with fresh set of batteries.
Information & Runners Guide | 21
Mandatory Gear - to be supplied by Runners cont.
Water carrying containers
Minimum of 2.5 litres capacity. This can be in made up of any combination of drink bottles or
hydration bladders.
Food
Energy bars or similar for the day. We suggest a minimum of one bar/food portion per event stages
(approximately 10km). Gels, trail mix, snacks or any other personal choice of food is recommended,
however it is required that you show you have the adequate nutrition for the duration of the event.
Electrolytes
Individual requirements for electrolytes will vary, however it is required that all competitors carry
electrolyte replacements with them. These can be in the form of salt capsules, sachet powders or
tabs (Nuun, Brew, Hydrolyte etc).
Fire lighting kit
To be used only in an emergency to keep you warm or to attract attention if you are injured or lost –
more details will be on the Emergency Card. Must include: 1 x fire lighter block (Jiffy or similar),
full box of matches, 1 sheet of paper (minimum A4 size) in a small ziploc plastic bag.
Emergency Blanket
Put all your clothes on and wrap yourself tightly in the emergency blanket if injured, ill or lost.
Ziploc bag
For your personal rubbish, wrappers etc.
Toilet paper
Keep in a ziploc bag.
First Aid kit
You must have extra supplies of these items in your overnight bag so you can top-up your first
aid kit each day.
Minimum contents:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Roll of strapping tape
Bandaids X 6
Elastic compression bandage (minimum 2m long X 100mm wide) - for snakebite or sprain
Blister prevention and care such as Fixamol, Compeed or similar
Sterile dressing
Any personal medications (e.g asthma inhalers etc)
Mandatory Gear - for Day 5
Day 5 starts in the dark pre dawn. Many runners will still be on the course in the dark after the sun sets.
Runners will need to carry this additional mandatory gear for the duration of Day 5.
Red flashing LED
beacon light
To be clipped to top of back-pack.
High Visibility Vest
Must be labelled to meet Australian Standard 4602:1999 -N Class for night time wear.
Must be carried by all runners after Day 5 CP 3 and must be worn after 5pm.
Thermals
Long-sleeved top and long-leg bottoms. Must be polypropylene, acrylic or similar synthetic or wool.
Garments made from cotton, coolmax, lycra or “compression” garments are not considered to be
“thermals” for the purpose of the Big Red Run. You can wear compression garments but they cannot
replace the mandatory thermals so you must bring thermals as well for Day 5.
Fleece
100 weight fleece minimum, long sleeved. Note that “100-weight” refers to a – common standard
used by Polartec for a lightweight fleece layer. If in doubt check with your retailer that the fabric is
equivalent to Polartec 100.
Big Red Run | 22
Highly recommended extras
These items should be kept in your overnight bag so you can have spares or replacements if required.
Highly recommended extras
Spare head torch
Torch batteries
Spares - a fresh set is required on Day 5.
First Aid supplies
Spare items you choose to bring (in addition to the extras of the mandatory
items listed above) to top up your daily kit.
Socks
Spare pair - also see long compression socks below.
Hat and sunnies
Spares in case of loss.
Sun cream
Extra to top up each day.
Vaseline/Body Glide
Gaiters
Optional to keep sand out of your shoes.
Long compression socks
To help protect your legs when running through scrubby vegetation.
Mobile phone
Must be Telstra or Optus – there is reception on top of most dunes on
Day 1, on the eastern side of Big Red and parts of the course on other days.
If you do not have a Telstra or Optus phone you can try to borrow one or
obtain a prepaid SIM card for the event (check that your phone is Telstra
Next-G or Optus compatible).
Pre-event gear check
Your mandatory gear will be checked at registration. Please make sure you bring it all as there are no outdoor
stores in Birdsville to purchase forgotten items.
Spot gear checks
Organisers will do spot checks throughout the event. Time penalties will apply to any runners without the
relevant mandatory gear.
Big Red Run Mandatory Gear Check List
A full checklist for this gear is available on the Big Red Run website, so you can print it off and use it to check off
your gear when you are packing.
