Overview
Event Date
March 23, 2024
Venue
With Locals Nepal
Located at Shim, Panga (near Taudaha Lake), Kathmandu
Open pin on Google Map
Distances
12K, 6K and 3K
Observations, updates and note to self
- No phone signal or internet at the venue. This meant communication with the trail team, except some communication on radio, was next to zero. There was no way to tell if everybody from the trail team was ready at their spot
- Pickup got stuck on mud and cost 20mins in the morning during marshal drop off (hence some marshals were missing on crucial spots for first runners). Instruct trail team to move on foot should there be any unforeseen delays
- Seems like a few people took the default Google Map directions (via Kirtipur, through tons of potholes and road under construction), instead of the one suggested on the website (via Taudaha, marginally longer but almost fully paved). Make the suggested direction more prominent than the Google Pin on website.
- Reiterate that Snail Trail is a recreational event, and that there is absolutely zero tolerance for any disgruntled and grumpy participants that swear, shriek and exhibit unnecessary, rowdy behavior in front of kids (or anyone for that matter). Esp in a Nepali society, cussing in front of families is super disrespectful and culturally verboten
- Photography is not an opt-out and as signed on the waiver, participants will have their pictures taken on multiple spots
- A total of six or seven people from the trail team will know the full route, the others will not. Instruct team members that have not done the entire trail to not try to guess or help out with directions. Photographers are to exclusively take photos and not show trail directions etc. Have team ask runners to check the map on their phones, that they downloaded and loaded onto their favorite trail app (mine's Google Earth)
- Emphasize on the website that runners are required to download the map on their phones, which they are to follow should they get lost
- Because of internet issues, it took several attempts to export data from online database to the timekeeping system. Figure out a workround should this situation arise again
- Raincheck for beginners and hikers. Payment deferred for next event if it rains, for those who cannot show up, and only if raincheck is announced in the morning (which will be the case only if there's heavy or constant rain)
- Fastest race wrap up till date. We were done by 10:30am, despite starting late
- Bib quality was low. Consider shifting deadline to 3pm or 4pm, so there's plenty of time for high quality prints.
- Keep food and water CP only at 3-4km mark for 12K and 6K distances
- Changed the trail on last minute because of rain. Identify sketchy bits of the trail beforehand and figure out a way to cut it off as needed
- Have a base coordinator to communicate directly with the trail coordinator
- Event date coincided with final exams. Most 3K kids were unable to join. 3K omitted