Information & Runners Guide | 23
Event Safety
The Big Red Run is an extreme physical challenge in a very remote location. The closest major hospital is 700km away in Mount Isa.
As a participant, you must appreciate the dangers associated with competing in an event of this nature and act accordingly.
You can be assured the event is underpinned by an extremely comprehensive safety plan, with doctors and other medical staff in
attendance throughout the event.
Australia's leading event safety and logistics specialist, Lucas Trihey, has coordinated the Big Red Run using his wealth of experience and
passion for the outdoors and endurance events.
He has been involved professionally in safety and risk management for endurance events for over 20 years and has worked in Antarctica,
the Karakoram, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, all over Australia including the Outback. With a background in mountaineering, expeditions,
search & rescue and desert exploration he is the most qualified person to ensure the safety of the Big Red Run.
Runners can expect to be supported by:
•
Helicopter to be used in emergency situations to evacuate people from the course, if they are injured, sick or suffering a medical emergency
•
Comprehensive medical team with medics at every checkpoint
•
Full radio and satellite phone communications systems, available to all event officials as required.
•
InReach Satellite tracking device to be carried by every runner with education on how to use them. These devices allow the Big Red Run
team track the exact location of runners at all times, as well as allow runners to signal for assistance should they require it, at any time.
Medical Team
Dr Glenn Singleman is Big Red Run’s expert Medical director, who will lead a team of Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Physiotherapists and
Wilderness first aiders, to look after any medical needs of competitors throughout the event.
Dr Glenn is an experienced emergency and intensive care doctor and has been doctor for expeditions to Antarctica, the Andes, the
Himalya, Irian Jaya and the North West Passage. He's been the doctor for diving expeditions to the Marianas Trench, and the wreck of the
Titanic and for high altitude ballooning trips to Mt Everest and the Simpson Desert.
The medical team will be equipped with an extensive range of equipment and medical supplies required in an event such as Big Red
Run, and will also be working in coordination with the Birdsville Medical Clinic which also has extensive facilities available.
Although every consideration of runner’s safety has been made, it is ultimately up to each participant to manage themselves in an
appropriate way to ensure preventable situations do not arise.
Big Red Run | 24
See You In Birdsville: 2014!
This runner’s guide should equip you with all the
information you require to prepare yourself for
the Outback Adventure of a lifetime. Places are
limited, so it is recommended that you secure
your entry early, plan your travel arrangements
and start training!
If you ask any of those people involved in the
Big Red Run in 2013, they will tell you what a
fantastic and life changing experience it was.
In a post event survey, participants gave the
event an average score of 9.6 out of 10. In 2014
we are aiming to get this closer to 10 out of 10!
And remember the Big Red Run team is here to
help you with any of your questions or issues on
the event. Just get in touch with us through our
website www.bigredrun.com.au
Information & Runners Guide | 25
What participants had to say about the 2013 Big Red Run
Here are just a handful of the many positive testimonials.
“Everyone made a big difference and helped me achieve
a significant accomplishment in my life. Thank you!”
Elisha Forde
“I have experienced a new chapter in my life, meeting
amazing inspirational people and becoming a part of it all.
I will cherish these memories and will miss everyone”
Mark Moala
“I loved the experience. Such a rollercoaster of emotions.
A great fundraiser”
Carmen Boulton
“I have run in well over 200 events all around the world, and
the Big Red Run is the best event I have ever participated in
by far. I made many new friends in what was an unbelievable
week I will never forget. I hope to be back in 2014”.
Mohan Kandiah
“The best week of my life”
Lucy Bartholomew
“The Big Red Run is one fantastic emotional, physical and
mental challenge that everyone should try once in their life.
You will find out more about yourself in 6 days than you
would in an entire year. Put it on your bucket list today”.
Matty Able
Big Red Run | 26
Information & Runners Guide | 27
How far would you go
to find a cure?
bigredrun.com.au
borntorun.com.au